Alastair Shephard

Content Writer

Alastair Shephard | Author

Ever fancied taking a totally plastic, totally fantastic shopping-spree in your very own Barbie Dream Car? Well, now you finally can. Thanks to the power of AI, we’ve given your favourite cars the hottest, pinkest make over possible. 

An Audi that’s always dressed to impress. 

The Ford Fiesta, where fashion meets the fast lane. 

Steering towards fashion with Barbie’s MINI Hatch. 

Accelerate your style with the Kia Picanto. 

Definitely not new from Mattel, the Toyota IQ. 

Strutting up the runway with an all-plastic VW Up. 

Using AI To Turn Popular Cars into Barbie Dream Cars

As many of us plan to head off on our staycations this summer, we’ll all be planning journeys, writing lists of essentials to pack and perhaps also feeling a little daunted about how to pass the time in the car. 

The excitement has been building in the office as a lot of the team head off for our own holidays this summer. So, we took the opportunity to ask the Bumper team to tell us their top tips for how to get through long car journeys and

 needless to say, they’ve had some great suggestions! 

As the saying goes, fail to prepare then you must prepare to fail. A bit extreme, but as many of our team members have said, preparation ahead of the journey is key! Get yourself a satnav, maps on a smartphone or a good old-fashioned map book and plan your route. 

Planning your stops is also important. Matt from our Growth team has suggested

 “Plan interesting places to stop off on the route; lunches at service stations are functional but don't really add to the fun of the trip and it's sometimes hard to find healthy food there. A 20-minute detour might allow you to explore somewhere new instead and will really break up the journey.” 

Claudia our Spanish Operations Manager has sighted that as long as you are well rested, you could travel at night. “As obvious as it may seem, travelling during the night you will avoid most of the traffic jams! Driving on an empty road will be easy to go through! In sunny areas such as Spain, you would appreciate avoiding the heat during the day. Start your trip at night and plan a break during the peak hours of sun. Not to forget, this would be the perfect chance to quickly visit a new place before reaching your destination!” 

Whether you are travelling with a car full of small children, or maybe just yourself and your partner, entertainment is required for passing the time on long car journeys. Ines from the Operations team isn't the driver but usually the passenger and often swaps seats with her 8-year-old son to mix up the view! 

She also agrees that “Travelling with children can be quite challenging, especially, when going on long car trips. As such, I like to make sure that there will be enough snacks packed up and a good and fun playlist set up where we can all sing along to try and make it fun for everyone. Something else that we do is play games, such as "I spy with my little eye", or "Who knows who better!” 

The top tip from most of the team members has to be games, games and more games! Kayleigh and Islay from Business Development both agree on this. Kayleigh plays ‘red car’ with her son where they have to see who spots a red car the quickest, while Islay plays alphabet games such as 'I packed my bag for London and in it I put...' and 'My Granny doesn't like tea but she likes...' 

Everyone agrees that audiobooks and playlists are essential. If you’re not travelling with children, a good crime or comedy podcast is a good listen for the car, or perhaps you could try Lawrence’s suggestion: “Choose a random car buddy who is doing a similar speed and race along with them. They won't know but gives you something to focus on.” But make sure you keep it legal! 

Niki from the People team is a dab hand at conquering long car journeys with children and says

 “We do lots of long (5+ hour) journeys for staycations in the UK, and with 2 kids in the back we had to find a way to keep them occupied. We bought an old in-car DVD player with two screens on eBay and have collected tonnes of old DVDs from charity shops. Couldn't recommend it more for keeping them entertained - and quiet!” 

Another suggestion from the Growth team’s Lawrence is, “If you're a passenger, buy an iPad and play football manager - you'll be there in less than a season and it'll be loads of fun getting Leeds promoted to the prem again!” 

And then, it’s all about the snacks. Beef jerky was also suggested by someone but that’s an acquired taste! 

Hannah from the Growth team is in charge of the snacks during family trips and has a lunch bag in the front full of snacks to throw into the back for the children when they start grumbling! She also makes a good point that “don’t forget with all of those snacks comes rubbish. So have a carrier bag handy to put all those banana skins, crisps packets and apple cores in before they get squished into the seats! Oh, and wet wipes. Whether you’re a child or not, wet wipes are incredibly handy for clearing up when you spill your tea or when the chocolate melts!” 

Bumper's top tips for getting through long journeys 

As my family and I geared up for the Great British staycation, I decided to embark on an epic 

in an electric vehicle (EV) to see just how convenient it really is. 

