Perfect Pitch

Cocktails have a murky past; there seems to be no single eureka moment. Apparently, nobody tipped a few alcoholic ingredients into a glass, added some extras and declared it a ‘cocktail’. Definitions come and go, fast and loose, and although early mixed drinks were clearly being clumsily made and consumed during the 19th century, it wasn’t until 1917 that the first cocktail party was documented in Missouri.

Are you a ‘casual’ camper? Perhaps you have acquired a tent in the last year or so and used it...

There’s always something quite nostalgic about a caravan or camping holiday. You can spend it by the seaside or in the country, eating fish and chips or pub grub.

Time spent on a campsite lends itself to outdoor activities of all sorts, from ‘conventional’ sports like tennis, to activities...

Tasting the wine from the local vineyard provides an extra dimension to your enjoyment of the locality, an extra slice...

Centred around the historic city of Lyon (France’s second city and since Roman times a crucial regional capital), it’s a region of contrasts: from the pristine peaks and pastures of the Alps to the bustling cities and fertile fields of the Rhône Valley.

Many campsites wake up to the fact that their opportunity for business is not simply May-September. With a little creativity...

There’s no getting away from it… we all need to ‘go’. So it’s worth having a system in place so...

Life on a campsite is tailored for children, so there’s never a dull moment from the instant you arrive at your pitch. They love the freedom, the space to run around and explore. And of course there’s plenty of opportunity for getting slightly grubby – and the chances of a bath are slim which is even better news for most under 12s.

The archetypal sun, sea and sand holiday is, for some, the ideal; for others it’s dramatic, blustery seascapes and clattering...

Different people like different types of campsite, from the family-run, low key campsite to the large camping ‘village’ with all singing, all dancing facilities.

The Volkswagen camper van is easily one of the most recognisable camper vans around. They're also a popular choice for...

Whether discovering exciting new tastes or simply enjoying a family meal al fresco, campsite life has always been the perfect...

Everyone loves a party and when the theme is ‘celebration of wine’ then a good crowd is assured. Festivals celebrating local produce, the harvest and wines are prolific throughout France, and they are a heady mix of tradition, heritage and local values. Celebration of wine, specifically, is just a part of the event.

If your caravan or motorhome was parked up for the winter there are always practical jobs to do before getting...

Its Greek temples, Baroque style palazzi and Byzantine influenced churches offer a glimpse into its history, and its mild climate...

They’ve been around for about twenty years but one thing is unchanged in that time: having a motor mover for your caravan is all about convenience. Motor movers are remarkably powerful, making a lot of grunt work and effort disappear. Especially powerful models are recommended for the heaviest caravans and for parking up on a steep incline, be it your driveway at home or a pitch on holiday.

But for many, this freedom is only celebrated as long as there is access to an electricity supply to power...

Like many a neighbourly relationships, the French and British have not always seen eye to eye. It’s not simply a case of not getting on, more a question of never-ending competition, perhaps the ultimate in one-upmanship or keeping up with the Joneses.

Over the last few years, we've seen a sharp rise in people staying at home rather than travelling to the...