Winchester Caravans' Blog
Keep up-to-date with the latest news, promotions and events with our very own blog. Updated weekly.
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Get your caravan ready for winter
The days are getting shorter, the mornings crisper and the evenings darker - yep, it’s British wintertime! Whether you’re year-round caravanners or prefer to stick to the warmer months only, there are lots of things you can - and should - do to prepare your caravan for winter.
Giving your caravan a bit of TLC is the best thing you can do to ensure it stays in tip top condition for longer. Our winters can be cold and very wet and this can have a detrimental effect on your van, especially if it’s sitting unused for months at a time. Check out our top tips for keeping your home on wheels protected throughout the colder months...
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Upgrading your caravan
Upgrading your caravan can be an exciting task, but also one that will give you plenty to think about. Before you start your search you’ll need to have an idea of what you want, what you need and what you’re able to spend.
If you have upcoming trips planned and you’re hoping to take your new caravan on these, make sure you plan in plenty of time for searching for the right pre-owned model, or ordering in the right new model - some manufacturers and models have longer lead times than others, so be sure you check before you make your final decision.
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New or pre-owned caravan - what’s best for you?
If you’re thinking about purchasing your first caravan, or simply trading your existing one in, the first thing to decide is if you’re going to opt for a new model or a pre-owned one.
This will largely depend on your budget, but there are many other things to consider too, so read on to discover the full picture…
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Discover the Bailey Phoenix GT75!
The Bailey Phoenix GT75 offers the perfect blend of space, comfort and affordability. With six comfortable layouts accommodating 2-6 people, there’s a model to suit every couple or family! The 2024 Phoenix models are special anniversary models, named GT75 to mark Bailey’s 75 years in business.
Each model’s layout varies to accommodate a range of needs and wants. Five of the models offer a rear washroom, but there is one option for a mid washroom in the 640 if that’s your preference.
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5 great places to caravan in Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire is located in the east of England and is one of the home counties. With a population of almost 1.2m (2019) and covering an area of 1,643km, it borders Greater London to the south, Essex to the east, Cambridgeshire to the north-east and Bedfordshire to the north-west.
It is a ceremonial county, which means it has an appointed Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff and is used for ceremonial purposes in relation to the monarchy. The largest settlement is Watford, situated in the south of the county, and the county town is Hertford.
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Explore the Swift Sprite range!
The Swift Sprite is a range that has it all, catering for parties of all sizes and offering a broad range of different options to suit your caravanning requirements. With a continued focus on value for money, the Sprite offers everything you could ask for and more, without breaking the bank!
The Swift Sprite, which is standard width, offers seven models accommodating 2-6 people, while the Swift Sprite Grande is slightly wider at 8ft and offers four models of its own; two 4-berth and two 6-berth options. The extra 21cm on the width provides valuable extra room all-round, granting more spacious living and sleeping areas as well as more storage in some models.
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Get your caravan ready for winter
The days are getting shorter, the mornings crisper and the evenings darker - yep, it’s British wintertime! Whether you’re year-round caravanners or prefer to stick to the warmer months only, there are lots of things you can - and should - do to prepare your caravan for winter.
Giving your caravan a bit of TLC is the best thing you can do to ensure it stays in tip top condition for longer. Our winters can be cold and very wet and this can have a detrimental effect on your van, especially if it’s sitting unused for months at a time. Check out our top tips for keeping your home on wheels protected throughout the colder months...
Read more ›
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Our guide to caravan heating systems
If you’re new to caravanning or considering an upgrade, be sure to fully consider the different caravan heating systems available before you purchase. There’s a choice of blown air or radiators, so read on to find out more about both so you can decide if you’re happy with either or if you’d rather go for a model with one or the other.
Blown air systems are either Truma or Whale. The radiator system is Alde. Truma usually comes in more entry-level caravans, whilst the higher end models are more likely to have Alde. But that doesn’t necessarily mean Alde is better - it’s a matter of preference and what will best suit you.
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Is a leisure vehicle a good investment?
If you’re thinking about purchasing a leisure vehicle, whether it’s a good investment or worth the money may be something that keeps crossing your mind. How good an investment your purchase is will depend on what you buy and of course, how much you plan to use it.
All leisure vehicles are priced differently according to the vehicle type. You can choose from new or pre-owned vehicles, which will affect the price substantially, and from caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Within each vehicle type there is also a wide range of pricing relating to the manufacturer and what spec level you wish to go for - the higher the spec, the more it will cost.
