Our December issue is a real treat for fans of James Bond, Agatha Christie and the World War 2 heroes of the RAF 617 Squadron, as we’re proud to present top motorhome tours of blockbuster film locations.

On the front cover we feature the Benimar Mileo 286 against the beautiful backdrop of Torquay, South Devon’s palm-fringed riviera. Agatha Christie’s Devon is the destination for film, book and TV fan Bryony Symes, travelling in a Benimar Mileo 286. Follow her Agatha Christie trail and immerse yourself in the tea, tiaras and intrigue of Jazz-Era Torquay, the River Dart and the writer’s remote retreat. 

Top tours on the James Bond trail and more

Everyone’s talking about the exciting new James Bond film Spectre right now, and this month we spy on some secret 007 film locations of the past. Hot on the Bond trail are John and Sandra Capel in their Autocruise Accent, on a six-day mission. They uncover some very English locations masquerading as Scotland in Skyfall, Azerbaijan in The World is Not Enough, the evil Zorin’s HQ in A View to a Kill, Shanghai Airport in Skyfall and more! 

This is the season for ghostly tales, roaring fires and walks in our wild and dramatic countryside. You can’t get much more wild and dramatic than the Yorkshire Moors around Haworth. It is, of course, the landscape that inspired one of Britain’s most famous novels – Wuthering Heights. This month, join John Watson as he takes a cultural tour of some of the Brontë sisters’ haunts. Don’t forget to pack that old Kate Bush CD, The Kick Inside, along with good walking boots, to make your ‘Heathcliff and Cathy experience’ complete. 

We have 10 more top film and book locations to recommend as holiday highlights in the December issue, thanks to literary giants such as Shakespeare, Dylan Thomas, Roald Dahl, JRR Tolkein, Robert Burns and more.

Inspired by the film of the heroic WW2 Dambusters raid, Vera and Peter Whalley load up their Bürstner 55 Nexo 685 and follow the route into Germany taken by the RAF’s 617 Squadron. Tracing this historic event takes them to a beautiful region of mountains, lakes and forests.

This year’s Goodwood Revival featured all things historic – including some lovely classic motorhomes. We bring you a gallery of highlights, from a GM Futurliner to an Airstream on a Chevy coach chassis and more. Nigel and Kay Hutson also share their Goodwood experience and explain why staying in their Bailey made the weekend perfect in every way.

We select 10 things to do and 10 great campsites in Dorset this month, too. It’s one of the UK’s most popular destinations for coastal getaways, with beautiful beaches, fossils and Roman ruins to see. Make the most of your holidays in Dorset with our sites and sightseeing guide.

Competitions, your letters and tips

This month’s competition offers you a chance to win a Minky Damp Guard Moisture Absorber with refill (we have 10 to give away) and save money on a low-season stay in Ceredigion.

In ‘Talk’ this month we discuss diesel emissions in the light of the Volkswagen ‘dieselgate’ scandal, share your tips on tyre pressures and on the Dartford Crossing and print some of your best holiday hotshots. Gentleman Jack gives an update on changes to consumer law – and how it will affect you if you’re buying a motorhome. For those times when you’re in a ‘no wifi’ area, we’ve printed our current Nightstop list – and you’ll also find our Practical Motorhome/MCC Nightstops here.

New Bailey, Auto-Trail, Vantage and Hymer reviews

We’ve been busy testing four new motorhomes from top manufacturers this month. Read our new December issue to find out how we got on with the new Bailey Approach Advance 665 – a mighty six-berth that we used for our live-in test and video report.

If you’re looking for van conversions for sale, read our new 2016 Vantage Gem review and our 2016 Auto-Trail V-Line SE635 review. Finally, check out our 2016 Hymer B PremiumLine 704 review – it promises untold luxury, but how well does it deliver?

We also review outdoor gear and camping accessories every month and this month we compare collapsible cookware!

Buying used motorhomes

This month’s used motorhome challenge takes a look at a trio of tidy coachbuilts that are perfectly suited for couples on tour. Compare the three before you browse through the motorhomes for sale in our new Practical Motorhome classified advertisements

Our used motorhome buyer’s guide this month shines a spotlight on what to look for when shopping for a fixed-bed Swift Bolero built from 2007 to the present day. We have more general advice on buying a motorhome here.

Get the knowledge

Practical Motorhome‘s advice section is full of handy tips to help you keep your motorhome running smoothly. This month we look at caring for your ‘van’s batteries, we offer a guide to tightening up Seitz blinds, and we share a reader’s great DIY motorhome project – how to fit a new spoiler onto a SEVEL-based motorhome. You’ll find more great reader DIY projects online here. And finally Gentleman Jack reports on the latest odd jobs that he’s carried out on his own Autocruise Wentworth project ‘van

You’ll find all this and more in our December issue of Practical Motorhome – and it’s on sale in the shops now!