Category: News

All the news articles from Leisure Plus Direct Camping and Caravan blog

Advice To Help Your Kids Fall In Love With The Outdoors

Advice To Help Your Kids Fall In Love With The Outdoors

Posted on by Kevin

With modern technology there are plenty of distractions for children nowadays – and many of them keep them indoors and firmly rooted to a seat. If you want your youngsters to grow up with a love of the great outdoors, there are a few things you can do to encourage them to get out and about more now.

The Mirror recently shared some suggestions, after reporting on a survey by Little Tikes which found that 30 per cent of youngsters have been too involved in a video game to go and play outside, while 24 per cent have asked to stay at home to watch their favourite TV show rather than going out.

Psychologist and spokesperson for the firm Emma Kenny commented: “It’s important for parents to help nurture an interest in the outdoors in their children to grow and flourish.”

One thing you could do is take your family on a camping trip, with camping listed as one of the top 15 things to do outdoors by children in the survey.

Also on the list was exploring woods or forests, going on a picnic and building a den, among other things.

If you’re new to spending time under canvas, make sure you pick up all the UK camping supplies you need before you set off on your adventure.

You don’t have to stick to the UK for your camping trip either, as there are some wonderful spots in Europe, such as Le Clos du Lac in Provence, France, or for somewhere a little off the beaten track, Camp Liza in Bovec, Slovenia. 

Top Spots For A European Camping Trip This Summer

Top Spots For A European Camping Trip This Summer

Posted on by Kevin

If you’re thinking of exploring Europe on a camping trip this summer, you should make sure you pick up all your camping supplies in the UK before you set off. But where should you go?

The Guardian has picked out 20 of the best European campsites to give you some inspiration for your summer break this year. 

For anyone who’s keen to have mountains on their doorstep for some excellent hiking, cycling and climbing opportunities there are two top options – Quinta dos Moinhos in Braga, Portugal, and Le Clos du Lac in Provence, France.

The former is within easy reach of two national parks, while at the latter you can not only explore the Ecrins National Park, but also go swimming in a nearby lake.

There are also some wonderful lake and riverside campsites dotted around mainland Europe, including Camping Lindenhof in Bern, Switzerland, which is right next to Lake Biel, and Camp Liza in Slovenia’s Bovec. Here you can go kayaking, rafting or canyoning in the nearby Koritnica River, or discover the valleys and hills on one of the many hiking or cycling trails.

If it’s a beach you’re after though, you could do much worse than Camp Vala in Mokalo, Croatia. This campsite not only has gorgeous bays nearby, but also mountains and woodland. Enjoy all the usual seaside activities in this beautiful setting.

For UK camping or motorhome trips, you may want to visit some of the country’s stunning coastal areas. Among the top places to go for quiet stretches of sand are Achmelvich in Scotland and Herm Island in the Channel Islands. 

Motorhomes Growing In Popularity

Motorhomes Growing In Popularity

Posted on by Kevin

More and more people in the UK are recognising the advantages of having their own motorhome to take short breaks with.

The News Wheel cited figures from the National Caravan Council, which showed that between July 2016 and June 2017 13,162 new motorhomes were registered, a significant increase on the previous 12 months when 11,559 new vehicles of this kind were registered.

What’s more, data from the ONS shows that people who have these kinds of vehicles are taking more frequent, shorter breaks.

According to the news provider, these kinds of vehicles and accommodation are ideal for this purpose because they allow for “less restriction when travelling to your chosen destination”.

Motorhomes also allow you to visit anywhere you like when you’re in the mood, giving you more freedom to explore. This can be especially good for families as it gives them their own space without the hassle of having to book expensive accommodation.

You can also increase the amount of space you have by investing in motorhome awnings in the UK. This can not only protect you from any downpours, but also provide shade from the sun (if we’re lucky enough to get some heat).

If you’re looking for some inspiration for a spontaneous motorhome getaway this Easter, you may want to see what Kent has to offer. Among the top attractions during this kind of holiday are Dover Castle, the East Kent Railway and the new Peter Rabbit trail in Kew Gardens.

There are plenty of other great places to explore on a motorhome holiday, so let your imagination run wild.

