Essayer OR - Gratuit

SWIFT ECCLES X 880 (2020)

Practical Caravan

|

October 2025

This stylish four-berth still looks bang up-to-date

- Andrew JBQenkinson

SWIFT ECCLES X 880 (2020)

ECCLES, a name that's as old as the car-pulled trailer caravan itself, and one that helped to establish caravanning as a hobby for thousands of people, is no longer a current brand. But the name can still be spotted on preowned forecourts.

Eccles became part of the Swift Group in 1994/95, and production moved from its Newmarket base to Swift’s Cottingham plant.

imageFor years, Swift positioned Eccles as an innovator in style and interior design. The name celebrated 100 years in 2019, with a special range to mark the occasion. Eccles was marketed as Sterling for many years, with its own dealers. Towards the end of the production run, the Swift badge replaced Sterling.

Model history

In 2019, the Eccles ranges received a new interior look and a special '100 years' badge. Seven layouts were available with the revamped interiors, and other additions included a solar panel, Alde heating and an alarm, which formed part of the lineup's excellent spec.

image

PLUS D'HISTOIRES DE Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan

BEST LUXURY CARAVAN - Buccaneer Starliner Barracuda

The Barracuda was always the 'bling' model in what was already quite a glitzy range.

time to read

1 min

February 2026

Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan

BEST TOW CAR FOR A 2000KG CARAVAN - Land Rover Range Rover Sport D350 Autobiography

If you can afford it, the Range Rover Sport D350 makes a superb tow car.

time to read

1 min

February 2026

Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan

48 Hours in WINCHESTER

Our regular series highlights top attractions and itineraries to help you make the most of a weekend visit

time to read

3 mins

February 2026

Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan

BEST 4-BERTH CARAVAN - Bailey Phoenix Black Edition 640

Bailey’s Phoenix range remains a family favourite, while its relatively light weight compared to the similar but wider Pegasus Black Edition lineup means they are more suited to regular tow cars.

time to read

1 min

February 2026

Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan

BEST SMALL CARAVAN - Barefoot Bothy

Barefoot Caravans, Cotswolds makers of multi-coloured monocoque caravans with ever so stylish interiors, have really been gaining something of a reputation this past decade.

time to read

1 min

February 2026

Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan

BEST 2-BERTH CARAVAN - Swift Conqueror 480

Swift's Conqueror range was always a good bet for those who wanted luxury but didn't fancy towing the large, 8ft-wide tourers that the Elegance range has become.

time to read

1 min

February 2026

Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan

BEST 6-BERTH CARAVAN - Elddis Avante Apex 840

We loved the old Avante 840 model because it was designed to be a proper family caravan, with sleeping spaces for six people nicely spread out and a comfortable bed for adults.

time to read

1 min

February 2026

Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan

BEST COUPLE'S CARAVAN - Coachman Laser Xtra 480

The Laser 480 Xtra is a unique van: it's the first 8ft-wide two-berth on the market.

time to read

1 min

February 2026

Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan

BEST FAMILY CARAVAN - Swift Challenger 590

Six-berth caravans that offer a pair of bunk beds at the back opposite a little lounge that can turn, when needed, either into a single bed or another pair of bunks are an ideal solution for families.

time to read

1 min

February 2026

Practical Caravan

Practical Caravan

VOLKSWAGEN T-CROSS (2019-present)

For towing smaller caravans this small SUV is a stylish choice, says Euan Doig

time to read

2 mins

February 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size