Seasonal pitches offer caravanners the opportunity to position their caravans on a favoured site for the whole of a season. It’s cheaper than buying a static caravan, and means you can choose a different site every season. So if you’re happy to spend a few weeks or months in one location but want the flexibility of trying somewhere different next year – this could be the way to go. But what is the best caravan for seasonal pitches?
We’re on hand to help, as we have used our decades of collective experience within the industry to choose the winner of the best seasonal pitch caravan at the Practical Caravan Awards 2026, as well as reveal our shortlisted options.
Our winner this year is the Bailey Pegasus Black Bologna, a tourer that we think makes a fantastic choice for a seasonal caravan pitch. We particularly like how it’s available at a cheaper price than its rivals, but it still manages to work just as well.
In this guide, you’ll also be able to see what we made of the shortlisted models, which feature tourers from Coachman and Buccaneer, as well as take a look at the vans that made our shortlist last year. You’ll find some of the biggest names in the industry included, such as Bailey, Adria and Hobby – if you’d like to find out more about these brands, head to our guide to the best caravan manufacturers.
The best caravans for seasonal pitches are:
Shortlisted at the Practical Caravan Awards 2026
Bailey Pegasus Black Bologna
Coachman Laser 845 Xtra
Buccaneer Starliner Barracuda
Our top picks from recent years
Bailey Alicanto Deluxe Alvor
Swift Elegance Grande 835
Swift Elegance Grande 760
Coachman Laser Xtra 665
Coachman Laser Xcel 850
Bailey Alicanto Grande Evora
Adria Alpina Rio Grande
Sprite Super Quattro EB
The best caravan for seasonal pitches:
Bailey Pegasus Black Bologna
- Price: £32,499
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1675kg
- MIRO: 1505kg
- Payload: 170kg
- Shipping length: 7.91m
- Width: 2.43m
Reason to buy:
- A cheaper alternative that works just as well
Reason to avoid:
- You only get blown air heating, so need to wait for it to warm things up
The best caravan for a seasonal pitch at the Practical Caravan Awards 2026
For those looking for a seasonal pitch caravan, the new generation Bologna could be a good bet. It’s a more budget-friendly prospect than the other two shortlisted options at this year’s Awards.
It comes with an L-shaped lounge, as well as a new L-shaped kitchen, allowing a little bit more space for working on a bit more complicated dishes.
And while the rear bedroom may not be so secluded because the washroom is at the rear, Bailey has changed the design of it this year so that you no longer have two wardrobes hemming in each side of the bed, but two considerable bedside tables instead, just as you would at home. You still get the wardrobe – it’s in the rear offside corner, with a hanging space that is more practical than it ever was with two wardrobes, and larger too. And you get a dresser unit with a handy mirror nearby.
Full review: Bailey Pegasus Black Edition Bologna
Coachman Laser 845 Xtra
- Price: £43,900
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1916kg
- MIRO: 1756kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Shipping length: 7.90m
- Width: 2.44m
Reason to buy:
- A great seasonal solution now with a bigger shower
Reason to avoid:
- Self-levelling is only an optional extra
Highly commended at the Practical Caravan Awards 2026
In a caravan that you are effectively going to use as a second home, you need a comfortable lounge where everyone can spread out. The 845 has an L-shaped one, so it gets a tick there. You also need a sizable bedroom cut off from the rest of the world. The 845 Xtra has an in-line island bed at the back, so also a tick there. In between, and cutting said bedroom off, you probably need a large washroom – tick there too – with perhaps a really large shower cabinet.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what Coachman has added to this season’s 845 to make it really special – a larger shower cabinet, so roomy that you possibly won’t ever need to use the shower block. We were already fans of this tourer, with the 2025 Coachman Laser 845 Xtra a highly commended contender in the category last year, and its improvements have further enhanced it.
Also new to this van (and for that matter to all new Lasers this season) is a discreet Bluetooth speaker system. So you don’t have to worry about bringing a radio or speaker with you each time you turn up.
Buccaneer Starliner Barracuda
- Price: £51,249
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 2250kg
- MIRO: 1922kg
- Payload: 159kg
- Shipping length: 8.19m
- Width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- A really luxurious interior
Reason to avoid:
- The price
Highly commended at the Practical Caravan Awards 2026
A good deal more pricey than the Laser (although admittedly with caravan self-levelling and air conditioning fitted as standard), the Barracuda also comes with an L-shaped lounge and a rear island bed bedroom separated off by a large transverse washroom.
You also get a huge kitchen worktop and the sort of side shelves that are just calling out for ornaments, to make this interior feel that little bit more homely. With a sophisticated lighting system, and now seriously elegant branding on the outside, this is a caravan we imagine you would be proud to welcome visiting guests into.
The extra weight upgrade does mean that, when the time comes to move on, you will need a seriously bull-like vehicle to tow this caravan away. But if you are in the market for one of these types of caravans already, you probably have at least access to such a vehicle already
Bailey Alicanto Deluxe Alvor
- Year: 2025
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1852kg
- MIRO: 1682kg
- Payload: 170kg
- Length: 7.9m
- Width: 2.45m
Reasons to buy:
- There’s way more spec than we can describe in a short write-up!