As we entered the summer holidays, families all over the country were hitting the road, and this year, more than ever, they were doing it with battery power. According to a survey of 1,000 Brits by charging network 

, a whopping 57 percent were planning a staycation, covering distances of 100 to 200 miles. 

To make life easier for fellow EV drivers, Gridserve, the electric charging network, commissioned a study and created the EV Holiday Hotspot Index. This nifty guide reveals just how convenient it is to charge your EV near popular tourist attractions. With their analysis of top attractions based on proximity to charging stations, availability of charging points at accommodations, and more, I was armed with all the information I needed. 

So, which attractions made it to the top of the EV-friendly list? 

The top 10 EV-friendly tourist attractions in Britain 

This was the perfect opportunity for me to put the EV travel experience and Gridserve’s new Super Hubs to the test. I’d be driving from my home on the south coast in Gosport to the top attraction on the list — Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, in County Durham. 

Now, the real adventure began as I set off on this nearly 700-mile trip in a new all-electric Genesis GV60 and to make things even more interesting, I brought along my partner and 10-month-old son. Talk about going the extra mile. 

With high hopes and a full charge, we hit the road. I knew we'd have to make more frequent stops than the claimed range of the GV60, which could cover around 321 miles according to the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) estimate. 

Our journey was spread over three days and on day one we headed for Ripon in Yorkshire. Our strategy was to make regular stops and always ensure we had a comfortable charge. 

Our first top-up came at Cherwell Valley Services, just 100 miles into the trip. This Gridserve Super Hub boasted multiple chargers, rated up to a whopping 350kW. Charging technology has certainly come a long way since my last long-distance EV drive. By the time we took a lunch break, we were back up to 80 per cent charge and ready to hit the road again. 

We still had another 200 miles to go until our hotel for the night, which meant we'd need to make another stop regardless of whether we charged or not. We made a quick stop for a nappy change and a five-minute charge, but we decided to push on so we could unwind and relax for the evening. 

By the time we arrived at our hotel, we had just 30 miles left in the Genesis GV60’s batteries but I was feeling reasonably confident, we knew the next charger was just 10 miles away. 

It meant a bit of an earlier start the next morning as we prepared to drive to Beamish. We stopped in at Gridserve’s Beadale Super Hub with just a few miles left and had the moment any EV driver dreads when the chargers kept saying ‘no’. We tried multiple points before realising this was an issue with how the charger was connecting to the car. We tried one more time and breathed a sigh of relief as the car began charging at 150kW. 

From there, our journey continued northward, bringing us to the bustling Beamish in Stanley — a living museum that transported us back in time. The icing on the cake was the nearby Gridserve charging station in Washington, equipped with Super Hubs on both sides of the A1, just 10 minutes away from Beamish.

Despite the station being busy, we managed to find a spot easily and charged up at a speedy 150kW. With our batteries replenished, we finished our lunch break in no time. 

Once we were all charged up, this would be our turning point as we began the long journey south, aiming for our cosy B&B in the Peak District. A stop at Woolley Edge services allowed us to charge up to 100 per cent in a flash and we were soon winding our way through the Dales. 

With almost 500 miles already covered in the GV60, we felt far more confident in its accuracy. Even when we reached Warwick services on the M40, where all charging spots were occupied, we decided to press on, fueled by our confidence. This meant from our last charge at Woolley Edge services, we drove a total of five hours home without another charge - and we still had 39 miles left! 

All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by the ease of charging throughout our trip. Despite the negative press surrounding the state of the UK's charging network, we never found ourselves stranded. I think it’s fair to say that we felt lucky though. While we might have charged easily at every Super Hub, by the time we left there were no free spaces each time we stopped. 

We exclusively charged at Gridserve stations too, which worked for us but I always had the backup in my head that there were a number of other charging stations available nearby. In fact, we could have even charged overnight at our first hotel for free, eliminating the need for an additional charge before reaching Beamish. 

As these charging networks continue to grow, I can't help but imagine how different the future of electric car road trips will look in just a few short years. With more charging options and faster charging speeds, the outlook for EV road trips is incredibly promising - as long as the number of chargers keeps growing with electric car adoption! 

Rebecca Chaplin is a motoring journalist and owner of 

. She’s written about cars and the best places to drive them for nearly 10 years.

Exploring EV-Friendly Attractions in Britain 

So, you’ve decided to ditch the sun cream, airport check-ins and warm sandy beaches for a relaxing holiday in South Wales. 

Perhaps you’ve planned a visit to Cardiff Castle, a stroll through the gentle hills and wild moorland of the Brecon Beacons National Park, or you’ve booked a Gavin & Stacey themed tour of Barry Island (Yes, this really does exist – 

Whatever your plans in South Wales this summer, we’ve got every stop you’ll need to make the journey one to remember. 

