http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/TRAVEL-survive-family-camping-holiday/story-21329102-detail/story.html

THE WONDER OF WARWICK

:: With jousting contests, magic shows and knights in shimmering armour, camping in the grounds of Warwick Castle is an adventure for Emily Shelley’s family

I’m calmly sipping gin and tonic in the evening sunshine while watching my four-year-old son yell ‘die!’ as he rages toward his opponent with a lance, before decapitating him with a broadsword.

His enemy may be stuffed full of straw, but to this budding warrior, ‘knight school’ at Warwick Castle is 100% real.

It’s quite easy to keep up the illusion; jaunty lute music is playing out in the background, and his instructor is completely in period and in character. And we’ve just unpacked our modern day gear inside our immaculate ‘campaign’ tent, complete with banner, bow and arrows, storage trunks and fur throws.

Welcome to medieval ‘glamping’ at Warwick Castle – and make-believe on a scale to rival Disney.

There are 38 campaign tents like ours, and three kings’ tents (with four-posters) dotted among the trees in a wooded glade along the banks of the sleepy river Avon, on the edge of the castle grounds.

Now the evening entertainment has captured the children’s imagination and attention. As well as ‘knight school’, there are archery lessons and ‘jester school’, where my daughter is two-hours into a chaotic attempt at juggling, magic tricks and spinning plates.

It’s 10 o’clock before we coerce them into bed, with castle staff on hand to supply warm milk. The sleep of kings follows, as they snore happily in their small truckle beds, wrapped up in furs and still clutching their complementary swords.

One of the added perks of our glamping weekend is exclusive access to the castle earlier than the masses. So it’s with a sense of privilege that we cross the wooden bridge into the grounds and stroll up the peacock lawn the following morning, bodies freshly showered and bellies full of cooked breakfast.

We have half an hour to savour the peace of the castle courtyard, and to climb the battlements and walk the ramparts unfettered by crowds.

There has been a castle here since William the Conqueror built one in 1068. Owned by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, among others, and involved in the stories of Joan of Arc, Lady Jane Grey and Emma Hamilton, a visit here is a vivid immersion in British history – from the War of the Roses to the Civil War, Georgian largesse to Victorian engineering.

Merlin Entertainments, who bought the castle in the 1970s from the Greville family, have used all their theme park experience to bring the juiciest aspects of this history to life – with a little help from one or two waxworks from Madame Tussauds.

Our first call this morning is to pick sides (we go for Yorkist) as we watch the raising of the portcullis. With the Horrible Histories challenge in situ at Warwick all summer, we then have a go at the game of operation, Middle Ages-style, and experience the terror of the Victorian schoolroom.

A two-day pass comes with the glamping experience and means you can plan and pace your activities; we saw the birds of prey soar yesterday and today, we’re not going to miss the firing of the largest working trebuchet in the world.

Fresh from disappointment at the longbow challenge (arrows landing a country mile from the £1,000 bullseye) we watch our children gaze open-mouthed as an enormous fireball is hurled through the air by the ‘knights’ below.

It will make other history lessons, and other camping holidays, seem incredibly dull by comparison.

:: Tents at Warwick Castle start from £200 per night, sleeping two adults and two children. Price includes two days Priority Castle tickets and entrance to Horrible Histories(TM) Foul Fayres and Jousting (from July 19), breakfast, parking and activities. Medieval Dinner Feast Buffet available for an additional £16.95 per adult, £7.95 per child. Visit www.warwick-castle.com/glamping or call 0871 663 1676 (lines open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm).

:: Chiltern Railways provides train travel to Warwick from London Marylebone and Birmingham stations thirty times a day. The Castle is a ten-minute walk from the station. Or drive – it’s just over an hour’s trip from Cheltenham.

Read more: http://www.gloucestershireecho.co.uk/TRAVEL-survive-family-camping-holiday/story-21329102-detail/story.html#ixzz36mpV154Z

10 Genius Camping Hacks

Camping is a big part of summer here in Minnesota but it isn’t always easy to get everything ready to go and packed in a small space.  Finding ways to save space, time and work is really important to make the trip pleasant.

We found 10 camping hack ideas that are absolutely genius!  They will save you time and energy on your camping trips!  I love these ideas, I wish I knew them sooner!

Be sure to check them out so the next time your kids want to head out to the camp grounds, you’re ready too!

10 Genius Camping Hacks

DIY Solar Lanterns from Camp Wanderer.

A Great way to pack Eggs for camping from Cookie Crumbs and Sandwiches.

Flaming Marshmallow Jelly Shots from Tablespoon.

Camp Fire Cones from Kids Activities Blog.

Add Sage to a campfire to keep mosquitoes away!

Make Pizza on the campfire with Camping with Us.

Make a DIY Soap Pouch from Whimsy Love.

DIY Mini Grill from Dian Thomas.

Camping Nature Scavenger Hunt for Kids!

Camping Survival Kit from Benson Street.

http://www.independent.ie/life/motoring/hit-the-holiday-road-in-fine-style-but-at-a-price-30374055.html

Summer is here, the sun is shining so what better time to hit the open road. Forget about the open-top driving and consider high-top driving instead.

