Caravan holiday in Edinburgh in November... how cold is it?!

[SootspriteSearcher]

We as a family really want to visit Edinburgh, although its mostly for dd1.

It's a big birthday this year in November, and her dream is zookeeping. She is desperate to visit Edinburgh zoo (mostly for the penguin parade!). So we would love to take her as a surprise.

Plus we as a family are all into history and love castles, so would also really enjoy Edinburgh Castle. And I've seen the museum of flight which dh would really enjoy. (Other recommendations welcome as we are looking at a week away)

Now here's the question, due to our tight budget I'm looking at caravan stays (haven seton sands). But how cold is it? We are as far south as you can get and haven't gone further north than London, so we arent toughened to cold weather at all! Will I be severely miserable and cold for a week or be walking around like the marshmallow man?!

We also don't drive so it's all reliant on how good the bus services are too!! Looks like buses are possible from caravan park to all the places above but no idea on cost or reliability!

I've been to that site in November and it was fine, caravan was lovely and warm. We had a silver grade one with three bedrooms and it was huge, more like a cottage than a caravan. It had a kitchen with dishwasher and an island, wraparound decking, walk-in wardrobe in the main bedroom, a good sized bathroom with a good quality shower plus an ensuite, and the entrance was a proper little hallways with a bench for putting shoes on. The heating was great, every room had radiators and there was a fire in the living room too but it was so warm with the radiators that we didn't need it. We certainly had no need to wear fleeces or thick socks overnight and definitely no need for a hot water bottle or electric blanket.

Getting into town was doable, my older DC had headphones and music on their phones so weren't bothered and my younger DC liked watching out the windows at the various sights.

Agree that Stirling is a fab castle, Holyrood, although a palace, has very old sections and some gruesome stories so more fun to visit than Edinburgh Castle which only has Mons Meg to recommend it.

Lots to do in Edinburgh lots of good museums etc so although it'll be very cold and dark it's a great place to visit in the winter.

My in laws once stayed in a caravan whilst on a ski holiday.

I've lived in a caravan over winter. They aren't insulated so heating costs a fortune but assume on a holiday site that electric is included so probably don't need to worry.
They heat up quickly though & cosy.
The biggest problem in winter was heavy rain against the flat metal roof might keep.you awake if you're a light sleeper.

We've stayed at Seton Sands, and the caravan was lovely. We were there in July, not November, but the central heating was really good with a boost button.

The 26 bus takes about an hour to get into the city, but it would take 45 minutes to drive, so not that much longer. Seriously, you just settle yourself on the top deck and look out of the window or play on your phone.

I grew up in Musselburgh (just along the coast between Seton Sands and Edinburgh). I survived 20 Novembers there and came out to tell the tale. Just make sure you have decent clothes (not that I did as a child).

Absolutely things will be open. Edinburgh isn't purely a tourist place!

We stay in Edinburgh a lot, we have family that was but I always book a flat or cottage... It's definitely worth spending a little more or staying a couple of days less and staying a bit closer. I don't like Seaton sands.. look at cottages, apartments etc we've stayed here a few times, right by Rosalyn... Good bus links

www.holidaycottages.co.uk/cottage/42778-roslin-chapel-cottage?n=7&sd=15112024

Just to add I'd prob stay at Morton hall if I was caravaning it! I think it's a better spot for getting into town.

Look at Leith sometimes some good bargains that way!

@SootspriteSearcher I live about 40 miles away! it will be cold and miserable without heating at that time of year for everyone. here is a taster of the zoo though. your daughter might enjoy the webcams! https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/webcams/penguin-cam

@SootspriteSearcher also while you are there, see if there are any ghost walks going on. they are always good.

It will be bloody freezing in a caravan in Edinburgh in November. If you're ok with that, do it.

There won’t be many hours of daylight to enjoy anything outdoors. Scotland is pretty much dark from October to March. And the east is cold. Surely there are closer zoos?

It will be freezing in a caravan in November. I'm Scottish and used to the weather and could possibly manage 1 or 2 nights but a week will be miserable.

Also Seaton Sands is very far out and most of the site will be closed for the season, there is nothing of interest nearby in the winter. It will be dark by 4pm.

If you don't mind commuting into Edinburgh for the sake of cheaper accomodation I'd probably look for a air BnB or apartment in Linlithgow, Falkirk, South Queensferry or Livingston and use it as base to get train into the city.

What about a family room in this super central Youth Hostel?

www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/edinburgh-central/

OP, can you give us your dates and we can see what we can find self catering for you that’s may be a bit easier to get into the city?

You can Google the sunrise/ set times. Early November will be much lighter than late.

The wind might be a consideration, especially in a caravan.

There are king penguins at bird land (Cotswolds) We watched the feeding, then walked around the park then came back and the penguins were just stood next to a small fence. We got to stroke them, it was lovely experience and cheap entry.
Also been to Edingborough zoo, it was a bit sad, so many animals with tiny enclosures.

Not one with heating...