WELCOME

Sarah Wakely

Editor-in-chief

Campsites are a big feature in this month’s issue, not least because of the publication

of our 2024 Top 100 Sites Guide, which accompanies this edition. It is always a popular read with motorhomers. I hope that

in the forthcoming months, you are able to visit some of the many super sites included.

Talking of sites, I’m delighted to introduce our new monthly columnist, podcaster Motorhome Matt Sims, who will be grappling with the issues most affecting motorhomers. This month, he explores how some campsites

are now charging for electricity (p24). And do you remember when awnings used to be nicknamed ‘divorce in a bag’? You’d see many a frustrated couple battling with

poles and canvas attempting to set up. But that’s no longer the case – modern awnings are lightweight, quick to assemble

and a great way of increasing your living space. Camping expert John Sootheran

explores the options – see p92!

TALK 6 Where in the world? Bird’s-eye view of King’s Lynn, Norfolk 8 Connect Readers share their news, views and photos 13 New gear The latest essential kit to enhance your tours 14 Nightstops Stay at our motorhome-friendly stopovers 15 Puzzle time Take a break with our brain-teasers 17 Ask the experts Technical problem? We can help! 20 School bus conversion Looking for a vehicle to convert for family touring, Niall Seymour spotted a big yellow bus 24 Talking point: paying for power In the first of his exclusive new series of monthly columns, podcaster and expert Motorhome Matt Sims discusses pay-as-you-go electricity

TOURING 29 This month All of the latest travel and touring news 32 The Cotswolds Sue Taylor revisits the quintessentially English region to explore villages, a castle and a palace 38 Suffolk After a pause from touring, Elaine and Joe Ormerod take a trip to East Anglia, ideal for getting back on the road 42 Cornwall on a budget Lee Grant finds that a motorhome is an excellent base for a low-cost, family-friendly holiday 46 48 hours in… Tobermory Make the most of your weekend break on the Isle of Mull, with our hour-by-hour guide 48 Plan your year We round up brilliant events and attractions for the whole family in the 12 regions of our Top 100 Sites Guide 54 Big European odyssey pt 27 Kim, Marcus and the children take to the skies in a hot air balloon to explore in Cappadocia 62 D-Day 80 The 80th anniversary of the historic campaign makes this a great time to tour Normandy, says John Sootheran

TESTED 66 New-model news Peter Baber has the latest updates 68 ’Van review: Carthago chic s plus I 61 XL LE If you have very deep pockets, this opulent ’van offers the ultimate in luxury 70 ’Van review: Bailey Alora 69-4S The transverse bed layout of this compact four-berth provides additional living space 73 Product review: Vmoto Soco CPx Dual Leave your ’van at the site and explore the area with this nippy electric moped 74 Product round-up: Camping tables Relaxing on your pitch requires a sturdy camping table, so here are our top picks!

PRE-OWNED 76 Pre-owned news Nick Harding reports from the forecourts 78 Bangernomics! Looking for a motorhome costing less than £10k? Gentleman Jack tracks down some brilliant bargains 80 Motorhome Hall of Fame Gentleman Jack’s survey of iconic vehicle brands considers the Jurgens Autovilla (1974-1985)

sarah.wakely@futurenet.com

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TECHNICAL 85 Diamond Dave Why it’s so important to fit the right tyres 88 Internet in your motorhome Peter Rosenthal considers options for getting a good internet connection in your ’van 92 Choosing an awning John Sootheran outlines key criteria for selecting and purchasing the right awning for your vehicle 96 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive listings and information 106 Blast from the past Touring life from yesteryear

Use your phone or tablet camera!

www.practicalmotorhome.com | June 2024 5