Bailey Alicanto Grande Lisbon 2022

When Bailey upgraded the Pegasus range to the 8ft-wide Pegasus Grande SE, it included a couple of single-axles. Since then, other manufacturers have followed suit, wise to the advantages such a set-up brings – easier manoeuvrability, lower overall weight, and more.

So it is not surprising that of the two models Bailey is rolling out for the second generation of its luxury Alicanto Grande range, one is a single-axle.

The line-up has been whittled down to a pair of models: the Porto, and the Lisbon, which we saw at the Bailey factory in Bristol.

Pitch and set-up

New developments in the Lisbon should make setting up easier. The mains hook-up connection, for example, is on the offside, so you don’t need to worry about cable trailing through any awning. It’s lit by a service light, too, and the corner steadies are now all heavy duty.

On this island-bed model, there is also something new at the rear: a garage that extends right across the caravan, with a door on each side.

You should have no problem stowing larger (but lighter) items, such as a parasol or camping chairs, in here, so long as your payload allows. There is also an externally accessed locker at the front nearside.

Lounge

The central front window is 50% larger than the previous generation, so it allows the natural light to simply flood in.

There’s plenty of room in the spacious lounge, and the table is so large that you could host fine dining for four on it. The only snag is the latter’s storage place – under the bed at the rear of the van. You have to hold up the bed to access the table, so removing it is likely going to be a two-person job.

That aside, the settees are extremely comfortable, with deep corner headrests. Spotlights under the lockers and LEDs in the window housing brighten the interior at night. You also have ambient lighting, including colour-changing mood lighting.

This only affects the lighting close to the floor, which is fun, although we found it a bit too easy to nudge the controls accidentally, creating an impromptu disco effect!

The six spotlights also have USB ports, including one on the side of the wireless charging pad you find by the door. There are six mains sockets, too. Bailey has added Avtex Wi-Fi as a factory fit on the roof.

Kitchen

The L-shaped kitchen provides loads of worktop, separated from the lounge by a plastic splashback. A co-ordinated sink cover, along with Bailey’s by now-familiar wooden hob cover, means the space is uninterrupted. It’s also well lit, with two mains sockets close to hand. A dual-fuel four-burner hob sits above a separate oven and grill, and to the right of the overhead lockers is a microwave, with a built-in plate. A wine rack next to the oven should also come in handy. At 133 litres, the two-way opening fridge should easily be big enough for the food of four.

Washroom

The nearside shower cubicle in the central washroom has plenty of headroom, a roof vent, a clothes rail and a huge shelf. There’s a small mirror, and a touch of marbling to make it look less like a white box. But there’s only one drainage hole.

The washroom includes a Belfast-style sink with a large mirror. Bailey has stuck to its tradition of having a clear window, although at least his time it is high up. There is a radiator but no roof vent.

Beds

Bailey has altered the shape of the wardrobe, allowing for a wonderful 5ft-wide bed. There is a second set of speakers and TV sockets here, too.

Perhaps because of the overall length of the cab, provision up front is not quite so generous. The double you make up with pull-out slats is only 1.13m (3ft 8in) wide and requires an infill cushion. Even the single beds you can create from the settees are 1.77m (5ft 9in) long at most.

Storage

Bailey has helpfully included an internal access flap for the offside underseat area. There are two large overhead lockers, two smaller corner lockers and a locker under the slats. But that is all the storage you get up front. The rear bedroom is better served, with two wardrobes, two bedside tables, and the huge area under the bed that spills out into the garage.

In the kitchen, you get a column of drawers and a full cupboard. The overhead lockers include crockery racks, and there is a locker above the fridge, too. There are two more cupboards in the washroom.

Verdict

Bringing Alicanto Grande luxury onto a single axle is a great idea, as it means you should be able to tow with less of a gas guzzler. The new Lisbon really feels like home, too. It’s a good choice for families with children small enough to sleep in the beds up front.

• Thumbs up: Huge window, supportive settees, plenty of USBs
• Thumbs down: Table storage could be improved, front beds are on the small side

If you liked this… READ THESE:

Best caravan over £30,000 for 2022

The Ultimate Awning Guide

Dog-friendly caravan parks: 10 of the best

If you’ve enjoyed reading this article, why not get the latest news, reviews and features delivered direct to your door or inbox every month. Take advantage of our brilliant Practical Caravan magazine SUBSCRIBERS’ OFFER and SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER for regular weekly updates on all things caravan related.