Reasons to avoid:
- It’s a big van to tow and store.
This twin-axle, 8-foot wide model is the ultimate luxury caravan for long-term pitching, offering exceptional space and comfort for up to four people.
Named the best caravan for seasonal pitches at the Practical Caravan Awards 2025, we thought it was more like a boutique hotel bedroom than a tourer, it’s designed with comfort, style and practicality in mind. On the outside, it features an aerodynamic GRP-skinned Alu-Tech bodyshell, ensuring durability, strength and stability, whether you’re on the move or on site.
The Alvor is constructed on an AL-KO chassis with ATC, stabiliser hitch and TUV-approved alloy wheels for towing performance, and two AL-KO secure wheel locks for enhanced security.
Inside, the spacious L-shaped front lounge converts to a double bed and comes with a wall-mounted TV station. It’s available in three fabric options. Meanwhile, the spacious kitchen boasts ample storage and worktop space, complemented by an oven, microwave and Thetford 156-litre tower fridge. Towards the rear, a king-sized, transverse island bed offers the ultimate in touring luxury, while sliding doors enhance privacy and relaxation. The rear washroom is spec’d with everything you’ll need on holiday.
Full review: Bailey Alicanto Deluxe Alvor
Swift Elegance Grande 835
- Year: 2025
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 2099kg
- MIRO: 1898kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Length: 7.98m
- Width: 2.45m
Reasons to buy:
- This big van has a great payload allowance for when you take all your kit to the seasonal pitch
Reasons to avoid:
- At more than two tonnes, you’ll need a big towcar to pull the 835
Highly commended at the Practical Caravan Awards 2025, the Elegance Grande 835 is part of Swift’s luxury caravan line-up. This eight-foot wide, twin-axle caravan combines striking design with advanced features, offering a premium touring experience in every respect.
The 835 has been enhanced for 2025, and now boasts new Ultraleather Dusk soft-furnishings, an illuminated cocktail cabinet and a wireless phone charging point.
The domestic-spec kitchen features a Mini-Heki roof light and an extractor hood, ensuring excellent ventilation and odour-free cooking. Meanwhile, generous worktop space and a range of high-quality appliances ensure practicality combined with a touch of elegance.
The 835’s upgraded washroom impresses with its boutique-style illuminated shower console, durable shower tray and washroom Omnivent extractor fan. Its midships position in the van neatly separates the sleeping and living quarters.
Luxury is further elevated with Alde underfloor heating, constant hot water and a thermostat sensor in the bedroom for tailored climate control. Additional options include provision for a motor mover and E&P’s auto-levelling system. Perfectly crafted, the Elegance Grande redefines high-end touring.
Swift Elegance Grande 760
- Year: 2024
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1871kg
- MiRO: 1674kg
- Payload: 197kg
- Shipping length: 7.57m
- Width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- Comfortable island bed, plenty of space
Reason to avoid:
- Not everyone may like the shape of bed created from L-shaped seating
The best seasonal pitch caravans should give you that little bit of extra space to stretch out in, and perhaps more of a sense that this is a home you have come back to, not just somewhere convenient to crash for the night.
This new single-axle, 8ft-wide caravan from Swift has an L-shaped lounge, so that you can indeed stretch out. Hidden behind the large central washroom is a very comfortable in-line island bed, set in its own bedroom. That should really make you feel as though you are retiring properly for the night.
This is an Elegance Grande, so you can rest assured that the latest version of the SMART construction system should keep your van in tip-top condition, even in the roughest of winters. And with a 30-litre water tank on board, you might not have to worry about that Aquaroll, otherwise something of a caravan essential.
The single axle keeps the overall weight down just a touch, so you can tow this big beast with a relatively standard car.
Full review: Swift Elegance Grande 760
Coachman Laser Xtra 665
- Year: 2024
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1898kg
- MiRO: 1738kg
- Payload: TBC
- Shipping length: 7.90m
- Width: 2.44m
Reason to buy:
- Good digital spec, provides home-from-home comforts
Reason to avoid:
- Shower and washroom partition doors can clash, no roof vent in shower cubicle
Now an 8ft-wide van, we think this tourer offers a great level of comfort and luxury, with its central washroom and rear fixed singles layout essentially creating separate ‘rooms’.
Its well-lit lounge is ideal for entertaining – easily seating six, there are higher backrests for enhanced support too. The matt black spotlights, each with USBs, look great, while a TV can be set up just to the right of the door (check out our guide to the best caravan TVs if you’re looking for one).
The beds at the rear are now wider as well. A bedside table with a socket sits between the singles, and luxurious headboards provide comfort. We like that there’s no hauling of infill cushions required to make up the double in the lounge either, due to the height of the backrests.
Perhaps our only gripe is the central washroom. You get a dressing room effect, with swing doors dividing both sides, but the roomy shower itself has a single swinging door too, so it can be a bit tricky to access. However, the main washroom itself feels homely, thanks to the blinds on the opaque window.
