By Emma Clayton I RECKON I could happily live in a caravan.

I'd have to downsize my clutter, and of course the orange floral curtains that are obligatory caravan decor would have to go, but I think a "static" would be a cosy, low maintenance place to live.

There's something delightfully British about a caravan holiday. Rain hammering on the roof, shuffling playing cards on the pull-out table, squeezing into a shower cubicle the size of a fridge.

I spent much of my childhood in our static caravan on the east coast, we even took our two pet cats there. They'd go off hunting mice in nearby fields and always managed to find their way back to us. The site, overlooking the sea, was gradually disappearing due to coastal erosion, and caravans at the cliff-top had to be regularly moved back.

Despite the rise of cheap flights and city breaks, caravan holidays, it seems, are booming, largely thanks to the 'staycation' trend. With many Brits opting to holiday at home, the static caravan rental market is a key beneficiary. According to caravan and motorhome hire website leisurerentalsdirect.com, convenience and being able to take the family pet on holiday are motivators in such holiday selection.

Leisure industry forecasts for 2016-2017 reveal a continuing rise of the staycation; bookings have more than doubled for the first quarter of 2016. And static caravan sales are on the increase, with many owners renting them out.

York Press:

Holiday heaven: a static caravan

I love the fact that people take their caravans very seriously, despite the sneering contempt from other road users. This quirky mobile home obsession was captured recently in an oddly endearing BBC2 series. Intrigued by the title, Caravanner of the Year, I tuned in and was quickly hooked. Six couples competed to win the Caravan Club contest, taking on such challenges as reversing caravans and motorhomes, towing them around hay bales, and racing to put up awnings. It was all done with plucky enthusiasm and impeccable attention to detail. Someone even measured their caravan table with a spirit level.

The three finalists were tested on their navigation skills, leading to frazzled nerves, tears and simmering marital tension. It was like watching an old-school sitcom.

My favourites were David and his elderly mum, Gwyneth. They didn't make the final, mainly because David nearly ran Gwyneth over in the reversing challenge, and they were quietly seething. Not to be outshone by the finalists, David insisted on showing one couple his photograph album - filled page after page with photos of his beloved caravans over the years. He had trophies too, from previous contests.

David and Gwyneth should have their own series, towing and bickering their way around the country. I'd certainly watch it - preferably in a caravan with rain hammering on the roof.