Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan is Britain's best-selling caravan magazine. Each month we travel at home and abroad, bringing you essential guides to the best caravan holidays around. There's practical advice, too, with technical tips and all your questions answered, making us the perfect place for first-timers and experts alike.

Happy New Year!

THE BIG SHOT

Connect • HIS MONTH WE CHAT… INSURANCE // TOP SITES // TOWING

This month we love... • ESSENTIAL TOURING KIT FOR… COOKING // BIRDWATCHING // CYCLING

FESTIVE FUN! • Whether you’re away in your van or at home over the new year, relax with our fantastic puzzles – guaranteed to entertain over the festive season!

Expert Q&A • Got a burning caravanning question? Ask one of our team on the email address below!

Travel • THIS ISSUE WE VISIT… DUMFRIES // MALVERN // GREAT PUBS // CHESTERFIELD

ROUTE MASTER • Your monthly guide to major roadworks and diversions

EVENTS • Welcome in the New Year and look forward to great adventures in 2022!

Start planning YOUR BEST TOURING YEAR EVER! • Over the next 12 pages we’ve everything you need to know about where to go and what to see over the year ahead – turn the page and get planning for a brilliant 2022!

DELIGHTFUL DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY • The fine old market town of Dumfries makes an excellent base for exploring, says Andria Massey

CALLED TO THE BAR • A pitch near a pub is one of the joys of touring – here’s our pick of 10 just a short stroll or cab ride from a top site

Meet the winners! • // PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION //

Muddy marvellous Malvern • Touring is the perfect choice for an extended family gathering at half-term, whatever the weather might decide to throw at you, says Marcus Leach

LOCAL AUTHORITY CHESTERFIELD • Looking to visit somewhere new? Let the locals guide you on your way. This month, a Derbyshire landmark

A6 Northern Ireland • We look at major UK driving routes and reveal everything you need to know

Tested • REVIEWS // NEWS // INDUSTRY UPDATES

HOW WE TEST VANS • Our review types explained

SHOWROOM NEWS • The latest developments from caravan manufacturers and dealers

IN BRIEF

SWIFT BASECAMP 6 • Active families will love the new, larger version of this popular van, which now accommodates six people

KNAUS SÜDWIND NORTH STAR 590UE • You’ll need a sizeable car to tow this solidly built four-berth, but it offers a very comfortable interior

Used vans • THIS MONTH WE FEATURE… PRE-OWNED PICKS // SPRITE MAJOR 4 FB

ANDY’S PICKS OF THE MONTH

SPRITE MAJOR 4 FB (2014) • Look out for the excellent-value extras in these popular vans, says Andrew Jenkinson

MODEL ROUND-UP • Looking to purchase a pre-owned caravan? Here are some of our favourites, as featured in our past Used Van Buyer features, to help you buy better!

Guide to... CAMPSITES

FINDING THE RIGHT SITE • Pick a great campsite and you’re guaranteed a brilliant holiday! Here’s everything you need to think about – location, facilities, cost, adults-only and much more – to ensure the perfect stay

TOP SECRET SITES • Caravanners in the know sing the praises of the major Clubs’ CLs and CSs, says Dan Trudgian, but what is it that makes these campsites so special?

OUR TOP 1OO SITES • Stay on an award-winning pitch at one of Practical Caravan’s fantastic Top 100 winners – here we round up each regional victor in our 2021 guide

GO OFF-GRID • With many low-facility campsites charging single-figure nightly fees, going back to nature can save a fortune and land you on some of Britain’s finest pitches, says John Sootheran

CAMPSITE SECRETS • Ever wondered what goes on...