Are you thinking of buying a caravan but not sure if it is right for you?
There are many reasons why people buy caravans, but some of the most common include:
Caravans give you the freedom to explore wherever you want, whenever you want. You're not tied down to booking hotels or flights, so you can be spontaneous and change your plans as you go.
Caravans come equipped with all the amenities you need to feel comfortable, like beds, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living area. This means you can cook your own meals, relax in your own space, and avoid the cramped quarters of a hotel room.
Caravans can be a more affordable way to holiday than staying in hotels or renting holiday homes, especially if you use them regularly. Once you've bought the caravan, your main expenses will be fuel and campsite fees, which are usually much cheaper than hotel accommodation.
Caravans are a great way to create lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you're exploring new places, enjoying the great outdoors, or simply relaxing by the campfire, caravans provide a unique and enjoyable holiday experience.
Caravans allow you to get up close and personal with nature. You can pitch up in stunning locations, wake up to the sound of birdsong, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside.
Of course, there are also some downsides to owning a caravan, such as the initial cost of purchase, the need for a suitable towing vehicle, and the additional storage space required. However, for many people, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
If you're thinking about buying a caravan, it's important to do your research and choose the right one for your needs and budget. There are a wide variety of caravans on the market, from small and basic models to large and luxurious ones. Once you've found the perfect caravan, you can start planning your next adventure!
The features of a caravan can vary greatly depending on the size, type, and budget. However, there are some general features that most caravans will have:
Sleeping: Caravans typically have one or two bedrooms, with comfortable beds and bedding. Some may even have bunk beds for children.
Kitchen: A basic kitchen with a small fridge, hob, sink, and storage space is common. Some higher-end models may have an oven, microwave, and dishwasher.
Bathroom: Most caravans will have a toilet and shower, although some smaller models may only have a toilet.
Living area: This is where you'll relax and spend time together. It will usually have a seating area with a table and chairs, and some may also have a TV and entertainment system.
Storage: Caravans have limited space, so it's important to make the most of storage solutions. There will be cupboards and drawers throughout, and some models may also have overhead storage compartments.
Ultimately, the features you choose will depend on your individual needs and budget. But with so many options available, you're sure to find a caravan that's perfect for you!
A compact sized caravan is perfect for storing and towing. These caravans generally have quite compact proportions, cleverly packaged to offer everything you need, but in bijou style. These caravans are full-height and width, but relatively short in length, usually offering full washrooms with shower and toilet, efficient heating and lighting, and good cooking facilities.
Almost all manufacturers offer compact two-berth options, ideal for caravanning couples. These types of caravan look similar to, and offer many of the facilities of, their bigger siblings, but with some elements condensed. Despite their diminutive size, these two-berths are often packed with facilities, including a hob, oven and microwave, full heating systems and lots of storage.
Four-berth family caravans are the most common tourers on Britain’s campsites. In fact, many couples prefer the extra space in a four-berth tourer and may only use the additional beds occasionally, when they have guests visiting. In these caravans, you will usually get a generously proportioned lounge/dining area. The daytime seating converts into a double bed at night.
The biggest caravans tend to serve one of two purposes: most often they are for larger families with four or more children, but sometimes, the vast amount of extra space and (usually) luxury they offer appeals to couples and smaller families, especially those who like to take longer breaks or perhaps pitch seasonally. You really are choosing extra space with these tourers and they are huge, but that does mean you often need a large tow car, such as a big SUV, a pick-up, or even a van like the VW Combi.
Buy Nationwide, Collect Locally
Found the perfect caravan at one of our dedicated caravan display sites? Thanks to Marquis' nationwide network, you can purchase your chosen caravan through your local branch and arrange collection from the Marquis branch that's most convenient for you.
For over 50 years, Marquis Leisure has helped thousands of customers find the perfect touring caravan, backed by expert advice, nationwide support and outstanding aftersales care. Benefits include:
Dedicated caravan retail sites in Durham, Surrey/Sussex, Suffolk & Exeter
Unique 3 Year Guarantee with all
used caravans*
The ability to purchase & collect any caravan through your local Marquis branch
Competitive
Finance Options
Part Exchange
Available
Industry-Leading
Aftersales Support
Whether you know how many people you need to sleep or are shopping within a particular budget, our quick search panels make it easy to narrow down your options. From compact two-berth touring caravans to luxurious twin-axle models, Marquis Leisure offers a wide choice to suit every adventure.
Our touring caravans are available to view at our dedicated caravan retail sites in Durham, Surrey/Sussex, Suffolk and Exeter, where you'll find knowledgeable specialists and a wide choice of layouts to compare.
Once you've found the perfect caravan, you can choose to collect it from your local Marquis branch, making handover as convenient as possible. Thanks to our nationwide network, you can purchase any caravan from any Marquis branch, regardless of where it's currently displayed.
Please note: New and used motorhomes and campervans are on display at all Marquis branches.
If you enjoy exploring the UK and Europe at your own pace, a caravan can be a fantastic investment. It offers the freedom to holiday whenever you choose, with the comforts of home wherever you travel. Whether you're planning weekend getaways, family holidays or extended touring adventures, a caravan provides flexibility, comfort and excellent value over many years of ownership.
Owning a caravan gives you the freedom to travel whenever you like without relying on hotel availability or fixed holiday dates. You'll enjoy your own comfortable living space, kitchen and sleeping accommodation, while having the flexibility to explore new destinations or revisit your favourite campsites year after year.
Both new and used caravans offer excellent benefits. A new caravan provides the latest layouts, features and manufacturer's warranty, while a quality used caravan can represent outstanding value for money. At Marquis, we offer a wide range of both new and used caravans to suit different budgets and touring styles.
The ideal caravan depends on how you plan to use it. Consider how many people will be travelling, the number of berths you need, whether you prefer fixed or convertible beds, the size of the lounge and kitchen, and how much storage you'll require. Visiting your local Marquis branch allows you to compare layouts in person and find the one that best suits your lifestyle.
Towing licence requirements depend on when you passed your driving test and the combined weight of your tow car and caravan. Since changes to UK towing rules, many drivers can tow a caravan using a standard Category B driving licence, provided they follow the relevant regulations. Our experienced team can help you understand what you're legally able to tow.
Not every car is suitable for towing every caravan. It's important to match your caravan to a suitable tow vehicle by considering factors such as towing capacity, kerb weight and the caravan's Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM). Our team can help you choose a caravan that's compatible with your vehicle.
When buying a caravan, consider the number of berths, layout, MTPLM, payload, storage space, onboard facilities and whether your tow car is suitable. Taking the time to compare different models and layouts will help you choose a caravan that's perfect for your touring adventures.
Both caravans and motorhomes offer fantastic ways to explore, but the right choice depends on your touring style. A caravan allows you to unhitch and use your car independently once you're on site, making it ideal for exploring local attractions. Motorhomes combine your vehicle and accommodation into one, making them better suited to touring multiple destinations without towing.
The cost of owning a caravan varies depending on the model, insurance, servicing, storage and how often you travel. However, many owners find caravan holidays offer excellent value over time, especially when compared with repeated hotel or self-catering accommodation costs.
