About Burlingham Caravans From Coachbuilder to Caravan Pioneer
The journey of Burlingham Caravans begins in the quiet countryside of Norfolk, where Herbert Victor Burlingham was born in 1876. A skilled coachbuilder by trade, he married Florence Kiernen in 1899 and worked across Norfolk and Huddersfield before a bold relocation to Blackpool in 1928.
There, Herbert leased premises on Bloomfield Road and Bond Street, setting up shop in a seaside town known for its booming seasonal tourism. Like contemporaries Thomas Harrington Ltd of Hove and Plaxton in Scarborough, he recognised that coachbuilding had a natural rhythm - intense in winter and quiet in summer. Blackpool’s economy allowed his workforce to switch to other roles during the off-season, helping maintain a stable operation year-round.
Building a Reputation in Coach Design
Herbert's initial venture focused on general coachbuilding. The first creation? A van for a local butcher. But it wasn't long before luxury coach bodies became the company’s specialty. Early models followed the popular “all-weather” style of the time, featuring steel-reinforced wooden frames, aluminium panelling, wind-down windows, and full-length folding canvas roofs.
Innovative from the start, Burlingham was among the first to offer on-board toilet compartments - an uncommon luxury at the time. The company’s reputation quickly spread beyond Lancashire, attracting major clients such as Scottish Motor Traction of Edinburgh, Walter Alexander of Stirling, and Glenton Tours of London.
As demand grew, so did the need for space. After operating out of various sites, the business moved to a new factory on Preston New Road in late 1929, supported by additional premises on Newhouse Road for parts manufacturing and repairs.
A New Venture: Caravans
In 1930, Herbert made a pivotal decision. He sold the coachbuilding side of his business to local businessmen Richard Eaves and Harry Lowcock, who formed H.V. Burlingham Ltd. Herbert himself, however, turned to a new passion - caravans.
Drawing from his coachbuilding experience, Herbert crafted bespoke caravans, including some striking four-wheeled vans. His designs took inspiration from motor coaches and were as elegant as they were functional. One such model even appeared at the 1934 Olympia Motor Show.
By the late 1930s, his caravan line had evolved into a beautifully named range inspired by the British Lake District: Langdale, Rydal, Thirlmere, and others. These were handcrafted with flair and attention to detail, and even included heavy-duty models for travelling showmen.
Establishing a Presence in Preston
Originally based in Addison Road, the caravan works had moved to Brook Street, Preston by 1938. The business also ran a display ground and campsite at the nearby Garstang Bypass - now the modern-day home of Burlingham Caravans.
Introducing Burlingham Leisure Combining our shared heritage
As part of our continued growth, we’ve brought together Burlingham Caravans and John Charles Motorhomes under one parent brand. To reflect this shared heritage and future ambition, we created a new umbrella identity: Burlingham Leisure.
Burlingham Leisure represents the values both dealerships have long stood for — trust, quality, and personal service — while also paving the way for future growth across caravans, motorhomes, and campervans.
At the heart of Burlingham Leisure is a simple belief: unforgettable journeys begin with finding the right vehicle. Here’s what sets us apart:
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Unmatched Heritage: With over 80 years of combined experience, our reputation is built on trust, integrity, and long-standing customer relationships.
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Quality-Approved Stock: Every caravan and motorhome is carefully handpicked and prepared to the highest standards, ensuring peace of mind on every trip.
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Customer-First Approach: Whether you’re new to touring or a seasoned adventurer, our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to support you at every step.
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Specialist Expertise: From our Volkswagen campervan specialists to our highly qualified service engineers, we bring genuine insight and care to every customer interaction.
Explore our dedicated listings for Used Caravans and Used Motorhomes & Campervans. Whether you’re dreaming of countryside escapes in a lightweight caravan or road trips in a fully equipped campervan, Burlingham Leisure is your trusted partner for making those dreams a reality.
Meet our Team Professional & Passionate about customer service
Ashley
Ashley has worked across multiple roles at both sites since 2014 and now manages the touring caravan site. He’s the one who sources our stock and is extremely particular about what he buys, only high-quality vans make the cut. If you're selling your van, he’ll be the one to pick it up and help out. With extensive knowledge of both the company and the industry, he’s always ready to support our team and customers with their purchases.
James
James has been with the company since 2013 and, with over 16 years of experience in the leisure industry, now leads our motorhome site as the manager. With extensive knowledge of both the company and the industry, he ensures customers find the right vehicle for their needs. Passionate about motorhomes, campervans, and VW vans, James knows the industry inside and out and is always ready to assist with any questions.
Camron
Camron joined us in 2023 and brings a ton of energy and ambition to the sales team. Whether he's helping customers find their perfect touring caravan or assisting in our on-site shop, Camron always goes the extra mile to ensure everyone leaves happy. His enthusiasm and commitment to great service make him a key part of the Burlingham.
Erle
Erle came on board in 2025 and plays a key role in supporting our customers before and after their purchase. From assisting with handovers to making sure each sale runs smoothly, he’s always on hand to help. Erle also sources parts and provides support in our shop, making him a reliable and friendly face for all things touring caravans.
Linda
Linda joined us in 2023 and is a friendly, reliable face during our busiest times. Working weekends in the shop, she makes sure no customer is left waiting. With her approachable manner and solid product knowledge, Linda is always ready to help you find the right part or accessory for your caravan.
