08/05/2025

What Is the Best Motorhome for Families in the UK?

The real-world guide for parents who want space, safety, and sanity on wheels

Let’s be honest—family holidays can be magical, chaotic, or somewhere in between. Add in the freedom of a motorhome, and you've got the ingredients for both adventure and the occasional squabble over whose turn it is to sleep on the top bunk. But before you can hit the road and make memories in Scarborough or the Scottish Highlands, you need to know: which motorhome is actually built for family life?

So, what’s the best motorhome for families in the UK? Well, that depends on your crew, your budget, and—let’s be real—how much elbow room you need when everyone’s rained in with Monopoly and soggy socks.

Let’s unpack it, shall we?

Which motorhome layouts work best for families?

Here’s the thing: a good family motorhome doesn’t just come down to square footage. It’s about how that space feels when it’s filled with chatter, muddy boots, and cereal bowls.

Look out for:

Bunk Beds: Game-changer for kids. They love them. You’ll love the separate sleeping zones.

Fixed Double Beds: No faffing around converting the lounge into a bed after a long day.

Separate Dining Area: A dinette that stays set up means less lifting and shifting—and more coffee.

Large Washrooms: Because no one wants to queue for the loo when you’re parked in the Peaks.

For bigger families (four or more), you’ll likely want a 6-berth motorhome with a layout that separates sleeping areas—keeping the kids at one end and the grown-ups at the other. Yes, even 12 feet can feel blissfully far when you've got a snorer in the family.

Which brands are best for families?

Let’s cut to the chase. These are the family-friendly brands that regularly top the charts—not because of gimmicks, but because they get the brief: comfort, practicality, and reliability.

Swift

Swift’s motorhomes are packed with clever, family-minded design touches. Models often include fixed beds, roomy lounges, and heaps of hidden storage. If you’re browsing used Swift motorhomes, you’ll find plenty that tick the family box—especially if space and smart layouts are top of your wishlist.

Elddis

Elddis has a loyal following for a reason. Their layouts are simple but clever, often including electric drop-down beds, rear lounges, and up to six belted travel seats. They’re a great choice for families looking for a solid, value-packed motorhome.

Coachman

If you’re after a touch more luxury, new Coachman motorhomes deliver serious comfort—think plush interiors, excellent insulation, and winter-friendly heating. They’re ideal if your idea of a family break leans more toward “cosy log cabin on wheels.”

Are there affordable options?

Absolutely. You don’t need to remortgage your house to hit the road.

Let’s say you’re working with a tighter budget or testing the waters before fully committing to motorhoming. Used motorhomes can be a goldmine—especially models just a few years old that still feel modern but come at a more manageable price.

If you spot a used Swift or used Bailey, chances are you’ll find great value, family-friendly layouts, and a bit more change left for ice cream stops.

And honestly? Sometimes it’s worth sacrificing a snazzy media centre for an extra cupboard to stash the biscuits. Priorities.

What safety features should families look for?

Let’s talk peace of mind. Because when you’re travelling with children, everything revolves around safety.

Key Safety Features To Look For:

6 belted travel seats – Make sure every passenger has a proper, seatbelted travel seat.

ISOFIX points – Great if you’re using child car seats (though still relatively rare in motorhomes).

Good visibility – Large mirrors and front windows make tight country lanes far less stressful.

Stability control systems – A helpful extra when driving in windy or hilly areas.

It’s also worth booking regular motorhome servicing, especially if you’re buying used. Annual habitation checks ensure things like gas, electrics, and water systems are safe for your family—and nobody wants to discover a damp issue halfway through a holiday in Devon.

Features that make family travel easier

Sometimes, it’s not just about layout or safety. It’s about how a motorhome fits into your family routine.

Like:

An external gas point (so dad can burn the sausages in peace)

USB sockets near every bed (because screens buy you sanity on rainy days)

Blackout blinds (because 5am sunlight + toddlers = carnage)

And if you’re planning year-round travel, it’s worth checking the heating system. Families often benefit from Alde wet heating or Truma Combi systems, which keep things toasty no matter the season.

So, what’s the best motorhome for families?

Honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Swift, Elddis, Coachman, and Bailey all bring something different to the table. It really comes down to your family—your quirks, your chaos, your plans.

Start by thinking about what matters most to you. Need six travel seats? That’s your first filter. Prefer a rear lounge for bedtime separation? That’s next.

If you're still not sure, a visit to your local dealership really helps. Let the kids hop on the bunks and argue about who’s sleeping where. You’ll get a feel for what works (and what doesn’t) faster than you’d think.

When it clicks, you’ll know. And that’s when the adventures begin.

We welcome you to get in touch if you are really struggling or just want to have a chat about your requirements, we can run you through all the stock we have that will suit you or get a fancy new motorhome ordered that fits you perfectly.