Where To Visit During Easter Holidays In Kent

Where To Visit During Easter Holidays In Kent

Posted on by Kevin

Kent is one of the most popular holiday destinations for British families, with the county boasting a wide range of historical sights and beautiful landscapes. What’s more, its close proximity to London means holidaymakers can enjoy a day or two in the capital before retreating to their comfortable caravan.

So before you get your Kent motorhome equipment all packed up, 

 

– East Kent Railway

Explore Kent’s historic railway line on a four-mile round trip through the picturesque countryside. You will see the quaint villages of Shepherdswell and Eythorne, as well as travel beneath the Golgotha Tunnel.

This is a great way for kids to explore the countryside without getting their legs tired, and children can travel over the Easter weekend for just £2.

 

– Dover Castle

Visit one of the most spectacular fortresses in England by heading to Dover Castle during the Medieval Easter Weekend. As well as being able to learn about 1,000 years of British history at the great bastion, children can get a taste of what life used to be like here with live re-enactments taking place between Friday March 30th and Monday April 2nd.

Actors will tell the story of George and the Dragon on horseback for this exciting show, so it is well worth visiting during the holidays.

 

– Peter Rabbit at Kew Gardens

Being close to the capital, many families venture into London during their stay in Kent. If you do, something to check out is Kew Gardens’ new Peter Rabbit trail.

Here you can get involved with storytelling sessions, make bunny ears, learn about Mr McGregor’s vegetables in his shed, dress up as Beatrix Potter’s famous characters, and take part in many Peter Rabbit-inspired games.

Open from Good Friday till April 15th, this event is ideal for families looking for something to

Top Beaches To Visit On A Motorhome Holiday

Top Beaches To Visit On A Motorhome Holiday

Posted on by Kevin

One of the joys of a motorhome holiday is having the chance to explore somewhere new – and with so much stunning coastline in the UK you’re spoilt for choice if you’re looking for a seaside escape.

But with so many options it can be hard to narrow it down, which is why this handy list from the Guardian might help. They have picked out the best beaches from around the UK and Europe based on reader tips.

If you don’t mind visiting beaches in slightly cooler weather, travelling to Achmelvich in Scotland could be a great option. The coastline is dotted with pristine white stands and the sea is a clear turquoise blue.

It’s a bit out of the way, but is a striking place to explore on foot, or on the water if you have a kayak or paddleboard in your camper van.

Head to the other end of the country and you could choose to take the 20-minute walk to get to Lansallos beach in Cornwall, which is just a short distance from well-known Polperro. According to Amanda Barton, it’s not very well known which means you may get this strip of sand all to yourself.

If you’re planning a trip to the Channel Islands, meanwhile, it’s worth taking the boat to Herm Island for the white sands and turquoise waters. Belvoir Bay was picked out as a particularly beautiful spot to visit.

For a range of stunning beaches, you could do worse than plan a break to Dorset – no fewer than three of the top ten beaches in the UK according to TripAdvisor are located in the county. Bournemouth beach took the number one spot, but Weymouth beach came in at number five on the list, while Hengistbury Head beach was in at number seven.

Make sure you’ve got all the motorhome supplies in Kent you need for your summer holidays, take a look at our range of gear.

Top Tips To Stay Warm When You’re Camping

Top Tips To Stay Warm When You’re Camping

Posted on by Kevin

Despite the icy weather of late, you may well be dreaming of warmer times ahead when you can head off on holiday, pitch your tent and enjoy staying close to nature.

But even in the summer, the weather can be changeable and there’s nothing worse than getting cold when you’re camping, so what can you do to stay warm?

Out and About Live has recently offered some advice to campers on how to keep warm when you’re under canvas – especially if you’re brave and are planning to go camping out of season.

The first rule is to be prepared for colder weather. Make sure you have a four-seasons sleeping bag, as well as some extra fleece blankets and possibly even a duvet (depending on how badly you feel the cold). Hot water bottles, bed socks and even a hat to wear in bed can all come in handy too.

Take extra clothes and layer up to help you regulate your temperature more effectively. It’s also worth doing some research on things like the closest pub – if you can find a campsite near one with an open fire then that’s a definite bonus.

In cold weather, it may also be worth paying for a pitch with an electric hook up as this will mean you can use small heaters in your tent – a great way to warm the space up before you go to bed.

