News
STOP PRESS: 2012 Budget threatens to put VAT on purchase of caravan holiday homes
Government is proposing to put VAT at 20% on caravan holiday homes, which could see the price of an average caravan rise by around £5K. The NCC (National Caravan Council) is lobbying against this - in a recent vote in the House of Commons, the Government was nearly defeated, as its majority was cut to just 25. The NCC believes this tax is unfair and will cost jobs, loss of tourism income and more expensive holidays.
There is a petition against imposition of the tax: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/32781 - Please sign it - you don't have to own a caravan holiday home nor be in the industry to register your protest.
March 2012
Holidays at Home are GREAT
VisitEngland has launched a campaign to showcase holidays in the UK. The campaign aims to inspire people to holiday at home, through a new special offers website great2012offers.com. Special deals for Olympic year, including discounts of 20.12% off - or more - and other great offers are available from tourism businesses including Bourne Leisure and Hoseasons Group.
Other great holiday park offers
As holiday parks open for the 2012 season, there are lots of tempting offers to be had. Holidays in March are available from just £59 with Park Holidays UK while Parkdean Holidays is offering Easter breaks from £102.
Grand Designs for Wessex
Wessex's new lodge, The Wessex Gite has been chosen for the prestigious Grand Designs Live show at London Excel from 5-13 May. The new model will have its second outing at the UK's leading contemporary homes show after a very successful launch at the Motorhome, Caravan and Camping show in February. Wessex says the Gite is perfect ‘staycation' accommodation, taking the very best parts of a French holiday home and blending it with the convenience of holidaying in the UK.
Golden Oldies join new stars at Bunn Leisure
Billy Ocean, Kiki Dee, The Manfreds and Alvin Stardust are among the stars of a £1million+ entertainment package this summer at Bunn Leisure parks on the south coast. They are joined by Strictly Come Dancing stars and Crissy from Benidorm.
Southern Counties Leisure opens new Dorset distribution centre
Southern Counties Leisure has opened a new purpose built showground in Bridport, Dorset. Willerby and BK Bluebird caravan holiday homes are on show at the centre, which is open seven days a week.
Holiday homes on show at the NEC in February 2013
NCC Events has launched a new regional show, The Spring Caravan & Camping Show, which will run from 19th - 24th February 2013 at the NEC, Birmingham.
The Show will include a dedicated feature area showcasing a comprehensive display of holiday homes and lodges as the event's timing marks the start of the new holiday park season.
New contemporary leisure lodges from Omar
Omar Park and Leisure Homes has updated and refreshed its product range and launched six new luxury lodges. The recent ExCel show in February was the venue for the unveiling of Omar's latest contemporary lodge, The Inspiration.
Allens Caravans gets permission to expand
Allens Caravans has been granted planning permission to redevelop its Leedons Park site near Broadway. The redevelopment will see a new indoor swimming pool and hall, new bowling green and service buildings.
February 2012
Haven offers
In recognition of the economic climate, Haven says that thousands of prices of 2012 holidays have been reduced to encourage early booking with spring breaks available from as little as £149 for three or four nights – and seven night summer holiday breaks from under £500 for a family of up to six. For more information, visit haven.com.
Caravan of love?
Caravan holiday homes are the new honeymoon hot spot for young couples seeking wedding night bliss on a budget, according to Park Holidays UK. The company says that caravans are now a popular choice for newly weds who want space, comfort and privacy without the crippling cost of a luxury hotel.
Investment by Park Resorts
Park Resorts is investing £3.5 million to upgrade the accommodation on its 39 holiday parks in the UK. New caravans will be purchased, with more than 100 new models being added to the fleet. Entertainment will also receive a boost for 2012 with new shows and giant screen technology.
Bunn Leisure Beautiful south award
Chichester-based Bunn Leisure has won Tourism South East’s Caravan Holiday Park & Holiday Village of the Year at the Beautiful South Awards. The company has recently invested £200,000 in a refurbishment of The Embassy Club – which hosts entertainment with top acts including Ben E King and Tony Christie. A free Bunni Express road train takes holidaymakers between its four holiday villages.
Hoburne wins at Dorset Business Awards in centenary year
Hoburne Holiday Parks has been named the KPMG Company of the Year at the
Dorset Business Awards. Chairman of the Dorset-based business, Rosie Kennar,
said: “I cannot think of a better way to kick start our centenary celebrations
for 2012 than winning this prestigious award.”
