UK caravan numbers surge: from unauthorised sites to holiday parks

Cove Communities has withdrawn controversial plans to redevelop Medmerry Park holiday park in Earnley, UK. The project included replacing old lodges with 308 new luxury units, creating lakes and an outdoor cinema.

Katrina, 31, from southern England, gave up her €1,100 monthly apartment rent and bought a two-person caravan for €30,000. She signed a nine-year contract at a holiday park, bringing her annual base costs to €4,100, covering pitch, utilities, and amenities. She reports working less and feeling 'half retired.' Her story is part of a broader trend of young people in the UK, China, and Germany seeking affordable housing alternatives amid rising rents.

British company Wellhouse Leisure has unveiled a camper conversion based on the electric Kia PV5 van. The model features a pop-up roof by Drivelodge, providing an extra sleeping area. Inside, it includes foldable and removable Schnierle seats, a kitchen module with electric or gas hob options, water systems, and an auxiliary electrical system with a lithium battery and solar panel charging capability. Prices start at £53,500 (approx. €61,870) for the 52 kWh battery version and £54,500 (approx. €63,000) for the 71 kWh version.

Venezuela Fury, daughter of boxer Tyson Fury, and her husband Noah Price have moved into a caravan in East Riding of Yorkshire after their wedding and honeymoon, leaving an £8 million mansion. Price has returned to his family's scrap metal business.

Wellhouse Leisure has introduced a micro camper based on the Daihatsu Wake (Toyota Pixis Mega). The vehicle is under 3.4 meters long and belongs to the Japanese kei van category. It includes a convertible sleeping area, a kitchenette with sink and stove, a water supply with electric pump, an auxiliary battery, and optional solar panel and blinds. Prices start at €20,000.

A planning officer for Ceredigion council has recommended refusal of an application to extend Ocean Heights Leisure Park in Maen-y-groes. The plan involves relocating 47 caravan pitches from two other parks, which the local community council says would double the site's area. Objections cite road safety, wastewater infrastructure strain, and loss of agricultural land. The decision is scheduled for the June 10 development management committee meeting.