If you’re heading to South Wales from London, one stop you’ll want to make is a visit to Guildford Castle. Thought to have been constructed by William the Conqueror after the 1066 invasion of England, this formidable structure is a must-see on your journey. The grounds of the castle were opened to the public in 1888 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. 

This unexplained, prehistoric ring of vertical sandstones each weighing around 25 tons has only been seen by less than half of Britons. If you’ve never explored this Neolithic wonder, why not make it a stop on your journey to South Wales? 

You can visit on foot for free or tickets to the visitor centre and exhibition can be booked on the English Heritage 

. Tickets for adults can be purchased from £23.60 and £14.50 for children aged 5-17. 

The Thermae Bath Spa is Britain’s only natural thermal spa. The warm, mineral-rich watered found in this modern bath, uses the same hot natural springs once enjoyed by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. 

 with prices starting at £40 Monday to Friday and £45 Saturday to Sunday. 

If you’re driving the 115-mile journey from Birmingham to Cardiff there are lots of must-see attractions along the M5. 

This late-medieval merchant's house found in Worcester city centre was rescued from demolition and restored in the mid-20

 century. A truly historic building, the structure has had many extensions and interior changes to accommodate the families who have lived there in its long history. 

Entry to the house is by guided tour from Tuesday to Saturday. Adults can enter from £9.50 and children from £3.75. Tickets are purchased on arrival and entry to the garden is free between 10:00 and 16:00. 

Located near the Cotswolds rural area, this former industrial city is well-known for its impressive 11

 century cathedral. The Romanesque and Gothic structure houses the tomb of King Edward II. 

The nearby Gloucester Docks are the perfact place for a family day out, exploring restored Victorian dock buildings, fascinating museums, independent cafes and even some designer outlet shops. 

More information on what to do in Gloucester can be found 

Gloucester Services (M5) are amongst the top-rated motorway stop-offs in the country. With a customer score of 86%, these incredible services boast 5-star scores across five categories - Range of Shops and Food Outlets, Prices, Cleanliness, Convenience and Accessibility. One reviewer described the services as ‘the future of how all services should be built’. 

This impressive services has a grass-carpeted roof and floor-to-ceiling windows constructed around a relaxing duck pond. Homecooked meals such as fish and chips and steak and ale pie are served to order and local produce including home-baked bread and regional cheeses can be bought from the on-site farm shop. Dogs are allowed in the foyer areas of the the main buildings and parking is free for three hours.

If you’re taking the 3-hour long route from London to Cardiff, you may want a more extended stop-off for a bite to eat. Below are some of the top-rated eateries you might want to sample along the way. 

The friendly market town of Warminster has a variety of independent shops and cafes to enjoy. The 

 located on Warmister High Street has a range of home-made soups, fresh salads and indulgent slices of cake. 

Situated in the hills of South West England, Bristol is known for its fiercely independent identity and is home to lots of 5-star street food vendors. 

Serving Middle Eastern grilled meats, vegetables & naan breads served at a marketplace walk-up spot, Matina is the top rated placed to visit for lunch on 

. But be prepared to wait as, according to some reviews, the queues can get very long! 

 offers dine-in or takeaway gyozas and rice boxes that are said to be ‘drenched in Japanese curry sauce’. 

If you fancy a sit-down feast of the fusion kind, why not try this French fusion 

? Serving traditional European and Asian cuisine, top dishes include Malabar Prawn Curry, Coconut Rice and Kerala Paratha, Cornfed Chicken Breast with Potato Gnocchi, and Simmer Vegetable Risotto, Parmesan, and Truffle Oil. 

2023 Summer Travel Series – Your journey to... South Wales

As we prepare for a summer of fun and some time away with family and friends, our Summer Travel Series will be looking at top tips for cost-effective travel and how to keep those smaller passengers entertained, as well as our recommended routes and stop-offs along the way. 

One of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK is always Devon and Cornwall, nestled into the South West of England, featuring both wonderful sandy beaches and ample green space. 

If you’re travelling from the South or South East across to the West, one of the most scenic routes you can take is the A303 through Wiltshire, past the famous Stonehenge on your right as go. If you have time, you could plan a stop over here for a leg stretch and to enjoy the mysterious venue on the iconic Amesbury Hills. Booking is recommended and can be done in advance via the 

As well as Stonehenge itself, you’ll see all the ‘Barrows’ which are the ancient burial grounds from 5,000 years ago as you glance across the plains. 

