Lodge vs Static Caravan: What's the Difference?

Both lodges and static caravans are holiday homes that sit on a pitch at a holiday park. Both can be a great way to get away. But they’re built differently, they feel different inside, and they usually cost different amounts. Here’s an honest look at the general differences, so you can decide what’s right for you.

The short answer

A static caravan is usually a single unit, typically built to the European holiday caravan standard, BS EN 1647. A holiday lodge is usually larger, often a twin unit, and is generally built to BS 3632, the British standard for residential park homes. Lodges generally cost more. Statics are a lower-cost way into holiday home ownership. On a holiday park, both are for holiday use only.

Build standards: BS EN 1647 vs BS 3632

• BS EN 1647 is the standard for holiday caravans. The National Caravan Council (NCC) describes holiday caravans as “built to BS/EN1647 for holiday and recreational use” (NCC best practice guidance). The NCC’s thermal rating scheme for these units assumes they aren’t used from the beginning of December to the end of February (NCC thermal rating scheme).
• BS 3632 is the British Standard for residential park homes, built “for use as permanent places of residence” (BSI: BS 3632:2023). The NCC defines holiday lodges as units built to BS 3632 “and sold and marketed for holiday and recreational use only”. It also notes that some BS 3632 units are marketed as holiday caravans.

In practice, the names aren’t fixed. Always ask which standard a unit is built to, rather than going by whether it’s called a lodge or a caravan.

Is a lodge a caravan in law?

Generally, yes. Under the Caravan Sites Act 1968, section 13, a twin-unit structure that can be moved by road when assembled counts as a caravan, as long as it’s no more than 20 metres long, 6.8 metres wide and 3.05 metres high inside. That’s why lodges sit on caravan sites under a site licence, just like static caravans.

Lodge vs static caravan at a glance

These are general differences. Individual models vary, so always check the specification.

Why buy a lodge versus a static caravan?

Some reasons people choose a lodge:

• Year-round comfort: BS 3632 sets a higher bar for insulation and heating, which matters if you plan to visit in winter.
• Space: a twin-unit lodge usually has more living space.
• Feel: lodges tend to feel more like a small home than a caravan.

And some reasons a static caravan might suit you better:

• Lower cost: statics are generally cheaper to buy.
• Seasonal use: if you’ll mostly visit in the warmer months, a holiday-standard caravan may be all you need.
• Choice: there are many static caravan parks to choose from.

Whichever you choose, the park matters as much as the unit. Check the opening season, the site fee, what’s included in the price and how the park is run. Our buying a holiday lodge guide has a checklist.

Lodges vs park homes

A residential park home is also built to BS 3632, but it sits on a residential park and can be your main home. A holiday lodge on a holiday park can’t, even if it’s built to the same standard. The government’s park homes guidance explains your rights if you’re thinking of living in one full-time.

Lodges at Epworth Fields

Epworth Fields sells holiday lodges, not static caravans. Our new lodges are built by Love Holiday Homes, and we also have a Victory Lakewood. Lodges start from £49,995, and the price includes everything: siting, connection, decking and furnishings. Each listing on our lodges for sale page shows its details, and we’re happy to go through the specification of any lodge with you.

• Annual site fee: £3,000 plus VAT, frozen for 5 years for every buyer, new or pre-owned.
• The park: a small, gated, family-run park with a 12-month season, dogs welcome, an owners-only fishing lake (some lodges overlook it), and lodges kept for owners’ own use, not letting.
• Running costs and terms: every purchase is tailored, so we’ll talk you through running costs and terms when you visit.
• Part-exchange: we take motorhomes, static caravans and touring caravans in part-exchange. See part exchange your static caravan.
• Buying: you can’t buy a holiday lodge with a mortgage. We’ll talk you through the purchase when you visit.

For more detail, read our guides to the cost of buying a holiday lodge and whether holiday lodges are a good investment.

FAQ

Is a lodge better than a static caravan?

Neither is better for everyone. Lodges usually offer more space and year-round comfort, while statics usually cost less.

Can I live in a lodge full-time?

Not on a holiday park. For full-time living, you need a residential park home on a residential park.

Can I part-exchange my static caravan for a lodge?

Yes. We take motorhomes, static caravans and touring caravans in part-exchange against a lodge at Epworth Fields.

Do I pay council tax on a holiday lodge?

No. The NCC notes that you don’t pay council tax on a holiday lodge, because it isn’t your permanent home (NCC questions and answers).

What is BS 3632?

The British Standard for residential park homes, intended for permanent residence. Many holiday lodges are built to it.

What is BS EN 1647?

The standard for holiday caravans, designed for holiday and recreational use.