Caravan

"It was June, and the world smelled of roses"– Maud Hart Lovelace Welcome to our June issue. This month I’ve been out looking at something exciting – La Mancelle caravans. The French brand is new to our shores and sure to attract a new breed of caravanners! In addition to reviewing the latest caravans, we also like to bring you inspirational travel, tech advice and hope to pass on our love for the hobby to just about everyone we meet. If you’ve not already subscribed, perhaps it’s time? You’ll get the latest issue, plus access to over a decade of previous issues – all fully searchable so you can easily find answers to any caravan questions you may have. What’s more, it’s just £9.99 a year – that’s less than…

The last time I visited Blacktoft Sands was in 1987 and, before you say it, I know I don’t look old enough! I was a student and, with a birdwatching friend, we caught a train to Goole and walked, should I say trudged, eight miles of tidal bank carrying a tent, sleeping bags, food, binoculars and all the necessary kit through fog so dense that we couldn’t see the River Ouse just feet away. We pitched our tent in fog and woke to freezing fog. We didn’t see much before we had to pack up! It has only taken 35 years for me to recover from the experience and try my luck again, but this time with all the creature comforts of the ’van and a campsite close enough to…

We really are up the creek without a paddle. Well, two creeks to be accurate. Our forward line of view sees yachts moored in the Truro River and the Tresillian creek, the two creeks of the Fal Estuary furthest from the sea. Behind us is the Heron Inn, Malpas, around two miles from the city of Truro. Beautiful sunshine adds to this most wonderful scene, and a heron, stock-still in the lapping water, brings a sense of completeness to all. Being up the creek without a paddle isn’t so bad after all, unless you’re the fish that the heron is about to spear! On the opposite bank of the Tresillian creek is the Roseland Peninsula, perhaps Cornwall’s best-kept secret, and our base for ten nights at Merrose Farm Caravan and…

I think it’s fair to say that most people take off in their caravans in summer. It makes sense. After all, that’s when the warmest weather is (in theory!) and when places look their best, bathed in sunshine. Most of you reading this will have already booked your summer breaks and will be looking forward to walking by lakes, along rivers or through forests. I am, too – my partner, Stella, and I can’t wait to get back to one of our favourite sites in the Scottish Highlands, Glenmore, on the shore of Loch Morlich, in a beautiful forest clearing that is so pretty it’s like camping in Narnia. But our favourite trips take place in March and October each year as we head off to one of the most remote…

St Ives is a wonderful location to enjoy Cornwall. It’s full of captivating old streets and boasts a superb harbour and magnificent beaches. It is quaint and lovely and is a quintessential beach town which has both charm and character. Often referred to as ‘the dazzling jewel in Cornwall’s crown’, it is easy to see why as you wander around the narrow cobbled streets and take in the picturesque harbour with its fishermen’s cottages. There are four superb beaches to choose from and St Ives is reputed to have one of the UK’s mildest climates. Tourists flock here in their thousands and return year after year to experience it all over again. On a sunny day, with the beaches looking golden and the sea an azure blue colour, you can…

LONGNOR WOOD HOLIDAY PARK Longnor, Buxton, Staffordshire SK17 0NG T 01298 83648 W longnorwood.co.uk OPEN 1 March – 10 January Set in the Peak District National Park, less than 30 minutes’ drive from Bakewell and Buxton, Longnor Wood is perfect for adults who enjoy walking and cycling. The site is rural, surrounded by meadows and rolling hills, with stunning valley views from the dog exercise meadow at the entrance to the site. On site are allweather hardstanding pitches with electric, with a handful of fully serviced pitches also available. In addition to the heated amenities block and laundry room, the campsite has a small licensed shop, together with a dog wash. Longnor itself is a pretty little moorland town just under two miles away that has a general store, post…