If you’re travelling on the A303, it’s best to select a time of day other than during rush hour! Although it's beautiful and steeped in history, the lanes merge into one and it can get pretty congested during those busy times of day. 

Follow the A303 and join the A30 at Exeter to sweep past Dartmoor National Park in South Devon. Or if you’re heading for the Northern parts of the counties, head to join the A39 and pass through Exmoor National Park and onto those famous narrow Cornish lanes, the deeper you head West! 

As well as pasties, ice creams and many different attractions, Devon and Cornwall are famous for their beautiful beaches. If you’re looking for soft sand and lots of space for all the family – including the 4-legged kind – Daymar Bay in North Cornwall is highly recommended. Tucked away and neighbouring popular surfing beach Polzeith, 

 is stark in contrast with serenely calm waters and is bordered by sand dunes and sand hills. Head here for a lovely day of relaxation on the beach, or if you’re feeling energetic, you could head for a walk up the steep Braey Hill and explore St Enodoc Church within the dunes. 

If you opted for the A303, there are, of course, fewer choices when it comes to service stations than on a motorway. However, there are still some good ones along the way. Solstice services at Amesbury are rated 3 stars according to Motorway Services Online and offer a range of food outlets including a KFC, McDonald’s and a Taco Bell Drive-Thru, a Harvester Bar and Grill and a Toby Carvery. This is as well as those all-important facilities such as Co-op petrol, EV charging points, cash machine and car washes. 

If you’ve driven down the M5 from the north of England, Which? has rated Gloucester Services as their best service station in the UK. It has an incredible customer score of 86%. Apparently, the designer feel, roof carpeted with grass, floor-to-ceiling windows and pond out the front all make for a rather premium visit! There’s a well-stocked farm shop with produce such as baked goods and regional cheeses on offer. Home-cooked meals such as fish and chips and steak and ale pies are also on the menu. Visit 

We’ve already mentioned Stonehenge as a recommended stop-over point, but we do also have some other suggestions. 

With more than 500 sites including historic houses, castles, archaeological and industrial monuments, gardens, parks, and nature reserves across the UK, it’s impossible to have a favourite National Trust place to visit. However, Stourhead is located just off the A303 before Warminster and provides the perfect place for a comfort break, a bite to eat and a leg stretch for all the family, including the 4-legged kind! 

It does have rough terrain, however, so check 

For a slightly longer stop, Wildwood Devon is situated just off the A30 at Exeter and is open from 10am-6pm most days. 

Set in 45 acres of parkland and woodland, there is plenty of space to let off some steam after being sat in the car and plenty to see and do as well. Featuring endangered native species such as the iconic red squirrel, Wildwood is perfect for nature lovers. As well as the wildlife, there is a soft play, an authentic Saxon Village and a beech hedge maze to keep everyone entertained. Check out 

2023 Summer Travel Series – Your Journey to....the South West 

Scotland is famous for its rich culture, gorgeous landscapes, and lively cities. But what about the journey there? If you’re travelling by car from England the journey can seem long. To keep you entertained along the way you may want to opt for a more scenic route. Perhaps through the Yorkshire Dales, Cumbria or maybe even the Northumberland National Park. Whatever your route this summer we’ve got some exciting suggestions for your journey to your next Scottish adventure. 

The first must-stop on your way up North has to be The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle. With outstanding collections of, art fashion and design, this French-style public museum and gardens is a hidden gem the whole family can enjoy. Craft areas, playgrounds and hunts around the museum are sure to keep the kids entertained for hours. When you’re done, the café has plenty of options including a Sunday roast. Plus, daily homemade tray bakes. 

Located in the heart of the Pennines of North East England, the museum’s home, Barnard Castle, is just off the A66. A short 20 minutes by car from Scotch Corner (A1) and 40 minutes from Penrith (M6). Day tickets are £18.00pp and can be booked in advance on 

Of course, you cannot take a trip through the North of England without making a stop at Hadrian’s Wall. A former frontier of the Roman Empire, work began on the wall in AD122. The construction of the 73-mile wall took 6 years to complete, running from Solway Firth to the aptly named Wallsend. 

Perhaps the most notable of all the destinations along the wall is Houseteads Roman Fort. Set high on a hill next to Hadrian’s Wall, this ancient fortress allows visitors to wander the Roman barrack blocks, a hospital and take a peek at the oldest toilets you’ll probably ever see! 

Tickets are £9.50pp and can be booked on the English Heritage 

If you fancy getting out into nature, why not try the A68 through the Northumberland National Park. The unique and special surroundings of the park are home to some interesting sights. 

