AD| Staycationing in a Motorhome

Family holidays look a little different nowadays. Gone are the days where we’d book an all inclusive package holiday abroad. In today’s world we tend to stick with what we know and our own country. Over the last few years we started camping. Our first family camping trip was in September 2019. It was so much fun. My husband, who had never been camping before, absolutely loved it! Sadly, the Covid outbreak put pay to our 2020 camping holiday but we didn’t let that stop us. We pitched the tent in our garden, toasted marshmallows and star gazed before spending the night in our garden.

Staycations

Luckily this year we did manage another camping trip. We went to a site we’d been to before. While the site itself is fantastic we were unfortunate that the family next to us were rather noisy. They didn’t seem to have any respect for other campers and their loud music into the night wasn’t good either. That being said, we made the most of our trip as best we could. However, it did make us think about our future holidays.

As mentioned already, we really enjoy our UK staycations camping. However, the UK isn’t known for it’s glorious sunshine! We’ve spent many a night, and day, in a tent in the pouring rain. In terms of comfort it’s ok, but my husband and I have started to look around for family friendly motorhomes for sale. 

A motorhome would give us more space. Plus if the weather wasn’t great we’d definitely be more comfortable, and warm, in a motorhome. In addition we feel that a motorhome would block more noise than a tent. 

Layout

When looking to buy a motorhome, there’s quite a lot to think about. For starters there’s the layout. That’s why we like the look of the Autograph 81-6 motorhome from Bailey of Bristol. This 6 berth motorhome has up to three double beds when it is in nightime mode. There is a dropdown bed above the seating at the front of the motorhome, with the option to make up a second double bed underneath. The third double bed can be made up from the seating in the rear lounge at the back. This makes the Autograph 81-6 an ideal family motorhome. While the kids are sleeping, my husband and I could sit up front with a glass of something chilled and enjoy the evening. Something we wouldn’t really be able to do in a tent.

One of my favourite features of the Autograph 81-6 motorhome is that it has a Peugot Sat Nav system. Having lived in Cardiff all of my life, I still use Sat Nav on a regular basis to find my way around! I also like that the Autograph 81-6 motorhome has a new Dometic reversing camera. Reversing a motorhome is very different to my little car so I certainly need all the help I can get!

6 berth motorhomes

In addition to the layout, you need to consider the berth. Motorhomes have different numbers of travel seats. That means when looking for the perfect motorhome, I need to ensure that I choose one that has enough travel seats and berths for our needs. For example, sometimes extra people will travel in a different vehicle to the motorhome which is why you can get a 4 berth motorhome with 2 travel seats.

Motorhomes and your driving licence

You also need to consider your driving licence when looking at motorhomes. If you passed your test before 1st January 1997 and had the C1 entitlement added automatically onto your licence then you can drive a motorhome up to a weight of 7500kg. If you passed after 1st January 1997 then the C1 would not have been added automatically. The standard licence passed today includes the B and B1 entitlement, restricting you to 3500kg. If you don’t have the C1 entitlement and want to drive something up to 7500kg then you need to take an extra test to get the C1 entitlement. The Camping and Caravanning Club has a useful page explaining this. 

The Autograph 81-6 is the biggest motorhome available from Bailey of Bristol, and has a weight of 4250kg so would need the driver to have the C1 entitlement. But don’t despair if you don’t have the C1 and don’t want to take the test – Bailey of Bristol have many lighter motorhomes weighing in at 3500kg with 2 or 4 berths – you can see all their motorhome models here.

Destination

When you’ve chosen your motorhome the next thing to think about is where you’re going to go. One place that I’ve always wanted to go is Scotland. I think exploring Scotland in a motorhome would be amazing.

If you’re thinking about getting a motorhome, I’ve found that being able to take 360 virtual tour helps. This is especially good if you can’t get to a retailer due to the Covid-19 restrictions. You can take a caravan virtual tour here: https://www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/current-caravan-models/ and a motorhome virtual tour here: https://www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/current-motorhome-models/

To keep up with all the Bailey news including information on using their products for self-contained holidays, travel inspiration and product news click here: https://www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/news-events