Table of contents for December 2025 in Practical Caravan

As I type, I’m at the NEC in Birmingham, where I’m attending the annual Motorhome & Caravan show. This year I’ve been privileged to take part on the Expert stand once more, where I and others from the industry answer questions about all things caravanning. A number of interesting topics always come up at these, and this year there have been a fair few queries about touring in France. I’m a huge fan of caravanning across the Channel – with great food, drink, scenery and sites, what’s not to love? I’m sure Nigel Hutson shares my view – his article on a wonderful tour in the South of France is on p30. You may also be aware of the new caravan registration rules recently introduced by the DVLA, for those…

Harry Redknapp is to make a cameo in Danny Dyer’s new caravanning TV series. East End legends Harry Redknapp and Danny Dyer will be reuniting in Sky’s new series which is set to air in 2026, and will document the Dyers taking over Priory Hill & Nutts Farm Holiday Parks on the Isle of Sheppey. The former Spurs boss will guest star in The Dyers’ Caravan Park, where the Eastenders star and his daughter, Dani, take over a Kent holiday site in a bid to “make caravanning cool again”. In one standout episode, Harry Redknapp coaches guests staying at the caravan park in a football match against staff led by Dyer himself, with Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp even set to sing at the after-party.…

THIS ISSUE WE EXPLORE… LAKE DISTRICT //EASTBOURNE // SOUTHERN FRANCE It seems like I’ve only just left the beach and now I’m hunting out chunky fleeces and winter walking boots. The world keeps turning and here we are ready to stock up on seasonal treats and gifts – we’ve picked out just a few of the winter markets that spring up around this time of year on p19. I hope you get to try them out – by all accounts, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market looks incredible, and I know from personal experience that Bath’s market is a cracker. Comfort becomes important at this time of year when the heating comes on and extra layers put in an appearance. And it’s no different in our vans, where the placement of a sheepskin…

The Lake District National Park, in England’s north-west, has inspired countless poets, authors and artists, hillwalkers, nature lovers and day trippers. With its rugged peaks, green valleys, seemingly bottomless lakes and pretty stone cottages, it’s easy to see why. It is also home to the country’s highest mountain (Scafell) and its deepest lake (Wastwater). Perfectly located in the heart of all this splendid natural beauty, sheltered by Skiddaw mountain and with Derwentwater at its foot, is the fine old Lake District market town of Keswick. It was here that we based ourselves for a few days of gentle walking, sightseeing and, yes, a little shopping, too. More specifically, we pitched our home-on-wheels at Burns Farm campsite, around a 10-minute drive from the town centre. Threlkeld to Keswick There are plenty…

Now we’re in the midst of autumn, with winter a whisker away, it’s good to make plans and look forward to the return of sunny days in spring. We’re big fans of Eastbourne on the south coast, which is one of our favourite places for a weekend break and is said to have more hours of sunshine than almost all the rest of the UK. It has a 3.3-mile promenade that takes in views of Sovereign Harbour at one end and dramatic cliffs at the other. There’s a lively programme of entertainment on the bandstand, live music on the pier, theatres, art galleries, thriving shopping centres, and miles of glorious beaches. With history, heritage, and buckets of culture, you’ll find the south coast around Eastbourne delivers in spades (pun intended!).…

WHAT'S ON 1-3 May 2026 The Scottish Elvis Festival Find your inner hound dog at this weekend celebration of Elvis Presley at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort. Weekend tickets cost £150. ❱ facebook.com/scottishelvisfestival 13 June 2026 Desperados Take it easy and be transported to the golden era of classic West Coast rock at the Macdonald Aviemore Resort as cover band The Desperados perform the songs of The Eagles. £23.56 including booking fee. ❱ tinyurl.com/ykvj6m8w PLACES TO STAY Dalraddy Holiday Park Set in beautiful woodland south of Aviemore, near Loch Alvie; choose from hardstanding, grass or woodland pitches. Amenities include a shop, street-food hub, two washblocks, disabled toilet and wetroom, dishwashing and a launderette. ❱ campinginaviemore.co.uk/camping-and-touring/ Oakwood Caravan & Camping Park It’s a 30-minute walk into the centre of Aviemore via a…

