Pennine's Artemis is the new kid on the folding caravan block.

Last week I was the first journalist to be given the opportunity to use Pennine’s all-new Artemis folding caravan.

The setting certainly helped – I stayed at the Caravan Club’s rather wonderful site at Burrs Country Park (open all year, contrary to what’s been printed elsewhere), on the outskirts of quintessential market town Bury. It was also rather fitting for my stay in what has become a uniquely British leisure vehicle.

First, let’s go back to 1970s and give credit to Gobur. Norfolk-based company that’s had the folding caravan market to itself since it unveiled its Govan (that’s “go-van”, rather than the Glasgow suburb, which incidentally gave its name to tents under the Vango name).

The multi-functional caravan from the USA.

OK, folks. You read it here first, but there are some interesting new caravan ideas coming to the UK at the start of next year. And there’s a clue in the current relative weakness of the US dollar versus the good old pound sterling.

First off, check out the name Eterniti, it’s on a range of all-new caravans with slide-out sections. They’re from America but built on chassis from BPW in Germany, using a GRP shell constructed in the US, and promising full UK specifications and reasonable weights. They’re expected to retail around the £20,000-£25,000 mark. Definitely one to keep an eye out for.

Next up is a concept so new it doesn’t actually have a brand name yet. It’s being made under the working title of the “multi-functional caravan”, using a special box-construction chassis and frame, again from the USA.

The Sprite heritage wall at the NEC Caravan Show, with extracts from my latest book.

Well it’s been a busy last few weeks, checking out the latest caravans being released. There is some exciting stuff including the launch of the Bailey motorhomes.

The October NEC show got off to a great start (no doubt helped by the Caravan Club day and cut price tickets), but visiting the various stands some of the dealers whom I have known (some over 25 years!) told me that sales were steady and that seemed the case so far on that first day. Plus it’s the first National Caravan Council (NCC)  show organised by them for many years and all looked to be running smoothly.

Stunning new look for the Coachman Pastiche caravan range.

The Motorhome and Caravan Show, National Exhibition Centre. Birmingham. October 11-16. That’s all you need to know, and all the excuse you want to get yourselves to the UK’s number one show for caravans, showcasing all that’s new for the season ahead

Seasoned show-goers will spot that admission prices are considerably less than in recent years – it’s £9 / £10 on the door for seniors over 60 / other adults, children (under 16) go free and there are no parking charges.

I can certainly guarantee you’ll see lots that are new from all the major caravan manufacturers.