Willerby has re-launched its Rio range of holiday caravans in two line ups the Rio Compact and Rio
The Willerby Rio static caravan is back! A caravan range that over the years has proved to be good value and which attracted a lot of attention at the NEC Caravan Show it due to its price and standard features. On our inspection, you certainly seem to get a lot for your money.
Willerby has also brought back the 10ft 6in wide Rio static caravan – naming it the Compact- for holiday parks with plots that aren’t large enough for 12ft wide units and above.
The Willerby Rio Access is also available for wheelchair users.
The Rio’s aluminium sides are ribbed and the front, off centre, sliding patio doors are an extra that most buyers are most likely to order. All windows are double glazed.
Although the Willerby Rio is an entry-level static caravan it doesn’t feel like it. The interior is modern and uses colours well, giving off a slightly continental vibe.
The front lounge area boasts a large L-shaped five-seater settee in grey with a contrasting large rusty red sofa chair. There’s a small coffee table and large side dresser with in-built shelves and cupboards and a place to put the TV on. Above this there’s a high level storage unit.
The dinette area is trendy with an upholstered side bench and two cylinder stools, with a modern wooden slatted wall behind. There’s more storage above too and an optional integrated fridge freezer fitted to our review model.
As you walk into the Willerby Rio from the side door, you’re straight into the kitchen, which is split into two. Cooking facilities, like the cooker and microwave are on the right, while the sink is on the left.
It’s a different layout and we’re not sure how practical it is to have the kitchen so close to the door. Apart from foot traffic, wind coming through the open door could blow the hob flame out too!
The kitchen does offer a reasonable amount of worktop for food prep but possibly not as much as a conventional kitchen design – but there’s plenty of cupboard storage.
Through to the back of the Rio and the main bathroom is on the left with its walk-in shower, toilet and hand basin.
It’s not overly large but still spacious enough to be practical and has shelving and a mirrored cupboard.
The modern light wood and grey theme continues into this room.
But opposite, the twin bedroom has that pop of colour from the living room. Featuring two adult-sized beds with a storage shelves and cupboards above.
There’s a small built-in wardrobe and the orangey red headboard, bed runners, cushions and curtain detailing brighten up the room.
This colour theme continues into the master bedroom at the back of the Willerby Rio.
It’s a spacious bedroom with a separate small wardrobe from the larger walk-in unit.
There’s more storage too with bedside cabinets and similar overbed shelving and cupboards to the twin bedroom. Black spotlights provide nighttime reading illumination.
For getting ready for the day there’s a dressing table with upholstered bench seat and an en-suite, which just has a toilet and hand basin – no shower.
LED ceiling lights are fitted throughout the Willerby Rio static caravan, as well as two reading lights in both the twin and master bedrooms.
Verdict: The Willerby Rio static caravan delivers solid value for money. Its layout stands out from others in the range, although the kitchen placement might put some buyers off? As well as the fridge freezer’s location near the dining area, away from the main kitchen. That said, the modern interior is well-executed and likely to appeal to a younger crowd.
Spec-wise, it holds up well, with good-sized bedrooms and a contemporary finish throughout. We still expect the new Rio to perform well for Willerby.
Plus points: Good storage, bright airy interior, large settee, good reading lights in the bedrooms.
Minus points: No electric fire, kitchen position might not be to everyone’s taste, wardrobe in the twin bedroom could be larger.
In a nutshell; The Willerby Rio stands out with a fresh approach, and the Compact model impressed us too. We liked the colour scheme, and overall, it’s an appealing holiday caravan at a competitive price.
Size: 36ft x 12ft
Build standard: BS 1647
Sleeps: up to six
Bedrooms: Two
Other Rio models available: 28ft x 12ft two bed; 32ft x 12ft two bed; 36ft x 12ft three bed; 38ft x 12ft two bed; 38ft x12ft three bed
Others to look at: ABI Coworth 36ft x 12ft two bed; Swift Royan 35ft x 12ft two bed; Europa Rosewood Outlook 35ft x 12ft two bed; Victory Baywood 35ft x 12ft two bed
Key optional extras: Exterior colour choices and finishes, integrated Bluetooth sound system, lighting pack, electric fire, Simply Better Sleep mattress upgrade, Internet ready, galvanised chassis, Hive thermostat, dishwasher, central heating, lift-up storage bed.
Ex-works price: £39,400*
For more information visit www.willerby.com or call 01482 707808.
Spotted in the classifieds: A 2025 Willerby Rio static caravan for sale in North Yorkshire (YO14). Sited costs £48,950.
Cost to insure this sited static caravan would be £252**
* 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.
**Leisuredays static caravan insurance quote based on 2025 Willerby Rio two-bedroomed holiday caravan insured for £53,950 (£48,950 for structure and £5,000 contents). Owners are a 68-year-old retired couple with previous static caravan insurance and three years no claim discount. £75 excess applies. Premium includes insurance premium tax at the current rate and is correct as of 30/07/2025.
