Are you looking to buy a new caravan in the £15,000 to £20,000 price range? There are some fantastic models out there, but if you’re not sure how to whittle down the list, the Practical Caravan Awards 2023 are here to help, as we reveal the winner of the best caravan under £20,000.
Our expert team have worked tirelessly to pick out the winner, as well as highlighting the other best caravans under £20,000, with models from Weinsberg and Go-Pod featuring.
In this guide, you can also see our picks from recent years too, with tourers from some of the biggest brands included, ranging from Bailey and Swift to Freedom and Xplore.
You can find out more about the various manufacturers out there by reading our guide to the best caravan brands.
This year, we picked the Weinsberg Cara One 400 LK as the best caravan under £20,000, with its light weight and five berths really impressing our judging panel.
The winner of the best caravan under £20,000 is…
Weinsberg Cara One 400LK
- Price: £17,840
- Berths: 5
- MTPLM: 1100kg
- MiRO: 947kg
- Payload: 153kg
- Shipping length: 5.93m
- Width: 2.04m
Reason to buy:
- Triple bunks, light weight
Reason to avoid:
- No microwave or dual fuel heating
If you want a budget-friendly family tourer, this is a great compact caravan layout. It provides a front lounge, while a centre washroom and wardrobe is opposite the kitchen. But the crowning glory for families will be the triple fixed bunks. Yes, this really is a 4.02m long caravan that can sleep up to five.
With an MTPLM of 1100kg, the 400LK is also within most family car towing capacities too. But don’t be fooled into expecting a skimpy build – the 400LK is well put together and even comes with heavy-duty corner steadies. The specification comes with the essentials, including a three-burner hob and gas blown heating, as well as a fridge. The side washroom offers good storage and also a Dometic flush toilet.
We’d say this is a great tourer for newcomers to caravanning in particular.
Full review: Weinsberg Cara One 400 LK
The other shortlisted options for best caravan under £20,000 are:
These are the models that made the shortlist at the Practical Caravan Awards 2023 – you can also head to our best caravans guide for more inspiration.
Go-Pod Platinum
- Price: £17,495
- Berths: 2
- MTPLM: 750kg
- MiRO: 540kg
- Payload: 210kg
- Length: 4.2m
- Width: 2.0m
Reason to buy:
- Price, light weight
Reason to avoid:
- You really are restricted for space
When you’re looking for one of the best small caravans, the Go-Pod is hard to beat. It’s been in the UK since 2005 in various specifications.
This pop-top tourer offers a lot, despite its compact dimensions. Its GRP moulded body shell ensures leaks are kept to a minimum. For under £20,000, the Go-Pod Platinum specification offers a microwave, blown air heating, a fridge, a TV/DVD player, USB ports, two mains sockets inside and one outside.
There is even a toilet under the wardrobe, as well as a kitchen that boasts a good worktop and decent storage options, considering its size. The front dinette comes with a swivel table and offers a comfortable double bed at night. With LED lighting and a MTPLM of 750kg, this micro tourer is ideal for two.
Weinsberg Caracito 390QD
- Price: £14,820
- Berths: 4
- MTPLM: 1100kg
- MiRO: 810kg
- Payload: 290kg
- Length: 5.93m
- Width: 2.20m
Reason to buy:
- All electric caravan so no need for gas, great spec
Reason to avoid:
- Possibly limited availability
All electric caravans are not entirely new, but Knaus has designed a lightweight and affordable option that even comes with air-conditioning. Its spec also includes an electric hob, an on-board water tank and a 65 litre fridge.
The 390QD has a rear corner washroom and a side double dinette, while the fixed double bed sits at the front of the tourer. The new interior design is contemporary, with deep storage provided, thanks to the overhead lockers. With a MTPLM of 1100kg, this lightweight four-berth is well built and comes with a ten year water ingress warranty for peace of mind. There is also a good options list to add to the 390QD’s already excellent specification.
The best caravans under £20,000 at the Practical Caravan Awards 2022:
Xplore 585
- Price: £19,599
- Berth: 5
- MTPLM: 1400kg
- MIRO: 1225kg
- Shipping length: 7.36m
Reasons to buy:
- Light interior
- Good kitchen
Reasons to avoid:
- Rear lounge orientation could feel cramped
Just dipping under £20K (if you exclude delivery and registration charges) the Xplore 585 is a good option for those looking for flexible accommodation. The rear-end L-shaped lounge makes up into double with a pop-up bunk above and the front lounge has parallel seating and converts to a sizeable double bed.
