Contents EVERYTHING YOU CAN LOOKFORWARD TO IN ISSUE 464 UK touring is brilliant! Did you get to see the Northern Lights recently? Many of us across the UK, including as far as the south coast, were fortunate enough to witness this wonderful phenomenon in late February, thanks to ideal conditions here on our shores. Which just goes to show, you don’t need to travel far and wide across Europe to witness something magical – we have so much to love right here. It’s with this in mind that we produce our Top 100 Sites Guide each year – and you’re sure to have noticed your copy with this issue of Practical Caravan. The 2023 guide is the biggest and best we’ve ever published, and we’re sure you’ll love it – as well as the best UK sites, you’ll find a fantastic competition, great cycle routes, and a guide to caravan holiday homes… start reading now! sarah@practicalcaravan.com Editor-in-chiefSARAHisakeencaravanner who loves seeing the best of Europe on her travels SCAN TO GET OUR NEWSLETTER Stayup to date with the latest from Practical Caravan everyweek! Use your phone or tablet camera! Chat 6 The big picture Lush green landscapes in the Yorkshire Dales 8 Connect Readers share their news, views and photos 12 Top 100 Sites 2023 Headline figures from this year’s survey 14 New gear A selection of the latest essential touring kit 17 Expert Q&A Caravanning problem? Our panel can help 18 Puzzle time Take a break with our brain-teasers! Travel 21 Travel A round-up of all the latest touring news 24 Getaway: North Yorkshire Susan Taylor enjoys riverside walks and visits charming market towns and villages in the verdant Dales 28 Getaway: Derbyshire Nigel and Kay Hutson take a short break at Chatsworth Park, where excellent walking trails offer scenic views 33 Best of British touring We highlight some of the top activities and places to visit around the regions featured in our Top 100 guide 40 48 hours in… Lyndhurst, Hampshire Our hour-by-hour guide 42 Mysterious Britain Jo Davies tracks down a selection of historic touring destinations steeped in local legend, myth and magic 46 Euro escape: France Elaine and Joe Ormerod enjoy cycling around the beautiful Ile d’Oléron, off the western coast of France Newvans 52 Tested Peter Baber has all the news from the showrooms 54 First look: Adria Altea 612DL Tyne Innovative new four-berth 56 First look: Mink Highlander All-terrain, all-season sports camper 58 Marquis brings in La Mancelle We take an exclusive first look at four upmarket French caravans coming to Marquis showrooms 62 NEC show round-up Missed the show last month? Not to worry, our team has selected a few of the highlights that caught their eye! 64 Caravan or motorhome? Colin Burdett has tried both, and finds many pros and cons to factor into this very personal preference Used vans 71 Used vans Andy Jenkinson reports from the forecourts 72 Used van buyer Lunar Quasar 560 (2019) Towcars 75 Tow cars First look at the new Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid 3 76 Tow car test BMW 320i Touring M Sport 78 Top 4x4s (that aren’t SUVs) A selection of great all-wheel drives 80 Used tow car test Seat Tarraco (2018-present) Skills school 83 Skills school How to use a motor mover to position your caravan 84 Summer prep Follow John Sootheran’s top tips for prepping your van, and you’ll be all set to embark on a new season of great touring! 88 Protective finishes John Sootheran explains how specialised ceramic coatings can preserve the condition and value of your van 92 Alde heating Nigel Hutson shows you how to set up Night Mode 94 Selecting a torch Good lights are a key part of your touring kit, and new developments in LEDs and batteries offer greater choice 96 Caravanning on a shoestring Expert tips to help you enjoy brilliant holidays by stretching your budget that little bit further 100 Buyer’s guide Comprehensive model listings and information 114 Look-back page Caravanning life in years gone by www.practicalcaravan.com | MAY 2023 | 5