Best Caravans In 2024

To the uninitiated, a caravan is quite simply, a big white box – and that’s one of the more complimentary descriptions. This may have been almost factually correct for many decades but if you’re searching for a new or pre-loved caravan, we’re here to show you that they don’t have to be boring.
Let’s start off with the compact caravans. These are the ones that are best suited to those new to caravanning as they are lighter and easier to tow. First up, is Swift’s Basecamp.

When Basecamp was introduced in 2016 and was different to anything the manufacturer had ever offered before. It was originally referred to as a crossover camping vehicle which helped to attract a new audience who didn’t see themselves as caravanners but rather, campers who preferred to have somewhere more comfortable to sleep after a day’s adventuring. In terms of looks, it’s more like the sadly discontinued Renault Cactus but with bold, moulded panels rather than ‘air bumps’. There’s the option to customise your Basecamp with a range of graphics to choose from – some more Marmite than others yet no Barbie pink (that I know of).
Basecamp is deceptively spacious and utilitarian in style, you won’t find silky cushions and plush deep pile carpets. It’s a case of function first with plenty of space saving solutions from pull-down beds and folding seating to removable zipped storage bags in lieu of traditional lockers and floor-mounted anchor points suitable to stow bikes. There are three models in the range – a two-berth, three-berth and four berth. Browse Swift Basecamp Caravans on the Auto Trader marketplace.

Bailey’s most compact caravan, Discovery hit the market in 2019 and, as with Basecamp was aimed at those new to caravanning or those who enjoyed getting high on the hills rather than watching their neighbours scrap over putting the awning up. Caravanning isn’t known to be radical so for a brand with traditional customers to launch something like this is quite a big deal. They look fun, can be towed with a regular family car (apologies if you were trying to justify purchasing a new pick-up) and a longer drawbar means you can carry your bikes on the A Frame if you so wish. Soft furnishings are simple, stylish with no hint of Chintz – sweet relief indeed if you’ve seen as many caravans as I have.
In the Discovery range there’s one two-berth and two two-berths – the D4-4L being the most family-orientated model having a side dinette area where happy children will spend even happier hours drawing. Or more likely, engaging only with tablets and TikTok because after all, dinner really does cook itself. Talking of which, there’s plenty of room to make and prepare meals with the same branded kit you get across the Bailey ranges. Browse Bailey Discovery caravans on the Auto Trader marketplace.

If you’re looking for a caravan that really is another level then Coachman’s Lusso line-up which comprises Lusso I and Lusso II is certainly that. At the top end of the market coming in at around 50K new, it’s the Range Rover of the caravan market and you’ll possibly want to buy one of those to tow it with, too. Not to put anyone off but it’s certainly not a tourer for those new to caravanning as the size of it (8ft wide and around 25ft long) is a little intimidating. Stepping inside the Lusso, it’s easy to forget you’re in a caravan – both models have comfy island beds, proper washrooms with stylish freestanding basins, high spec kitchens with loads of room to whip up something more exciting than beans on toast.
All new caravans should have decent heating now and the Alde wet central heating and hot water system here will keep you super toasty but with the last couple of summers here being sweaty, the idea of a caravan with air-con is becoming more appealing. The Lusso has that too. And Wi-Fi. And it levels itself when you push a button. It doesn’t tow itself sadly, but you can’t have it all. Browse Coachman Lusso caravans on the Auto Trader marketplace.

From blow the budget to on a budget, the Xplore with four layouts is a great option. It’s part of the Erwin Hymer Group (which also includes Elddis, Buccaneer, Compass and Eriba) and the cheapest one in the range, the four-berth 304 starts at £20k new. L-shaped lounges have become popular in recent years and the 304 offers that plus a side dinette that converts into bunks for smaller children. The Xplore line-up is always a popular choice for first-time caravanners and when it’s time to switch up, you’ll find they hold their value well. On tow, you’d barely know it was behind you – so much so, you might wonder why you’ve been sleeping in a soggy tent on a slowly-deflating mattress for so long.
The two-berth 422 costs a little bit more than the 304 and is slightly heavier but it sleeps two with twin beds in the front and the option to convert to a double which is handy if you’re travelling with a friend or just don’t fancy sharing a bed with your beloved. It’s certainly versatile and when you consider the kit you get across the four models and compare it to similar sized ‘vans on the market, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Browse Elddis Xplore caravans on the Auto Trader marketplace.

Slovenian manufacturer, Adria has been making caravans for nearly 60 years and has done incredibly well to make such a dent in the UK market when you consider how many big caravan manufacturers we have here. The Adora is the best-selling range and there’s currently four layouts available – the biggest, the Adora 612 DL Seine sleeps five. The others sleep four. Comfort is a big deal here and like the Lusso, you’ll really feel at home here. Plush seating, plenty of storage, well-equipped kitchens and intuitive living areas come as standard but prices do start at around £34K new which you would likely expect.
These are beautiful caravans that offer supreme levels of comfort and there’s nothing ‘boxy’ about. Instead, they are big on curves – curved panoramic roof window, curved lockers, and no space left unused. Upholstery can make or break a sale as you’ll likely know, and Adria tends to go for muted, timeless tones rather than follow fashion so reselling it never a problem. Unless you trash it of course and that’s not my fault. Browse Adria Adora caravans on the Auto Trader marketplace.

Many folks will aspire to own the much-imitated Airstream but unless you have huge pockets and a massive truck, it’s not really that practical. I mean how many do you see on the M4? Not many I can tell you. They are more likely to be found at a festival used as a pop-up bar where drunk people with glitter on their faces order overpriced pints of less-than-local cider.
But if retro looks matter to you, consider an Eriba Touring. These tourers are full of character and will be the envy of all the caravanners on the campsite – there are too many models to list here. The standard models are silver/white or, for an extra cost, go for ‘Nugget Gold’, ‘Tango Red’ or ‘Harbour Blue’. Other options are almost endless – double beds or singles, pop top or not, dine in the front or at the back, sleep two people or five and more. You’ll struggle to find another manufacturer that offers so many ways to personalise your ‘van. One of the best things about the Touring range is that the exterior hasn’t changed too much since it first launched in the late 50s and it’s never gone out of style. With a sleek aerodynamic profile and plenty of thoughtful touches inside, these caravans bring joy wherever they go. Browse Eriba Touring caravans on the Auto Trader marketplace.

If you’re looking for your next caravan, head to the Auto Trader Caravans marketplace. Happy browsing!