If you're looking to buy a new or used campervan, you could do a lot worse than simply heading to your nearest Volkswagen dealer (or shopping on heycar) and handing over a wad of cash for a Volkswagen California. VW has been synonymous with campervans for decades and for good reason - not only are they fashionable, they're also well-built and cleverly thought out.

The Volkswagen California is actually the mid-size campervan in the brand's line-up (bigger than the Caddy California; smaller than the Grand California). It's probably our pick of the range... sure, you don't get on-board toilet and washing facilities, but it strikes a good balance between comfort and everyday useability.

One of the few campervans on sale built in-house by the manufacturer (rather than converted by an aftermarket specialist), the Volkswagen California is sold exclusively with diesel power and is available with two- or four-wheel drive. It's worth looking for a 4x4 model if you're planning to venture onto muddy campsites or festival fields.

So what's the catch? That'll be the price. A brand new Volkswagen California starts from around £60,000 and soon starts to increase when you're tempted by desirable optional extras or special edition models. The California holds its value incredibly well so you're unlikely to get a used bargain, either, but at least you know you'll be able to get most of your money back if you decide camping isn't for you. A brand new model is due in the latter part of 2024, but there's still plenty to recommend its predecessor.

Again, there's a new Nugget on the way later in 2024 that's based on the latest version of the Ford Transit Custom, but we haven't had the chance to try it yet, and it wouldn't be right to recommend it until we have. The good news, though, is that there's still plenty to recommend the previous iteration, launched in 2019. Based on the previous Ford Transit Custom van, the Nugget is actually converted by campervan specialists Westfalia but sold through Ford dealers with a manufacturer-backed warranty.

Aimed at 'digital nomads', the Ford Transit Nugget comes with on-board WiFi accessible by up to 10 devices. That's ideal for a new generation of work-from-homers, says Ford, allowing you to work (properly) remotely while the kids catch up on their Tiktoks.

Ford's managed to squeeze a three-room layout into the Nugget, including a kitchen area separated from the rear seating, which combined with the rear-tilting roof creates a wider space with more headroom. Dual side-opening doors and the ability to walk-through from front to back contribute to easy access around the airy cabin, which sleeps up to four people.

The Nugget is powered by Ford's 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine with a choice of manual and automatic gearboxes. Granted, prices are pretty astronomical but, much like with the Volkswagen California, at least you can expect to get most of your investment back when it comes to resale time.

Based on the Mercedes V-Class people carrier, the Mercedes Marco Polo is yet another competitor to the Volkswagen California and Ford Transit Nugget. Just like the Transit, it's converted by Westfalia and sold through dealers as a factory-approved conversion.

Marketed as a 'feel-good camper', the Mercedes Marco Polo is perhaps the poshest mid-size campervan you can buy. It feels just like a Mercedes car to drive, helped by the MBUX infotainment system, a leather steering wheel and the extensive list of driver-assistance tech. No one will complain about having to drive a Mercedes Marco Polo every day, unless perhaps you worry about being mistaken for a posh Uber driver.

It's pretty pleasant in the back, too. Yacht-style wooden flooring is both classy and easy to keep clean, while the kitchen is cleverly designed to incorporate a twin gas hob, sink and a fridge. When it's time to sleep, the rear bench electrically converts into a comfortable double bed, while the roof can be raised to provide accommodation for another two people.

Prices for a new Mercedes Marco Polo start from around £70,000 but, as it's been on sale for a few years now, you can save cash by looking for a used example. A budget of £50,000 will get you a second-hand Marco Polo.

The Grand California sits at the top of the Volkswagen campervan range. Based on the large Volkswagen Crafter van, the Grand Cali caters for buyers who want a bit more space in their campervan. You also get an in-built washroom, too, saving those middle-of-the-night traipses across the campsite when nature calls.

It's available in two different sizes: the Volkswagen Grand California 600 (which measures six metres in length) and the Grand California 680 (which measures - you guessed it - 6.8 metres). The smaller version has a higher roof and the option of an extra bed over the cab, meaning it's available as a four-berth campervan. The longer version has a lower roof and is strictly a two-berth camper.

All Volkswagen Grand Californias are powered by a grunty 177PS 2.0-litre diesel engine paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It's quite a relaxed motorway cruiser - so ideal for those jaunts across Europe - although you will notice the vehicle's size when negotiating city centres. Fortunately, visibility is pretty good while there are sensors on hand to prevent you getting too close to obstacles.

Volkswagen Grand California prices start from around £80,000. They're few and far between on the used market, with prices starting from around £70,000, while allowing you to skip the waiting list for a new model.

Just like many of the other campervans featured here, the Toyota Proace Matino is actually an aftermarket conversion rather than a factory-built camper. That shouldn't put you off, though, as the conversion is carried out by campervan experts Wellhouse Leisure, while you can buy it (with a warranty) directly from selected Toyota dealers.

Based on the Toyota Proace Verso MPV, the Matino is one of the more affordable campervans to feature in our list of the best campervans. The cheapest is fitted with the 120PS diesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox, but we'd recommend forking out an extra £2000 or so for one with 180PS and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Standard specification on the Toyota Proace Matino includes a Webasto heater (that can be controlled via an app on your mobile phone), front seats that swivel around, a two-burner hob and sink, a 25-litre fridge and a solar panel for power.

If you need more space, the Matino is available with a pop-up roof featuring an optional upper bed and mattress. Four adults in the Matino might be a little cosy, but kids will love sleeping in the roof.

Not only has the Volkswagen campervan range expanded into bigger models like the Grand California, you can now buy a smaller version, too. Based on the compact Volkswagen Caddy, the Volkswagen Caddy California is ideal for solo adventurers or couples wanting an affordable micro camper that won't cost much more than a car to own and run.

It's quite clever how Volkswagen has utilised space in the Caddy California. You get a fold-out double bed and a single-burner stove that pulls out of the back as standard, while it's easy to go to town on the options list. We like the optional panoramic sunroof (it's great for watching the stars as you drift off to sleep), while an attachable awning provides some extra protection from the weather.

As the Volkswagen Caddy is based on the same platform as numerous VW Group passenger cars (the Volkswagen Golf, for example), it feels just like a car to drive. You can get the Caddy California with a variety of petrol or diesel engines, and a choice of a manual or DSG automatic gearbox. You can also decide how long you'd like your Caddy to be: it's available in short or long wheelbase forms, the latter badged the Caddy California Maxi. 

Prices for the Volkswagen Caddy California start from around £36,000, which makes it sound like a rare bargain on the new campervan market. That'll soon start to creep up when you play on Volkswagen's online configurator, but you can always save cash by buying a used Volkswagen Caddy California.