Guide to Cheap Caravan Holidays in the UK

Is It Cheaper to Live in a Caravan in the UK? 

In the 1960s and early 1970s, owning a holiday caravan was considered excellent value for money. So, is it cheaper to live in a caravan than a holiday cabin in the UK? The following will analyze the main differences between static caravans and holiday cabins.

The price of a caravan parking space at a UK campsite ranges from about £10 to £50 per night, depending on the facilities provided and the location. For example, some campsites with more sparse facilities in remote areas charge lower fees. In contrast, holiday cabins usually offer more comfortable and independent accommodation. The UK's rental price of holiday cabins can range from tens of pounds to hundreds per night.

Therefore, in most cases, living in a caravan is cheaper than staying in a holiday cabin, especially if you choose a campsite with more spartan facilities.

However, choose a caravan with advanced facilities or a caravan parking space in a popular area during the peak tourist season. The cost may be similar or even higher than some ordinary holiday cabins.

Generally, whether living in a caravan is cheaper than a holiday cabin depends on the choice and situation. A caravan may be more economical if you have a limited budget and do not require high accommodation conditions.   

How to Book Cheap Caravan Holidays in the UK? 

It's entirely possible to enjoy cheap caravan holidays in the UK. Here are some practical tips on how to book cheap caravan holidays.

Book in Advance

Most caravan sites and rental companies offer early bird deals, often resulting in significant discounts if you book months in advance. It is recommended to book at least two months before your travel date, especially for popular destinations.

Choose Less Popular Destinations

Avoiding popular tourist destinations can significantly reduce travel costs. For example, places like the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland or Aberdeenshire in Scotland are less crowded and relatively cheap to camp while offering equally great natural scenery and cultural experiences.

Avoid Unnecessary Facility Charges

When choosing a campsite and caravan, look carefully at the facilities and services. Many campsites offer a variety of extras, such as swimming pools, gyms, children's play areas, etc., which will add to your costs. If you don't need these facilities, you can save a lot of money by choosing a basic campsite.

Take Advantage of Coupon Sites and Price Comparison Tools

Searching coupon websites and price comparison tools before booking can save you money. Well-known coupon websites like Groupon, LivingSocial or VoucherCodes often have discount coupons for caravan sites and rental companies. In addition, using price comparison tools such as Pitchup.com, ParkdeanResorts.com, etc., can help you find the most cost-effective campsites and rental options.

Contact Campgrounds and Rental Companies Directly

Sometimes, you can get better prices by contacting campsites and caravan rental companies directly than through third-party booking platforms. Additionally, some smaller campsites and rental companies may not be listed on the larger booking platforms, but their services and prices may be more competitive.

With the above strategies, you can book an affordable and enjoyable caravan holiday in the UK.

Cheap Caravan Holidays UK 2025

Caravan travel is undoubtedly a great option if you're craving a fun and economical holiday in the UK. The UK's leading holiday park companies are currently offering some great deals across the UK for spring and summer 2025. Here are some carefully selected cheap caravan holiday recommendations, allowing you to enjoy the UK's natural beauty and unique style without breaking the bank.

Parkdean's Cheap Caravan Holidays

Parkdean is the most significant holiday park operator in the UK. Its parks offer various high-quality, great-value accommodation options, including cabins, caravans, glamping, traditional touring, and camping. They also provide a range of family-friendly retail, leisure, and paid activities, including outdoor ski slopes, high ropes, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Parkdean usually has some great deals, including the following:

• Parkdean February Half Term 2025 Offer

• Parkdean Spring 2025 Special Offer

• Parkdean Summer Special Offer

Haven's Cheap Caravan Holidays

Haven is another major park operator in the UK. Whether in England, Scotland, or Wales, Haven's parks are in almost every UK resort, with spectacular scenery and the sandiest beaches. Haven's parks usually offer excellent entertainment, including indoor and outdoor heated pools, various family-friendly activities (from archery to zip lines), and entertainment for all ages.

Haven usually has some great deals, including the following:

• Haven Early Spring 2025 Holidays

• Haven Summer Cheap Caravan Holidays

• Haven Easter 2025 Special Offer

Park Holidays' Cheap Caravan Holidays

Park Holiday parks are spread across Scotland and Cornwall, including inland and seaside holiday parks, and they are influential on the East Coast. Park Holidays is one of the largest park operators in Sussex, Suffolk, Essex and Kent. Park Holidays parks usually offer indoor and outdoor leisure pools, clubhouses with regular entertainment, games halls and children's play areas. Some parks also provide Segways, climbing walls, bike hire and go-karts.

