From Frank-en-Van to Dora the Explorer

Harvey and Piper Alexander on a motorhome road trip

Caravan and Motorhome Club research reveals a nation of van lovers turning road trips into personal adventures – complete with clever names and classic tunes.

With over 400,000 motorhomes and campervans now cruising the UK’s roads – and more than 16,000 new registrations last year alone (DVLA) – van life is no longer just a trend: it’s a way of life.

New research from the Caravan and Motorhome Club reveals that Brits are developing deep emotional bonds with their vehicles and it all starts with giving them names.

It’s All in the Name: From Puns to Pop Culture

From Frank-en-Van and Vanny DeVito to Nelson Van Dela and Dick Van Dyke, owners are embracing clever wordplay and pop culture to give their vans true personality.

People are opting for names with meaning like Dreamer or Frodo that reflect the spirit of the journey.

“We knew she was AmberTheCampervan the moment we saw her,” said one van owner.

The names reveal a wonderful mix of humour, sentiment and adventure. From Kevin to Dionne and Hector to Dreamer plus the timeless Vera, each name reflects a unique bond.

Hector, short for “House on Wheels,” celebrates the comfort of life on the move, while Dreamer captures the spirit of making memories and chasing horizons. Frodo nods to epic quests and unexpected journeys and Vera brings a sense of timeless charm. These names turn campervans into more than just vehicles, they become trusted companions on the open road.

Amberthecampervan

Real Stories: Meet Dora the Explorer

Siobhan Daniels, a full-time motorhomer and author, named her beloved vehicle “Dora the Explorer”.

“Every time I set off, she fills me with that spark of adventure,” said Siobhan. “I’ve discovered incredible places, made unforgettable memories and the best part is that I always have the comfort of my own little home on wheels wherever I go.”

Time for a Sing-Along: Brits’ Favourite Road Trip Tunes

The research also explored what Brits listen to while on the road and unsurprisingly, classic tunes rule the playlist.

Top sing-along favourites include:

• “Summer Holiday” – Cliff Richard
• “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers
• “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, and “Mr. Brightside”
• Disco hits from the ‘70s, ABBA anthems, and timeless road trip ballads like “Country Roads” and “Here Comes the Sun”

Not everyone’s into karaoke, some prefer Radio 4, Harry Potter audiobooks, or Taylor Swift for a more chilled journey. One thing is clear, no two road trips playlists are quite the same and that’s what makes the great British getaway uniquely unforgettable.

Van Life is More Than a Trend – It’s a Lifestyle

Campervan and motorhome owners - affectionately known as “vanners” - love the spontaneity of road trips, often travelling to music festivals, sporting events or coastal towns. For many, Glastonbury is the ultimate van-based experience, offering a dry and comfortable home base compared to soggy tents in muddy fields.

Van owners are also a particularly active bunch. According to Caravan and Motorhome Club insights, popular pastimes while touring include cycling, hiking, paddleboarding and surfing. With a choice of over 2,700 Caravan and Motorhome Club campsites located near beaches, mountains, cities, lakes and walking trails across the UK and Europe, the great outdoors has never been more accessible.

Harvey Alexander, Director of Marketing and Membership Services at the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

“Motorhomes and campervans give people the freedom to take spontaneous breaks and head off in search of adventure. People develop huge bonds with their leisure vehicles and naming them is a big part of this, and so is having a good old sing-song during the journey. Whenever I get behind the wheel to start a road trip I can't help singing ‘on the road again, dum de dum de dum dum, on the road again’... I really should learn the lyrics but we seem to do OK without them!”

For more inspiration, check out Caravan and Motorhome Club guide to campervanning.

 

ENDS

 

About the Caravan and Motorhome Club

With over 1 million members and 118 years of experience, the Caravan and Motorhome Club is the UK’s No 1 touring club - as rated on TrustPilot - and helps its members get more from the great outdoors, whether glamping or touring.

• Membership: £66 per year
• Access to 2,700+ campsites across the UK and Europe
• Escorted tours in Europe, North America, Australasia & Africa
• Expert travel advice and member offers
• Visit UK holiday deals & offers to see the range of offers

Find out more or join:
www.camc.com | 01342 318 813

More Ways to Stay: Experience Freedom

Want to try glamping? Experience Freedom, from the Caravan and Motorhome Club, offers luxury stays in safari tents, glamping pods, yurts, motorhome hire, tent camping and more – across 10 beautiful UK locations. Open to both members and non-members, Experience Freedom combines comfort with the great outdoors. Operated by the Caravan and Motorhome Club, the brand benefits from decades of expertise in high-quality campsite management. Club members enjoy up to 20% off glamping stays for themselves and their guests.

Find out more or join:
www.experiencefreedom.co.uk | 01342 777533

Media Contacts:

Caravan and Motorhome Club - Nikki Nichol - nikki.nichol@camc.com | 07771 834443
Four Agency (Helen Coop, Manav Hartono, Eddie Eglington) - camc@four.agency