There are apocryphal tales of tail-backs caused by touring caravans that get passed down from pub to pub; “Do you remember that time on the…when it took us weeks to get to Torquay because of the caravans?” And the picture has been made worse by the three buffoons on BBC’s ‘Top Gear’ who paint the caravan as a thing of mirth, not a home on wheels.

Occasionally I am envious of those with caravans and have spent many an hour in my local showroom pondering the endless “should I” moments but have never taken the plunge particularly when they have such evocative names some as robust as Sterling caravans a name that evokes thoughts of empire and solidity. But I digress, many don’t really understand the touring caravan and see it as a cramped, cold and uncomfortable place – perhaps like me they were forced to spend a wet week in Rhyl in one.

What is a touring caravan – it’s simple yet difficult to explain, a bit like the laws of cricket or the offside rule – the Oxford English Dictionary defines it thus; “…a vehicle equipped for living in, typically towed by a car and used for holidays.” So there you have it, or do you?

The range of ‘tourers’ is immense in terms of size, layout and levels of accommodation and finish. They come in two main variants; single or twin axle each having their devotees and detractors. All come equipped with variations on the theme of cooking, washing, sleeping and lounging facilities, some more luxurious than others and it is not uncommon to see owners comparing size, colour, sleekness and ‘fit out’ with their neighbours on the touring park.

“But why?” is the question a lot of folk ask when you talk about your caravan holiday; they simply don’t get it. It’s the pleasure of being able to have things that are part and parcel of your day-to-day life around you while you get away into some of those places that others will never dream of reaching. Being able to find a spot, park up, put on the kettle and make a cup of whatever takes your fancy, sit down in your lounge and enjoy that ‘home from home’ feeling as you take in the beautiful countryside around you is something that most ‘common or garden’ motorists will never have.

And, when you are tired, retreat to the lounge area, watch some TV, have a nightcap and off to bed waking up the next morning in a familiar place, refreshed and ready to go.

I spoke of range earlier and they come in a variety of sizes from two to six berths meaning that the family can really enjoy a weekend or longer break together in some of the finest Britain has to offer.

Having a touring caravan makes a great deal of sense, no bookings, no security checks, no luggage to lose and no paying extra for that production line bacon butty on board the plane! I’ve always been envious of those with a ‘tourer’ and now I’m getting to an age where I really can enjoy it, I might just take the plunge, now where did I put that Sterling caravan’s brochure?

Clair O\’Hara is writing on behalf of North Western Caravans.

Clair O\’Hara is writing on behalf of North Western Caravans (http://www.northwesterncaravans.co.uk).

Author Bio: Clair O\’Hara is writing on behalf of North Western Caravans.

Category: Advice
Keywords: north western caravans, used caravans, caravan hire, motor home hire