Park Holidays usually have some great deals, including the following:

• 10% off all caravan and hotel deals in 2025

• Book all holidays in 2025 with a £30 deposit

• £50 food and drink voucher (1 March - 21 October 2025)

John Fowler Holidays' Cheap Caravan Holidays

If you want a good-value caravan holiday in the UK, John Fowler Holidays is a great choice. Established in 1953, it has 13 holiday parks in Cornwall (6), Devon (3), Somerset (2), and Wales (2).

John Fowler's holiday parks aim to provide excellent value-for-money seaside experiences, entertainment, and facilities. They offer accommodation in caravans, cabins, camping, touring, and glamping, so there is something for almost everyone.

John Fowler Holidays usually have some great deals, including the following:

• Best Holiday Deals 2025 (from £99)

• 12% off Select Holidays 2025

• February 2025 Half-Term Holiday Deals (from £148)

Wood Leisure's Cheap Caravan Holidays

Wood Leisure has 6 holiday parks across Scotland, perfect for walks and family holidays. They are also pet-friendly. Wood Leisure's holiday parks are in great locations, including forests and parks near Scottish lochs, and have a range of facilities, some with swimming pools.

Wood Leisure usually has some great deals, including the following:

• 10% off for NHS, Blue Card, Military

• Midweek discounts of up to 20% off Sunday to Thursday (excluding school holidays)

Money Saving Tips for Holiday Park Holidays

Enjoying a caravan park holiday in the UK doesn't have to cost a fortune. Here are some tips for saving money on caravan holidays to help you stretch your holiday budget.

Tip 1: Decide on Your Budget

Before deciding on a caravan holiday, compare prices from caravan rental companies and camping sites. Prices and services vary significantly between holiday parks, so compare prices and services from different parks online in advance and choose the best value for money.

Tip 2: Avoid Peak Periods

Avoid the peak summer and half-term periods. Instead, travel in the off-season or shoulder season, when prices are usually much lower. If travelling during the school holidays is your only option, the cheapest time to book a holiday with children is the last two weeks of the summer holidays.

Tip 3: Book Early

Booking holiday park accommodation early often offers early bird deals. Many parks offer early payment discounts, so look out for these when booking.

Tip 4: Make the Most of Holiday Park Deals and Discounts

Some holiday park chains in the UK offer membership cards (extra discounts and offers). Also, the cheapest time to book a UK holiday is usually the first few weeks of January, as holiday parks offer various deals for the upcoming season.

Tip 5: Make the Most of Free Activities at Holiday Parks

Many holiday parks offer free entertainment, such as children's playgrounds, swimming pools, mini golf, etc. If you can fully use the free facilities at the holiday park, you can reduce additional expenses.

What to Pack for Cheap Caravan Holidays?

Enjoy a cheap caravan holiday in the UK and experience the beauty of nature while saving money on travel expenses. Packing for a caravan holiday requires careful consideration, and you must take all the essentials with you without overloading the vehicle.  

So, list your essentials in advance, such as clothing, toiletries, bedding, and kitchen items. Here are some must-have items to ensure your cheap caravan holidays are enjoyable and comfortable.

Important Documents

The following are the essential documents you need to bring with you for cheap caravan holidays in the UK:

•  Driving license

•  Insurance documents (travel insurance and health insurance)

•  Booking confirmation (booking confirmation for caravan rental and camping site)

Clothing and Personal Items

The following are the clothing and personal items you need to bring with you for cheap caravan holidays in the UK:

•  All seasons clothing (light clothing, warm clothing, rain gear and waterproof jackets)

•  Shoes (walking shoes and slippers)

•  Personal hygiene products (toiletries, towels, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, shower gel, etc.)

•  Bedding (thin quilts, pillows, sheets and pillowcases)

•  Sun protection products (sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, etc.)

•  Mosquito repellent (mosquito repellent)

•  Garbage bags

Food and Cooking Utensils

The following are the food and cooking utensils you need to bring with you for cheap caravan holidays in the UK:

•  Basic food (non-perishable food, such as canned food, dry food, snacks, etc.)

