| Product: |
Canvas Holidays |
| Date: |
09.11.01 (696 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Value for money, Great facilities
Disadvantages: Poor coverage outside of France
For anyone (especially families with small children) wanting to go on a reasonably priced camping/motoring holiday in mainland Europe, Canvas holidays is a very good choice.
The company was set up 36 years ago and now provide camping holidays in 75 sites around Europe.
THE BASICS:
There are 4 levels of accommodation you can choose. On most (but not all) of the sites you can opt for a mobile holiday home instead of the canvas tent.
1.The basic is called a 'Maxi' tent. It is a very large canvas tent with two separate sleeping sections, a separate Kitchen area (fully equipped) and living area. It sleeps 5/6 people.
This package includes, Gas fired Cooker, Fridge, Table, and four chairs, electric lighting and power points. There are four single sprung beds and a double sprung bed. Blankets are provided as well as pillow but you have to bring your own sheets. Outside there are a hammock and a sunlounger. A barbecue is also provided
2. The second level is the 'Festival' Mobile; this comes in two models the '26' or the slightly more spacious 'Midi' (2' longer).
These sleep 6/7
The design includes:
· Lounge/dining room area with bench seating
· A fully fitted kitchen with full size cooker and oven and a domestic fridge with freezer compartment.
· A double bedroom-(6' x 4') bed with wardrobe space and additional storage space.
· Second bedroom with two single beds (6' x 2') slightly wider in the 'Midi'
· Bathroom with shower
3.The third level is the 'Jubilee' range of Mobile which comes in three models '28', '30' and '28 deluxe'. The difference in these is layout of the facilities not the overall size.
The Jubilee range is the same as the 'Festival' except for the following:
· A larger double bed (6 x 4'6")
· Additional accessories (hair dryer,
radio alarm)
· Different layout inside.
4. The top of the range is the 'Century' mobile. This is 20% bigger than the Jubilee 28 and can sleep 8.
· The double bed is bigger (6'3" x 4'6")
· The bathroom is en suite to the double bedroom but there is access to the living area too.
· The second bedroom has larger single beds
· A third bedroom is included with bunk beds
· A microwave and a gas barbecue is also included in addition to all the accessories in the previous models
A various stages I have stayed in all the different types of accommodation and I would say that for a family with two young kids the tent or any of the mobiles are fine. If you have more than two kids then the Mobiles are a better option. The quality of the build is great on all models.
THE SITES:
Canvas Holidays only have emplacements on four-star campsites so the quality of facilities is usually very good. You would expect to get shared use of at least one swimming pool (most sites also have smaller kids pools). Shops and bars and Restaurant/Take-a-ways will be also be present. All sites will also have sporting activities, tennis, table tennis volleyball etc, and many will have entertainment in high season. The site will also be in easy reach of main town and beaches (either sea, lake or river)
The coverage of France is excellent. With sites available in all the French regions both on the coast or inland. The Dordogne and The Loire are especially well covered. The choice in Italy is more limited with sites available in Tuscany and the Lakes. In Spain they have sites in Catalonia. Other sites are present in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES:
The price ranges from an amazing £189 in low season to £1000+ in high season but even then they are good value for money and cheaper than their main competitors, Keycamp and Eurocamp.
For the basic pric
e you get a 12-night stay, for two adults and up to four children, at any campsite of your choice (you can arrange one night stop-overs at campsites on the way if you like).
For the mobile homes an extra supplement is payable per day based on the model. The basic price also includes the ferry crossing from Dover/Calais or the Channel Tunnel crossing. Car breakdown assistance is extra.
EXTRA FACILITIES:
· In most sites the canvas couriers run kids clubs in the morning and afternoon in tow hourly session for kids 4-12. This is a blessing for parents. The clubs are well run with a variety of activities and they are free.
· Accessories such as highchairs, pushchairs and cots are available to order before you go and in low season these are not changed for.
· Games and toys to borrow on site.
· On some sites baby sitting is available from the couriers
GENERAL:
All the times I have been, the campsites have been top-quality; the canvas couriers are always helpful and informative. My kids have always enjoyed the facilities and activities provided.
You should chose the campsite you stay at carefully, some are smaller than others and might therefore be less lively, some are more suited for teen-agers rather than younger kids. The Canvas holiday brochure does give you very useful information in this regard.
I would recommend them for a reasonably priced family holiday.
Web site: www.canvasholidays.com
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