Price £37,990 MPTLM 1550kg MIRO 1425kg Payload 125kg Awning size 924cm Shipping length 6.43m Interior length 4.80m Overall width 2.44m Overall height 2.75m Front double 2.0 x 1.39m Or two singles 1.84 x 7.25m Perfect partner For 85% match, choose a tow car with a 1823kg kerbweight Standard kit Construction Al-Ko galvanised steel chassis with euro axle, overrun device, and handbrake; screwless, fully bonded awning rail on both sides; 25mm sandwich construction sidewalls with polystyrene insulation; 25mm sandwich construction roof; 45mm sandwich construction floor with internal bracing External equipment ATC; AKS3004 shock absorber; underslung spare wheel; LED awning light and offside services light; Whale exterior cold shower; BBQ point and mains socket Heating Alde wet central heating and hot-water system with Glycol 3030 boiler Lounge/bedroom Hartal smooth-action pleated blinds with…

Winter is coming… bring it on! One of the biggest misconceptions non-caravanners have is that tourers are cold in winter. As someone who once stayed in a caravan on the edge of the Arctic Circle, I think I’m well qualified to say that modern tourers can be toasty and warm through the colder months! Store your caravan until next year if you prefer, but don’t use the weather as an excuse. There’s nothing quite like coming back from a bracing walk to the warm welcome of your home from home. Don’t be put off by towing at this time of year, either. With a wellmaintained car and caravan, towing journeys can be safe and enjoyable in all but the very worst weather. motty@practicalcaravan.com Tow car editor DAVID MOTTON is a…

Keep the wheels turning! There’s no denying that pitching a caravan can be a bit of a faff, particularly if you have a larger tourer. Whether you reverse the van onto its pitch or manoeuvre it by hand, it takes up valuable holiday time. That’s why motor movers are so popular, but there’s certainly a lot to think about when choosing one. So we asked our consulting editor, John, to come up with a handy guide for this issue – find it on p78! Also this month, we look at how to revamp your jockey wheel (p86), and former editor Nigel continues the revamp of his 1998 tourer, Penny (p82). practical.caravan@futurenet.com OUR TECH EXPERTS include (left to right) John Sootheran, Nigel Donnelly and Nigel Hutson…

■ Kerbweight As defined by EU Directive 95/48/EC (which still applies), the car or other vehicle’s weight with a 90% full fuel tank, all necessary fluids, 68kg for the driver and 7kg of luggage. This is the figure that is used to calculate a tow car match ■ GTW Gross train weight. The maximum allowable combined weight of the towing vehicle and the caravan, as specified by the maker of the towing vehicle ■ Hook-up Cable connection to the mains electrical supply at a campsite. Provides power to mains sockets and appliances ■ Maximum towing limit The greatest weight that a car can legally tow, as specified by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle ■ Miro Mass in running order. The van’s weight, with all factory-fitted equipment, when it leaves…

Where are we? Godshill, The New Forest Why tour here? While the New Forest is perhaps best known for its ponies, the other thing many people know about it is that it is not very new! It was first made a royal forest in 1079 by William the Conqueror, but the ponies were living wild here long before then. So along with stunning scenery, this area has heaps of history, including the site of England’s only royal assassination. Don’t miss… Any number of perfect drives, such as the one we took here with our Big Test Coachman Laser 480 Xtra (p46). ‘It was first made a royal forest by William the Conqueror in 1079, but the ponies have been living wild here since long before then”…

DEHUMIDIFIER RECOMMENDED I read with interest your reply in issue 497 to the question of caravan dehumidifying methods, and would highly recommend these units (pictured), which are readily available from a well-known DIY store. They utilise a ‘crystal’ donut which is replaceable, and the image shows the results after six weeks in a relatively new caravan. This donut fits in the top section of the unit and is almost reduced to nothing at this point. It is amazing how much moisture there is in the air even in a dry, regularly serviced and moisture-tested caravan. Richard Elder DOUBLE-CHECK YOUR WHEEL NUTS I’m just looking through my latest subscriber edition of your amazing magazine. I thought I would get in touch regarding a recent experience that I went through while towing…

Got a burning caravanning question? Ask one of our team on the email address below! Q WHAT ARE THE FIRE SAFETY OPTIONS IN MY CARAVAN? Can you advise which type of fire extinguisher we should carry in our caravan? Tom Malcolmson Peter Byrne replies… The Caravan and Motorhome Club recommends Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) fire extinguishers, which work on Class A and Class B fires (which involve combustible materials such as paper and wood, and flammable liquids, respectively). Dry powder extinguishers are not recommended for use in caravans, as discharging one in the confined interior could result in choking fumes. Don’t forget to pack a fire blanket in your tourer, either. No matter which extinguisher and blanket you carry, make sure it’s in easy reach -and you should always…

