How to rent a static caravan and what to look out for
Static caravan holidays offer versatility as well as value for money. Whether you fancy a seaside break or something a little more rural, there are plenty of options to suit all families on different budgets. If you have decided that renting a caravan is a great idea for your next holiday, here are some tips on how the rental process works and what to look out for to inspire your next trip.
Those who want to see more of the country might also want to consider renting a touring caravan for their next holiday. In some cases existing owners may even consider selling their static caravan and renting units instead so they can visit new locations throughout the year.
How to hire a static caravan
There are various ways you can hire a caravan, but one of the main and safest methods is to book directly with the company. It's a good idea to book well in advance not only to secure your caravan in peak season, but to get the best deals. You will normally need to pay a small deposit, and then the full balance closer to the time.
Think about which dates would be best, how many people are going to be staying in the caravan as well as how easy the location is to get to.
| UK Caravan Hire Companies | Number of Locations |
|---|---|
| Allens Caravans | 9 |
| Haven | 40 |
| Hoseasons | 323 |
| Pitch Up | 597 |
| Pontins | 6 |
| Note: The locations only includes sites which offer caravan accommodation |
Alternatively, you can rent a privately-owned caravan directly from its owner through sites like https://www.camplify.co.uk/ or Airbnb. This type of caravan rental will cost around £405 per week, depending on the time of year, number of berth, etc.
Location, location, location
With over 3,000 caravan and camping sites throughout the UK, there truly is something for everyone. That being said, you want to make sure the location is right for your family. For example, if you have young children you are going to want to look out for sites that have entertainment complexes. Similarly, if you are booking a coastal location then it's wise to check how close to the beach the site actually is, as some can be quite far away.
It's a good idea to also research the local facilities, as some caravan sites can be quite rural and are not close to local shops or entertainment. Remember that you are going to need to buy food and other essentials, so having shops close by can make the holiday go a lot smoother. To help you choose the ideal location, read our article The top 10 caravan locations in the UK.
The set-up
Static caravans are usually one to three bedrooms, and some have additional sleeping facilities in the form of a sofa bed in the lounge. Therefore, depending on the amount of people in your party you need to make sure there is plenty of room for everyone. Some caravans also come with luxury fixtures and furnishings, adding extra comfort to your stay, making it a true home from home. Your rental may even offer TV and Internet access so you can watch your favourite programmes in the evening or keep up with emails.
What type of set-up you choose really depends on how many people require a bed, and the family dynamic. For example two parents and two children might suit a two bedroom caravan, however if you are bringing the grandparents along it's probably best to upgrade to three bedrooms.
Only hire a caravan from a reputable company
There are many companies and private owners of caravans. Unfortunately, there are also a lot of scams relating to caravan hire in the UK.
One recent case saw a mother scammed out of £655 through a Facebook advert, promising the hire of a caravan which had actually been repossessed. Those behind the scams can be difficult to trace, meaning victims do not usually get their money back and the scammers are free to continue selling holidays which don't exist.
To avoid being scammed, only hire a caravan through reputable sources. This includes through the main website of any of the well known caravan companies (such as Haven), or private owners which have trusted reviews and contact information clearly displayed on the site. Remember, if it looks to good to be true—it probably is!
Final Thoughts
Renting a caravan can be a great way to spend time together as a family, especially during the school holidays. Be sure to plan your holiday well, and research the location and company you are booking from, to ensure your trip is a fantastic one. Also make sure you bring along essential supplies to make your caravan holiday a success.
And if you're thinking of buying your own caravan and want to "test the waters", renting can be a static caravan can be a great way to see how you like the cozy accommodations without having to caravan holiday but aren't sure about tow a touring caravan or worry about costs associated with owning a caravan such as insurance,