The name Bailey of Bristol is synonymous with caravanning and has long been a cornerstone of the UK’s leisure industry. Since the company’s inception, well over 70 years ago, the manufacturer has stuck to its roots and still produces caravans in the heart of Bristol.
Due to hard work, key manufacturing values and the company’s contribution to the UK leisure industry, Bailey had a visit from Her Majesty the Queen in 2012. A visit from the Queen marked the company’s 70th year of business and signified this caravan manufacturer as the best of British.
History of Bailey
One of the UK’s most beloved caravan brands stems from humble beginnings, and it all started with one caravan that was put together by Martin Bailey, in his garage in South Bristol in 1947. Upon the van’s completion, Martin sold it at Ashton Gate market for the sum of £200.
A year on from that sale came the creation of F G Bailey Ltd. Within a few years, the company had expanded so rapidly that it outgrew its original production site, 106 Bedminster Road, and moved to South Liberty Lane in 1960, where they still produce caravans to this day.
The company was purchased in 1977 by Patrick and Stephen Bailey. Since the acquisition, Bailey has produced some of the UK’s most beloved caravan ranges, such as the original Pagent, Senator and now modern classics like the Unicorn and Pegasus models.
Proving they are market leaders, Bailey embarked on globe-trotting adventures to show just how well made and versatile its caravans are. Ever wondered how a caravan would hold up crossing the Arctic? Or if a touring van has what it takes to do a 6,000-mile round trip from Bristol to the Bosphorus? With a Bailey caravan, this is all possible.
Bailey today
In today’s market, Bailey’s constant innovation has made its caravan range one of the best selling in the UK and Europe and has an annual turnover of £140+ million.
Bailey is still owned by the Bailey family and produces more than 7,000 leisure vehicles each year that are shipped all over the UK and Europe, and can be seen on almost every caravan site you visit.
As Bailey continues to strive towards manufacturing in-house products, such as the Alu-Tech body shell, it firmly holds its position as one of the major caravan companies in Europe. As of 2021, Bailey of Bristol is the UK’s longest-running manufacturer of leisure vehicles.
Current ranges
- Alicanto Grande
Pegasus Grande SE
Unicorn Black Edition
Phoenix+
Discovery