Chatty Caravan - journeys made, memories shared
Lepe Country Park, Lepe, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1AD
The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu will be displaying a 1971 Sprite 400 caravan in full retro glory. Our Sprite 400 touring caravan was one of the most popular caravans of the 20th Century. It was designed in England by Sam Alper, a philanthropist, sculptor and founder of the Little Chef roadside restaurants. Our 'Caravan for the Community' (aka @chatty_caravan) is a place for people to step back in time and recall stories of motoring journeys and memories made. Maybe you have a road trip tale to share, a memory of a favourite car journey or a photo of your motoring pride and joy.
Open to visitors of all ages, you can revel in the vintage vehicle's retro style and connect with simpler times and caravan days. Is it the comforting sound of a whistling camping kettle you remember? Or perhaps the memory of sleeping in the bunk bed or out under the stars?
The caravan is a joyful focal point for the Museum to connect with our community and for us to share and learn about the heritage and social history of motoring for all. There will be an opportunity too for visitors to find out more and get involved with our community archive project 'My Generation'. And if you're feeling creative you can colour your own ‘Chatty Caravan' to add to our online 'groovy art gallery'. Or snap a 70s Sprite selfie to share with us on @chatty_caravan.
It may be small but Chatty Caravan brings a lot of joy and inspiration to all who visit. We look forward to meeting visitors of all ages!
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 10.30am - 3.30pm
Location & directions
Lepe Country Park, Lepe, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire, SO45 1AD
- Contact on day:
- Nina Lazarski
- Telephone number:
- +447775458917
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Access to the caravan is via a small step however there are opportunities to 'see inside' via the windows and also via printed images supplied. Objects for handling and reminiscence can be shared in or out of the caravan.
Additional information
The caravan exhibition will be hosted by staff from the National Motor Museum team however we ask that parents/carers stay with their young children at all times. Children are most welcome to step inside the caravan as long as they are with their accompanying adults.