Something we have noticed with this is that the rear lounge can create a bit of a cramped feeling. The L-shaped set-up left our reviewer, Peter Baber, saying it was reminiscent of “queueing for a toilet”, with the washroom door opening outwards.
The lack of sunroof doesn’t stop the front lounge from being bright – the combination of the Ashton cabinetry and Maluku upholstery creates a vibrant interior, with light provided by the front window.
We liked the multiple sleeping options and the significant amount of storage overhead. There’s a smart looking kitchen with nice touches such as a pull-up worktop over the sink and hob. Whale blown heating adds to the overall comfort, as does the high-quality upholstery found throughout.
Lightweight and with an MTPLM of 1400kg, this will appeal to newbies and those looking for good value – it was a worthy winner of the best caravan under £20,000 category at the Practical Caravan Awards 2022. The Xplore 585 also made it onto our best caravan for 2022 round-up.
Full review: Xplore 585
Bailey Phoenix Plus 420
- Price: £19,899
- Berths: 2
- MIRO: 1029kg
- MTPLM: 1146kg
- Shipping length: 5.56m
The Phoenix Plus 420 is a lightweight model that comes with a large front lounge and brilliant end washroom. This is a tourer that has upmarket appeal yet sits towards the entry level end of the price spectrum.
Swift Sprite Compact
- Price: £18,195
- Berths: 2
- MIRO: 980kg
- MTPLM: 1094kg
- Shipping length: 5.37m
Reasons to buy:
- Comfortable lounge
- Good window in washroom
Reasons to avoid:
- Lack of adjustable spotlights
Brand new for 2022, the Sprite Compact for couples boasts a 2.03m narrow width for easy towing and storage. Packed with typical Sprite value, its end-kitchen and front-lounge layout certainly has some Tardis-esque qualities.
We’re impressed by what the manufacturers have managed to achieve, even though the caravan has a compact layout. For instance, we found the lounge to be light and airy, despite the lack of sunroof, with a midi-Heki allowing light in. There are also LED spotlights which ensure good lighting is available during the evening, although it’s worth noting that they’re not adjustable. While the seating is narrow, it’s a comfortable lounge to relax in.
The lounge also houses a central chest, which provides both a drawer and slide-out occasional table.
When it comes to sleeping arrangements, you can use the two settees as single beds – however, these could be a bit on the short side if you’re taller than 5ft 11in. You also have the option of creating a double bed, a comfortable 6ft x 5ft 11in, which we found easy to make up with the pull-out slats and seat cushions.
The washroom is also well-planned, with a lot fitted in, including an electric-flush toilet. We particularly like the sizeable window in here.
Storage is also more impressive than you might expect, courtesy of decent locker space at the front, as well as good space in the kitchen.
Review: Swift Compact
Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport
- Price: £15,995
- Berths: 2
- MIRO: 700kg
- MTPLM: 750kg
- Shipping length: 4.26m
Reasons to buy:
- Decent bed
- Lightweight
Reasons to avoid:
- Lack of storage for the table
- Small payload
A classic GRP moulded body makes leak risks a distant memory. This compact tourer for two offers washroom and end-kitchen space, plus a specification that makes this a real value-for-money package.
Coming on an Al-Ko chassis, this innovative option has a MiRO of 700kg – it’s worth noting it’s payload is only 50kg though. An especially handy feature is the position of the main light switch – this can be reached from the ground, meaning you don’t have to step into a dark caravan should you be returning to your tourer at night.
The U-shaped lounge offers comfort and could sit five, despite the intruding wardrobe. Something we would like to have seen is storage for the table – as a result, you’ll need to take care of how you stow it when you’re on the road.
The bed is made up in the lounge too – this is put together with slats that are stored at the front of the van. You’ll find a comfortable headboard is provided by the foam surface of the walls. You’ll also find a decent kitchen, which includes a two-burner gas hob and a combined oven and grill.
Full review: Freedom Jetstream Twin Sport
Bailey Discovery D4-4
- Price: £19,399
- Berths: 4
- MIRO: 1059kg
- MTPLM: 1206kg
- Shipping length: 7.14m
Reasons to buy:
- Large washroom
Reasons to avoid:
- Shelves on either side of the fixed double bed could do with USBs
A hint of retro exterior styling adds a distinctive look to this caravan, while the side-fixed bed and washroom layout works well. The Discovery D4-4 offers good value for money, with the front lounge providing comfort, and the presence of a large front window allowing plenty of natural light.
A roomy lounge offers comfort, while we’re fans of the grey and mustard upholstery. A well-equipped kitchen is also on offer, with features including a three-burner Thetford hob, along with a combined grill and oven. The model also comes with a 103-litre Dometic fridge, complete with a 12-litre freezer.
