Caravan manufacturers
ABI
Terry Reed and George Kemp founded ABI’s predecessor, Ace Caravans, in 1962. The company quickly earned a reputation for making some of the best caravans. Virtually all the early production became destined for the Dutch export market.
In 1972, Ace Caravans and static manufacturer Belmot Caravans merged to become ABI Leisure. The company subsequently launched the Monza entry-level tourer and the Brooklyn and Manhattan models. ABI ceased touring caravan production in 2001 to focus on statics. Swift acquired the ACE brand and continued production under the same name until 2008. ACE is still renowned for reliability and durability; pre-owned caravans and parts remain widely available.
Abbey Caravans
The original Abbey Caravans manufacturer started in Grimbsby during the 1960s. The company merged with other local manufacturers before Swift Caravans purchased the brand in 1992. Swift continued to brand some of its caravans as Abbey until the financial crash of 2008.
Abbey Caravans remain widely available on the used market, enjoying a reputation as good-value, family caravans. Vogue represents the entry-level models. Freestyle is based on the Swift Aventura range. And Spectrum represents the premium models with high-end fit and finishes.
Avondale
Avondale Coachcraft began touring caravan production in 1970 with the Avondale Mayfly. The 1980s saw the introduction of the entry-level Perle range and the mid-range Leda. After founders Gerald and Eileen Ball retired in 1991, son Christopher took charge of the company and expanded the range.
The 1990s saw the launch of the Avondale Sport, Landranger, Dart, and Rialto models. The Argente launched in 2002, and the Bianco range in 2004. Sadly, the company didn’t survive the 2008 financial crash and went into administration. However, thousands of Avondale Caravans are still on the roads, a testament to their excellent build quality. The used market is buoyant. And spare parts are readily available from Magnum Motorhomes, who purchased the inventory from the administrators.
Bailey
The first Bailey caravan, the Maestro, was built by Martin Bailey in 1947 and sold at Ashton Gate market in South Bristol for £200. The business flourished, and in 2010, Bailey developed the innovative Alu-Tech body shell construction.
Bailey is one of the UK’s longest-established leisure manufacturers, selling nearly 75,000 Alu-Tech caravans. The company offers 24 models across the Alicanto Grande, Unicorn, Discovery, Pegasus GT75, and Phoenix GT75 ranges. Bailey earned Gold for used caravans in the 2023 Caravan Owner Satisfaction Awards.
Bessacarr
From the early incarnation as Albert Kepper & Son just after the Second World War to the rapid expansion under the Swift purchase in 1996, Bessacarr Caravans have gone from strength to strength.
The Bessacarr brand is synonymous with meticulous attention to detail, styling, luxury finish, and high-spec equipment. The company offers six models with a choice of layouts. The range includes the 495, 560 and 580 single-axle models and the voluminous 8ft wide 835, 845, and 850 twin-axle caravans.
Buccaneer
Buccaneer is the most luxurious touring range in the UK, owned by the Erwin Hymer Group. The caravans feature high levels of opulence, class-leading design, and more features as standard than any other brand.
All models are 8ft wide and include a unique hydraulic, remote-controlled self-levelling system as standard. The Commodore, Cruiser, Barracuda and Bermuda models offer 4 berths in varying layouts. At the same time, the 6-berth Aruba is an authentic large family caravan.
Coachman
The first Coachman caravan was hand-built in 1986 at a small factory in Hull. Thirty years later, Coachman retains a reputation for excellent craftsmanship and high-quality construction.
The Acadia model is a perfect all-rounder, ideal for couples and families who love their home comforts. The VIP remains the best-selling range, offering the ideal combination of comfort and security. The Laser range and the 8ft Laser XL are perfect for long weekends or a grand tour. And the top-of-the-range Lusso is the most luxurious touring caravan Coachman has ever produced.
Compass
Multi-award-winning Compass Caravans are the go-to brand for cool, contemporary caravans. Now owned by Erwin Hymer Group, Compass delivers a high-end feel for a wide range of budgets.
The Kensington, Casita, Capiro and twin-axle Camino models provide an extensive choice of user-friendly design, layouts and equipment specifications. 2, 4, 5, and 6-berth Compass caravans are also widely available on the nearly-new and used market.
