CaravanTimes‘ guide to the most festive caravan sites this Hogmanay
Who would believe it’s just twenty days left until you keep kicking yourself for writing 2014 on your cheques rather than 2015. Yes, folks, the New Year is just days away and that means Hogmanay must be too for those of your north of the border.
Wherever you are, though, Hogmanay needs no introduction. And there really is no better way to ring in 2015 than with true blue, larger than life Scottish festivities. So if you’re thinking of heading up to the Highlands in your motorhome or caravan, read on for our definitive guide to the best sites to stay in this year to celebrate Hogmanay in true Scottish style.
Before we get to the goodies though, let’s talk a bit about this notoriously festive New Year’s celebration. Although it does sound a bit like an abundant meal, there are many theories regarding the origins of the word Hogmanay. Some cite the Gaelic ‘oge maidne’ or good morning, while others swear by the Anglo-Saxon term ‘Haleg Monath’ or holy month. There are even a few odd stories tracing the word back to the Norman French word hoguinané, meaning New Year gift. Whatever the origin, everyone can agree that Hogmanay is one of the biggest New Year celebrations around, with a wee dram and a good ceilidh thrown in for good measure. This highly anticipated event can be enjoyed even more rolling around on a nice set of wheels, caravan wheels that is, so let’s get right to it!
Edinburgh Caravan Club Site
This more than ideal site is located only ten minutes away from the Edinburgh City Centre, where the Hogmanay street party is scheduled to take place. The site has facilities for 146 pitches, but hurry up and book ’em before they’re gone! The site is not far from the George IV Bridge, where the Torchlight procession for Hogmanay will commence. So wrap up, take your friends and family and head on off to the Edinburgh Caravan Club Site to truly be in the thick of it.
Strathcylde Country Park Caravan Club Site
Edinburgh isn’t the only place where you can live it up for Hogmanay. Glasgow’s Hogmanay celebrations are definitely worth checking out, and the Strathcylde Country Park Caravan Club Site offers caravanners the chance of sampling many of the city’s steadfast Hogmanay traditions. George Square has an amazing array of Hogmanay events, including traditional music and children’s activities, whilst the Strathcylde Country Park Caravan Club Site features 107 pitches over 1,000 acres of mature woodlands and open parkland, and even bird watching and nature walks if you’re in the mood for a greener Hogmanay. Either way, this site has got you covered this year.
Lidalia Touring Caravan Park
If you don’t want to venture outside the comfort of your caravan park and prefer ringing in Hogmanay with your fellow caravanners, check out this site in Newcastleton, not far from the local golf course. The Hogmanay party includes live entertainment and supper, but get the tickets before they’re snapped up! Lidalia Caravan Park‘s facilities include designated dog walks, bottled gas and fishing facilities within the area. Duck ponds and a wooded area with red squirrels are thrown in to sweeten the deal, so what are you waiting for?
Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park
This four star Thistle graded park and eight-time-winner of the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award is close to the centre of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Castle. The site boasts the chance of spotting grazing Highland cattle, and a range of facilities should ensure a pleasant stay. The Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park is also ideal for golf enthusiasts, who might want to celebrate the New Year with a tee off come 2015.
Drum Mohr Holiday Park
Head down to the Drum Mohr Holiday Park for views of the sea this Hogmanay! This site, located in Musselburgh, Edinburgh, has spacious pitches for caravans and motorhomes, and lots of handy facilities to ensure you’ll be set to ring in the changes for the New Year. If you’re looking for a quiet New Year celebration away from the big city, the Drum Mohr Holiday Park might be your cup of tea. The East Lothian countryside and the John Muir Way walking route are on hand, so you’re sure to be spoilt for choice as far as a good old New Year’s hike is concerned.
So ring in the New Year Scottish style, and don’t forget to tell us your favourite things to do and places to be this Hogmanay! Have a happy 2015 everyone!
