Join the campervan fans
They come with all mod cons — and now you can win one!
There was a clatter and then a flash of white — which I could just make out was our dog Walnut — whizzing past the motorhome door, swiftly followed by an outdoor table I’d just put up, now upended and flying at speed around the campsite.
Our skittish whippet, whose lead I had foolishly tied to the table, had taken fright at something and legged it. When I finally caught up with him, I made a vow: take a stake to tether him next time.
But Walnut has never been much of a happy camper. So, could a campervan make a difference?
We hoped it would and now, postlockdown, there’s been a sudden interest in motorhome holidays — for obvious health reasons.
What’s more, Swift Go, which specialises in motorhomes with bases in Manchester and edinburgh, will happily let you bring your beloved pet with you at no extra cost.
And so Walnut joined me, my husband, Will, and our children Iris, ten, and Fraser, eight, for a long weekend in Swift Go’s escape 694 motorhome, which sleeps four in two double beds and has its own dining area and bathroom — ideal in the present climate.
The van was of huge excitement to the children, as one bed lowered down from the ceiling with a TV perfectly positioned with a DVD player so they could snuggle up with a film in the evening. Thankfully, the air-conditioning system kept the van at a steady 20c day and night. Plus it was entirely noiseless. Not that we humans would have cared because toasty duvets, luxury mattresses, plumped pillows and spotless white bed linen all came as standard.
We stayed at two immaculate sites — Tanner Farm Park, near Marden, Kent, and Battle Normanhurst Court in east Sussex.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club has a walking trail for its doggyowning members at its sites, with strolls through glorious countryside straight from your campervan door.
The most appealing mod con for Will and me was the decent-sized fridge that easily fitted our chilled goods (including bottles of wine and beers). There was also plenty of free cupboard space, a full set of crockery and cutlery, and a sink.
The van was a smooth drive, too — even round Kent and Sussex’s windy roads — once we’d got used to the rattling of all the plates and cups as we bumped along. As soon as we arrived at each site, the children headed for the play area, while all we needed to do was plug the van into the electric hook-up, get out the outdoor table and chairs and raise a glass.
A campervan is a happy compromise between comfort and rustic — and Walnut would agree with that.