Phil
Phil has been in the retail industry since 1982 and spent 22 years as Sales and Marketing Director at Vauxhall. Since 2013, he has led the business with a strong focus on growth, customer service, and delivering quality products. Phil is passionate about building a team that is customer focused with great attitudes, and he is committed to ensuring every customer receives exceptional service. This dedication is clearly reflected in our reviews. Always looking for ways the company can improve, Phil continues to drive the business forward with energy and vision. He values having his son Ashley and long-standing team member James alongside him, both of whom have played a key role in helping steer the business in the right direction.
Aggie
Aggie joined the team in 2022 and keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. She handles all of our payments, ensures every bit of paperwork is spot on, and is the go-to for any financial queries from our customers. With a sharp eye for detail and a love for organisation, Aggie makes sure our accounts are always in top shape.
Andrew
Since 2023, Andrew has worked alongside our manager to ensure every motorhome is fully checked and handed over smoothly. He handles sales, parts, and after-sales support, always ensuring customers receive top-quality service and products.
Andy
Andy became part of the team in 2022 and is a fully qualified engineer through the National Caravan Council Academy. He works on our touring caravans and motorhomes, making sure each one is thoroughly checked, safe, and ready for your next adventure. With his expert knowledge and dedication, you can trust your vehicle is in great hands.
Daniel
Daniel became part of the team in 2024 and is a fully qualified engineer through the National Caravan Council Academy. He works on our touring caravans and motorhomes, making sure each one is thoroughly checked, safe, and ready for your next adventure. With his expert knowledge and dedication, you can trust your vehicle is in great hands.
Michael
Michael became part of the team in 2024 and is a fully qualified engineer through the National Caravan Council Academy. He works on our touring caravans and motorhomes, making sure each one is thoroughly checked, safe, and ready for your next adventure. With his expert knowledge and dedication, you can trust your vehicle is in great hands.
Diane
Diane joined us in 2023 and takes great pride in making sure every caravan and motorhome is spotless and welcoming. She ensures each vehicle is fresh, clean, and ready for you to step straight into and start your adventure.
Carol
Carol joined us in 2023 and takes great pride in making sure every caravan and motorhome is spotless and welcoming. She ensures each vehicle is fresh, clean, and ready for you to step straight into and start your adventure.
Burlingham Caravans Historic Timeline
1939 Catalogue:
- Langdale (18ft) - £380
- Rydal (15ft) - £265
- Thirlmere (14ft) - £182
- Rydal Junior (13ft6) - £198
- Lyndale (12ft) - £168
- Grasmere - £198
- Derwent - £138
Burlingham even manufactured their own chassis and experimented with electric brakes - ahead of their time, though the idea never quite caught on.
War Years and Post-War Revival
Production paused during the Second World War, but by 1946, Burlingham was back in business with new models:
- Rydal - £842
- Langdale - £988
1948 Earls Court Motor Show:
- Lakeland (19ft) - £1,580
- Sportsman (13ft) - £599
A more affordable model, capable of carrying a 10ft dinghy (sold separately for £96).
Herbert Victor Burlingham retired that same year. The family tradition continued through his daughter and son-in-law, Mr and Mrs S. Parkinson, who carried the business forward.
Expanding the Range
1949 Additions:
- Langdale (17ft6) - £1,175
- Lindale (14ft) - £695
1951 Range:
- Sportsman - £599
- Lindale - £758
- Rydal - £935
- Langdale - £1,140 (£1,340 for Mollicroft)
- Windermere - £1,295
1953 Model:
- Kendal - £895
All earlier models remained in production.
The Final Years
By 1958, Burlingham Caravans was nearing the end of its original era. Pricing had become erratic, making it difficult to stay competitive. That year’s models included:
- Sportsman - £825
- Grasmere - £725
- Kendal - £895
- Langdale - £1,095
- Windermere - £1,495
Without a dedicated dealer network, the company sold directly from its forecourt. By 1954, it had also begun offering caravans from other manufacturers.
Herbert Victor Burlingham remained passionate about caravans until his death in 1959 at the age of 82. He even kept the first caravan he ever built - a piece of history that was housed in the Lakeland Motor Museum for many years.
A Legacy Continued
Following Herbert’s passing, the Barton family kept the spirit alive, managing the shop, offering repairs, and overseeing limited caravan sales. They also owned the caravan park located behind the premises - now managed by Heather Barton and her daughter Helen.
In May 2011, a new chapter began. The business was sold to a newly formed company - Burlingham Caravans Ltd, the name we proudly operate under today.
Two of our longest-standing team members, James (11 years) and Ashley (celebrating 10 years in 2024), have played a huge role in the company’s growth, alongside a dedicated and passionate team.
From handcrafted wooden caravans to a modern dealership rooted in tradition, Burlingham Caravans remains a living legacy. Thank you for being part of our journey.
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Burlingham Caravans,
A6 Road,
Garstang,
Preston,
Lancashire,
PR3 1PJ
01995 605 728
Opening times
- Monday9am - 5:30pm
- Tuesday 9am - 5:30pm
- Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
- Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
- Friday 9am - 5:30pm
- Saturday 9am - 5pm
- Sunday 10:30am - 4pm
- Bank Holidays 10am - 5pm
