Britons go motorhome mad with sales of camper vans soaring more than 150 per cent since first lockdown in March
- Flash motorhomes – some with jacuzzis – sell between £50,000 to £100,000
- Poll found 71 per cent Britons would love a trip in posh motorhome at Christmas
- Celebrity fans include Dame Helen Mirren, Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce and Jay-Z
Britons are going caravan-mad, with sales of campervans and motorhomes soaring by more than 150 per cent.
With Covid disrupting ‘freedom to travel’ in 2020 this essential British holiday pastime is making a comeback in a big way.
A study by Auto Trader found that sales of flash motorhomes, caravans and Winnebagos – also called ‘glampervans’ as they are kitted out with all mod-cons – have shot up since the first lockdown in March.
Britons love of caravans is going through the roof with sales of campervans and motorhomes shooting up by more than 150 per cent since lockdown
Flash motorhomes, complete with Smart TVs, loos, showers, kitchens, bedrooms and lounges Wi-Fi – some even with jacuzzis – usually sell from between £50,000 to £100,000.
Analysts at Auto Trader found that since the first lockdown, sales of these posh caravans had soared 156 per cent.
An accompanying poll of 2,000 Brits found that 71 per cent would love to take a trip in a posh motorhome this Christmas.
Naturally ‘socially-distanced’ by design, caravans have always had their celebrity admirers. In 1967, John Lennon bought one for his son Julian, which they used for family holidays.
And Dame Helen Mirren, Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Rick Astley and Jamie Oliver have all professed their love of caravans.
A spokesman for Auto Trader said this week: ‘A new trend for glampervanning is on the rise this winter as Brits look for inventive ways to staycation with loved ones during the colder months of Covid-19.
Not so shabby: Flash motorhomes are like mini homes which come with with Smart TVs, loos, showers, kitchens, bedrooms, lounges Wi-Fi – and can cost between £50,000 to £100,000
‘The data reveals a 156 per cent rise in advert views for top end models, motorhomes and caravans that have more advanced technology and features, costing between £50k-£100k.
‘Those in tier 2 and lower will be attracted by the option of being able to social distance from loved ones from different households in separate caravans parked next to each other, while still being able to enjoy time together outdoors.’
Erin Baker, of Auto Trader, said: ‘Staycations are set to remain popular for some time as coronavirus shows little sign of slowing in the UK.
With coronavirus showing little signs of slowing down for some time yet, holidaying in a caravan is becoming a popular choice
‘Christmas in particular is likely to see a surge in the popularity of caravan and motorhome holidays as people look for inventive ways to spend time with loved ones, whilst still adhering to Covid-19 restrictions.
‘However, the rusty caravan from people’s childhood trips isn’t cutting it anymore.
‘The new generation of caravanners we are seeing want all mod cons.
‘They’re following in the footsteps of popular celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Jamie Oliver and are looking for bigger vehicles with the latest tech, to provide all the entertainment and convenience that they have at home.’