Buying a family caravan is a unique purchase; one that if you choose wisely will bring you years of fantastic touring and great memories. The Practical Caravan Awards 2024 are here to help, as our expert judging panel have used our collective years of experience within the industry to pick out the best caravan for families.
A good family caravan will ensure everyone has the space and comfort they need to enjoy their tour, with the practicalities of day-to-day life catered for. That’s certainly something that this year’s winner, the Bailey Phoenix GT75 762, provides – our judges think it has a layout that works well for families, as well as offering an impressive end washroom.
In this guide, you’ll be able to see what we made of the 762, as well as our shortlisted contenders, featuring models from Adria, Swift and more. You can also see the tourers that we picked out last year, featuring some of the best caravan brands, such as Coachman, Hobby, Knaus and more.
As well as that, we highlight the other standout family caravans from recent years that have really impressed us, with manufacturers such as Bailey, Elddis and more all featuring – you can also take a look at our best caravan round-up for more tourer inspiration.
The best caravan for families is:
Bailey Phoenix GT75 762
- Price: £27,499
- Berths: 6
- MTPLM: 1636kg
- MIRO: 1456kg
- Payload: 180kg
- Shipping length: 7.86m
- Width: 2.21m
Reason to buy:
- A useful family layout, particularly if children eat separately
Reason to avoid:
- Not for you if you like to give children their own separate space
These types of caravan need to be flexible, and this new six-berth in Bailey’s anniversary Phoenix range is certainly that. It comes with one set of permanent bunks next to a side dinette that can also make one or even two extra bunks, just in case your kids want to bring their friends along, or if you have a growing family.
But Bailey has also bucked the trend in recent years for separating off the children’s area of a caravan. Here you are all together for extra fun times. That side dinette is also close to the kitchen, so hungry kids can still be fed while adults prefer to relax in the front lounge. And all that means you get an extra big family sized washroom spread across the back in this year’s winner of the best family caravan category.
Spec this year includes a new design stable door (to keep the dogs in if you have to) while the caravan also comes with a SONOS speaker. You will just have to argue over who is in charge of it!
Full review: Bailey Phoenix GT75 762
The best family caravans – our shortlisted picks:
Bailey Pegasus GT75 Messina
- Price: £31,499
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1708kg
- MiRO: 1548kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Shipping length: 7.86m
- Width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- Great update, useful garage
Reason to avoid:
- You might need a bigger car
Families tend to take a lot of stuff away with them, and this caravan makes special provision for that by including a small garage at the back that is big enough to take surf boards, golf bags and so on. With a payload of 160kg, the choice is yours, although, even if this is a twin axle (check out our best twin axle caravan guide for more), you would still need to be careful not to overload this back end as that could affect towing. It’s a bit of a hefty beast too, as it is 8ft wide, so you might need a bigger car.
Inside you get a comfortable in-line island bed for the adults and a front lounge that is both comfortable and includes two settees that should be long enough to sleep your kids until they are old enough to flee the nest. The special graphics and grey side panels on this anniversary edition set it off too.
Full review: Bailey Pegasus GT75 Messina
Swift Elegance Grande 760
- Price: £43,495
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1871kg
- MIRO: 1674kg
- Payload: 197kg
- Shipping length: 7.57m
- Width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- Single axle keeps the weight – and cost – down
Reason to avoid:
- L-shaped settees turn into irregular beds that not everyone likes
With this 8ft-wide caravan, the adults get a comfortable inline island bed at the rear that is separated from the rest of the tourer by a large and spacious central washroom.
That washroom is therefore equally accessible at night for your kids, who can either share the pull-out double, or sleep head to toe on the L-shaped settee (assuming you haven’t come with an awning, which one of them could choose to sleep in instead). That L-shaped settee creates plenty of space in the front lounge so you won’t be falling over each other either.
While you still get a decent payload (197kg – easily enough for a family) the fact that this caravan only has a single axle means it’s a fraction cheaper than its twin axle cousins, and around 200kg lighter. As a result, you may not need such a large car to tow it.
Full review: Swift Elegance Grande 760
Adria Action 391 PT
- Price: from £25,780.00
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1300kg
- MIRO: TBC
- Payload: TBC
- Shipping length: 5.97m
- Width: 2.20m
Reason to buy:
- A sporty caravan that’s now available for families.