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Customer stories - meet Mr & Mrs Stephens: “They can’t do enough for you!”
The Stephens’ have been caravanning for almost 15 years and trading with Winchester Caravans for the last 12. They bought their first caravan at another dealership, but discovered Winchester Caravans in 2011 and haven’t looked back since!
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How many berths should my caravan have?
Caravans come in a range of sizes, catering for small and large parties alike! ‘Berths’ are essentially sleeping stations, so the number of berths you need will depend on how many people will be sleeping in the caravan.
Will you be caravanning on your own, as a couple or in a family/group? Generally speaking, the higher the number of berths, the bigger the caravan will be, unless it’s a compact model.
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Planning your trip…
If you’re new to caravanning / motorhoming, you may be unsure of the best way to go about planning trips away, so we’re here to give you a few tips to make trip preparation a breeze!
Even if you’re a seasoned caravanner, our tips may be of help to you too, and give you a fresh perspective! You’ve probably been planning your trips the same way for years, but there may be some improvements you could make to enhance your holidays further…
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How much do caravans cost?
The answer to this question depends on many factors - are you looking to buy new or pre-owned, do you need a two-berth or a larger family caravan, a compact model or extra wide, are you happy with the basics or are you looking for luxury? All these things will impact the price.
The first thing to do is decide how much you’re able to spend and set yourself a budget. This will enable you to focus on the types of caravan in your price range. Next, make a list of must-haves to ensure that the caravan you end up with ticks all your boxes.
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Discover the North Coast 500…
If you’re looking to travel a little further afield, are up for an adventure and spectacular scenery is your thing, the North Coast 500 comes highly recommended. Travel 500+ miles around the most northern parts of the UK and take in rural Scotland in all its glory.
The 516 miles is made up of stunning coastal scenery, white sandy beaches, rugged mountains, remote fishing villages, and a collection of unforgettable experiences; the NC500 is definitely one of the world’s most beautiful road trips.
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Financing your caravan or motorhome
If you’re itching to purchase a caravan or motorhome but don’t have the cash to pay for it up front, relax - there are several finance options available to you that you should explore before deciding how to proceed.
Buying a leisure vehicle is a big decision, but our various finance options can make it possible to get what you want without compromising your current lifestyle. In fact, by buying a caravan or motorhome, you’ll be enhancing it! You’ll have the means of getting away to wherever you fancy at the drop of a hat, and all for a manageable monthly payment.
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Tips for first-time caravanners
If you’ve been thinking about embarking on your caravanning journey for some time now, now’s a great time to take the first step! Caravanning offers all the fun of camping with none of the compromises!
The kids will experience the adventures of the campsite, the ability to explore outdoors and play in the fresh air, with the added bonus of a comfy caravan to come back to at the end of the day! It’s easy to get away at the drop of a hat as you’ll have the caravan fully kitted out, ready to go, and once you arrive on site, they’re quick to pitch - unlike some tents!
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Prioritising customer service
We pride ourselves on our exceptional customer service and our customers have come to expect nothing less! We aim to do all we can to find out what the customer wants and needs from a vehicle and work with you to find your ideal match. We want you to be happy with your vehicle not only at the time of purchase, but long into the future too.
We do this by getting to know our customers, what you need and like and encourage you to consider all the options. We’re not pushy or sales-focused and we don’t work on commission. We simply want to help you find your ideal vehicle, which is sometimes the complete opposite of what you thought it would be!
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City breaks in your leisure vehicle…
Although more traditional caravan and motorhome trips may involve rural locations, rolling countryside or quiet coastal areas, leisure vehicles are actually great for getting away on city breaks too!
Much in the same way, they provide you with a roof over your head in a location of your choice, and if you’re up for exploring some of the great cities in England or indeed the wider UK or Europe, doing it in your leisure vehicle offers you great flexibility and versatility.
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Caravanning in Europe
Caravanning and motorhoming offers a freedom like no other type of holiday. You can choose where you’d like to visit and off you go! And that’s not limited to the UK - you can take your leisure vehicle across the channel to Europe to explore whichever countries you fancy as long as you don’t mind the drive!
There are so many places to choose from and a range of routes you could take, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Before you make the final decision on where to go, consider how much time you’ll have to spend there, how far you’d be willing to drive to get there and whether you have one or multiple destinations in mind.