To 24 December 2025 Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market (right) This Brummie behemoth is hailed as the largest Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria. Stalls are centred around New Street and Victoria Square, where there is a great programme of live music. Expect local musicians and singers, a new-talent showcase and the German house band. Many beautifully lit traditional stalls will be selling delicious treats including bratwurst sausage and schnitzel. ❱ thebfcm.co.uk Stay at Somers Wood Caravan Park ❱ somerswood.co.uk 13 Nov-21 Dec 2025 York Christmas Market Check out the many alpine chalets in Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square. You’ll find Yorkshire crafts, artisan products, and seasonal treats, all set off with Christmas music and fairy lights. ❱ visityork.org/christmas Stay at York Rowntree Park CAMC Campsite ❱ caravanclub.co.uk 27…

WAY TO GO From our home in Bucks, we took the M40, M42, M5 and M6, leaving the M6 at J40 to join the A66 at Penrith. We followed the A66 through Cumbria for about 25 miles, before turning left onto Regional Route 71 (signposted to Burns Farm and Castlerigg Stone Circle). Burns Farm is just over half a mile up the (somewhat narrow) road on the right-hand side. FOOD AND DRINK Buttermere Court Hotel ❱ buttermerecourthotel.co.uk Dog & Gun ❱ greeneking.co.uk/pubs/cumbria/dog-and-gun Horse & Farrier Inn ❱ horseandfarrier.com Skiddaw Hotel ❱ lakedistricthotels.net/skiddawhotel WE STAYED AT… Burns Farm St John’s in the Vale, CA12 4RR ❱ burns-farm.co.uk ❱ 017687 79112 what3words ///billiard.poorly.eggshell is the turn-off to the site entrance. This campsite has 30 touring pitches, all with hardstanding, hook-up, water and…

Fairfields Farm Caravan and Camping Park Eastbourne Road, Westham, Pevensey, East Sussex BN24 5NG ❱ 01323 763165 ❱ fairfieldsfarm.com Open 1 April to 31 October 2025 Pitches 60 Charges Pitch + 2 + hookup £35-40pn What3words location ///rating.logo.sparks This adults-only campsite is quiet and relaxing, with a toilet block, showers, laundry facilities and dishwashing. The facilities are fully equipped and wheelchair accessible. The site is very well located for Pevensey and is just four miles from Eastbourne, making it an excellent base for exploring this part of Sussex.…

Shows underway again Tickets have gone on sale for Manchester’s Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Show, due to run at Manchester Central from 15 to 18 January 2026. For more details, visit www.caravanshows.com. At the same time, tickets are also on sale for the Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show, due to run at the SEC in Glasgow from 5 to 8 February 2026. For more details visit www.scottishmotorhomeandcaravanshow.com. Dinner raises £54,000 A charity dinner held in September and run by the Hull and East Riding Caravan Manufacturers’ Association (HERCMA) raised £54,000 in support of the Daisy Appeal. Based at the local Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, the Daisy Appeal funds cutting-edge medical research and equipment to improve early and accurate diagnosis of conditions including cancer, heart disease and dyslexia.…

TOW CAR ON TEST Price £50,340 OTR (£58,290 as tested) Gross vehicle weight 2220kg 85% match 1887kg Maximum power 265PS Maximum torque 400Nm @ 1650-4350rpm IT SEEMED STRANGE to be towing with a fossil-fuel car -a petrol-powered one at that -after many tests involving hybrids and fully electric cars. But owing to logistics, on this occasion I knew we had a lot of driving to do that needed to be completed all in one day, so I didn’t fancy hanging around waiting for an EV to recharge while the minutes ticked on. I have driven a different Tiguan model before. As before, I found this one comfortable to drive, with excellent dashboard visibility and all the really essential information beamed onto the windscreen. The 4Motion front wheel drive with multi-link…

Grab a bargain while stocks last! The season is ending, but as sales slow there are still deals to be done. Some dealers, however, reduce their stocks over the winter period to soften the blow on value of their used tourers. ‘Forecourt’ stock loses value with fewer buyers, so if you keep levels down it doesn’t hurt so much! With the NEC show some dealers will be looking at taking in some part-exchange models ready for the new year and spring. Used has done well this year, and around the £10k-mark, sales have been brisk. practical.caravan@futurenet.com…

TECH SPEC What will it tow? Kerb weight 1704kg Towing limit 1700kg Nose weight limit 80kg 85% match 1448kg Running costs Insurance group 24 Annual VED £195* Average economy 188.5mpg (e-Hybrid) Interim/full service £171 (Servicing prices supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262, www.servicingstop.co.uk) Models with a list price of more than £40,000 when new are liable for annual VED of £625 for the first five years of the car’s life. Trouble spots Cupra recalled 2309 Formentors with engine design cover issues. Some 2347 examples were recalled due to high-voltage systems with insufficient extinguishing sand in the fuse. Wheel supports were found to be defective on 379 cars, and 10,145 cars had airbag issues. www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk TALK ABOUT A transformation. For getting on for three decades, the Cupra badge used to denote sporty versions of humdrum Seat…