If this has got you thinking about planning a camping adventure, you may want to look into one of the more extreme places to camp in the UK. The Independent recently highlighted the option of camping on a cliff edge in Dorset – a more adrenaline-fuelled way to spend a night than regular camping

Looking for new camping equipment in Kent? Contact us to see what we’ve got in stock and make sure you’re prepared for spending a few nights under canvas.

Top Places To Explore By Bike In The UK

Top Places To Explore By Bike In The UK

Posted on by Kevin

If you enjoy cycling, chances are that when you pack up your motorhome for a break in the UK that you also load up your bike carriers in Kent and head off with two wheels in tow as well.

An article in Cyclist magazine recently offered some advice on where to go if you’re looking for a break in the UK where you can get out and explore on two wheels.

Top of the list is the Isle of Wight, with the variety of trails and routes one of the big draws here. According to the publication, there are plenty of road-only bike rides to follow, as well as gravel riding. It notes that a “mixed-terrain route” is the best way to explore the Isle of Wight and enjoy the stunning views it offers.

If you’re looking for a challenging place to go cycling then the Black Mountains in Wales are a great choice. As you’d expect, there are lots of hill climbs here, with the magazine advising you to “pack kit and clothing for all four seasons in one ride” in your motorhome.

Head north of the border into Scotland for some time on your bike and you should ensure that Ullapool on the country’s west coast is on your itinerary.

“Traffic-free roads and stunning views await anyone who ventures to the far-west of the Scottish Highlands for a ride on the roads north of Ullapool,” the publication states.

Meanwhile, Premier Inn recently revealed the UK’s ten most instagrammed spots by cyclists, pulling data from thousands of posts to compile their list. It featured the Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor, the South Downs and Fort William, Coach Mag reported.

First Time Caravanning Tips

First Time Caravanning Tips

Posted on by Kevin

Going camping for the first time can be an exciting experience for everybody involved, but one of the biggest hurdles to your first trip will be getting hold of the correct equipment to ensure your holiday goes smoothly.

Follow these tips and you will have a great time.

  1. Make a list

Packing lists are essential for any type of holiday but they are particularly important for caravanning trips, where you may not be able to pick up essential replacements.

If you are starting out it may be too expensive to buy everything you want in one go, but essential caravanning items include a fire extinguisher, wheel chocks, caravan jack, sway control device, towing mirrors, extra coolant and oil, a spare fan belt, and insulation tape.

  1. Test drive

Towing a caravan is not easy. The morning you set off on a journey may not be the best time to get around to trying it out for the first time. Test drive it, preferably with someone a bit more experienced. This is also a good time to figure out if you have everything you need for your journey and that all your equipment works.

  1. Check your car

There’s no point investing in caravanning equipment if your car isn’t up to the job, so make sure your car has been serviced, types are the correct pressure and your fuel is topped up. It could be a long journey after all.

And don’t forget the camping extension leads the first time you go camping.

Find out more from the Caravan Club.

Post-Brexit Anxiety Making Brits Holiday At Home

Post-Brexit Anxiety Making Brits Holiday At Home

Posted on by Kevin

Brexit has had a positive impact on domestic UK tourism, according to new research. Sky News recently highlighted the findings of Dr Shelia Malone of Lancaster University, who is a tourism and marketing expert.

She told the news provider that anxiety about spending among British consumers has been triggered by the UK’s vote to leave the EU. As a result, more of us are choosing to stay in the UK for our holidays – an assertion that’s supported by Visit Britain’s figures from 2017, which showed a four per cent rise in breaks taken by Brits in our own country.

The Camping and Caravanning Club also revealed that they are positive about bookings in 2018, and have reported a ten per cent increase in bookings across their 106 campsites for the coming 12 months.

It could also mean that more of us are investing in camping supplies in the UK to ensure we can have breaks on the cheap more often. After all, if you buy quality equipment and look after it, then it can last for years.

Camping isn’t your only option though, you can also tour the UK in a motorhome – which means you typically get a few more creature comforts. And there are some wonderful places to explore on this kind of holiday.

According to Visit Britain, some of the best natural wonders the country offers include the Jurassic Coast that spans Dorset and Devon, Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, and the Trotternish Peninsula on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.