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All you need to know about breakdown cover
When you’re preparing for an upcoming caravan trip, you’re probably thinking about what clothes to pack, what groceries you need to stock up on and what activities you’ll do when you get there. But spare a thought for the journey; have you got all you need to tow safely? Which route will you take? What will you do if you break down?
Breaking down whilst towing your caravan may not be something you’ve ever thought about, but it is a very real possibility. Any car can experience a fault and although inconvenient - especially when towing - if you’re well prepared for it, you can get it sorted and get on your way in no time.
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Discover the Bailey Unicorn range!
The 2023 Bailey Unicorn combines practicality with elegance, providing couples and families with the ideal caravanning experience. This fifth generation caravan range offers seven different layouts, accommodating 2-4 people and the choice of mid or end washroom.
The kitchen is compact but has everything you need to perfect your caravan cooking! All models benefit from worktop space, soft close kitchen drawers with cutlery tray, a built-in wine rack, Thetford dual fuel hob with electric hotplate and three gas burners, 700 watt Dometic microwave oven with non-moving ceramic hot plate, and a fridge freezer (type is model-specific). Some models have a combined oven too!
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Invest in air con for your leisure vehicle…
If you like to stay cool during the summer months, fitting an air conditioning unit to your leisure vehicle will ensure your comfort! Whether you’re thinking of starting your adventures this season, or you’re a seasoned caravanner or motorhomer, we can help.
At Winchester Caravans and Motorhomes, we can order and organise the installation of your Truma air conditioning unit of choice. If you’re looking to buy a vehicle soon, we can add it on as an extra to your purchase, or if you already have your vehicle, you can book it in with us to be fitted at a time convenient for you.
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5 great places to caravan in Kent
Kent is located in the southeast of England and is known for its rich history, beautiful countryside and stunning coastlines. The county has a population of 1.85m and is bordered by the English Channel to the south, and by Surrey, Greater London, Essex and East Sussex to the north and west.
Kent is home to a wealth of historic landmarks and heritage sites including Leeds Castle, Dover Castle and Canterbury Cathedral, which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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A closer look at the Swift Challenger Grande SE range…
Renamed and redesigned for 2023, the 8ft wide Swift Challenger Grande is spacious, luxurious and practical, making it ideal for families. It boasts 10 models; five standard and five with the additional SE package added on.
Swift’s combination of Challenger (standard width), Challenger Grande and Challenger Grande SE models ensures there’s something to suit every budget and lifestyle!
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Explore our homeland!
Although the weather is not always as good as we would like it to be, we’re really lucky to live in England! With its beautiful countryside, stunning coastlines, lush woodlands and historic towns and cities, we really do have it all.
England comprises 55 cities and tens of thousands of towns and villages! This means that when it comes to places to visit, the possibilities are endless! Exploring the country in a caravan or motorhome is the ideal way as you’ll have the freedom to go where you want and stay for as much or as little time as you wish!
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Caravan sizes - what’s important?
When buying a new caravan there are many things to think about - your budget, which manufacturer to go for, what your must-have features are - but it’s important to also consider the size of caravan you’ll need as there are many variables on offer.
Not only will you need to decide how much space you’ll need for your family, but also how that space is distributed and laid out. Caravan layout can make all the difference; if it’s not the right set up for you and your party, it can make caravan life very difficult indeed!
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Our guide to warranties and servicing
Keeping your leisure vehicle in tip top condition is essential! At Winchester Caravans & Motorhomes, our NCC-approved workshop provides first-class servicing and warranty work so you can rest assured that your vehicle will be in the best hands with us.
Looking after your caravan or motorhome is important as not only will it remain in the best possible condition for your enjoyment, it’ll also help it hold its value much better too. A well looked after vehicle is definitely worth more than one that has lacked TLC!
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Caravan safety
Staying safe in your caravan is sure to be one of your priorities and although you may not realise it, the theme of ‘safety’ covers a range of different things when it comes to caravanning!
If you’re thinking of buying your first caravan or you’ve recently made the purchase, you may not be aware of the different safety-related things that you should consider as you kit out your new van and plan your first trip. We’re here to give you all the information you need to ensure you’re well-prepared and above all, safe whilst on your travels!
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Customer stories - Meet Andy & Shirley Alexander: “We wouldn’t go anywhere else!”