•  Seasonings

•  Bottled water

•  Portable kitchen utensils (multi-purpose pots, barbecue utensils, etc.)

•  Portable tableware (bowls, plates, chopsticks, knives, forks, etc.)

•  In-car coffee maker/kettle

Safety and Emergency Supplies

The following are the safety and emergency supplies you need to bring on cheap caravan holidays in the UK:

•  Maps and navigation equipment

•  Lighting equipment (flashlight or headlamp)

•  First aid kit (common medicines, band-aids, disinfectant, etc.)

•  Charging equipment (portable power station)

•  Portable power or generator

For certain cheap caravan holidays, they will not provide electricity hookups; at that time, a portable power supply, like a solar generator, is far more critical. A solar generator is essential for caravans because it provides a clean, renewable energy source. Caravanners can power their lights and appliances while off-grid in remote areas without relying on traditional power hookups. Here, we highly recommend Jackery Solar Generator, you can combine Jackery Solar Panels with a Portable Power Station to turn sunlight into electricity within a minute. On sunny days, please put it on the ground to absorb more sunlight; on rainy or cloudy days, you can recharge it in your caravan. 

Maintenance Tools

The following are the maintenance tools you need to bring on cheap caravan holidays in the UK:

•  Tow rope

•  Electric air pump

•  Tire pressure gauge

•  On-board toolbox (essential tools such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.)

•  Anti-skid chains

Entertainment and comfort items

The following recreational and comfort items are optional:

•  Books

•  Laptops

•  Mobile phones and chargers

•  U-shaped pillows

•  Eye masks

•  Earplugs

•  Portable seats or reclining chairs

•  Blackout curtains

Whether it is daily necessities, entertainment or emergency handling, this list can help you cope with almost every situation during cheap caravan holidays. Finally, check your luggage carefully before departure to ensure all necessary items are prepared.

Jackery Solar Generators for Caravans

Besides choosing cheap caravan holidays, there are many other ways to save money on a trip with your caravan. For example, using a solar generator can save you money because it costs nothing to make or store power. The solar generator can always work as long as there is sunlight. In the UK, it often rains or clouds, so you can charge the generator by plugging it into a wall or powering it with a carport.

The solar generator gives them more freedom and flexibility in their travels and is also better for the environment. It makes caravanning more sustainable by eliminating the need for noisy, fuel-based generators.

We highly recommend Jackery Solar Generator, which is a portable solar system, ranging from 99Wh to 12 kWh to satisfy all your power needs basically. With 25% sunlight conversion rate in Jackery Solar Panels, and the LiFePO4 battery or lithium-ion battery inside a Jackery Portable Power Station allows you to use solar energy with a longer lifespan.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 combines SolarSaga 100W or 200W solar panels with Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station. It quickly charges your caravan essentials, like lights, coolers, and portable stoves. You can also keep your devices charged to capture every unforgettable moment. This way, you can enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing modern comfort. We will introduce each component of Solar Generator 1000 v2 separately:

SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel

The Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel lets you stay charged with solar power! Its high conversion efficiency of up to 25% makes it perfect for life outside and even when power goes out. The solar panel weighs only 8 lbs, is lightweight, foldable, and has an easy-carry handle that makes it more portable.

The Solar Saga 100 has two kickstands that can be placed firmly on any flat surface, so you can immediately start getting power from the sun for your Jackery power station. The TPE rubber handle makes it easy to carry on off-grid adventures.

Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station

With 1007Wh capacity, The Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station has an impressive 1500W output, 50% more than earlier models. It can easily power high-demand items like refrigerators, kettles, and portable air conditioners. With its USB-A/C ports and up to 100W dual PD charging, it can charge two devices (like a phone and a laptop) at the same time, making it the perfect power accessory for any situation.

The Explorer 1000 v2 is certified to IEC 60068 standards and has a high-impact, fire-resistant case that meets and exceeds strict fire-retardant requirements. This ensures that it lasts longer and is safer for worry-free outdoor activities.

The following are the working hours for using Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 to charge caravan appliances:

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus combines SolarSaga 100W or 200W solar panels with Explorer 1000 Plus to convert sunlight into electricity. Its expandable capacity from 1.26 to 5 kWh makes it a solid portable power solution that delivers outstanding performance for outdoor activities and home backup, including caravans. We also introduce each component.

SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel

The Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panel has a high solar conversion rate of up to 25%, so you can quickly go green. The ETFE-laminated case lasts longer, and the suggested angle lets the most sunlight in, making it the perfect power source for trips outside and backups at home. Moving it around is easy because it folds up and can quickly connect to a power station for the best solar power system.

At 200W, it has the highest power rate of all of Jackery's solar panels and charges your phone the fastest. The stands can be adjusted, and the solar panels are made with monocrystalline cells and a honeycomb pattern that traps light.

Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station

The Explorer 1000 Plus has a powerful 2000W pure sine wave generator and a 1264Wh LiFePO4 battery that lasts a very long time. This means that it has enough power for almost all of your devices. Adding up to three more battery packs makes increasing its power to 5kWh possible, which is pretty cool.

The MPPT technology ensures that solar panels work 99% of the time. With 4 SolarSaga 200W solar cells, it takes 2 hours to charge from 0% to 100% of the battery when plugged into a wall. You won't have to worry about losing electricity if you have a car (supporting carport recharging).

Jackery's ChargeShield fast charge technology is the best in its field. It uses a stepped variable-speed charging method to make charging safer and extend the life of battery packs by 50%. The power station can be fully charged in about 5.5 hours, even at 45°C outside.

The following are the working hours for using Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus to charge caravan appliances:

Tips for Enjoying Cheap Caravan Holidays

Want to enjoy a unique, cheap caravan holiday experience on a budget? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your caravan holiday in the UK. They can help you make the most of the many advantages of caravan travel while also avoiding the unnecessary troubles that may arise.

Vehicle Inspection

When picking up the car, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the caravan's facilities with extreme care. Ensure all equipment is in working order, especially key facilities such as water and electricity supply, cooking utensils, and beds. Any minor defects may cause great inconvenience in subsequent travel, so resolve them correctly when picking up the car.

Buy Comprehensive Insurance

Be familiar with the insurance terms in the car rental contract and understand the insurance coverage and claim settlement process. If an accident occurs, you should contact the car rental company in time to handle it and ensure that your rights are protected. In addition, comprehensive travel insurance can avoid more significant economic losses.

Plan Your Driving Route

Use advanced navigation tools, such as Google Maps, to check the traffic conditions on the driving route in advance. Plan the best route before travelling and try to avoid congested roads. At the same time, real-time traffic information must be monitored to adjust the route flexibly according to the situation and make the best choice.

Timeliness of Roadside Assistance

When renting a caravan, confirm whether 24-hour roadside assistance is provided and properly keep the relevant contact information. Once you encounter a vehicle breakdown or other emergency while driving, you can get rescue services in time to ensure the smooth progress of the trip.

Cheap Caravan Holidays FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about cheap caravan holidays in the UK:

1. How can you save money on cheap caravan holidays in the UK?

Here are some practical tips to save money on cheap caravan holidays.

Plan and book ahead

Bring your gear and food

Choose a budget campsite

Avoid extra costs (caravan rental companies often offer extra services such as navigation devices, additional insurance, etc.)

Organize your trip properly (avoiding long driving distances and frequent relocations can reduce fuel consumption and wear and tear costs.)

2. What is the ultimate secret to planning cheap caravan holidays?

The ultimate secret to planning cheap caravan holidays is to think outside the box. First, avoid popular destinations. Second, avoid going during the peak tourist season. Finally, caravan and campsite rental prices often fluctuate constantly.

3. What are the challenges of cheap caravan holidays in the UK?

Although cheap caravan holidays seem tempting, they are accompanied by many challenges. In the UK, cheap caravan holidays often face the following challenges:

Unstable weather conditions

Poor facilities at cheap caravan sites

Limited storage space for caravans

Problems with driving and parking caravans

Maintenance and cleaning of caravans 

Final Thoughts

Although cheap caravan holidays are economical in the UK, their challenges cannot be ignored. Travellers must be fully prepared and have psychological expectations before departure to truly enjoy the fun this unique way of travel brings. The detailed guide above lets you plan a cheap caravan holiday in the UK. Whether travelling along the coastline or reminiscing the glory of the royal castle, caravan travel allows you to experience the unique charm of the UK most naturally.