With the warmer weather returning and our thoughts naturally turning to the holidays, it's perhaps time to start planning around ideas of where to go and what to do.
While some may want to head abroad, many of us will be watching our budgets and therefore a wee mini-break close by could be in order.
To help, Pitchup.com, the UK’s leading outdoor accommodation booking platform, has revealed its top-ranked sites across the UK.
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Based on more than 159,000 customer reviews in 2022, with ratings for aspects like location, value for money, quality of accommodation, activities and cleanliness, guests awarded 70% of all UK sites listed on the platform in 2022 an overall score of 8/10 and above.
And interestingly, four of the top 10 picks for Scotland can be found just a short drive from the capital.
Beirhope Alpacas, the Borders
The Pitch Up team said: "Offering Alpaca treks, scenic hill views, atmospheric firepits and a great location just 14 miles from the border and a 25-minute drive from St Cuthbert’s Way and Floors Castle, it’s no surprise that Beirhope Alpacas has claimed the top spot of Scottish campsites according to 2022 customer reviews.
"Facilities-wise, this dog-friendly site has shared toilet and bucket showers for an authentic rural experience, as well as additional extras that are available to purchase. Happy campers are raving about the friendly staff, well-kept facilities, nice walks and, of course, the cute alpaca neighbours, earning the site a well-deserved average score of 10/10."
Meadow View Glamping, Fife
The Pitch Up team said: "This fabulous glamping site with countryside views in northwest Fife wows with a truly show-stopping offering. Guests can immerse themselves in spectacular nature, spend a night under the stars, explore woodland trails and enjoy mealtimes on the balcony of their wooden pod - and all of that only half an hour’s drive from Stirling and Perth or 45 minutes from Glasgow.
"A sauna and free wifi complete the luxury offering. Scoring a perfect 10 rating, Meadow View Glamping guests have praised the stunning views, quiet rural location and cosy cabins, with 100% keen to return and the same amount of visitors happy to recommend the site to their friends."
Woodland Gardens Caravan Site, Fife
The Pitch Up team said: "This adults-only site with views over the Firth of Forth all the way to Edinburgh has many desirable qualities that make it deserving of its 9.9 rating.
"The Lower Largo beach and Fife Coastal Path just a mile away; and historic St Andrews is within easy reach in 25 minutes by car. Well-maintained and dog-friendly, the site also boasts a well-equipped recreation room. The peaceful site prides itself on maintaining high quality through great attention to detail, and the team’s dedication has been rewarded with an well-deserved 9.9 rating. Friendliness, cleanliness and quiet are frequently mentioned in reviews, and 100% of guests would happily visit again or recommend Woodland Gardens Caravan Site to friends."
Linwater Caravan Park, Newbridge
The Pitch Up team said: "Linwater Caravan Park is within a five-mile drive of Edinburgh Airport (nip up for the weekend, perhaps?) and is next to the trunk roads of the M8 and M9 – thus making it straightforward to stop over here on your way to and fro north or south.
"But you'd also be well placed to stay a bit longer. Linwater's in a countryside location, right next to Almondell and Calderwood Country Park and the Union Canal (for tiptop towpath strolls) and is also a short drive from the Pentland Hills Regional Park. The Edinburgh International Climbing Arena is only a mile away.
"All at Linwater is ably run by Katie and Alaistair, who've added a toilet block including a disabled loo, showers, a dishwashing area, laundry facilities and waste disposal for tourers and motorhomes."
Pitchup’s founder Dan Yates said “Scotland is always a popular choice, and these genuine reviews help to show just why that is, with a good spread of highly-rated sites across the country and full marks for Beirhope Alpacas in the top spot.
"By clearly showing the average customer rating from past guests on all listings, and pulling through detailed reviews, we make it easy for people to see at a glance what to expect on their stay.”
TOP TEN CAMPING SITES IN SCOTLAND:
Average Score |
Campsite |
County |
10.0 |
Scottish Borders |
|
9.9 |
Highlands |
|
9.9 |
Fife |
|
9.9 |
Ayrshire |
|
9.9 |
Fife |
|
9.9 |
Argyll |
|
9.8 |
Dumfries & Galloway |
|
9.8 |
Lothian |
|
9.8 |
Highlands |
|
9.8 |
Argyll |
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