VW has the answer in their 2+2 campervan which means you can forget about those hotel and guesthouse bills while getting into close contact with the most scenic locations in hidden Ireland. The California, seen here, is based on the Transporter so it is roomy for two adults and two younger (or lighter) members of the family as the ‘upstairs’ sleeping area has weight restrictions. This area becomes available when the roof is extended to give stand-up room for cooking on the gas rings and using the sink.

There is a coolbox fridge and even a heating system for cold nights that can be operated by remote control so you do not have to leave a cosy double bed. The main sleeping area is made up of the rear seat folding out and there is a stowaway table for in-door dining. The two upfront Captain seats swivel around so that four can dine indoors if the weather turns bad. The two-litre diesel engine is well able for the job and even long Continental holidays for mom and dad would not be a chore. Road holding is good and driven under 100km/h fuel economy is surprisingly good. Equipment includes exterior 220v socket for camping sites, air conditioning and Bluetooth.Camper road tax is just €104 but the sting is in the price – over €58,000 is the on-the-road price.

http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2014/07/03/revamp-sees-camper-van-become-tv-star/

Revamp sees camper van become TV star

When Mark and Polly Stoker bought their latest VW camper van they had big ideas.

Hoping to enjoy its ultimate potential, the artistic Newport couple wanted to create more space in the vehicle and use it as a camping haven.

After months of work, the stunning split screen VW Camper, named Matilda, is set to be featured on Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, thanks to its exciting revamp and interior design.

David Lowe, owner and manager of the VDub Bodyshop, in Audlem, said: “When they bought it to me it was drivable, but they wanted to make a lot more space in there.

“I did all the metal work, so we media blasted it, taking all the paint off, so it was just a shell.

“The van was blocked off so you couldn’t walk from the passenger seats to the back of the van, and we removed that and it opened it up completely.  They also got a pop top roof for the van, so the roof can go up significantly when they park up.”

The van was then sent off to another company, who completed the interior design work.

Mr Lowe added: “They really put a lot of work into finding the right colour for the paint, and getting the right bits for it.”

But for the Stokers, it has been a dream for a long time. The couple run an ice cream business, Polly’s Vintage Ice Cream Parlour, from another VW van they have had restored, named Florence.

Mr Stoker said: “I’ve had Matilda for about five or six years now, and we also have Florence, who we converted into an ice cream van.

“Matilda really got put on the back burner I suppose whilst our other project was going on, but the whole idea was that we could really use the space and maximise its potential for a camper.

“These things were made in the sixties, and not built for a six foot man like me, so we had to install different things to make it work for us.

“It’s a proper camper though, not one of these vans you go to shows with and pose.

“There’s a rock and roll bed, a camping stove, a fridge, and we’ve got a trip to Belgium planned already.”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2702892/Henley-Recreate-Hotel-California-experience-island-hotel-six-VW-camper-vans.html

From tomorrow, travellers in the UK will be able to stay at Britain’s newest quirky holiday experience: ‘the Hotel VW California’
The Hotel VW California promises to give Brits an unusual holiday. Comprised of six VW California Camper Vans instead of traditional hotel rooms, the hotel launches in Henley this weekend
Guests will get the first ever chance to sleep on the beautiful Temple Island – made famous by the Henley Royal Regatta and its ornamental folly – for just £35 a night, with all proceeds going to charity

The innovative hotel chain has been created in a bid to encourage more British families to embrace UK adventure holidays with a partnership between Volkswagen and LateRooms.com.

The Hotel VW California will be situated around some of the UK’s most beautiful and bold locations this summer.

The temple boasts, among other features, wall paintings thought to be the earliest surviving Etruscan works in Britain, possibly dating back to the 7th century.
Each California provides sleeping for up to four adults and features a pop-up roof, kitchen with fridge, twin-burner cooker and sink with running water.

Volkswagen claim the Hotel VW California offers fantastic value as ‘most private islands will set you back in the region of £18,000 a night’

The company adds: ‘A lockable glove compartment is a more than a capable replacement for the traditional hotel safe.
‘Meanwhile, the Thatcham Category 1 Alarm and immobiliser with tow away protection ensures guests’ belongings are safe when they’re out exploring the local area.’
The vans have been set up to offer free wifi and iPod docking as well as ‘Climatronic’ three-zone automatic air-conditioning, heated seats and programmable central heating.
Guests will also benefit from private boat transfers to ensure exploration of the surrounding mainland is also an option.
‘Private island retreats are the epitome of luxury accommodation,’ said Nicola Burnside, of Volkswagen.
‘Hotel VW California provides a truly unique experience with all of the luxury and none of the expense. It is the perfect demonstration of the getaway you can enjoy with a bit of imagination and creativity.

Martin Solly from LateRooms.com, added: ‘We’re very proud to offer a supremely diverse range of hotels and it doesn’t get much more unique than Hotel VW California.

‘The location provides the ultimate island getaway. Combined with stunning views and nearby attractions this is a genuinely brilliant offer…There can’t be another island in the world that offers such great value.”

