News
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'.
