Elddis Avante 556

...away with a lovely 2005 Elddis Avante 556 and a whopping loan! The choice was basically between this caravan and a four-berth end-bathroom model. The latter configuration, it seems, is de rigeur, but I was determined to avoid the hassle of an awning and this lovely six-berth is just so delightfully roomy. And the kids are so much at home in it. In fact, they'd discovered the end bunk dens before we’d even left the dealer. By contrast, they were under ...
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I'm not a seasoned caravanner, but I really can't fault the living accommodation. It's better appointed than home. Dining is a stylish affair on food cooked fresh. The small bathroom has been no problem; we can all shower in it without difficulty. In fact, we've tended to stay on Caravan Club sites and use our own facilities, including the loo. And because we're family, I don't even mind emptying the cassette! I would trade six inches ... more

Our decision to go caravanning was made after the arrival of our second child. Our aim was to holiday regularly and in comfort. Too lazy to trawl the Internet, we simply went to the Pearman Briggs (www.pearmanbriggs.co.uk) 2006 late season sale, and came away with a lovely 2005 Elddis Avante 556 and a whopping loan! The choice was basically between this caravan and a four-berth end-bathroom model. The latter configuration, it seems, is de rigeur, but I was determined to avoid the hassle of an awning and this lovely six-berth is just so delightfully roomy. And the kids are so much at home in it. In fact, they'd discovered the end bunk dens before we’d even left the dealer. By contrast, they were under our feet within a moment in the end bathroom set-up.

I'm not a seasoned caravanner, but I really can't fault the living accommodation. It's better appointed than home. Dining is a stylish affair on food cooked fresh. The small bathroom has been no problem; we can all shower in it without difficulty. In fact, we've tended to stay on Caravan Club sites and use our own facilities, including the loo. And because we're family, I don't even mind emptying the cassette! I would trade six inches of lounge room for a slightly bigger cubicle, but no way would I cut off the last third of the van.

On the road, the Avante has been straightforward. My partner is a horsewoman and used to towing, so she's done the lot, even reversing onto the drive (my masculinity isn't threatened). Our Peugeot 406 hasn't quite got the legs for the 556 which is quite a big van, so we've tended to stay reasonably close to home so far. I think we'll be looking for a gutsy diesel some time future.

To conclude, if you haven't already guessed, we love this caravan and the freedom it has given us. I’d heartily recommend it for families with children. And, with luck, we might have a use for the side bunk eventually! 

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