British love for staycations and caravanning increases

The British love for staying in the UK for their holidays, so-called ‘staycations’, and for caravanning increased again in 2017, according to data released by the National Caravan Council (the NCC) and VisitEngland.

The NCC published figures which showed the touring caravan industry made 13.7% more vans in the first six months of 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. In addition, the number of motorhomes made increased by 11.3%.

Between January and April 2017, Brits took 14.4 million staycations, a record, up by 3% on last year.

VisitEngland said that British residents made 44.7 million holiday trips in the England in 2016, 2% up on 2015. Nearly a quarter of these holidays were taken in a caravan, motorhome or to go camping. About two thirds of these holidays (or 29.3 millions trips) were short breaks (holidays of between one and three nights).

But, Brits are not just using caravans or motorhomes and camping for holidays. Increasingly, they use them as alternative accommodation for other trips including festivals, sporting events or to visit family.

Being part of a club appears important for campers, caravanners and motorhomers. The Camping and Caravanning Club now has over 300,000 members, a record number, according to the club.

Members benefit from access to over 100 UK sites. And, the rising sales of outdoor leisure vehicles and the interest in camping means the Club has sold nearly 10% more pitch nights than in 2016 so far. The Club believes this is down to warmer British summers, lower fuel prices and more people choosing to go ‘glamping.’

However, the Club does not mention the drop in value of the British Pound relative to the Euro, which makes holidaying abroad more expensive than in previous years.

The outdoor leisure industry anticipates its showcase event in October, the Motorhome and Caravan Show in October to be busy with more visitors looking at the latest in caravans, motorhomes and camping equipment.