Thought to have special healing powers, this huge sandstone boulder was placed in the park by a glacier during the last Ice Age. The stone was originally called the Dragon Stone or Draak’s Stone and is believed to have been used by the druids. 

After William Winter and his sisters robbed and brutally murdered a woman in her home just north of Elsdon, the three criminals were caught and executed. In 1792, William’s body was placed inside an iron cage to act as a warning to other criminals. 

This poignant memorial is dedicated to the airmen who lost their lives over the Cheviot hills during the Second World War. 

After all that sightseeing, you’ll probably fancy a bite to eat. Early on in your journey to Scotland, we have one of the best-rated service stations in the country – Wetherby (A1). Named as 5

 best in the country according to one ranking, this service station has been compared by one reviewer as ‘better than the Sistine Chapel’. 

With a wide range of choices, including Burger King, Costa Coffee and Greggs, you’ll be sure to find something you like. There are also opportunities for a spot of shopping in Marks and Spencer or WH Smith. If you’re looking for a place to stay, the services house a Days Inn Hotel. 

If you’re travelling to the West of Scotland why not try Tebay (M6)? Hailed as one of the UK’s most famous service stations, Tebay is a family-owned site in a scenic part of the M6. The two North and Southbound buildings offer great views of a special part of the country. A duck pond, farm shop and caravan park make the site a cut above your standard motorway service station. 

Cumbrian lamb and native beef raised on their very own farm are served in the service’s kitchen, which uses locally sourced ingredients. 

Once you’re across the border into Scotland, why not get stuck in and sample some Scottish cuisine at 

 in Jedburgh. With Scottish Teas, Nachos smothered in Scottish cheese and, of course, Haggis on flatbread, this quaint café also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. 

If you fancy sitting down for a nice meal at a restaurant – The 

 might be the place to add to your travel plans. Opened in 2015 this independent restaurant creates small seasonal menus that change each month, which often have fresh local ingredients and dishes made by hand. Also on the menu are locally roasted Luckie Coffee and beer from the Tempest Brewery. 

For a family-friendly option, you could try The Gun at Ridsdale. Offering an ever-changing range of choices, their sample menu boasts bangers and mash, 8oz Sirloin or rump steak and cauliflower katsu curry. For the kids, options include fish fingers and cheese and tomato pizza – which are always sure to go down well! 

2023 Summer Travel Series – Your journey to... Scotland 

What's the one thing a dad likes more than telling a dad joke? Hearing one. That’s why we’ve compiled a handy list of 17 best dad jokes you can use on your Father’s Day 

We’d say you can finally get your own back, but he’ll most likely find them more hilarious than you do. 

17 Dad Jokes for Your Father’s Day Road Trip 

 May 2023 will go down as a day in history. The average person in the UK will surely see very few coronations of a monarch in their lifetime and millions will be glued to the TV screens to witness all the pomp and ceremony, the regalia and the festivities.

It got us thinking here at Bumper, what car will the King be transported in during the coronation?

Ok, it’s not a car, but the main vehicle to be used during the coronation will be this six-horse-drawn carriage responsible for transporting their Royal Highnesses King Charles III and Queen Camilla from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.

Originally named the State Coach Britannia, the carriage was built in Australia by coachbuilder W. J. Frecklington, to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s 80

 birthday but the completion of the coach was delayed by nearly 8 years and instead, eventually became a commemoration for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. It was used for the first time at the State Opening of Parliament on 4

The coach is made from timber segments from various historic landmarks, cathedrals and castles including Kensington Palace, Holyrood Palace, Windsor Castle, Westminster Cathedral, The Tower of London and Winchester Cathedral to name but a few. It also includes material from various royal yachts, a donation from the Stone of Scone and part of the musket ball from the Battle of Waterloo! This eclectic mix of different elements of the coach surely encapsulates the broad history and heritage of the United Kingdom in such a magnificent way. 

To finish, the crown atop of the roof is carved from timber from Lord Nelson’s flagship, the door handles are individually decorated with 24 diamonds and 130 sapphires and the lamps are handmade by Edinburgh Crystal. 

The coach weighs 2.75 tons and is 18 ft long (5.5 m) and 11 ft high (3.4 m), has electric windows, heating air conditioning and hydraulic stabilisers and will be driven with 3 pairs of Windsor Grey horses. 

Perhaps without the need for an engine, tyres, 

 or exhaust, at least this carriage is unlikely to break down during the coronation! 

A Sneak Peek at the Coronation Coach

Light-hearted car content, culture, and motoring fun.

Entertainment