Contents
EVERYTHING YOU CAN LOOKFORWARD TO IN ISSUE 447
How to buy better A caravan that features in our writer Andy Jenkinson’s Picks of the Month section this
issue (p85) got me thinking. He spotted a used model that, 12 years on from when it first hit the road, is priced at just £150 less
on the used market now than when new. That doesn’t allow for inflation, of course,
but it’s an extraordinary thing all the same, and goes to show how well good
caravans hold their value. No matter whether you’re buying for the long or short term, buying right is crucial – and that’s the thinking behind our Owner Satisfaction Awards (p51). Over the past 18 months, thousands of you have reported back on your new and used vans; with all the data, we’ve compiled a comprehensive round-up of the best brands and dealerships out there.
Do not buy without reading it first.
sarah@practicalcaravan.com Editor-in-chiefSARAHisakeencaravanner who loves seeing the best of Europe on her travels
REVEALED!THE BEST NEW & USED VANS–AS VOTED BY YOU
◗
UK’SBEST-SELLING CARAVANMAGAZINE
XMAS WRAPPED UP 24 FAB GIFTS FOR EVERY BUDGET!BUDG
ON THE COVER…
1
CRANK UP YOUR ADVENTURES! Everything you need to know about cycling on tour
2 3
PLUS15-page guide to the UK’s gorgeous national parks!
4
TOP VANS TESTED Our BaileyPhoenix+ 440coverstarand Swift Conqueror480reviewed
TECHNICALTIPS All you need to know aboutmotormovers,and towing covers explained
TOWCARSREVIEWED The hottest 2022 models heading your way; plus, used Jaguar F-Pace guide
. 9 9
£ 4
U K
T H E
I N
I N T E D
P R
4 47
I S S U E
1 Our supplement has all you need to know about cycling on tour (p67) 2 Cover star reviewed – meet the new Bailey Phoenix+ 440 (p60) 3 Expert advice on why a motor mover is a touring essential (p100) 4 Looking forward to major new tow cars arriving for 2022 (p94)
Chat 6 The big picture Ponies roaming in lush New Forest landscapes 8 Connect Readers share their news, views and photos 12 Christmas gift guide Brilliant treats for the whole family 18 Expert Q&A Caravanning problem? Our panel can help!
Travel 20 Travel A round-up of all the latest touring news 22 National treasures The UK has no fewer than 15 wonderful National Parks, offering a wealth of enjoyment for visitors 26 Getaway: Pembrokeshire You don’t need to go far in Wales to find great beaches and stunning scenery, says Colin Burdett 30 Ten great Peak District sites There’s so much to see in this beautiful region – we’ve rounded up some of our favourite spots 34 Getaway: Beaulieu and the New Forest Sue Taylor discovers motoring history and verdant surroundings in ancient woodlands 38 Getaway: Galloway Forest Park Exploring stunning Scottish scenery is the perfect birthday present for Marcus Leach’s Mum 42 Local authority: Brixham Inside information on a Devon gem 44 Road sense All you need to know about towing on the A684
Newvans 48 Tested Peter Baber has the latest from the showrooms 51 Owner Satisfaction Awards 2022 We reveal the winning caravan manufacturers and dealerships, as voted for by you 60 First look: Bailey Phoenix+ 440 This smart new four-berth is compact and lightweight, making it a really relaxing tow 62 First look: Swift Conqueror 480 Comfortable and spacious, this two-berth marks the return of a hugely popular line-up 64 Our vans Latest updates on our long-term loan fleet
Specialsupplement 67 Cycling Two wheels and four wheels are ideal partners! 68 Cycling for all Getting on your bike is easy on tour 74 Inside ebikes Ebikes make caravanning even more fun 78 Great cycle trails Six of the best routes to explore 80 Top sites for cycling Places to stay for keen cyclists 82 Cycling apps Take your riding experience to the next level
Used vans 85 Used vans Andy Jenkinson reports from the forecourts 86 Used van buyer Venus 460/2 (2016 model)
Towcars 89 Tow cars FirstlookattheRenault Arkana E-Tech 145 Hybrid 90 Tow car test VW Golf Alltrack 2.0 TDI 4Motion 200PS DSG 94 Hottest tow cars of 2022 Major launches for the new season 96 Used tow car test Jaguar F-Pace (2016-present)
Skills school 99 Skills school The importance of checking tyre tread depth 100 Motor movers John Sootheran reveals all you need to know 106 Towing and fridge vent covers Nigel Hutson has expert tips 108 Industry insight: Jonic Meet the caravan bedding specialists 110 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive listings and data 122 Look-back page Caravanning life in years gone by
www.practicalcaravan.com | JANUARY 2022 | 5