You can pull out slats from the front bulkhead to support a double bed, with backrests used to plug gaps between settees. At 1.88 x 1.37m, this double is a little bigger than the fixed double found at the back of the caravan, although we think you are likely to find both beds a bit on the short side if you’re taller than 6’2″.
When it comes to the fixed double, there is a comfortable padded headboard. Small shelves on either side are useful, and there are directional spotlights for reading, although we would have liked to see these fitted with USB ports.
The washroom is large, with a Thetford cassette toilet, as well as a cosy shower cubicle to be found in the nearside corner.
Review: Bailey Discovery D4-4
We also recommend the following best caravans under £20,000 from recent years:
There are some great caravans from recent years under £20,000 – we round them up here.
Venus 460/2 Deluxe 2019
STAR RATING – 5 out of 5
- Price: £17,024
- Berth: 2
- MTPLM: 1180kg
- Shipping length: 6.16m
- Width: 2.21m
This well-equipped, entry-level tourer comes with alloys finished in black, adding to the upmarket looks. Built on an Al-Ko chassis, the Venus Deluxe has an AKS stabiliser hitch, and a spare wheel fitted as standard. It feels bright and airy, with its smart decor and panoramic front window.
The side kitchen has a generous amount of worktop and storage is good here, too. The standard oven is complemented by a microwave, placed just above the kitchen in line with the overhead lockers.
The washroom is spacious and comes with a large side window and a roof vent. Seating in the front lounge easily converts into a comfortable and supportive double bed using two sturdy slide-out frames. If you prefer, the settees in the lounge can also be used as twin single beds.
BUY IF… you want smart décor and an excellent spec
PROs:
Brilliant spec
Lightweight
Excellent value
CONs:
Manual flush toilet
Read more in our Venus 460/2 Deluxe 2019 caravan review
Swift Sprite Major 6 2018
STAR RATING – 4.5 out of 5
- Price: £17,430
- Berth: 6
- MTPLM: 1468kg
- Shipping length: 7.31m
- Width: 2.25m
Sprite bagged our Tourer of the Year gong, for the Major 6, which has fixed bunks at the back next to a rear corner washroom. Swift revamped its Escape entry-level coachbuilt motorhome range in 2017. Much of the design thinking in that seems to have flowed over into the this Sprite.
In the kitchen there is plenty of space for a kettle and more in the workspace underneath. This is mostly well lit by three LED lights that go right over the three-burner hob and the round sink. Above this are two overhead lockers, one with a crockery rack. Underneath the hob is a Thetford oven with a separate grill, and there’s a small locker beneath that.
The washroom has been designed with families in kind – the shower cubicle is huge. You could probably fit two kids in there at a time. It comes with its own light, operated via a pull switch.
Adults have to make up their bed but that’s a small sacrifice, however, when the bed is as easy to make up as the one here, with split backrests that allow you to turn everything over quickly onto the pull-out slats. That front make-up double bed is 2.02 x 1.7m, or use the sofas as 1.8 x 0.83m single beds. The fixed bunks at the back measure 1.83 x 0.57m, so are long enough for teenagers.
BUY IF… you want good value from a well-proven brand
PROs:
Great family washroom
Good storage
CONs:
You might want to add Diamond Pack
Read more in our Swift Sprite Major 6 caravan review
Adria Altea Aire 492DT 2020
STAR RATING – 4 out of 5
- Price: £19,395
- Berth: 2
- MTPLM: 1500kg
- Shipping length: 6.96m
- Width: 2.3m
Adria has given the Altea a bit of a lift for 2020 – the interiors have a lighter feel and a more contemporary design, and one layout we found of particular interest was the new two-berth Aire 492DT.
The lounge in the Aire could easily seat four or five. The large sunroof adds to the feeling of space, although we would have preferred a slightly longer front window.
The kitchen, on the offside, is fitted with a Thetford oven/grill, a microwave and Adria’s signature L-shaped three-burner hob and sink unit. The sink is a good size and there’s a slim fridge/freezer next to the wardrobe.
The generous and practical washroom has an electric-flush toilet on the offside, just by the oblique window, while the handbasin is centrally located, with brilliant storage below, two wall cupboards and a big mirror.
Seating in the lounge converts into a large and comfortable double bed, using slide-out bases. If you prefer, you can easily make up two singles here.
