Have you considered Campervan Staycations

One of the few positive features of the pandemic is that it’s given us a much greater appreciation of where we live. There are some magnificent towns and cities in the UK and a wealth of stunning scenery, and staycations have allowed many more of us the time to explore it.

One of the most popular destinations is Scotland, and there’s a good reason for that. It’s a country that offers everything, from historical cities’ charm and culture to the breathtaking vistas of the lochs and Highlands. So let’s load up our campervan and let’s explore Scotland.

 

Why a campervan?

There’s no shortage of accommodation in Scotland, of course, and from B&Bs to world-class luxury hotels, you’ll always find a warm welcome. But nothing offers quite the same freedom as leasing a campervan can offer. You can change your mind on a whim and visit places you might otherwise never have seen. In a campervan, the open road is yours.

Do bear in mind that there is no legal right to park at the side of a road overnight, but if you chose your spot carefully and considerately, there might be no objection. When parking in rural areas, avoid blocking gates or tracks, and always check with the landowner if you can. The good news is, Scotland is home to an abundance of well-equipped campsites and motorhome parks.

 

Campervan Staycations

 

Exploring Scotland with Campervan Staycations

You’re a little spoilt for choice when it comes to Scotland, but you need to decide what type of trip would suit you best. Are you looking for culture and heritage or a wild and awe-inspiring landscape? 

Here are some ideas for your campervan staycation in Scotland.

 

Edinburgh

The city of Edinburgh may seem like an obvious choice, but that’s mainly because it’s a fantastic place to visit. One of the joys of Edinburgh is being able to stand in a bustling city street and see the rolling hills and mountains at the end of it. There’s so much to see in this compact capital, from the famous castle to the vibrant Royal Mile. The Grassmarket in the historic old town is a lively and picturesque area renowned for its independent retailers, restaurants and bars. Edinburgh is a city with something to see around every corner.

 

 

The Highlands

The Scottish Highlands cover most of the north of this historical nation, stretching as far as John O’Groats. It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty and one of the most stunning places you’ll ever drive through. The North Coast 500 route is regarded by many as one of the best driving roads in Scotland. On your journey, you’ll see some incredible coastal scenery, with numerous Highland villages and towns to explore. There are plenty of activities for adventurous types to try, from white water rafting to panning for gold.

 

 

 

Loch Ness

This most famous of lochs is known primarily for one thing, but aside from that it’s a place well worth visiting. Some of Scotland’s major historical events took place at the loch’s Urquhart Castle, and though now in ruins, it still holds a mysterious fascination. There are boat cruises along the loch, which is surprisingly large and impressive, and the nearby village of Drumnadrochit is charming. To the west are some great walks in Glen Urquhart and Glen Affric. And if you can stand at the edge of the loch without half expecting a reptilian head to appear, you probably deserve a medal. 

Stirling

Though it may be a small city, Stirling has an extensive history. Indeed, some say Stirling Castle (which was fought over at the famous Battle of Bannockburn in 1314) is the best in Europe. Some fine medieval buildings in the Old Town and its cobbled streets provide a fascinating contrast to the vibrant city centre. If you’re feeling energetic, there are plenty of walks and heritage trails, while Stirling is surrounded by numerous scenic towns and villages. Glasgow, now Scotland’s largest city, is just 26 miles away.

 

 

The Scottish islands

To the north and west of Scotland, there are some outstandingly beautiful islands. Orkney, Shetland and the Inner and Outer Hebrides provide ideal territory for a campervan staycation. You’ll need to hop on a ferry, but that’s part of the adventure. Rest assured, the tranquillity, wildlife and breathtaking scenery found on these islands is well worth the journey. Discover dinosaur footprints on the Isle of Skye’s shore, or visit the colourful town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. If you enjoy the odd dram, there are nine working whiskey distilleries on Islay, while on the tiny Isle of Eigg, you can watch eagles soaring over the stunning white beaches. 

 

Enjoying a staycation doesn’t mean you have to stay where you are. And if you’re planning to travel in a campervan, there’s no better place to do it than glorious bonnie Scotland. 

 

Check out Visit Scotland if you would like more information on making the most out of your adventure to Scotland.