Horse-friendly accommodation in Northern Ireland
Clogher Valley Country Caravan Park in County Tyrone has been accredited
by the British Horse Society (BHS) as the first Horses Welcome establishment
in Ireland. To receive the accreditation, the accommodation has to be independent inspected by the BHS.
New lodge at ExCeL
Omar Park Homes is launching a new 20 x 40 foot lodge, the Kentisbury – it will be on show for the first time at the Motorhome Caravan and Camping Show at London’s ExCeL (14-19 February).
Mobility aids
Pemberton Leisure Homes offers a variety of homes for those with limited mobility – to find out more about their latest models, visit http://pembertonlh.co.uk/accessibility/
November 2011
Parkdean scoops Best UK Holiday Park Operator award
For the second year running, Parkdean Holidays triumphed at the British Travel Awards. The company won the Best UK Holiday Park Operator award, which is voted for by holidaymakers. Parkdean also took a bronze award for UK/Domestic Holiday Company of the Year. See www.parkdeanholidays.co.uk
Sunset Park is Lancashire’s best
Sunset Park at Hambleton near Blackpool has once again won the Lancashire & Blackpool Tourism Award 2011/2012 for the ‘Best Caravan Park/Holiday Village’.
Designer lodges
Prestige Park & Leisure Homes have opened a new Northern Show Site at McArthurGlen’s York Designer Outlet outside York city centre.
Haven offers free move to their parks
Caravan holiday home owners are being offered a free move from their existing location to a Haven park. The operator will cover the costs of transportation and connection within the UK but the offer is subject to a minimum standard of caravan condition and park availability; 2012 site fees are payable.
Northern Ireland parks: written agreements
If you are a caravan holiday home owner in Northern Ireland, you should now have a written agreement with your park. Under The Caravan Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, you should also be offered a written agreement 28 days in advance if you are a prospective buyer. If this is not the case, contact the park in the first instance, and then Trading Standards if it is not rectified.
Facebook connects communities at risk of flooding
If you are a caravan holiday home owner in an area at risk of flooding, Floodgroupuk can help. It assists communities at risk of flooding to support each other by sharing information and advice. The initiative is supported by the Environment Agency.
Olympic discounts for 2012
Bourne Leisure is one of the country’s top holiday brands that have signed up to a new 20.12 per cent discount scheme that will take place throughout Olympic year. A big TV advertising campaign will detail when and where the discounts are available.
Autumn 2011
Caravan holiday homes to have energy efficiency grading scheme
The NCC, working with its member manufacturers, has developed an energy efficiency grading scheme for caravan holiday homes and park homes. The scheme, which will have an A-G rating scale, was launched at The Lawns show in Cottingham. A leaflet, explaining the detail of the label and the benefits to potential purchasers, is in preparation.
Tingdene goes eco
Tingdene Homes has launched an Eco4Build Package, an option to upgrade the build of your leisure lodge or park home beyond the thermal requirements of BS 3632. Utilising steel-frame build, together with dramatically improved thermal performance, Eco4Build aims to both benefit the environment and dramatically reduce fuel bills.
Normandy Lodge for Bourne Leisure
Hull-based manufacturer Normandy Holiday Homes has recently completed a high-end, bespoke lodge for the Far Grange Park & Golf Club, Bourne Leisure's flagship development near Skipsea in East Yorkshire.
The luxury lodge was built to a high spec, with three individually styled en-suite bedrooms and a quality bespoke kitchen. Tested to EU residential energy performance standards, the lodge achieved scores for energy efficiency and environmental impact that compare favourably with the average UK dwelling.
For further information, see www.normandy-holiday-homes.co.uk
Holiday home owners urged to get appliances regularly serviced
The recent Gas Safety Week aimed to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of your gas appliances. The NCC is reminding caravan holiday home owners that this is just as important in your holiday home. Work on gas appliances should only be undertaken by a suitably competent person - if in doubt, contact your park operator.
Summer 2011
‘Biggest ever' holiday home sale
Holiday homes are being offered for sale at special prices in a variety of UK locations, with site fees paid until 2014, by Bourne Leisure. There is also the opportunity to win £10K off a home. The homes offer extensive facilities and exclusive owner benefits. See http://www.ukholidayhomesales.co.uk/index.aspx
Consumers get greater protection with new Code of Practice
The NCC's Code of Practice for selling caravan holiday homes aims to set out clearly the standards and practices to be followed in the sale and pur¬chase of caravan holiday homes, and the agreement to occupy a pitch on a holiday park. Its clear, unambiguous information and contracts, used by NCC member parks and written in plain English, should greatly assist anyone considering buying a caravan holiday home.
