Carnaby is a name that’s well known in holiday caravan circles since their inception in 1976 from Apollo and Zephyr Caravans. Although they’ve around for 48 years, they’re not the oldest holiday caravan maker, that’s down to Willerby and Pemberton who’ve racked up more than 150 years between them!
Carnaby holiday caravans and lodges are produced in a factory in Carnaby, near Bridlington, which although it’s expanded over the years, it still remains a small concern that concentrates on quality-built units.
2024 Carnaby news
The Carnaby Ashdale static caravan range is back after a break and is firmly aimed at the entry-level market. This three-model range is set to be a popular line-up as Carnaby sets out to show value and let buyers add the spec to suit their needs.
Clad in barley white aluminium, the 2024 Carnaby Ashdale has full guttering, a painted chassis and galvanised steadies. There’s also a front bay window but it doesn’t feature opening windows.
Step inside, and although fixed L-shaped seating is a sign that this is an entry level static caravan it doesn’t feel like that overall.
In the lounge there’s a fitted TV cabinet with drawers and a place for an electric fire, which is optional, as is central heating.
There are storage drawers, as well as a wall shelf unit and the curved seating is comfortable and will easily cope with six.
There’s just the one side window which opens in the lounge area but there’s another window set further back next to the dining table. There are several mains sockets and LED ceiling lights.
The Ashdale’s kitchen area is opposite the dining table and its compact design enables a person to prepare meals within easy reach of the worktops and storage cupboards.
There are plenty of wall and under-counter cabinets finished in a modern grey colour, Plus, there’s a large gas oven and an integrated fridge freezer. A microwave and dishwasher are on the options list. The grey doors blend nicely with the light wood surrounds and create a light airy ambience.
We reviewed the three-bedroomed 40ft x 12 ft Carnaby Ashdale. In a static caravan of this length and width it does mean compromises have to take place. So bedroom three (the middle twin room) will more suitable for children. It’s the smallest bedroom and features a wall mounted wardrobe and a small shelf between the narrow single beds.
The other twin room is a bit larger, which allows for more floor area and a free-standing wardrobe. For extra storage, there’s a wall cupboard above the beds with two shelves.
Both bedrooms have a large window for natural light and ventilation and a bright ochre colour scheme.
Opposite the twin rooms is the main shower room which everybody will need to use if showering. It also has a loo and hand basin of course but the only available storage is a wall mounted mirrored cabinet above the sink.
It’s kept basic but functional and there’s enough toom to change, plus a small window for ventilation.
The master bedroom feels spacious, helped by the light wood coloured furniture, a large side window and bright accent curtains. There’s a “pocket” shelf at either side of the bed and wall cupboard above, and the upholstered bedhead adds a lovely pop of colour to the room.
Opposite the foot of the bed there’s a large chest of drawers, with a mirror above, but unfortunately there isn’t a dressing table with stool. Howvere, there’s a large fitted wardrobe with plenty of hanging space and shelving too.
The Carnaby Ashdale also has a small en-suite to the main bedroom with just a loo and hand basin.
Verdict: The Ashdale range allows buyers to get onto the Carnaby ownership ladder. This is a sturdy static caravan and for those on a budget it could make a cracking holiday retreat.
It’s got a list of extras and we think the three-bedroomed model will be popular model for fleet buyers to go onto park hire.
Plus points: Spacious lounge and kitchen area, good options list
Minus points: No dressing are in the master bedroom, heating is an optional extra, little storage in the bathroom
In a nutshell: The Carnaby Ashdale is a great buy for a family and ideal if you’re after a static caravan for hiring out. This modern caravan is also unlikely to date after a few years.
Size: Build standard: BSN1647
Sleeps: Four
Bedrooms: Two
Other Ashdale models available: 30ft x 12ft two bedroomed; 35ft x 12ft three bedroomed
Others to look at: Swift Ardennes 38ft x 12ft three bedroomed; ABI Coworth 38ft x 12ft three bedroomed; Sunseeker Solis 39ft x 12ft three bedroomed; Arronbrook Topaz 38ft x 12ft three bedroomed
Key optional extras: Alternative exterior colour finish; BS3632 exterior construction; washing machine; dishwasher; microwave; electric fire; central heating; uPVC double glazing; extra insulation option; extra dining chair; TV points in bedrooms; galvanised chassis; Bluetooth speaker system; electric panel heaters.
Ex-works price: £40,925*
Spotted in the classifieds: A 2023 Carnaby Highgrove static caravan for sale in Southport. (PR9). Sited costs £59,500.
Cost to insure this sited static caravan would be £443**
**Leisuredays static caravan insurance quote based on 2024 Carnaby Ashdale three-bedroomed holiday caravan, insured for £64,500 (£59,500 for structure and £5,000 contents). Owners are a 68-year-old retired couple with previous holiday caravan insurance and three years no claim discount. £5,000 contents included. £75 excess applies. Insurance premium includes insurance premium tax at the current rate and is correct as of 02/02/2024.
To find out more about insuring a Carnaby static caravan or your current holiday caravan visit our static caravan insurance page.
For more information about the range of holiday caravans and lodges from Carnaby Caravans visit www.carnabycaravans.com or call 01262 679971.
*Extra charges will be made by park operators and/or distributors for transport and siting and annual maintenance. Please check the price carefully before you commit to buy as prices vary considerably dependant amongst other factors, on the geographical location of your chosen park