Andy and Shirley Alexander have been caravanning as a couple for 22 years and love the freedom it gives you. Andy grew up in a caravanning household and his dad worked in caravan manufacturing in the late 40s and early 50s so it's something he’s been around all his life. Some of his earliest childhood memories are of caravanning!
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A look at caravan construction…
The way that caravans are constructed has changed greatly over the years, particularly as technology and the availability of materials has increased over time.
When caravans first became widely available in the 1940s, they were made from wood, with just a few small windows, but the introduction of new materials such as plastics, fiberglass and aluminium have seen caravan construction trends change vastly.
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Make manoeuvring easy with a motor mover!
Adding a motor mover to your caravan purchase can make all the difference when it comes to parking and pitching your caravan - simply put, it makes manoeuvring a doddle!
Without a motor mover, you have the manual task of pushing and guiding your caravan into the perfect place when it comes to parking your caravan on your drive, putting it into storage or pitching up on site.
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Towing tips and accessories
Towing for the first time can be daunting! In fact, towing for the first few times or after a long break from towing can be nerve-wracking too! Rest assured that once you’ve built up your confidence, you’ll be towing like a pro!
Be sure to give yourself plenty of time so that you’re relaxed and not rushing. If you’re towing for the first time, it might be a good idea not to venture too far until you have gained some experience.
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The freedom of caravanning and motorhoming
Caravanning and motorhoming gives you a freedom that no other holiday can offer - you can get away at the drop of a hat, you decide where you want to go and for how long and you can spend your time away in any way you please!
What’s more, you’ll be in your own home on wheels so you’ll have all your favourite things and creature comforts with you. Once you’ve chosen a destination you can plan ahead if you want to by booking a site and thinking about what you’ll do and where you’d like to visit, or you can simply play it by ear and see where the wind (or road!) takes you!
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Keeping your caravan clean
Cleaning your caravan will really help keep it in tip top condition and maintain its value, so be sure to set aside some time to make this happen!
It’s a good idea to clean your caravan regularly - monthly, before each trip and after each trip too. That way, you’ll know you’re caring for it in every way you can. Plus, whatever time of the year, if the opportunity for an impromptu trip crops up, your van will be ready to go!
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Looking after your caravan…
Taking that leap and purchasing a caravan is a significant investment so it’s important to do all you can to look after your vehicle in order to maintain its value.
There’s plenty we can do as owners to keep our vans in tip top condition so go on - give yours a little tlc!
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Caravanning activities: things to do during your trip
So you’re looking forward to your upcoming caravanning trip; you’ve booked the site, planned your route and made a list of things to pack - but have you taken time to consider what you might do while you’re there?
Whilst relaxing in and outside your caravan should definitely be high on your agenda to bag yourself some downtime, you should also give some thought to what else you’d like to do whilst you’re away, especially if you’re going for more than a few days.
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Explore your caravan storage options…
Before you buy a caravan, one of the most important things to consider is where you will store it. You may not wish to keep it on your driveway or you may simply not have the space to store it at home. If this is the case for you, it's time to start exploring the caravan storage options in your area…
Before you start looking around storage sites, have a think about how far from home you’d be willing to travel. If you want to be able to access your caravan quickly and at short notice, then it might be a good idea to look for a site that is within a 20-mile radius or so from home.
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What Caravan Club sites are available locally?
The Caravan and Motorhome Club have sites all over the country and if you’re a member you can take advantage of discounted rates on each and every stay.
With things as they are, you may not wish to travel as far as you usually would, but rest assured, there are plenty of great sites in fantastic locations, right on your doorstep!
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Discover the 8ft-wide caravan options…
If having a bit of extra space is important to your caravanning experience, then why not consider going for one of the 8ft-wide caravans on the market? A standard caravan width is approximately 7ft 4” wide, so you’ll be getting an extra 8” of internal space which could make all the difference.
Wider caravans are often popular with families or those caravanning in a larger group than a couple. Those extra inches give the caravan a much more spacious feel and the extra floor space makes moving around the van much easier. It also means better storage too as there is more space for cupboards and wardrobes, which is always a winner!
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7 top tips to finding your ideal new caravan
When it comes to finding a new caravan, whether you’re a first-time buyer or it’s simply time to upgrade, there are a number of different things that you should consider to ensure you end up with the right van for you.
The pandemic has had a huge effect on all types of manufacturing and caravans are no exception. Production numbers last year were greatly reduced meaning that there were fewer new caravans available to buy. Manufacturers have announced that the 2022 ranges, due to launch in September, will be much the same so if you’re keen to buy a new caravan this year, you’ll need to be quick off the mark. So why not do your research and decision-making now so you’re ready to buy when September arrives?