BUYING TIP 1 Yes, it’s true: layouts with no fixed beds tend to have more space inside. But make sure that you still have a place to store all that overnight bedding during the day. BUYING TIP 2 More caravan models in recent years are now coming with onboard water tanks. But some are small, so you may still find yourself needing an Aquaroll. BUYING TIP 3 Remember to check more ‘minor’ aspects such as the position of the hook-up socket. Do you really want it right by the door – and so trailing through your awning? BUYING TIP 4 A couple of dealers have gone under in recent months, so you may spot a bargain among repossessed stock. But be aware that such tourers may not have had the…

Caravan and Motorhome Club 01342 326 944 caravanclub.co.uk Camping and Caravanning Club 024 7647 5448 campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk CRiS 020 3282 1000 cris.co.uk Approved Workshop Scheme approvedworkshops.co.uk NCC (National Caravan Council) thencc.org.uk Caravan Storage Site Owners' Association (CaSSOA) 0843 216 5802 assoa.co.uk Towsafe towsafe.co.uk DVLA 0300 790 6801 gov.uk/dvla Mobile Caravan Engineers Association (MCEA) 01249 651 036 mobilecaravanengineers.co.uk ■ For the very latest reviews and brilliant buying guides, visit Practical Caravan at www.practicalcaravan.com…

Volkswagen had a winning night at the 2026 Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar Awards last month. The Passat not only claimed the overall trophy but also topped the Family Towcar and 1300-1500kg caravan categories. Meanwhile, the Multivan continued its winning streak, taking the Large Family Towcar award for a fourth year. The awards, now in their 43rd year, saw expert judges put the cars through a rigorous testing schedule at UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground near Bedford, putting towing performance firmly in the spotlight. PC’s own tow car awards are set to be announced later this year.…

Proposals to convert farmland near Hutton into a 20-pitch touring caravan site are currently being considered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, equidistant from York and Hull. The application, submitted for Highfield Farm on Southburn Road, west of the village, seeks permission to change the use of agricultural land and add a new shower block to serve visitors. The plans form part of an expansion by the farm’s owners, who already operate a “successful glamping and rural tourism enterprise” on the site. Meeting demand According to planning documents, the development would help meet increasing demand for touring caravan accommodation in the region, while supporting local tourism and the rural economy. The proposed shower block would feature a steel frame with timber cladding, described as “functional yet appropriate for its setting”,…

ESSENTIAL KIT FOR… RELAXING // INFLATING // WALKIES TYREINFLATE GO 10 Featuring a digital PSI/BAR/kPa display, LED light and adaptors for bikes, balls and inflatables, this compact, cordless inflator from Ring is super versatile and inflates a vehicle tyre (up to 100PSI) from flat in under six minutes. It also features a bright digital display, auto-stop and USB-C charging – plus it’s small enough to keep in the glovebox of your tow car, ready for whenever you might need it. Price £29.99 Web shop.ringautomotive.com Lifeventure Ultralight Dry Bags This Ultralight Dry Bag Multipack includes 5-litre, 10-litre, and 25-litre waterproof bags, made of PU-coated ripstop nylon. Price £36.99 Web ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk NEMO Moonlite Reclining Chair With a minimal two-part build, the Moonlite chair offers adjustable recline, high load stability and ultimate packability.…

TRAVELLING WITH DOGS is on the rise and has been for quite some time. Several studies and surveys have shown that, more often than not, dog owners prefer to travel with their pets. Earlier this year, a survey by the Barking Heads dog food brand even showed that nearly half of dog owners would sacrifice a trip abroad to book a staycation with their pet instead. Pooch pitch This dogged dedication to taking our pets on holiday is no different for campers, it seems. Pitchup.com has tracked the mentions of the word ‘dog’ in its campsite listing pages and since 2019, mentions of dog-friendly camping are up 83%. Individual campsites are seeing the trend play out, too. Pre-pandemic, just short of half of the bookings at Riverside Caravan Park in…