Reason to avoid:
- Side door can make loading bikes a bit more tricky
Adria’s Action caravan was always intended for more sporty types with a rugged appearance and plenty of space inside to store your bicycles while on the move. But up until this season, it has always been a caravan for couples, given that there were only two berths in the 361 LT, the only model in the range. That changes this year with the arrival of the 391 PT, which features a drop-down bed over the front lounge in the caravan.
While is it by no means the only rugged caravan designed for families – Swift, for example, has experimented with its Basecamp range, which includes the Basecamp 3 and Basecamp 6 in the past – the arrival of Adria’s new caravan means that sporty families do have a wider choice.
The family caravans we shortlisted at the Practical Caravan Awards 2023 are:
Last year, the Coachman Laser 665 was picked out as the best family caravan on the market, with our judges impressed by its comfy rear beds and washroom. Here, you can see what we made of it, and the other shortlisted models.
Coachman Laser 665
- Price: £40,705
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1828kg
- MiRO: 1668kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Shipping length: 7.90m
- Width: 2.31m
Reason to buy:
- Great washroom, comfy rear beds
Reason to avoid:
- Some people might think the washroom is too much
One thing families need in caravans is lots of space to move around in, as well as places different generations can make their own. The Laser 665 has all of that.
The adults get a rear bedroom with two long and comfortable beds and with a huge amount of storage. The equally comfortable front lounge, with easily enough seating space for the whole family and more besides, and with a large table you can easily take out of its nearby storage slot, should provide more than enough space for the kids to mess around in on a wet afternoon without getting in your way. (There are also enough digital connections to make sure that vital connection to Tiktok is maintained.)
The two-way opening fridge isn’t far off either, next to a kitchen unit with great workspace.
As these two areas are at opposite ends of the van, you needn’t intrude on each other if you don’t want to.
But in between these two spaces, and partitioning them apart, is this caravan’s real piece de resistance: a space that you have to keep reminding yourself is in a caravan washroom, not a hotel en suite. Along with a wide shower, and a good size basin, there is a huge wardrobe with drawers underneath, so your kids should never have to share that storage space in the bedroom with you. No interruptions in the early morning, then? Perfect.
Full review: Coachman Laser 665
Hobby Maxia 585 UL
- Price: TBC
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1700kg
- MiRO: 1516kg
- Payload: 184kg
- Length: 7.69m
- Width: 2.50m
Reason to buy:
- Great sectioned off areas for parents and children
Reason to avoid:
- Main seating area is at the rear, so the view may not be so good
Hobby is a brand well known for its German quality and overall stylish interior designs.
The Maxia range follows suit, with a very contemporary interior that will turn heads.
The 585 UL is an ideal family tourer in that it offers a rear full wraparound seating area complete with large table, ideal for sitting down together for mealtimes. A well equipped kitchen sits opposite the wardrobe and decently sized central washroom.
In the front end of the 585 UL, you’ll find twin single beds are fitted. Having these twin beds is ideal for children, providing them with their own bedroom, as this area can be partitioned off from the main section of the van. The rear end turns into a large double bed, giving parents an area to relax in too.
Knaus Azur 500 EU
- Price: £37,760
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1800kg
- MiRO: 1630kg
- Payload: 170kg
- Length: 7.34m
- Width: 2.31m
Reason to buy:
- Stylish, eye-catching and practical
Reason to avoid:
Knaus is well known for its practical family caravan designs, and the Azur 500 EU is one such model. This new range has an incredibly strikingly modern interior design, with new lighting moods to enhance night time illumination. With lots of innovative storage ideas, this is a perfect family tourer. The rear end lounge is a wrap-around design, ideal for family mealtimes. The side kitchen offers a three-burner hob and good storage, while the washroom combines style with practicality, and is ideal for showering small children.
The front end has twin single beds, so children can be put to bed while parents have their own living area in the Azur’s rear lounge. Coming with Alde heating, this is a van which provides all year round comfort, enclosed in smartly designed bodywork.
