The UK Static Caravan Staycation is Here to Stay
The current spike in popularity of the “UK staycation holiday” is here to stay according to static caravan manufacturers Willerby. The UK “staycation” is experiencing unprecedented popularity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many people, including new types of customers, embracing the lifestyle and wellbeing benefits of holidaying in the UK.
In 2021 Willerby opened a fifth production line at its Hull site and has taken on well over 200 additional staff within the past year, in response to increasing demand for static caravan holiday homes, lodges, and residential park homes, with its order book now full until well into 2023.
Willerby Static Caravans surveyed 584 of its Owners Club members, of which 118 bought their first holiday home after the first lockdown in March 2020. The survey highlighted a definite shift towards younger consumers buying static caravans as holiday homes, with those aged under 50 doubling from 9% pre-COVID to 18%.
Newer owners also said they intended to use their holiday homes more often, with 96% planning to visit at least once a month, compared to 91% of more historical consumers. A total of 43% of newer owners said they are enjoying long weekends in their holiday homes, compared to 30% of those who bought before March 2020. In addition, 14% of more recent static caravan buyers are also using their holiday homes for two or three-day midweek getaways, compared to 8% who bought their holiday homes before the pandemic struck.
GP and television personality Dr Hilary Jones back up this increase in the Static Caravan Staycation trend of continued growth. He said
“The pandemic has changed our lives in many ways and people now realise the numerous advantages of staying on our own shores. They are very happy to have a staycation because it’s more convenient and less stressful. Holiday homes give people greater freedom and versatility to regularly get away from day-to-day life when it suits them, rather than have the pressure and expectation that often comes with planning a longer foreign holiday. I would certainly recommend staycations for positive metal health. The staycation is a great way to relax and unwind, away from life’s pressures, and I’m not at all surprised that all the indications point towards its continued popularity as people embrace this highly attractive lifestyle.”
Dr Hilary also went on to explain that he believes the impact of climate change will increase the likelihood of more people choosing to holiday in the UK, rather than in hotter foreign climates, in years to come.
Peter Munk, CEO of Willerby has been quoted as supporting this idea too by saying:
“There’s no doubt about it – the staycation is definitely here to stay. More and more people have had their eyes opened to the health and wellbeing, social and community benefits of owning their own holiday home. They’ve experienced it, loved it and now they want more – and long may that continue.”
Static Trader supports Willerby’s view the staycation is here to stay. We have witnessed significant growth in the number of new holiday park and lodge resorts entering the market, with an 85% increase in the number of sites joining its portfolio in 2021 compared to the same period before the pandemic in 2019. The holiday home industry is adapting rapidly in response to increasing customer demand for static caravans.
Static Trader hopes that all these newcomers to static caravanning or lodge ownership are enjoying the mental health benefits that come with owning a static caravan.
Looking to Buy a Used or New Static Caravan?
Static Trader has a wide selection of new and used static caravans available for you to buy. Whether you want a single, double, or lodge style static caravan we have the right unit for you. We also buy caravans so if you wish to upgrade and sell your current caravan, we will be happy to purchase it from you.
View our current stock of used and new static caravans on our website here – Buy a Caravan – or call us on 01797 222 333 to get more information or to book a viewing. Viewings at our Rye-based showground are highly recommended. So why not pop down and let us show you around the static caravans models you’re interested in, answering any questions you may have.
If you are upgrading or you just wish to sell your static caravan, then provide us with the information and we will get back to you with a price – Sell My Caravan
