WELCOME
Sarah Wakely
Editor-in-chief
If you’ve been to any of the large motorhome
shows over the past couple of years, you won’t fail to have noticed Motorhome Matt
– he’s a podcaster who’s gained a huge following thanks to his friendly, informative
episodes on all things motorhoming. We’re delighted that he’s joined Practical Motorhome as an exclusive columnist – each
issue, you’ll be able to find out his expert opinion on the motorhoming questions
that matter. This month, he tackles the thorny subject of port delays owing to new
EU border controls (p24) – what do you think about the subject? Do let us know
via talk@practicalmotorhome.com! Also this month, we’ve opened the online forms for our prestigious Owner Satisfaction Survey, and our Top 100 Sites Guide for 2025.
It’s never too early to have your say – with your help, we can make our Awards and
Guide better than ever! Find them at
practicalmotorhome.com/vote.
sarah.wakely@futurenet.com
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TALK 6 Where in the world? Elegant Georgian architecture in Bath 8 Connect Readers share their news, views and photos 13 New gear The latest essential kit to enhance your tours 15 Nightstops Stay at our motorhome-friendly stopovers 16 Puzzle time Take a break with our brain-teasers 18 Me and my ’van James Pearson looks back at the various campers he has owned during 15 years of motorcaravanning 23 Ask the experts Technical problem? We can help! 24 Talking point: EU Entry/Exit System Motorhome Matt discusses the implications of the EU’s new border controls
TOURING 29 This month All of the latest travel and touring news 32 Beauty of Bath Susan Taylor takes a short break to revisit Bath and enjoy all the sights in the quieter winter season 38 Exeter and Sidmouth The cathedral city and the charming seaside town offer plenty to see and do, says Victor Charles 42 Cambridgeshire Victor Charles discovers fascinating history and abundant wildlife in the gorgeous scenery of the Fenlands 46 Isle of Man Join Caroline Mills on a tour of discovery that reveals the many unexpected attractions of this hidden gem 50 48 hours in… Ballycastle Make the most of your weekend! 52 Friends reunited Touring in a group is huge fun, so long as you plan ahead and attend to the details, says Nigel Donnelly 58 English country gardens Our favourite destinations for keen gardeners and those who enjoy a stroll among the flowerbeds 62 Big European odyssey pt 28 Marcus, Kim and the children slow the pace just a little while exploring the Greek islands 68 Chalk figures Some are ancient and mysterious, all are an impressive sight – chalk carvings are found across the country
TESTED 73 New-model news Peter Baber has the latest updates 76 ’Van preview: Swift Trekker Meet the new Trekker range, designed to appeal particularly to lovers of the great outdoors 80 ’Van review: Auto-Sleeper Burford Duo This comfortable, thoughtfully planned low-profile should suit couples on tour 83 Dealer specials Looking for plenty of extras at a reasonable price? Here’s where dealer specials really come into their own 88 Product review: Levelling ramps We round up a selection of top-quality levelling ramps to suit all needs and budgets
PRE-OWNED 94 Pre-owned news Nick Harding reports from the forecourts 96 Used ’van buyer Gentleman Jack casts an expert eye over the superbly well-appointed Auto-Sleeper Topaz (1996-2006) 98 Elddis at 60 As the Co Durham manufacturer celebrates its 60th anniversary, Gentleman Jack looks back over the decades 100 Motorhome Hall of Fame Gentleman Jack’s survey of iconic brands considers MCC and MI Fiat micro-campers (1971-1987)
TECHNICAL 103 Diamond Dave Why it’s vital to know your DIY limits 106 Tyre guide Peter Rosenthal considers a safety essential 112 Bike racks Keen cyclists have a wide choice of racks for transporting their bikes, as Sammy Faircloth discovers 114 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive listings and information 122 Blast from the past Touring life from yesteryear
www.practicalmotorhome.com | July 2024 5
