To go on holiday in a campervan in Scotland in October?

[letspartytomorrow]

We can never afford it in the summer and have found a good deal. I get that it will be slightly colder and dark at 5 pm. But that means we can have camp fires at a reasonable time for the kids! AIBU? Will it be terrible?

It wouldn’t be my choice of holiday … but if it’s what your budget allows and you are prepared for what it will be like ?
scotland is wet and windy and it’ll be cold , of course you can prepare in good clothes for this . What activities will you be planning for during the day ?

I’d do it! Obviously go prepared for the fact that it might rain, but I’d love a holiday in Scotland any time of the year.

We’ve just unpacked on the west coast , forecast is for rain each day which might make a van more challenging ? We are staying in a cottage as no way I could cope with husbands snoring in a camper van

It will most likely be wet, windy, cold and miserable, with a grey overcast sky to be honest.

October isn't just a bit colder, it will be full-on winter, probably with high winds, driving rain and limited visibility. It does depend a bit on where you go, obviously, but in the Highlands a lot of places close for the winter, so campsites and cafés might be a bit harder to find. There won't be any midges, though. Probably.

If you are planning on going anywhere that involves a ferry trip, definitely don't go. You might not be able to get back!

That’s not a holiday to me.

I would rather stay home.

October can be dreadful, or brilliant. You just have to make sure you've enough to do if the weather is dreadful. Plenty of waterproofs, places to go to indoors, and board games.

We've had an absolutely awful summer, so you never know, October might be lovely.

We had some great holiday camping in Scotland in October! It’s still light by about 6-7pm, might be windy and wet but it might also be sunny and warm. Have a great time.

Have you been in a camper van before (is it yours or rental?). I can't imagine a worse holiday if it's your first time, you're not familiar with the van and the weather won't be great!

I'd love to do that! Lots of places to visit and lovely Autumn walks and campfires! Make sure you take sleeping bags and duvets!

Sounds bloody awful.

Camper vans are expensive. If you can afford one surely you can afford a cheap b&b somewhere (not Airbnb!)

Where abouts in Scotland are you planning to go?

Everyone is getting a bit carried away, the weather won't be that bad!

We had a lovely week in Scotland in October a few years ago. Frosty some nights (inland especially, not so bad on the west coast)but warm sunny days. We camped and didn't have any problems finding campsites. Even better, the midges were not a problem

Also, if you're talking about kids, presumably you mean going in October half term. Is that so? Because that's practically November.

So long as you are not too bothered by the cold, it’ll be nice. Those of us who live here still go out and about in the autumn 😅Bring very warm sleeping bags, good coats, and extra marshmallows for the campfire. Look up some good pubs for evenings. Look out for local autumn evening attractions like Forest of Lights in Pitlochry.

Tell us which part of Scotland you plan to visit. And what your family likes to do on holiday.
Check opening seasonal dates. A lot of National Trust for Scotland buildings (for example) do close at the end of September, or reduce opening days, so plan ahead. It's not unusual for cafes and restaurants to be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (and sometimes Wednesdays too).
But the trees will be awesome, beaches will be quiet (if invigorating!) and the hills are always open. Exploring towns and cities works in all weathers too. Dress for the weather (layers are essential) including damp/cold/windy, though you may hit a mild spell (hence the layers!).
And yes, no midges!

I'm guessing you don't live in Scotland, and if you do, you must be in a very northern corner that is constantly thrashed with wind and rain.

No way is it full on winter in most of Scotland in October, OP. It does depend on where you go, but we aren't in the Arctic circle. I think it sounds lovely, just make sure to pack warm clothes, although where I am I've found myself too hot in a cardigan some days during the past week, so you never know!

It doesn’t get dark at 5pm until the clocks go back on 28th! It depends where you’re going in Scotland regarding the weather as it differs depending on if you’re coastal or not and we get a good few sunny days in October normally. Whoever said it would be cold, rainy, windy and miserable do you have a crystal ball because if you do please let me know what long range weather I need to expect.

I've been sat on a beach in the Scottish Highlands in October before now, not sunbathing I might add, but it's been warm, and I've also been wrapped up in my scarf and winter coat as its been frosty and cold. You can never tell what you'll get.
Not a very helpful post, sorry 😐

We are in Scotland and regularly have holidays in October. ( and will be in Speyside for a few days this year.) It can be wet, we have had snow, but often it’s beautiful with stunning autumn colours. Middle to East is likely to be drier than the west coast
Take layers, good footwear and it things get really bad , retreat to a Premier Inn or Travelodge to dry out, or a local pub.
I do hope it’s good for you!

I would give it a go, but would take clothes for all weathers. Also worth having a think about how you’ll dry wet coats etc. whilst still being able to use the camper van. If you’ve got a decent awning, an airer or washing line can be handy

Yes, it's well known that tomorrow the entire of Scotland will be plunged into darkness by mid afternoon. All the island people dig into burrows because the driving rain gets into their eyes and the high winds blow their black clothes and wellies right off their bodies. If they can't get to the mainland what is the point of life?

Stay at home, OP. Probably there will be dragons.

Very few campsites will be open and many attractions will have closed for the season.
We did it at the end of September/beginning of October and found it difficult to find comfortable campsites so I really wouldn’t be surprised if you find most are shut.
Don’t forget that you will have wet and muddy clothing and few opportunities for laundry or showers.

We camp in our campervan all year round, including December and January! We love it. We have a fire pit and a diesel heater if needed. I actually prefer camping in the autumn and winter and campsites are quieter.

we are currently in North Yorkshire and it’s been pissing it down since 3pm, but we have a fire and are happy!

It's Scotland, it's not the artic circle ffs.

It won't be that cold. It won't be dark that early unless you are really far north. It might rain, but that's true of anywhere in the UK. Wherever you are you will be able to find things to do unless you are literally in the middle of nowhere.

Absolutely go for it.