14 November-21 December 2025 Oban Winter Festival This seasonal festival has events across the town, including family favourites such as the reindeer parade, Christmas light switch-on and the winter woods. Over the St Andrew’s weekend (2930 November), visitors can enjoy a food festival, ceilidhs and a Scottish market. ❱ obanwinterfestival.com Stay at North Ledaig Caravan Park ❱ northledaigcaravanpark.com 20 November-30 December 2025 Christmas at the Botanics This after-dark illuminated trail, which has huge installations and a festive atmosphere, is held at Edinburgh’s Botanic Garden. Adult tickets from £19. ❱ rbge.org.uk/whats-on/christmas-at-the-botanics-2025/ Stay at Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite ❱ caravanclub.co.uk 30 November 2025 The Dundee Hooley This free family-friendly celebration held across the city of Dundee features a torchlight procession, live music and street theatre. Look out for giant puppets,…

FIND OUT MORE Visit Keswick ❱ keswick.org This is a good starting point for places to eat and things to do. Buttermere Walk ❱ lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/ nthings-to-do/walking/routes-and- maps/routes-and-maps2/map-1 what3words ///promises.parsnips.smoker The National Trust car park at Buttermere is free for members, payable otherwise. Castlerigg Stone Circle ❱ english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castlerigg-stone-circle Parking on the roadside verge near the stones might be tricky, and it can get very busy. It is an easy walk from the campsite, although wheelchair users may find it difficult to access the field. Derwent Pencil Museum ❱ derwentart.com/en-gb/c/about/company/derwent- pencil-museum Discover Buttermere ❱ visitlakedistrict.com/explore/buttermere Keswick Museum ❱ keswickmuseum.org.uk Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Route ❱ lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/things-to-do/walking/ mileswithoutstiles/mws37 You can download a map of the Keswick to Threlkeld Railway. The Lakes Distillery ❱ lakesdistillery.com what3words ///inspected.asserts.mentions takes you to the car park. Threlkeld…

WHEN TO GO We went in the spring, but have been in all seasons. Obviously, the beach is much nicer when it’s warm and sunny! WAY TO GO We followed the M25 to junction 8, then took the M23, which became the A23, towards Brighton. As we approached the outskirts of Brighton, we took a left turn, following the A27 Lewes Road to Pevensey. FOOD AND DRINK Traditional pub food is served at the live music venue on Eastbourne Pier called Drop in the Ocean. There are also plenty of cafés, hotels and restaurants serving food and drink. OUR OUTFIT Peugeot 207 (2010) and a Freedom Jetstream (2007). FIND OUT MORE ❱ visiteastbourne.com Belle Tout Beachy Head, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN20 0AE ❱ belletout.co.uk Roadside parking, metered. Birling Gap East…

REVIEWS // NEWS // INDUSTRY UPDATES Peter Frost was marketing director of the Camping and Caravanning Club when I worked on this magazine the first time around, in the early 1990s. He was absolutely not your typical caravanner and yet his knowledge of caravanning and camping was second to none – which is why he continued to write for this magazine in his retirement. He was always extremely helpful and kind to a young person like me, just learning the ropes. So I was very sad to hear that Peter passed away in September. My thoughts are with his family. They really don’t make them like that any more. peter.baber@futurenet.com HOW WE TEST VANS Our review types explained In-depth test In our most detailed test, we spend at least one…

TECH SPEC Model tested Defender 110 D350 Sedona Edition Price £84,470 What Car? Target Price NA Retained value after three years NA Kerbweight 2436kg 85% of kerbweight 2071kg Gross vehicle weight 3200kg Max towing limit 3500kg Gross train weight 6700kg Towball limit 150kg Price of tow ball £2285 (part of pack) Boot size 786-1875 litres Payload 764kg Test conditions Dry Engine size 2997cc Power (hp)/rpm 350hp/4000 Torque (lb ft)/rpm 516/1500-3000 Official fuel economy 32.2mpg Towing economy 25.5mpg CO2 emissions 230g/km First year car tax £4680 Second year car tax £620 Insurance group 45E Euro NCAP rating What's new? Land Rover’s reboot of the Defender has been around for a few years now. The D300 diesel has now been replaced by the more powerful D350 – as the number suggests, it…

Choosing a layout People’s needs differ, and your van layout choice will depend on your companions and how you want to use your caravan. To understand which layouts are available, spend a day at one of the big shows in Birmingham or Glasgow, where dealerships and manufacturers show their latest models. A dealership is also a good place to start, but can be affiliated with a limited number of manufacturers. A chat with a dealer, though, could raise issues or offer ideas that you had not considered. Think about your needs: will you want to carry bikes, sports kit, barbecues or outdoor furniture? Perhaps creature comforts are a bit higher on your list. You might want a separate sleeping area, a lounge with parallel sofas and TV points, and an…