Adria Altea 622DK Avon
- Price: £27,720
- Berths: 6
- MTPLM: 1650kg
- Payload: 242kg
- MiRO: 1408kg
- Length: 8.28m
- Width: 2.30m
Reason to buy:
- Great family layout, capable of sleeping six
Reason to avoid:
- Very modern styling may not be to everyone’s taste
Adria is one of the leading makes when it comes to designing family-oriented tourers, and the revamped Avon is no different.
This family caravan is capable of sleeping up to six, and features a large front lounge area which allows a family to socialise at mealtimes. The kitchen comes with Adria’s exclusive integral three-burner hob, plus a good worktop, ideal for meal preparation. The side washroom offers a modern design, coming with storage and a large side window for plenty of natural light and ventilation.
However, the major feature for families will be the twin side fixed bunk beds, which are solid and come with comfortable mattresses. Opposite the bunks is the side dinette, providing children with their own space, separate from the grown ups. With new interior and exterior improvements the Avon is a top choice for the larger caravanning family.
Full review: Adria Altea 622DK Avon
Swift Challenger Grande 670
- Price: £34,995
- Berths: 6
- MTPLM: 1790kg
- Payload: 180kg
- MiRO: 1610kg
- Shipping length: 7.98m
- Width: 2.45m
The 670 isn’t due to be launched until later this season, but, if you are after a family-sized caravan, this could well be one worth waiting for.
It’s the first six berth caravan to be included in the Challenger Grande range. That means you get the tried and tested spec level that has made Challenger a successful mid-market caravan range for nigh on 40 years. Only you get it in eight feet of width, and with six berths.
The berths offer a bit of flexibility too, as there is a corner bed in the rear, next to a bunk bed. So either the adults can sleep at the back here with the smaller children in the bunks while older children are up front. Or you as adults could sacrifice a fixed bed for the satisfaction of having your own sleeping area up front, while all the kids could stay together at the back.
The 670 should also include a washroom spread across the van, with the shower on the nearside, and a side kitchen with a sideboard area next to the door.
Go for the SE version (for £1700 more) and you will get the reassurance of ATC, plus superior upholstery and a superior Yuasa battery.
Elddis Crusader Tempest
- Price: £39,899
- Berths: 6
- MTPLM: 1880kg
- MiRO: 1701kg
- Payload: 179kg
- Shipping length: 8.19m
- Width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- Great flexible family layout, warm interior
Reason to avoid:
- You’ll need a big tow car
The Tempest layout, featuring a rear bedroom with a double corner bed and bunks, a central washroom spread across the van, and a front lounge with parallel settees, has made a return to the Crusader range now that all models in the range are 8ft wide.
That of course pays dividends for the rear bedroom, because the beds don’t feel so on top of one another. But it is also a bonus in the front lounge, which feels much more airy and spacious, and of course in that central washroom.
This caravan layout is alway a great one for a family, because you can either have the parents and small kids in the back with more grown-up kids in the back, or the parents can get the front to themselves and leave all the kids in their own den at the back. This way everyone also has easy access to the washroom as well.
Elddis’s brown and beige with a splash of red colour scheme should also help this interior to feel warm even on cold autumn half-term days.
Full review: Elddis Crusader Tempest
Freedom Carpento 410
- Price: from £21,595
- Berths: 5
- MTPLM: 1000kg
- MIRO: 780kg
- Payload: 220kg
- Shipping length: 5.4m
- Width: 2.21m
Reason to buy:
- Loads of flexibility at a great price
Reason to avoid:
- A bit of a squeeze for five
This smart and compact van looks charming. It has a certain amount of retro styling and with its five berths will definitely appeal to families. Tailored for the British market with the door on the UK side, the 410 is based on an Al-Ko chassis with a heat-resistant 32mm sandwich body made from a glass fibre skin. We liked the almost completely panoramic window, which filled the lounge with light aided by a skylight.
While the compact kitchen provides a two-burner gas hob, a sink with locker storage below, and a 50-litre 12V fridge. The washroom is small, but that compromise allows for more sleeping options. The front table and seats turn into a 1.3 x 2m bed and at the other end of the van, it’s a similar system, with a pull-down bunk up above. It’s tight for a family of five, but great for a smaller family who might be bringing the odd guest.
