The arrival of early spring is already fuelling a surge in demand for campervans, motorhomes and caravans across the UK.
New data from online marketplace Gumtree reveals a 133 per cent increase in interest in leisure vehicles since January, with demand growing four times faster than the wider vehicle market, which has seen a 33 per cent rise over the same period.
The figures suggest Britain’s road-trip season is starting earlier than usual, with interest in touring vehicles already at its highest level since September.
Road trip season begins
Campervans and motorhomes continue to appeal to travellers seeking flexibility, allowing holidaymakers to explore coastal routes, national parks and countryside destinations without relying on hotels or holiday rentals.
This way of travelling is becoming increasingly attractive, as 41 per cent of UK adults say the cost of accommodation is the biggest barrier to taking a domestic holiday, according to Gumtree’s data.
Demand is expected to rise even further in the coming weeks, with enquiries forecast to double again by April as more people begin planning spring and summer touring trips.
Strong interest in coastal regions
Unlike the wider car market – where demand is typically centred around major cities – interest in campervans and caravans is strongest in areas with easy access to the countryside and coast.
Regions currently seeing the biggest spikes in demand include:
- Fife
- County Antrim
- Essex
- Lancashire
- West Yorkshire
These areas offer convenient access to popular touring routes and outdoor destinations.
Britain’s most wanted campervans
The data also highlighted models attracting the most attention from buyers. The Volkswagen Transporter ranks as the most in-demand campervan on the platform, generating more than 74,000 views, followed by the Ford Transit and Fiat Ducato. These vehicles remain popular due to their reliability and adaptability for camper conversions.
Louis Maxwell, motoring expert at Gumtree, said the early surge reflects strong demand for self-contained travel.
“The first weekend in March recorded the highest level of campervan and motorhome demand on Gumtree since September,” he said. “With availability currently strong, buyers are encouraged to start their search early before competition intensifies as spring progresses.”
Listings for leisure vehicles have also increased, with supply rising 22 per cent since the start of the year as sellers prepare for the peak touring season.
As daylight hours lengthen and temperatures rise, the coming weeks are expected to mark the busiest buying period of the year for campervans and caravans.
Image: Unsplash
