Leisure lodges through the years

The September issue of Park Home magazine has a really useful special feature on holiday caravans, recommending the best manufacturers and sites in the UK.

In addition to reviews, there are also several articles on the development of leisure lodges and holiday caravans, and we particularly enjoyed a piece by Haven Holiday Homes looking at how holiday caravans have developed over the years.

For instance, although caravans were first invented in the 1800s, the modern holiday caravan owes most of its development to the 1960s. It was during this decade that the trend for converting the dining area into an additional bed was invented, plus 5amp electricity was supplied for the first time.

When the 1970s arrived it was the turn of the bathroom and kitchen areas to enjoy revolution. Flushing toilets were first used in holiday homes during this decade, with showers starting to become available as optional extras.

In the 1980s it became standard practice to fit static caravans and leisure lodges with hot and running water. Designs began to come grander with wider 12ft models being launched and home comforts such as televisions being introduced.

During the 1990s, piped gas replaced gas bottles to provide a more reliable source of energy – there’s nothing worse than the gas running out halfway through cooking your breakfast! – while today every gadget from dishwasher to iPod dock can be found in the top specification holiday homes.

The full article can be read in the latest issue of Park Home & Holiday Caravan magazine, available in shops now.

Whether you’ve got the latest leisure lodge or not-quite-so-new holiday caravan, Coast can insure your investment and its contents with our specialist leisure lodge insurance. For more information call Freephone 0800 614 849.