Matrix wins ‘Best New Product' award
On its debut at a public exhibition, the Matrix Lodge from Prestige Park & Leisure Homes, was awarded ‘Best New Product' at The British Leisure Show. The home is described as combining ‘all that's best in a traditional log cabin design with a chic apartment-style interior ... with absolutely stunning results'. See the Prestige website
Willerby's latest brochure available online
The latest brochure showcasing Willerby caravan holiday homes is now available online. Their website also provides a guide to buying a caravan in Europe. See www.willerby.com/
New models on show at NEC in October: A variety of new caravan holiday home models, including some exciting new designs for 2012, will be on show at Birmingham's NEC from 11-16 October. There will also be all sorts of activities for all the family - for more information go to the show website.
New caravan show at London's ExCel to feature latest homes
A new London-based caravan show will take place from 14-19 February 2012 in London's ExCel centre. The Motorhome Caravan and Camping show will feature the latest caravan holiday homes, tourers, campervans, awnings and accessories, as well as a huge choice of campsites and holiday parks. See The show website to find out more.
Regal Holiday Homes launches new Symphony
Regal Holiday Homes have launched their new Symphony caravan holiday home, and announced it is to be supported by a 4-year full warranty that covers internal fixtures and fittings, electrical and heating system and all major appliances. The 4 year warranty is provided in conjunction with Gateway Leisure, and underwritten through Lloyds of London. For details see http://www.regalholidayhomes.co.uk/symphony.html
Earlier news
Redesigned models for Swift
The Swift holiday home range for 2011 boasts new looks with redesigned lounges and larger models. Un-sited prices for the entry level Burgundy start at just £17,465 - see http://www.swiftleisure.co.uk/Holiday-Homes for the full specification.
Tired of touring?
Are you tired of touring, traffic delays and general road burdens? If the answer is yes, Hagans Leisure are offering a minimum of £2,000 part exchange for your tourer against the price of a new static van. Click here for more information.
Swift launch social networking website – Swift Talk
Swift Talk is the new hub for the Swift community online. A place for all those united in their love of holiday homes to share their experiences, meet new friends and find out information on how to enjoy their holiday home lifestyle.
Swift Talk is the first place to learn about new product launches, events and Swift Group news, it’s also the first place you can go to as a quick reference to frequently asked questions or to actively take part in the forums. Anyone who owns, uses, or is thinking of buying a Swift caravan holiday home, or would just like to be part of the growing Swift community is actively encouraged to sign up, create their own content, and start talking! Visit the Swift Talk website.
A bold move for Club with Hertfordshire holiday homes
The Camping and Caravanning Club is to house a development of caravan holiday homes at its Theobalds Park Site in Hertfordshire. Close to London, the site will be enjoyed by those looking to experience the many activities that the capital has to offer, whilst being surrounded by woodland and open camping areas. The development is expected to be ready for the end of the year. To find out more about caravan holiday homes or to enquire about homes at Theobalds Park, please call 0844 770 6860 or visit the website.
A holiday love affair lasting 50 years
Proving the ongoing popularity of caravan holidays is Pauline Simmons from Surrey. She has been holidaying at Bunn Leisure since it first opened its doors in 1959 when her parents bought the family's first holiday caravan.
"We have holidayed abroad in the past but we're happiest in our caravan at Bunn Leisure. As a family we have a real love affair with the place and it's truly a home away from home."
"I've kept coming back to Bunn Leisure because of the family factor. There's such a friendly atmosphere here it's been a great place to come no matter what we fancy doing or how tight our purse strings have been. There simply isn't anything we dislike about Bunn Leisure. We have so many happy memories here; I wouldn't want to holiday anywhere else. We don't have to worry about expensive flights or extensive planning; we just visit whenever we can grab the chance."
Have you been visiting a favourite holiday park for years? Tell us where and how long you've been going. Email info@nationalcaravan.co.uk
Success for Willerby's Key West
The Key West, one of Willerby's most popular lodges has just been crowned 'Twin Unit of the Year' for the second year running at this year's annual Caravan Industry Awards. The Key West, launched in 2009, is one of the company's most successful twin units representing excellent value for money whilst exuding quality and style.
BK Bluebird scoops top prize
BK Bluebird is celebrating after scooping top prize at this year's annual Caravan Industry Awards. The newly launched Sherborne picked up two awards - 'Class A Holiday Home of the Year' and the top award 'Overall Holiday Home of the Year'.
