Static Caravan Brands: Choosing Quality for Coastal Conditions

With so many static caravan brands to choose from, they all start to blur together on the showground. But which manufacturers are best suited to coastal conditions — and how do you spot the difference? Here's what you need to know.

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Note: Atlas Leisure Homes entered administration in 2025 and was acquired by new owners. Confirm current warranty support before buying.

1. Finding the Right Brand for Coastal Life

You've found the park. The pitch feels right. The hillside position gives you uninterrupted sea views across Cardigan Bay, and the sand dunes stretch towards the sea.

Now comes the question that trips up almost every first-time buyer.

Which brand?

And here's the thing worth knowing: coastal and inland parks have different demands. Salt air, sea breezes, humidity — a holiday home built with these in mind will serve you better in the long run.

Walk onto any showground and you'll see a dozen names. Swift. Willerby. ABI. Carnaby. Victory. Each one promising quality, comfort, and value.

They all look good in the brochure. They all feel fine on a warm summer afternoon.

But here's what the brochures won't tell you.

Not every holiday home is built with coastal conditions in mind. And the difference between a brand that's designed for salt air and Atlantic winds and one that isn't? You won't spot it on the showground. You'll notice it three winters in.

At Glan Y Don Holiday Home Park, on a level ground just yards from Tywyn Beach, with sandy beaches just a stone's throw away, we've seen how every major manufacturer performs over time.

We see how they age, how they handle the coastal climate, and how they hold up after ten years of Snowdonia seasons.

There's no single "best" brand. But there are brands that suit your budget, your usage, and your pitch.

This guide helps you build a shortlist that makes sense.

2. The "Coastal Stress Test"

A beachside location looks idyllic. But it has its own considerations.

We evaluate every brand through our Coastal Stress Test:

• Chassis: For long-term ownership near the coast, we strongly recommend a fully galvanised chassis to protect against salt air and sea moisture.
• Thermal Efficiency: Can it retain heat when westerly winds blow in from Cardigan Bay? We look for excellent insulation (walls, roof, floor) and strong U-values.
• Construction: We assess roof integrity against driving rain and coastal gusts, as well as ventilation performance to manage humidity.

Choosing the right specification from the start means fewer surprises later. It's worth taking the time to get it right.

3. The Brands We Trust at Glan Y Don

All new homes must be purchased through Salop Leisure, Shrewsbury.

We partner with these five brands because they consistently pass our quality checks.

Swift: The Modern Tech Choice

• Best For: Families and thermal efficiency priorities.
• The Vibe: Clean, engineered, modern, bright.
• Key Strength: Bonded "sandwich" wall construction. Creates a highly insulated shell that retains heat in winter.

ABI: The Home Comfort Specialist

• Best For: Traditionalists wanting a "cosy" cottage feel.
• The Vibe: Warm, soft, welcoming, classic.
• Key Strength: Finishing touches. High-quality furniture and layouts that feel like a traditional living room.

Willerby: The Resale King

• Best For: First-time buyers wanting a safe investment.
• The Vibe: Practical, spacious, universally appealing.
• Key Strength: GreEN Standard insulation. As the UK's largest manufacturer, parts sourcing is straightforward, and their proven track record on coastal parks means strong resale demand.

Carnaby: The Solid Choice

• Best For: Long-stay owners (weeks at a time).
• The Vibe: Solid, substantial, house-like.
• Key Strength: Build density. Models feel heavier and more robust underfoot, with domestic-grade insulation.

Victory: The Design Leader

• Best For: Couples or style-conscious upgraders.
• The Vibe: Boutique apartment, trend-led, architectural.
• Key Strength: Contemporary design. Distinct materials and open-plan layouts that differ from the "traditional" caravan.

4. Other Major UK Manufacturers

These brands are widely available and often appear in pre-owned listings.

• Atlas: (Range: Statics & Lodges). Strength: Strong frames and practical family layouts.
• Pemberton: (Range: BS3632 Statics & Lodges). Strength: Heavy-duty construction and residential comfort.
• Delta: (Range: Statics). Strength: Budget-friendly space and simple layouts.
• Regal: (Range: Statics). Strength: Modern styling and mid-market appeal.
• Sunseeker: (Range: Statics & Lodges). Strength: Easy-care interiors and rental suitability.

5. Premium Lodge Manufacturers

These lodge manufacturers focus exclusively on full BS3632 residential-spec builds. Please note: Glan Y Don does not currently partner with these manufacturers.

• Prestige and Homeseeker
• Pathfinder Homes
• Omar Group
• Tingdene
• Lissett Homes

6. What to Check Before You Buy

When comparing models, focus on structure over styling.

• ☐ Chassis: Galvanised (Recommended for coastal sites) vs Painted.
• ☐ Insulation: BS3632 (Residential) vs EN1647 (Holiday).
• ☐ Construction: Composite/Bonded vs Timber-framed.
• ☐ Furniture: Free-standing vs Fixed.
• ☐ Internal doors: Solid "thud" vs Hollow "rattle".
• ☐ Aftersales: Confirm warranty terms and parts availability.

7. FAQs

Which brand is best overall?
There is no single winner. It depends on usage, budget, and pitch. We partner with Swift, ABI, Willerby, Carnaby, and Victory because they perform well in coastal conditions.

Do I have to buy through Salop Leisure?
Yes. All new holiday homes sited at Glan Y Don must be purchased via Salop Leisure in Shrewsbury.

Does coastal location affect which brand I should choose?
It's worth considering. Salt air can be harder on painted chassis over time, and humidity can increase condensation. A galvanised chassis and good ventilation are sensible choices for any coastal park.

Do these brands make lodges and statics?
Yes. Most manufacturers produce both. The key is understanding the difference:

• Static Caravans: 10–14ft wide. Holiday homes, not houses. Compact footprint, lighter build. Best for short breaks.
• Holiday Lodges: 14ft–22ft wide (often twin-unit). Residential-style insulation (BS3632). Best for extended seasons and "home from home" comfort.

Is BS3632 (Residential Spec) worth it?
For winter use or long stays, yes. It makes a noticeable difference to heating bills in December.

8. Built for the Coast, Made for You

A static caravan isn't just a purchase. It's years of weekends. Beach walks at sunset. Uninterrupted sea views across Cardigan Bay to Happy Valley and Cadair Idris with a glass of wine. Quiet escapes when life gets loud.

The brand you choose determines how those years feel.

Whether the heating holds on a blustery January night. Whether the windows seal out the coastal gusts. Whether the floor still feels solid in year ten.

Get it right, and you won't think about the brand at all. You'll just enjoy the view.

That's the goal.

To explore the 2026 models:

• Visit Glan Y Don
• Walk through our holiday homes
• Try the "door thud" test
• Ask us anything

Glan Y Don at a Glance

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and reflects typical industry practice as of 2025/2026. While we aim for accuracy, we make no representations or warranties about the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the information provided, and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions. Costs, policies, licence terms, and facilities vary between parks and manufacturers and may change without notice. Any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk — always confirm details directly with the park manager before making any purchase decision. This content does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. If you need specific guidance, please consult a qualified professional.