Lodge or Caravan? Our Family Guide to UK Holiday Ownership

The dream of owning a holiday home is a compelling thought for many families: can spontaneous escapes to a personal sanctuary in the British countryside truly enhance quality of life? We see this proven time and again among our owners dotted across our stunning parks in Cornwall, Norfolk, Suffolk, and the New Forest. The freedom to escape the everyday is a powerful draw. However, before you can gather experience from your own blissful holidays, a primary question must be answered: what type of holiday home is right for your family? Are we thinking a traditional caravan or a spacious lodge for sale?

Here at Lovat Parks, we believe in making informed decisions based on clear evidence. This guide is designed to help you determine which holiday ownership option is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Holiday Home vs. Lodge: What’s the Difference?

To compare, we must first define our terms. At Lovat Parks, we use specific terminology: ‘holiday homes’ refer to what many call static caravans, and ‘lodges’ are larger. And size is the defining factor here.

Our caravans aka holiday homes represent the more traditional, cosier option, making them an excellent choice for those testing the waters of ownership for the first time. Lodges are the larger, more luxurious option, often with hot tubs, each offering abundant space ideal for bigger families or those seeking a true home-from-home feel. To see these definitions in greater detail, you can explore our guide on what sets apart a Lovat Parks holiday home from a lodge for sale.

A Head-to-Head Comparison for Your Family

To help you decide how to choose between lodges vs caravans for UK family holiday ownership, let’s analyse the points that matter most.

Size and Space

The most significant quantitative difference lies in physical dimensions. Our holiday homes can be up to 14ft wide, providing a comfortable and well-designed layout that feels cosy and welcoming.

Lodges, by contrast, are often double-width, reaching up to 22ft. This additional space creates a much more expansive, open-plan living environment, comparable to a modern bungalow. You should consider your family’s size and how you anticipate using the indoor space, will it be for intimate family time or just somewhere to escape the two of you?

Features and Furnishings

Both our holiday homes and lodges are sourced from trusted manufacturers and arrive fully furnished, but their features cater to different preferences.

Holiday Homes: The design emphasis is on warmth and modern comfort. They come equipped with double glazing, a fully fitted kitchen, and all the essential amenities for a delightful stay.

Lodges: Here, it’s much more about luxury and elevated style. It is common to find premium features like vaulted ceilings, fireplaces, en-suite bathrooms, and private outdoor decking. Our luxury lodge holidays showcase the high-end experience these provide.

Purchase Price

For most families, the budget is a critical part of the decision-making process. The initial purchase price differs significantly between a holiday home and a lodge.

Holiday Property Type Typical Price Range (November 2025)

• Holiday Home (Caravan): New models typically range up to £200,000. Pre-owned models provide a more affordable entry point, with prices often starting from £73,000.
• Lodge: As these are often newer lodges, these can range from approximately £80,000 to over £300,000 for premium models in prime locations.

Holiday home for sale type
Holiday Home (Caravan)	New models typically range up to £200,000	Pre-owned models provide a more affordable entry point, with prices often starting from £73,000.
Lodge	As these are often newer lodges, these can range from approximately £80,000.	Our newest and most spacious models can go up to over £300,000 for premium models in prime locations.

Ongoing Running Costs

A thorough financial analysis must also account for recurring costs beyond the initial outlay.

• Site Fees: This annual fee covers pitch rental, park maintenance, and security. At Lovat Parks, these fees are charged annually, depending on the specific park and location.

• Utilities: Costs for electricity, gas, and water must be factored in. Electricity and gas are typically metered, meaning you only pay for what you consume.

• Insurance: Protecting your asset is crucial.

• Maintenance: It is prudent to budget for general upkeep and annual safety checks to keep your holiday home in optimal condition.

What Do Lovat Parks Lodges and Holiday Homes Have in Common?

There are several common denominator across both ownership options at Lovat Parks that ensure a consistently high-quality experience.

• Fully Managed Letting: Our Love To Let service allows you to help offset running costs.

• Finance Options: Through our partnership with Santander, we offer trusted finance.
• Park Access: Owners can access their holiday home for 10-12 months of the year, depending on the park’s specific license.
• Dog Friendly Parks: We welcome four-legged family members across our parks.
• Modern Comforts: Superfast Wi-Fi is available at most of our parks to keep you connected.
• Community and Values: Ownership means joining a special community and supporting the UK’s first B Corp holiday park group. You can browse all available luxury holiday lodges and homes for sale on our website.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

Choose a Holiday Home if you’re:

• Operating within a smaller budget.
• Buying for a smaller family or planning cosy retreats as a couple.
• Needing a comfortable base from which to explore the local area.

Choose a Lodge if:

• Having a larger family or planning to frequently host guests.
• Prioritising ample space, luxury features, and a premium home-from-home experience.
• Spending extended periods or colder months at your holiday home, where features like central heating and better insulation offer greater comfort.

Two of our parks also offer permanent residential lodges for those who decide they never want to leave the holiday feeling behind.

Your Journey to Ownership with Lovat Parks

We’ve designed a clear, stress-free pathway for becoming an owner.

Step 1: Choose Your Location: Will your research lead you to the Cornish coast, the Norfolk Broads, the Suffolk sands, or the New Forest woodland?

Step 2: Come and See Us: The best way to is with a park visit. We invite you to join us for a tour to observe the environment and ask questions.

Step 3: Choose Your Holiday Home: We will help you review the new and pre-loved options available.

Step 4: Get the keys: Lovat Parks handles the complete setup. All that’s left is for you to pick up the keys and begin making memories.

We also understand that circumstances can change over time. Should you ever decide to sell up, we are always here to help as part of our Lovat Promises.

Ready to Find Your Family’s Home From Home?

In conclusion, the choice between a lodge and a holiday home is a personal one, dependent on family size, budget, and lifestyle priorities. Both options provide a fantastic opportunity to own a piece of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes and build a lifetime of cherished memories. If you are ready to move from hypothesis to reality, our friendly team is here to help you analyse the options. Get in touch with us to discuss your family’s needs and begin your ownership journey today. We can’t wait to welcome you.