First, Practical Motorhome’s Editor Niall Hampton looks at the new Chausson 620, available on either the Ford Transit or the Fiat Ducato, and sold in either Welcome trim, as in our review, or the more basic Flash. It’s a motorhome packed with distinctive features. Up front is a bright and sociable lounge with an electrically-operated longitudinal dropdown double bed over it.

Moving into the kitchen, it has three gas burners, a circular sink with a smart, sharply-styled chrome tap, a combination oven and grill, a fridge with a separate freezer compartment and decent storage. There’s a large end washroom, too, featuring wooden duckboards, a shower compartment with funky ambient lighting that will easily accommodate the tallest of motorcaravanners, a swivel loo, a square washbasin and storage including a fantastic rear wardrobe that sits behind a mirrored door. Watch our review of this very stylish French ‘van to see it for yourself and to check out the great garage. 

So tune in to The Motorhome Channel, which you’ll find on Sky 261, Freesat 402 or Freeview 254, or watch live online on the Information TV website from your computer, tablet or laptop. This episode will be broadcast from Monday 7 December until Sunday 20 December 2015 at these times, on these days:

  • Monday at 8.30pm
  • Wednesday at 5.30pm
  • Friday at 7.30pm
  • Saturday at 7.30pm
  • Sunday at 7.30pm

Catch our show and you’ll also be able to join us on the road as we drop in at the nine-acre Lincoln Farm Park campsite. If you want to visit Oxfordshire, this peaceful park could be perfect for you, your family and your motorhome. Facilities include well-equipped shower blocks, a laundrette, a shop, Wi-Fi, a games room with table football, air hockey and a snooker table, swimming pools plus saunas, jacuzzis and a steam room, and even an adult-only gym, while outside is a children’s play area and an animal sanctuary. Choose a standard pitch with electric hook-up or a fully-serviced pitch and enjoy your stay.

Then we’ve another ‘van review – and it’s something pretty special and snazzy. Step into the Wellhouse Terrier M-Sport with our Editor Niall and admire the LEDs sparkling in the roof lining. Of course, this Ford Transit Custom-based vehicle boasts the classic campervan layout of a rock ‘n’ roll bed and a side kitchen, but this is no ordinary kitchen. As well as a two-burner hob and a sink, it has a blue strip light and magnetically-closing drawers. But that’s not the only striking new ‘van we saw on the Wellhouse stand at October’s Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC Birmingham. Watch our TV show on The Motorhome Channel and you’ll also see the Moselle, based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito, so be sure to tune in on Freeview 254, Sky 261 or Freesat 402, or watch live online.

Next in the episode, we’re in Gloucestershire, checking out Whitemead Forest Park – and it’s a great, open all year touring destination for those who like being active. You could try archery, body zorbing or tree climbing, plus there are kids’ clubs. On-site facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool with saunas and jacuzzis, a children’s soft play area, a family games room and a bar/restaurant. It’s a fine base for exploring the Forest of Dean.

After the break, enjoy Niall’s review of the Bailey Approach Advance 635. The parallel lounge, end washroom layout is one that’ll be familiar to any caravanners, meaning the Advance 635 could be a great choice if you’re thinking of making the move from a caravan to a motorhome – and it works well here. You step up into the lounge which converts easily into a huge double bed, while the rear washroom is well kitted out with a swivel loo, a vanity unit and a walk-in shower. And between the two is a kitchen with a combination oven/grill, a three-burner gas hob and a fridge, with a dresser opposite. Tune in to find out why we think this is a perfect ‘van for first-timers.

Finally, we hope you’ll agree that John Wickersham’s motorhome buying advice is so useful, it’s worth hearing twice, as we revisit his words of wisdom regarding the purchase of a used coachbuilt ‘van. He highlights areas to check, things to look out for and considerations to make, to help you buy the right used motorhome for you with confidence. It’s essential viewing if you’re thinking of making a purchase this winter.

So that’s it for another episode. Remember to watch The Motorhome Channel between Monday 7 and Sunday 20 December at the times listed above, on Freesat 402, Freeview 254 or Sky 261, or live online. We hope you enjoy the show!