If you’re looking for more compact tourer inspiration, be sure to take a look at our guide to the best small caravans is worth a look.
Full review: Freedom Carpento 410
We also recommend the following family caravans from recent years:
There are some standout family caravans from recent years – we reveal our top picks here.
Elddis Avante/Compass Casita 586
- Price: £21,194
- Berths: 6
- MTPLM: 1460kg
- Overall length: 7.35m
- Width: 2.26m
The 586 is a popular choice for families, providing bunks at the back and a dinette in the middle of the caravan, opposite the kitchen. The dinette makes æ…up into a single bed with a bunk above. It’s a very flexible set up, which would suit a family of four, five or six. This year the van is equipped with Whale’s new ‘CompleteHeat’ system that claims to provide you with hot water in just five minutes. The corner washroom is a good size with a shower cubicle and dressing area. Kit includes a dual-fuel hob, a separate oven and grill, a microwave and ATC. Space is tight for six people, but has been used to the best advantage.
Buy if … you’re looking for a flexible family layout
Pros
Good washroom
New heating system
Flexible layout
Cons
Space is a bit tight for six
Exterior locker access is an option rather than standard
Read our full review of the Compass Casita 586
Adria Altea 622DK Avon
- Price: £19,995
- Berths: 6
- MTPLM: 1650kg
- Overall length: 8.28m
- Width: 2.29
This innovative six-berth has the option of a triple bunk at the rear offside. We say ‘option’ because the lower bunk has external access and can be used as storage space instead. Opposite, on the nearside, is a side dinette that turns into a single bed 1.89 x 0.84m (6ft 2in x 2ft 9”) and up front the U-shaped seating converts into a large double bed 2.12 x 1.89 (6ft 11in x 6ft 2in or two singles.
Instead of a central chest at the front you get a flap that serves as an occasional table when it’s up and a backrest when it’s down. The kitchen kit comprises an in-line three-burner gas hob with large integrated steel sink, a combination oven and grill, microwave oven and a tall fridge/freezer (140 litres). The washroom has a good sized shower with hanging rail, and a swivel cassette toilet.
Storage is pretty good with two wardrobes, one between the bunks and the single bed, and one next to the washroom. External access to storage is on the nearside, under the front sofa, and on the offside to the lower bunk.
At £20,000 this is keenly priced and comes with an AKS stabiliser. their long A-frames (designed to take a cycle rack)
Buy if… you’re looking for a well-priced family van
Pros
Up front sofas can convert to double or single beds.
Large fridge/freezer
Good storage in the main
Cons
Could do with extra USB points
Kitchen storage just about adequate
Read our review of the Adria Altea range
Adria Adora 623DT Sava
- Price: £25,495
- Berths: 5
- MTPLM: 1800kg
- Overall length: 8294
- Width: 2.45m 8ft
Adria’s mid-market twin-axle van is keenly priced. It comes with Al-Ko’s delta axle and stabiliser so will be stable on the road although you will need a hefty car (something with a kerbweight in the region of 2100kg) to tow it. Keeping the van firmly planted while on pitch are four heavy-duty stabilisers.
This layout has a rear washroom and forward of that two good-sized bunks (1.96m x 0.77m / 6’5” x 2’6”) on the nearside and a single bed (1.89 x 0.77 / 6’2” x 2’6”) made up from the dinette. All big enough to take adults, although you should probably check for weight limitation on the upper bunk.
Alde central heating keeps the van warm. In the lounge the U-shaped seating converts into a very large double bed unimpeded by a central chest. Instead a sturdy flap makes an occasional table for your cuppa and book.
A sideboard to the right of the door has storage for the lightweight table and a tower of switches and sockets above it. This includes one mains socket, two USB sockets and a TV socket.
Kitchen kit includes a Thetford oven with separate grill, microwave, an inline three-burner gas hob with integrated sink, plus a tall 140-litre fridge.
The washroom has a very large shower cubicle.
