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UK caravan numbers surge: from Essex to Buckinghamshire

28.04.2026 18:26 2 min 4 sources
Yahoo News ENG + 3 more
UK caravan numbers surge: from Essex to Buckinghamshire
© Express.co.uk

The UK sees a significant rise in caravan numbers: 60% in Buckinghamshire over two years, 136% in West Yorkshire. Drones reveal the scale of a caravan park in Essex housing over 1,000 people, while Clacton plans to add nearly 100 caravans.

Regional caravan growth

The UK is experiencing a notable increase in caravan numbers, particularly in areas with traveller communities. In Buckinghamshire, the count rose 60% in two years, from 650 in 2023 to 1,210 in 2025. In Kirklees, West Yorkshire, the increase was 136%, linked to unauthorised encampments and natural population growth on existing sites.

Largest caravan park in Essex

Drone images reveal the scale of the Buckles Lane caravan park in South Ockendon, Essex, considered one of Europe's largest traveller sites. Established in 1980 as winter quarters for showmen, it now houses over 1,000 residents. The community has expanded to include commuters to London. Earlier this year, resident Thomas McKenna was sentenced to 16 years for weapons and explosives offences.

Expansion plans in Clacton

Haven Leisure has applied to add 97 static caravans to Orchards Holiday Village in St Osyth, Clacton, increasing the total to over 1,200 (8% rise). Plans also include relocating the golf clubhouse and upgrading the fishing lake. The applicant cites demand and local economic support. Tendring Council will decide.

Council measures

Buckinghamshire Council obtained an injunction against unauthorised caravans on land in Ashley Green, vowing to use all legal means against illegal land occupation.

This content was collected automatically from public sources. All images and content belong to their respective copyright holders. Copyright information

Story sources

Drone images reveal scale of Essex caravan site housing over 1,000 residents

28.04.2026 Yahoo News ENG

Clacton holiday village hopes to take on almost 100 extra caravans

26.04.2026 Clacton and Frinton Gazette ENG

Increase in number of caravans in Buckinghamshire Council area

14.04.2026 Bucks Herald ENG

Increase in Caravan Numbers in the UK

13.04.2026 Express.co.uk ENG

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🇬🇧 United Kingdom — fuel prices

Updated: 27.04.2026

Diesel

$2.67 /l

£1.97 · €2.28/l

107 of 116

pricier than 91% of countries

Petrol

$2.23 /l

£1.65 · €1.91/l

98 of 115

pricier than 84% of countries

LPG

$1.33 /l

£0.98 · €1.14/l

40 of 45

pricier than 87% of countries

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Best cities in the coming days

Dhekelia +23°·36 km/h
96
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81
Bracknell +18°·51 km/h
81
Avoid now
Cross Hills +13°·47 km/h
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61

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