Full review: Coachman Laser Xtra 665
Coachman Laser Xcel 850
- Year: 2024
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1929kg
- MiRO: 1769kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Shipping length: 7.90m
- Width: 2.44m
What we like:
- Spacious feeling, good lighting
What we don’t like:
- Wardrobe is now only in rear bedroom
If plenty of space is an important trait in your dream seasonal pitch caravan, this could be the best caravan for you.
The latest iteration of the Laser Xcel 850 sees the rear transverse island bed flipped 180 and a change to Thetford appliances in the kitchen.
A sunroom and Heki allow light to flood into the spacious lounge, with taller settee backrests providing comfort too. We really like the sophisticated touches in this tourer. For instance, Coachman has added matt-black spotlights with USBs in each corner of the lounge, while a wireless charging pad can be found near the central chest, which also offers a slide out shelf if you don’t want to use the table.
The ‘L’ shaped kitchen work surface ensures there’s plenty of room for food preparation, and again, it’s well-lit, thanks to a large window and a striplight.
Those matt-black spotlights can also be found at the head of the transverse island bed, while a TV can be set up on the offside wall. Storage options are also great in this tourer, giving you room for all of your luxury caravan accessories. This particularly applies if you take bulky outdoor items with you, while a near full-height wardrobe can also be located in the rear bedroom.
Full review: Coachman Laser Xcel 850
Bailey Alicanto Grande Evora
- Year: 2023
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1855kg
- MiRO: 1694kg
- Payload: 160kg
- Shipping length: 7.86m
- Width: 2.45m
Reason to buy:
- Loads of space, plenty of storage
Reason to avoid:
- Table can be hard to retrieve from under the bed.
The only new caravan model from Bailey this season should make a great season pitch model, thanks to its generously sized rear washroom and a rear bedroom complete with a transverse island bed, a large wardrobe with two hanging rails, and a separate dressing table unit where you could store everything you are likely to need during a long stay.
Nor is that all. The front lounge is comfortable and bright thanks to the large central window and generous side windows, through which you can easily admire the view.
The central kitchen has plenty of workspace, and there’s even room for that all essential wine rack.
This caravan comes complete with an onboard 40-litre water tank too, so you can luxuriate in the shower without worrying about the Aquaroll running out.
Full review: Bailey Alicanto Grande Evora
Adria Alpina Rio Grande
- Year: 2023
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 2000kg
- Payload: 260kg
- MiRO: 1740kg
- Shipping length: 8.19m
- Width: 2.46m
Reason to avoid:
- Front kitchen caravans are not always popular in the UK, so it may be harder to sell on
While most of the attention this year has been on updating the more budget Altea range, at the last minute a new model has been added to the upmarket Alpinas. And it looks as if it could be a serious contender in the seasonal pitch stakes.
Why? Because, along with the rear washroom and rear transverse island bed should make you really feel at home, the front end of the caravan doesn’t disappoint either.
There is a generously sized kitchen spread across the front of the caravan, and then the central lounge is made up of a side settee on the nearside, an L-shaped settee on the offside, and a large table in the middle. Easily enough room for two people to spread out, or for you to have guests around on your pitch.
Then if you are staying as a foursome, or if some of your guests rather like the idea of staying over for the night, a second double bed is easily made from the L-shaped settee. And there will still be enough seating space for anyone who wakes up early in the morning.
When put together with a similarly sized awning, you should have a real seasonal palace with this caravan.
Full review: Adria Alpina Rio Grande
Sprite Super Quattro EB
- Year: 2020
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1705kg
- MiRO: 1500kg
- Payload: 205kg
- Overall length: 7.98m (26ft 2in)
- Width: 2.46m (8ft)
Reason to buy:
- Light-filled lounge, comfy bedroom
Reason to avoid:
- Small shower and fridge, no ATC – even as an option
Swift Group’s twin-axle Sprite Supers offer the luxury of wider living space at a budget price. This is the only four-berth in the three-strong range, and has a transverse island bed behind a central washroom making it a strong contender for couples seeking a van to leave at their favourite site on a seasonal pitch. The front sofas will easily seat four people, but at just 5’4” long their usefulness as single beds is limited, however, they do make up into a good-sized double, so this is workable as a family van, too.
There’s a domestic-style door separating the kitchen from the washroom and a sliding door separating the washroom from the sleeping quarters.
Despite appearances – it has a three-piece front window and a sunroof – this is a budget caravan so if you want niceties such as an AKS 3004 stabiliser, a microwave, alloy wheels and a DAB radio you’ll need the optional Diamond Pack.
There’s external access on the offside to the area beneath the transverse island bed, so you can reach for the outdoor furniture from there.
Kitchen kit includes a large stainless-steel sink, a three-burner gas hob, a separate oven and grill, but only a small fridge, which is fine for two and only just adequate for four.
The lounge may be a little short but the van’s extra width gives plenty of room to manoeuvre in the kitchen, a spacious washroom and a bedroom where you don’t have to roll back the bed to gain access to the vanity area. It’s luxury living for a couple at a budget price.
Full review: Sprite Super Quattro EB
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