Buy if… you’re looking for a van to accommodate a family of young adults
Pros
Well-appointed washroom with huge shower cubicle
Very comfortable front lounge
Cons
No Al-Ko ATC fitted as standard
Read our full review of the Adria Adora 623DT Sava
Sprite Super Quattro DB
- Price: £22,440
- Berths: 6
- MTPLM: 1700kg
- Overall length: 7.98m (26ft 2in)
- Width: 2.46m (8ft)
The DB is one of three Super Quattros on twin axles in Swift Group’s Sprite range. The FB and DB are six berths, while the EB is a four-berth.
It’s one of the cheapest eight-foot wide vans on the UK market – that is before you add the front panoramic window (£365), AL-KO ATC trailer stability control (£349) and the Diamond Pack (£610), and you will want this because it includes an AKS3004 hitch stabiliser, a microwave, door flyscreen, alloys and a stereo. You might also want to buy a motor mover for fine tuning placement on site, on your drive or in storage.
You will get the Swift Command system, and you have the option to subscribe to a pre-installed Thatcham Category S7 approved pro-active tracker.
Both six-berths have a U-shaped dinette at the centre of the van, which should seat four for dining, and gives you the option of leaving the front lounge made up as a double bed should you want to. The DB also has a small seating area at the rear, between the bunk beds and the good-sized offside corner washroom.
Sleeping wise you have an enormous double at the front, or it can be used as two single beds at 5ft 11in x 2ft 4in, the dinette in the middle can be converted into a decent sized bed at 6ft 3in x 4ft 5in, while the bunk beds at the back are 6ft x 2ft 4in.
Buy if… you are looking for a spacious family van for a reasonable price
Pros
Fantastic sense of space
Flexible interior layout
Two USB ports
Cons
Key kit is on the options list rather than standard
Read our full review of the Sprite Super Quattro DB
Buccaneer Aruba 2020
- Price: £34,994
- Berths: 6
- MTPLM: 1983 kg
- Overall length: 8.16m
- Width: 2.44 m
This is definitely one to leave on a seasonal pitch, but you’ll want to visit all year round, it has Alde underfloor heating, central heating and water heating – all programmable. It’s a six-berth, but would just as easily suit a couple keen to live in the lap of caravan luxury and who might occasionally invite along family and friends to share in their home from home. It could accommodate three couples: there’s a nearside fixed bed (6’3” long) at the back, a midships dinette (6’1”x4’2”) that will transform into a small double at night, and a large lounge at the front that will convert into a a good-sized double 6’11” x 4’8”.
It’s the little things, such as cast iron pan stands on the hob, and a pull-out line in the shower, that give this twin-axle, eight-foot wide van a touch of glamour, and for the practical minded it has a self-levelling system.
Expect to find a dual-fuel four-burner hob, separate oven and grill, microwave and a large fridge in the kitchen. The offside rear corner washroom has all the pretensions of a large end washroom.
There’s plenty of storage, too, with a huge cavity under the fixed bed, accessed via gas struts, 14 overhead lockers in addition to a half-length wardrobe and a selection of seat boxes. Two of these, the nearside lounge seat box and the French bed, can be accessed from the outside.
Buy if … you’re looking for a little luxury in a big van
Pros
Versatile space
Good-sized washroom
Alde programmable heating
Cons
You will need a large tow car to pull it
Read our full review of the Buccaneer Aruba
Bailey Phoenix 760
- Price: £22,499
- Berths: 6
- MTPLM: 1600kg
- Overall length: 7.86m (25’10”)
- Width: 2.21m (7’3”)
This 6-berth would suit a family of four, five or six. The layout has the children’s space at the back of the van separated from grown-up space by the spacious central washroom.
The van sits on a twin axle and comes with an Al-Ko AKS 3004 stabiliser and wheel lock receiver. If you want the ATC trailer control system that’s an option and it’s pre-wired for a motor mover.
External highlights include access to a locker on the rear offside and on the front nearside. The gas locker is located midway, just in front of the twin axle, and there’s Bailey’s signature vertical window.
A stable door gives access to a well-equipped kitchen where kit includes a four-burner gas hob, separate oven and grill, microwave and a Dometic 134-litre tower fridge/freezer. Storage is good here, too, with shelves and a tall cupboard, next to the cooker, where the freestanding table is kept, and a dresser on the nearside, which houses the microwave. Over the hob is a worktop cover, extending food preparation space.