The VW Island offering will be available to book from July 24 for a limited time, and the six vans will then go on a tour of the UK, offering similar accommodation in other locations.

CAMPER LOVE… VW Book Review

The AGM of our club takes place this year at one of our favourite venues on the 27th September.

Camping is available from 25th – 29th September.

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Volkswagen camper van enthusiasts gather in Redcar

Hundreds of Volkswagen camper van enthusiasts gathered at the seaside to celebrate their love for their vehicles.

The grounds of Redcar Rugby Club played host to the Volkspower event for the sixth year running.

The 26-acre site showcased an array of Volkswagens – from VW Beetles to charismatic camper vans.

But as well as the vans and the camping, there were numerous trade stands, plenty of family fun and live music performances taking place.

Friday night welcomed Volkspower’s music headliners, The Emerald Thieves, one of the North-east’s premier Celtic Rock party bands.

Following them on stage on Saturday night was U2 tribute band Zu2, supported by local band Shiver.

Award-winning family entertainer Tom Rolfe was also there, performing as Defying Gravity for the younger visitors.

The event is the brainchild of Marske dad Paul Power, who was inspired to start it in 2009 because he so loved travelling around in his 1973 VW van Jimbo – named after his late dad.

After spotting a gap in the VW fans’ calendar back in 2009, noticing that there was no showcase event between Northallerton and Scotland, Paul decided to organise what has now become a recognised annual event.

http://www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk/motorhome-owners-summoned-court-car-parking/story-21277866-detail/story.html

By East Lindsey Target  |  Posted: June 23, 2014

Comments (15)Council bosses are set for a courtroom showdown with more than 40 motorists who have allegedly parked illegally overnight in a coastal car park.Lincolnshire County Council says it has “simply had enough” of people camping out in car parks, claiming it is damaging the tourism industry.The authority is set to send out court summonses to about 40 people, who are believed to be mostly motorhome owners, in the next few days.Campaigners who believe drivers should be able to park at night have staged a number of sit in protests over the issue during the last six months.

And they say they would welcome being taken to court by the council.

Cllr Colin Davie, the council’s executive member for tourism, said: “We have simply had enough of the continuing situation that has gone on since the beginning of the warmer weather.

“Last year we had about 50 people camping there almost permanently but these are meant to be facilities for everyone to enjoy. There are about 40 people who are going to be receiving a court summons in the next few days and we will be pressing the court for the maximum penalty.

“We will not let a small group of people harm our tourism industry.”

So far, attempts by LCC to prevent overnight parking have proved unsuccessful, with height restriction barriers erected and cut down at different car parks on several occasions, costing the taxpayer more than £35,000.

Vehicle owners in favour of overnight parking in the car parks staged their latest demonstration last weekend at Huttoft Car Terrace, where a ‘no parking’ sign stating the bylaws was taken down and further parking notices where issued. Despite recent unrest, council officers hope the threat of prosecution and a potential fine of up to £500 will dissuade campers from breaching restrictions.

Stephen Palmer, Lincolnshire county councillor for Alford and Sutton on Sea, said he supported LCC’s tough stance. “This issue has been going on for years and a lot of residents have said to me, ‘what are you going to do about these free-loaders?” he said.

“After doing some investigation I found a bloke who had lived at Huttoft Car Terrace for three years. Another had built a fence around his vehicle and there was also a postman who was being asked to deliver mail there.

“By dominating the car terrace they are intimidating people, many of whom will not go up there anymore.”

Motorhome owners warned the prosecutions will have a negative impact on East Lindsey’s valuable tourism industry.

The Camping Club UK said in a statement: “It is generally the older generation who have motorhomes and they are the ones with spare money.

“If they are being pushed away that money is going to go elsewhere. If they don’t want it all over the coastline then they should set up one specific car park with a fee to stay overnight, even if it is £7 or £10. I know they do it on the continent and it brings tourists in.”

Andy Strangeway is an overnight parking campaigner from Yorkshire who was part of the demonstration last weekend. He believes the prosecutions will fail and has invited LCC to take him to court.

He said: “The legislation LCC has used is with regards to pleasure grounds only. I have no doubt this legislation will not stand up in a court of law. This is a massive PR disaster – this is sabre rattling. They can take me to court, I’m quite happy.”

The bylaws introduced by Lincolnshire County Council in October last year, prohibit leaving a vehicle in specific East Lindsey car parks between the hours of 10pm and 6am.

All the prosecutions relate to breaches at Huttoft Car Terrace, between Mablethorpe and Skegness.

It will be the first time council officers have mounted a legal challenge against overnight parking since the bylaws came into effect.

Details of the vehicles were passed to the council by police. The owners will now be sent an order to appear before Skegness Magistrates’ Court.

If found guilty, the motorhome owners will face a maximum fine of £500.

The six sites affected by the bylaws are Anderby Creek, Wolla Bank, Marsh Yard, Moggs Eye, Huttoft Car Terrace and Chapel Six Marsh.
Read more: http://www.eastlindseytarget.co.uk/motorhome-owners-summoned-court-car-parking/story-21277866-detail/story.html#ixzz35dWCzwGr