BUY IF… you want a well-equipped robust van
PROs:
Excellent sunroof
High-quality build
CONs:
No twin mains socket in kitchen
Read more in our Adria Altea Aire 492DT caravan review
Bailey Discovery D4-2 2020
STAR RATING – 4 out of 5
- Price: £16,199
- Berth: 2
- MTPLM: 995kg
- Shipping length: 5.61m
- Width: 2.23m
Bailey has worked hard to produce a simple yet distinctive profile. The curved front has a single portrait-style window, while the long Al-Ko drawbar has no fairing, but there is room for an optional Thule bike rack.
The D4-2 provides a fairly simplistic interior, as the price and weight suggest. The layout is traditional, with a front lounge, side kitchen and dresser opposite, plus end washroom; although the wardrobe is separate, so the washroom is positioned further into the corner.
The small L-shaped kitchen works well in the Discovery. It has a window and twin LED downlighters, plus overhead lockers with integrated lighting. You also get an oven with a three-burner hob. The small corner washroom has a Thetford electric-flush toilet and a shower.
The settees provide two 6ft 7in single beds, or convert easily into a double, using slats.
BUY IF… you’re after a compact, lightweight, reasonably priced tourer
PROs:
Lightweight
Good seating
CONs:
Small window
Read more in our Bailey Discovery D4-2 caravan review
Bailey Phoenix 440 2019
STAR RATING – 4 out of 5
- Price: £18,499
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1316kg
- Shipping length: 6.88m
- Width: 2.21m
This revamped four-berth is sleek and modern, with the brand’s pared-down look and neat design touches. You only get an AKS 3004 stabiliser fitted as standard in the Phoenix 440. The ATC trailer control system is a dealer-fit cost option. But with an overall length of 6.88m, this is not the longest of caravans, and with our Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV tow car, we found the Phoenix a relatively easy tow, even on busy suburban roads.
The kitchen has a gas-only hob, which comes with a separate glass cover, and you get four burners. The square sink is a good size, too, and two mains sockets mean you could easily position a kettle or toaster behind it. You also get a separate oven and grill under the hob.
The shower cubicle at the far end of the rear washroom is a good height and width. The rear double bed is a good size – easily long enough for people well over 6ft in height, and wide enough for them, too. The two front settees would only work as single beds for small children; although they do come together as a comfortable, if slightly narrow, double bed.
BUY IF… you want a spacious four-berth with a good sized bed
PROs:
Good-size bed
Excellent storage
CONs:
Limited space in lounge
Read more in our Bailey Phoenix 440 caravan review
Lunar Ariva 2019
STAR RATING – 4 out of 5
- Price: £17,199
- Berth: 2
- MTPLM: 950kg
- Shipping length: 6.88m
- Width: 2.3m
A super-compact, lightweight tourer for two, the Ariva is a lightweight van well suited to the lighter new generation of tow cars. It’s built on an Al-Ko chassis with alloys, spare wheel and AKS hitch.
The lounge area, for example, feels surprisingly spacious, with excellent seating. Based on the firm’s well-proven end-kitchen layout, the Ariva manages to pack a lot into a relatively small space.
A full oven is fitted, along with a dual-fuel hob and a large stainless steel sink. At first glance, the corner washroom may not seem very modern; but when you take a closer look, you realise this well-designed area provides perfectly practical facilities.
The Ariva has two bed options: seating in the front lounge can be made up into two singles, although if you’ve over 6ft tall, they might prove a bit short. If you prefer to make up the double bed, the Ariva provides metal frames that simply pull out from each side to bridge the gap and easily convert the settees into a 6ft 1″ x 5ft 11″ bed.
BUY IF… you want a van with great spec that’s easy to store
PROs:
Excellent kitchen
Great spec
Easy to stow and store
CONs:
Looks a bit dated
Read more in our Lunar Ariva caravan review
Caravelair Antarès 406 2019
STAR RATING – 4 out of 5
- Price: £15,495
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1150kg
- Shipping length: 5.51m
- Width: 2.1m
This budget four berth has an AKS 3004 stabiliser and shock absorbers.There’s no sunroof and the rear dinette is really best left to the children, because any sizeable adult could find it quite a squeeze getting into the rear seat here. It is well lit, however, with a large window and a second rooflight.
The side kitchen in the Antarès does have a dual-fuel hob, but it’s only a three-burner (two gas and one electric). The circular sink has a glass cover that is removable and underneath you get a Thetford Triplex combined oven and grill.
The rear corner washroom has a small steel handbasin, and the shower shares space with the toilet.
The double bed is made up by pulling out slats from under the middle of the ‘U’ at the front of the van. To make up the bunks at the rear of the van, you lower the clip-on table to the level of the seats for the lower bed, then pull up the fold-out bunk.