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Our guide to touring
If you’ve recently bought your first touring caravan and are new to the scene, this guide should provide a handy outline of the main things you should consider when planning and embarking on your first few trips.
It’s an exciting time, you’ve put in the time choosing your new caravan and it’s now time to get your new holiday home on the road! Be sure to take the time to think through and plan your first trip well as everything will go a lot smoother if you’re well prepared.
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Caravan beds - what's the choice?
When you’re choosing a caravan, there are many things to consider - will you go for new or pre-owned? Regular or extra wide? 2, 4 or 6 berth? Mid or end washroom?
One of the most important things to get right is the sleeping arrangements as getting a good night’s sleep is extremely important!
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Get ready for the 2021 season!
Caravan sites will reopen from 12 April so it’s time to start preparing for the new season. After a long winter of restrictions and lockdowns we’re all looking forward to a spring and summer dotted with trips away in our caravan or motorhome, so let’s get ready!
The new season kicks off in just five weeks, so if your leisure vehicle has been sat on your driveway or in storage all winter, you haven’t got long to get everything ready. Make sure you’re sorted, organised and ready to go in advance so you can enjoy the lead-up to your trip without any last-minute stressing or list of tasks to complete.
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Discover caravanning in 2021!
James Mainwaring
01/03/2021
blog / advice / new caravans / motorhomes / summer / holiday / family, All
If you’ve been mulling over the idea of a caravan or motorhome for the past few years, there’s never been a better time to take the plunge! 2020 saw caravans become the new cool as they offered couples and families alike the best option for a holiday during a global pandemic.
Although things are looking up with vaccines being rolled out and dates in the diary for the country to (cautiously) start reopening its doors, staycations are likely to be the most sensible holiday option this year. It is hoped that all adults will have received the vaccine by the end of July, but that may be too late to organise holidays abroad, so why not stay on home soil to enjoy your annual leave?
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7 great places to caravan in Dorset
James Mainwaring
22/02/2021
blog / advice / new caravans / motorhomes / summer / holiday / family, All
Dorset is a stunning county with the best of both worlds; picturesque villages and sleepy hamlets set in jaw-dropping countryside, but with the glorious Jurassic Coast to the south. It really does have it all and offers the ideal location for a caravan holiday, whatever your tastes may be.
Wherever you choose to stay in Dorset, you’ll be able to travel between places of interest easily enough, but with no motorways at all in the county, you could find yourself using country roads much of the time, meaning journeys could take a little longer! Before embarking on your trip, be sure to plan your route in advance to avoid any nasty surprises that involve you trying to squeeze down narrow lanes whilst towing a caravan!
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Kit out your kitchen!
Whether you’ve recently bought your first caravan, are awaiting delivery or still in the deciding stages, one thing’s for sure: kitting out your new caravan kitchen is sure to be top of your list of priorities! It’s one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your first trip in your new van and there’s so much to choose from!
You could also be an experienced caravanner simply looking to refresh the content of your kitchen; it’s nice to update these things once in a while with a change of style or colour. Whatever your circumstances, there’s a lot to consider before you start choosing your new kitchen essentials. Read on to make sure you’ve considered everything...
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7 great places to caravan in Hampshire
James Mainwaring
11/01/2021
blog / advice / new caravans / pre-owned caravans / summer / holiday / family, All
The new year is a great time to start thinking about the trips you’d like to take during the year ahead. As lockdown #3 continues, having some breaks planned for later in the year is sure to give you something to look forward to during these long winter months!
Foreign travel is still looking uncertain at this time, so caravanning could be your ideal alternative! It will allow you to be completely self-contained if you choose, whilst also enjoying some glorious surroundings. We’re extremely lucky to live in Hampshire as the county offers many fantastic places to head off to with your caravan in tow!
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Caravan dimensions: key things to consider
James Mainwaring
04/01/2021
blog / opinions / advice / new caravans / pre-owned caravans / holiday, All
Each different caravan range will vary in size and weight depending on the manufacturer. Across our range of new caravans from Swift and Bailey, and pre-owned models from other manufacturers, there are plenty of different layouts and dimensions to choose from so it’s important to make sure that your new caravan suits your needs size-wise.
