Motorhomes have never been so popular. At least, that’s according to the latest figures.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, and its disruption on air travel and international holidays, so-called ‘staycations’ exploded in popularity in 2020. As a result, many Brits decided to climb into a motorhome for the first time or start caravanning.
We suspect a lot of people were already thinking about taking up the hobby, and this was just the push they needed. A lot of other people may have just been keen to make the most of a year largely stuck “at home” — and so took advantage of that fact.
To get a better picture of this phenomenal growth of motorhome enthusiasts, we did some data-digging. And below is our research, in a handy Infographic for you to look at:
(For those of you who prefer to read, scroll past the Infographic.)
Here’s how Britain’s motorhome sector shaped up in 2020, and how it’s looking to continue in 2021:
- For starters, Google reported an all-time high for search interest in motorhomes, and in particular for “motorhomes for sale” in the UK.
- The Welsh were the most enthusiastic about buying a motorhome, by far and away. Interest peaked in all of the Home Nations. But interest in Northern Ireland was less than half of that in Wales.
- More than a third (36%) of all Brits went on their first motorhome holiday in 2020.
- This generated an interest of an additional £216 million worth in motorhomes, compared to last year.
- The overwhelming majority (80%) of motorhome sales were for second-hand models. Which indicates a lot of “newbies” may be getting in on the action.
- Scotland and Cornwall were the most popular destinations. Trips exploded with searches upwards of 532% (for Scotland) and 325% (for Cornwall).
- Demographics are also changing. Millennials now account for most of those who own motorhomes (56%). Most are now relatively young millennial couples. In fact, there are more millennials behind the motorhome wheel than the two older generations — Baby Boomers and Generation X — put together.
Is this the dawn of a new golden age for the motorhome?
We think so. Buying a motorhome is not a decision to be taken lightly. The very fact that so many people purchased — and didn’t rent — shows that many thousands of new Brits were ready to make the commitment.
Given the current data we have for 2021, things look very bright. Pre-bookings for campsites are already up by 500%. And a quarter of people say they won’t leave the UK for an international holiday until the pandemic is over.
We’re confident that everyone who has bought a motorhome will fall in love with their new lifestyle like so many of us do. This is the beginning of a new golden age for the motorhome hobby.