BUY IF… you’re looking for a compact, budget van
PROs:
Excellent spec on the outside
CONs:
Washroom is bare
Bed slats have poor finish
Read more in our Caravelair Antarès 406 caravan review
Venus 550/4 2019
STAR RATING – 4 out of 5
- Price: £17,899
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1320kg
- Shipping length: 7.2m
- Width: 2.21m
Significantly upgraded spec helped the revamped Venus 550/4 to win our Best Van for Small Families award in 2019. AWith a window as large as the one in the lounge, you might wonder why so many people opt for a three-window front panel.
The kitchen has a new Thetford K Series oven, complete with a dual-fuel four-burner hob with a safety cut-off in the lid, and a fan that is designed to keep the oven knobs cool. You also get a Russell Hobbs microwave.
In the end washroom a large salad-bowl-style handbasin sits under a mirror and over a good-sized storage cupboard and the large shower cubicle is unencumbered by any wheel arch.
The comfortable fixed beds are 6ft 2in long, so suitable for all but the very tallest. They each come with a little corner shelf and an individually switched, directional spotlight. The front sofas turn into single beds that are just 5ft long, so probably only suitable for younger children.
BUY IF… you want a comfortable van for a small family
PROs:
Well-equipped kitchen
Directional spotlights under lockers
CONs:
Flimsy partition for sleeping areas
Read more in our Venus 550/4 caravan review
Lunar Quasar 462 2019
STAR RATING – 4 out of 5
- Price: £18,499
- Berth: 2
- MTPLM: 1185kg
- Shipping length: 6.16m
- Width: 2.21m
In 2019 the Quasar range was given revamped interior décor, designed to offer style and sophistication for couples at mid-market prices. Here, we take a look at the Quasar 462, one of many models now on the market offering a more spacious end washroom.
The blue, mauve and white scheme is soothing and calming, and a world away from the beiges and tans on offer elsewhere. The two settees are comfortable, and while it may not have the largest sunroof up front, but there is a huge rooflight down the centre of the van.
You get a dual-fuel four-burner hob and separate oven and grill – but only a three-way fridge. And while you also get a microwave, it takes up the whole of what would otherwise be a third overhead locker.
In the washroom, the salad-bowl handbasin is a good size, with a useful cupboard below. The shower is large, albeit with only one drainage hole and a single door.
Lunar is noted for providing beds that you can put together with pull-out platforms. You don’t have to worry about the housing for these platforms restricting access to the underseat areas, because Lunar includes internal access flaps as well. You could use the two settees as single beds.
BUY IF… you want excellent comfort at good price
PROs:
Good soft furnishings
Platform beds
CONs:
Read washrooms good be roomier
Read more in our Lunar Quasar 462 caravan review
Bailey Phoenix 640 2019
STAR RATING – 4 out of 5
- Price: £18,499
- Berth: 4
- MTPLM: 1382kg
- Shipping length: 7.37m
- Width: 2.21m
Over the past decade, Bailey has made several attempts to increase its foothold in the entry-level market, and the island-bed four-berth Phoenix 640 might just be the one to succeed.
The 640 rides on a galvanised steel Al-Ko chassis, and the stand-out feature of the front lounge is the vertical skylight which lets plenty of light in.
The offside kitchen packs a decent specification, with four gas burners atop a separate oven and grill. Opposite this, you’ll find a 103-litre dual-fuel fridge with separate freezer compartment. In the washroom a fully lined shower compartment is accessed via a bi-fold door. A water-efficient Ecocamel showerhead is on standby for spray duty.
The island bed is 6ft 2in by 4ft 6in (1.88 x 1.4m), so should suit the needs of most touring couples. The foam mattress uses high-density Ozio filling, designed to offer comfort at low weights. Up front, the lounge offers a choice of 5ft 11in by 2ft 1in singles, or a make-up double measuring 6ft 2in by 4ft 7in.
BUY IF… you’re looking for a spacious four berth with a good size bed
PROs:
Excellent storage
CONs:
Limited space in lounge
Read more in our Bailey Phoenix 640 caravan review
• Prices correct at time of original reviews are subject to change
Not found what you want or would like to see some more options – take a look at Best caravans under £15,000 , Best caravans under £30,000 , Best caravans over £30,000 and more. You can also take a look at our guide to the best caravan on the market in 2022, where we pick out the top tourers currently available.
Or what about a motorhome? Check out some of these options Best motorhomes under £60,000, Best motorhomes under £80,000, Best motorhomes over £80,000 and more
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