Eccles
Eccles is one of the UK’s oldest caravan brands. Now owned by Swift since 1994, the brand returned in 2020 for the 100th anniversary with sensational contemporary looks and impressive specifications.
With 2 to 4 berth options and ten layout choices, the anniversary models focussed on style with satin soft furnishings and Zebrano honey-toned wood grain overhead cabinetry. Swift subsequently retired the brand, but Eccles enjoys a good reputation on the used market, particularly for models made between 2016 and 2020.
Elddis
Elddis is one the largest caravan manufacturers in the UK and home to the Xplore, Elddis and Buccaneer brands. Best known for its SoLiD manufacturing system, Elddis is the only caravan manufacturer providing fully bonded construction.
There are 14 models in the current Elddis range. The Elddis Affinity 454 is the entry-level 2-berth model, with the 520 offering more space and the option to make the lounge up with two single beds or a double. 4-berth models are available in several sizes and layouts. The 4-berth twin-axle Crusader Borealis and Zephyr provide the most space, while the 6-berth Crusader Tempest tops the range.
Fleetwood
Fleetwood is synonymous with top-quality British caravan manufacturing, beautiful fittings and sumptuous soft furnishings.
Although the company filed for administration in 2009 and subsequently closed, Fleetwood caravans remain sought after on the second-hand market, representing excellent value for money.
Fleetwood manufactured five models between 1980 and 2009. But the latter Heritage, Meridien, and Sonata models are most commonly listed for sale today
Hobby
Hobby is the world’s largest caravan manufacturer. Hobby’s ‘Built For Life’ approach to manufacturing provides owners with top-quality features, layouts and technical innovations.
Hobby is also the preferred choice of travellers who live on the road all year round. While some parks see this as a negative, Hobby owners see the association as validation for the caravans’ excellent build quality and durability. With nearly 50 layouts across six ranges and many models, there’s a breathtaking choice to match every lifestyle demand.
Lunar
Lunar Caravans’ humble beginnings go back to 1969 when the business was founded on inspiration from the Moon Landing. The company was rescued from administration in 2019 by a specialist engineering group, heralding the start of a new era for the well-respected brand.
The range consists of the Clubman, Taurus, Quasar and Alaria models. Each range has multiple berth options, providing excellent choice between entry-level and 5-star specifications. Plenty of Lunars are on the road, and you’ll often see models from the early 2000s still in use today.
Sprite
Swift revived the Sprite brand in the mid-2000s, aiming to deliver a focus on value for money. Sprite remains the UK’s best-selling touring caravan, packed with essential features and enough variation to make choosing a caravan simple.
The latest range comprises the Alpine in 2 and 4-berth configurations, the Major with two 4-berth and 5-berth options, and the larger Sprite Quattro in two 6-berth variants. There are plenty of much-loved Sprite’s available second-hand. You even see classic early 60s and 70s models for sale occasionally.
Sterling
Swift launched the Sterling range to offer an alternative interior fit and finish concept based on contemporary light woodwork Scandinavian looks.
2010 saw the introduction of one-piece high-gloss aluminium walls, and a dramatic redesign in 2011 saw the addition of a panoramic sunroof and GRP front and rear panels. Swift added the flagship Sterling Continental collection to the range in 2014 with a more aerodynamic look, better strength and water ingress protection.
The Sterling brand was dropped in 2017 to focus on Swift Eccles, but demand for used Stirling models is still high thanks to a reputation for reliable, great-looking caravans.
Swift
The Swift Group grew from simple foundations in 1964 to Europe’s number one leisure vehicle brand. Over the years, Swift purchased several other caravan manufacturers, including Ace, Abbey, Bessacar, Eccles, Sprite and Sterling. Some of the brands were retired, while others remain.
Today, Swift manufactures eight ranges using the Swift Sprite, Sprite, Challenger, Elegance and Basecamp brands. The range starts with the competitively priced crossover Swift Basecamp and expands through a seemingly endless choice of sizes and configurations to the flagship twin-axle Elegance Grande.