You may choose to prioritise having a bigger living area in the caravan you go for, or more kitchen worktop space for making delicious meals during your trips away. Or perhaps you’re looking for a certain sized model that you can tow with your current car - there are so many different space and size-related things to consider!
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Top 10 reasons to buy a caravan
James Mainwaring
21/12/2020
blog / advice / new caravans / pre-owned caravans / holiday / family, All
Have you been thinking about purchasing a caravan? Perhaps you’ve stayed in static ones and are tempted to take the leap to your own touring version? Or maybe you’re a keen camper with the desire to upgrade? Whatever your mindset, opting for caravanning life will be a great move.
It will give you your very own home on wheels, the chance to explore the UK and beyond at your own pace. There are many reasons why buying a caravan is a good idea and we’ve listed the top 10 here to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you...
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Caravan gadgets and gismos!
Modern caravans are a far cry from those of yesteryear - many of them now have gadgets on them that most of us wouldn’t even know existed! Gone is the perception that caravanning is just for older couples, with all the bells and whistles that come as part and parcel of today’s caravans, young couples and families are giving caravanning a go as well - 2020 has definitely been the year for it!
But where to start? With all the different manufacturers and models available on the market there is a lot to sift through to find one that comes with your ideal range of extras. As official dealers of both Swift and Bailey, we’ll focus on these two manufacturers; to be honest, they’re both pretty great!
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All-season caravanning
Modern caravans are well equipped to deal with winter conditions so there’s no reason to leave yours sitting on the driveway until the spring if you don’t want to. If you’re happy to get out and about all year round then take advantage of your home on wheels and off you go!
You’ve got a readymade holiday home waiting to take you anywhere you wish. If you’re retired or have time off, getting away in the caravan could give you the break you need after the year we’ve had. As people gear up for Christmas and the kids are in school, it should be relatively quiet at sites, giving you the chance to really relax.
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The caravanning lifestyle
James Mainwaring
28/09/2020
blog / advice / new caravans / pre-owned caravans / holiday / family, All
You’ve got a few days to yourself, the weather’s looking good, why not head off on a trip away in the caravan? That’s the beauty of caravanning, when the opportunity arises, your home on wheels is ready to take you wherever you wish to go!
That’s not to say you can’t plan ahead as well - just that impromptu trips are great sometimes too! Caravanning allows you the luxury of both options - carefully planned breaks to places that you might stay for a week or longer, as well as last-minute getaways when the fancy takes you.
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One destination or pitstops?
The schools are back, the temperatures are still mild, what better time to embark on a trip in your caravan or motorhome? The question is, what sort of trip are you after?
You could select a location and go and enjoy a chilled break at a leisurely pace, or pack in a little more with an itinerary of several locations - the choice is yours!
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Top caravanning destinations for 2020
2020 has certainly been one for the record books! The coronavirus pandemic has meant that everything has been done differently this year and that many of the things we’d usually do have not been possible at all.
Luckily, restrictions have been lifted in recent weeks and from 4 July, campsites were permitted to reopen, with social distancing measures and increased cleaning of communal facilities in place. This will allow campers and caravanners to enjoy a few months of adventures should they wish to go.
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Caravanning - the perfect family holiday
James Mainwaring
27/07/2020
blog / advice / new caravans / awnings / accessories / holiday / family, All
Caravanning is the perfect family holiday - it delivers everything you need for a great week or two with your loved ones. It provides a comfortable home from home equipped with all your creature comforts, coupled with that fun feeling that you’re camping - without the need to rough it!
A caravanning holiday is a particularly good idea for 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic has halted travel abroad and of the staycation options, caravanning is one of the safest as you are completely self-contained. With your own washroom and kitchen on board you won’t need to use the campsite facilities, (aside from the water supply and disposal) which will make social distancing a doddle.
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Are caravans the new cool?
In general, a high percentage of the usual caravanning clientele are older couples who may opt to caravan alone or alongside fellow caravanners. They may be retired with more time on their hands to get a good amount of use from their caravan on a regular basis.
But is the core clientele expanding? With holidays abroad off the cards this year for the first time ever, dealerships have seen more interest from families and younger couples as well…
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Our guide to towing
Towing for the first time can be extremely daunting. That’s why it’s a good idea to read up about it beforehand, making sure you know what to expect.
Learn about the process you have to go through to couple your car to your caravan and the safety checks you should complete before setting off. The more familiar it is to you, the more relaxed you’ll feel about actually doing it.