The comfy front sofas, with knee rolls and square back rests, are transformed at night into a double bed (6’2”x4’9”) or two singles (6’1”x 2’1”). A domestic-style door separates the kitchen from the central washroom, which has a shower and wardrobe on the nearside and loo and basin on the offside, this is separated from the bedroom area by a sliding door.
At the back are two fixed bunks (6’1”x2’2”) on the offside and a side dinette that make up into two bunks (5’11”x2’4’ lower and 5’8”x2’0” upper). This is a great space for the children giving them somewhere to play, eat, watch TV, sleep and call their own.
This well-planned van has a Truma heating and hot water system, with the control panel above the kitchen worktop.
Buy this… if you want a well-priced van where the kids have their own space
Pros
Inexpensive
Well thought out layout
USB points in spotlights
Two TV points
Cons
No positive latches on overhead lockers
Al-Ko ATC Trailer control system is a £425 option
Read our news story on the Bailey Phoenix range
Elddis Affinity 574
- Price: £23,794
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1467kgs
- Overall length: 7.2m (23’7”)
- Width: 2.26m (7’5”)
The twin single beds layout is incredibly versatile and this one, which has a central washroom, is a good version of it. It can be used by families of four, couples, friends and grandparents taking the grandchildren away. It has longevity, too, when the children grow up and stop holidaying with you the van reverts to being ideal for couples. That central washroom, which can be shut off from the bedroom by a sliding door and the living space by a domestic-style door is especially useful. Children need not be disturbed when the adults want to use the washroom.
The lounge converted into a double bed may be a tad cosy at just 3’8” wide but at 6’6” it’s plenty long enough and the children can luxuriate in twin singles at 6’1”x2’4” . If the children are small and it’s early nights all round, you can of course have the children sleeping on the single sofas, but they are not long enough for adults.
Other attributes include a stargazer rooflight, Alde central heating, a dual-fuel hob and separate oven and grill, plus a microwave and fridge. Storage is good all round with two of the seat and bed boxes accessible from the outside.
Buy if… you want a van that will do as a family van and a couple’s van
Pros
Central washroom separates two sleeping areas
Great storage
Well specified
Cons
Lounge is a bit short
Read our full review of the Eldiss Affinity 574
How we choose the best caravan for families
A family caravan needs to be comfortable and spacious, taking into consideration the practicalities of day-to-day life on tour for you all. Things we take into account include the ease of putting the beds together, the storage, the value for money provided, the layout, the ease of using the washroom and kitchen, and the amount of space available for the whole family, amongst other things.
We’re in a good position to be judging these things. Between us, our expert team have decades of experience in the caravan industry, and over this period of time, we’ve developed a keen awareness of what makes not just a good family tourer, but what to look out for when choosing the best family caravan.
We regularly test and review caravans – we look at, feel and experience what we’re talking about. You can see over 400 models in our caravan reviews section, and we add more all the time, with our honest reviews pointing out both the pros and the cons of each model, ensuring you are aware of the whole picture. You can find out more about how we test our vans on our About Us page.
Our Owner Satisfaction Awards also give us a valuable insight into the experience our readers are having too, so we can see how they feel about the numerous manufacturers out there.
Pooling this together puts us in a confident position to start drawing up a shortlist of the standout models for this category.
We initially draw up a preliminary list of models that we think could be worth including, before whittling it down to a final shortlist. Every model on the list is a worthy contender, and a great touring experience is a certainty with any of them. We’ll provide you with our opinion on why they’re among the best caravans for families, as well as drawing attention to the pros and cons of each model.
Those looking for a family ’van might like to check out best caravans for seasonal pitches or best 6 berth caravans.
Alternatively, if you’re constricted by budget, you may like to consult our list of the best caravans under £20,000. If you’re budget can stretch a bit further, we’ve also compiled a list of the best caravans over £30,000. For something smaller check out best 2-berth caravans
If none of these models sound like the caravan you’re looking for, check the rest of our caravan reviews to see if there might be a model more suited to you – we’re uploading more all the time!
Or what about a motorhome? Check out some of these options Best 2 berth motorhomes, Best 4 berth motorhomes, Best 6 berth motorhomes , Best A-class motorhomes and more
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