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Our guide to upgrading your caravan
If you’re thinking of upgrading your caravan, read our helpful blog to ensure you’ve considered every aspect. Keep in mind that this year is a little different to most others due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the manufacturing industry.
As many of the big manufacturers had to halt production in March when lockdown started, fewer new caravans have been produced as a result. Some manufacturers - Bailey and Swift included - have decided not to produce any more 2020 models, so what is out there right now is all that is going to be available for the rest of the season.
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Top 10 tips for first-time caravanners
James Mainwaring
15/06/2020
blog / advice / new caravans / pre-owned caravans / holiday / family, All
If 2020 will mark your first caravanning trip, there’s a lot more than the norm to consider. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that campsites have had to remain closed during the usually busy spring season. They are due to open in July, allowing caravan and camping trips to recommence, all being well and with social distancing measures in place.
As a caravanner, you will be in the best possible scenario, as you can be completely self-contained if you wish, making full use of your on-board washroom and kitchen facilities. You will need to use the campsite’s water supply and disposal facilities, but other than that you can keep to your own pitch as much as you feel is necessary.
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Should I join a caravanning membership club?
James Mainwaring
08/06/2020
blog / advice / new caravans / pre-owned caravans / holiday / family, All
Are you a keen caravanner, just starting your caravanning journey or somewhere in between? Whatever your status, joining a caravanning club is likely to provide you with benefits that are sure to improve your caravanning experience...
For those of you who have been caravanning for years, you may be quite happy with what you’re doing. You probably have your favourite areas and sites to visit and be confident in preparing for and planning your trips etc. You may have considered joining a club before now, but perhaps you weren’t sure about the reasons to do so.
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What berth caravan should you go for?
James Mainwaring
01/06/2020
blog / advice / new caravans / pre-owned caravans / sales / holiday / family, All
Caravans come in a range of different sizes. ‘Berths’ are essentially sleeping stations, so the number of berths you will need to go for will very much depend on how many people will be sleeping in the caravan.
What size is your travelling party? Are you going on your own, as a couple or in a family/group? The higher the number of berths, the bigger the caravan will be.
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Must-have caravan facilities
James Mainwaring
18/05/2020
blog / opinions / advice / new caravans / pre-owned caravans / holiday / family, All
So you’re looking to buy a caravan; whether you’re a first-time buyer or after an upgrade, there will be some on-board facilities that you won’t want to miss out on.
These will differ for everyone, but we outline here the facilities that you may want to keep in mind when choosing your next caravan…
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Caravan v motorhome: pros and cons
At Winchester Caravans and Motorhomes we now sell both caravans and motorhomes, offering you the option to choose between driving or towing, whichever you prefer!
Perhaps you are new to the entire leisure vehicle game or looking to switch from one to the other? Before you make your purchase, why not explore the pros and cons of each and see where it takes you…?
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Your caravan purchase: new or pre-owned?
So you’ve decided to go for it and buy a caravan - let the adventures begin! But first you’ve got a few decisions to make. The first and main one being, are you going to go for a new caravan or a pre-owned one?
This decision may be very simple if it all comes down to budget. How much are you looking to spend? You will need to consider if you have any ‘must haves’ and if so, are these included in the type of caravan that you are considering? If you want a particular spec level but new models with that level are over budget, pre-owned may be the answer.
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We are passionate about caravans, which is why we have created our very own Winchester Caravans blog. If you want to keep up-to-date with the wonderful world of caravanning and are always looking for tops tips and handy hints, then why not check out our regular blog posts?
What's more, our blog is the perfect opportunity to share your caravanning stories. If you have a story to tell, send us an email (marketing@winchestercaravans.com) and you could see yourself published on one of our blog posts. We want to hear about your journey!
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Ask a question ›News & Blogs
Get your caravan ready for winter
The days are getting shorter, the mornings crisper and the evenings darker - yep, it’s British wintertime! Whether you’re year-round caravanners or prefer to stick to the warmer months ...
14/10/2024
blog / advice / new caravans / pre-owned caravans / winter
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Celebrate the 2024 season with a new CADAC BBQ…
Caravanning holidays provide the ideal opportunity to get the BBQ out! It’s a time when you’ll have plenty of outdoor space to do it and it’s also a great way to bring the whole f...
25/03/2024
blog / advice / accessories / summer / holiday
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5 great places to caravan in Bedfordshire
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18/03/2024
blog / holiday / family
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