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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

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Original poster

West coast of Scotland - suggestions?

45 replies

paolosgirl · 10/11/2004 18:02

Can anyone recommend a good place for a self catering family holiday on the west of scotland -beach on doorstep and town nearbyish essential. Thanks!

OP posts:

Skribble · 14/02/2006 01:33

Orinoco no offence but why would you want to go to Irvine????? Not a popular destination. What are you looking for accomodation/ activity wise. I know the areas well .

cathyspam · 14/02/2006 07:00

what about the mull of kintyre? I live there! You can hire a small castle in saddell which is actually right on a beach and Campbeltown is about 10 miles - you would also get to see Tarbert on the way down - will go and see if i can find a website...

Orinoco · 14/02/2006 20:40

Message withdrawn

Spidermama · 14/02/2006 21:00

Midgy cream.

calpopscalum · 15/02/2006 19:45

Orinoco, NO!!!!!!!! I would choose somewhere else! I'm from that area and although Sandylands has good views of Arran etc, it makes Butlins look very classy!! Stevenston (where the park is) is really run down and I wouldn't fancy it myself!! My mate used to work in the bar in Sandylands as a penniless student and I've had many a raucous night down there (MANY years ago!) at the bingo and karaoke but I wouldn't go there on hols! Irvine too is a bit rundown, woudn't be too impressed if I ended up there either! There are definately nicer places to stay, even in this area. Ayr to the south or Largs to the north are better. I'd agree with the postings about Islay, Tarbert (Mull of Kintyre), Oban etc. Used to spend every summer on islay, bliss... Mile after mile of golden sands with no-one else on them! Saligo bay is fab!

Orinoco · 15/02/2006 20:28

Message withdrawn

Skribble · 15/02/2006 20:40

I just told my DH where the caravan park was and you should have seen the look on his face, the bar must be really bad as they were looking for security from a company that friends work for ie bouncers . OK it is near Saltcoats and Adrossan traditional holiday destinations for Glasweigians

Butlins is now called Craig Tara and has changed a lot from its Butlins days. Sundrum Park nr Ayr is run by Parkdean Holidays, location is a lot better.
Other ones with coastal locations are Lendelfoot and Red Gates.

Orinoco · 15/02/2006 20:55

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Skribble · 15/02/2006 20:57

I have just realised you have a tourer but they all take tourers I think.

A really nice one about 3 miles from Culzean Castle is The Ranch , it is Caravan Club one so has good facilities including a heated indoor pool, sauna, solarium & gymnasium and a good play park.

There is one next to Culzean which is a Camping and Caravan Club site which has a great location, you can walk in to the grounds of culzean without paying and the beaches are quiet there. Neither of these site are at all Butlins style .

I love Culzean loads to see and do with out even paying to go in the castle itself. Both are near to Maybole which has a great Deli with nice ham .

Orinoco · 15/02/2006 21:53

Message withdrawn

KBear · 15/02/2006 22:01

May I add my suggestion? Although don't all go rushing there cos I like it quiet!

caolasnacon

KBear · 15/02/2006 22:04

caolasnacon

Skribble · 15/02/2006 22:19

Looks like this is a holiday weekend. But shouldn't be to busy anywhere. PIL love caravaning and live near the Ranch they popped in to have a nose and the warden was lovely and quite happy to show them around. If you are CC members I bet you are NT members too .

Original poster

paolosgirl · 15/02/2006 22:27

Anothter vote for the Mull of Kintyre here. We've had some fab holidays in Carradale here since I was a child - brilliant beach, very relaxing, fantastic walks and there is a brilliant camp site with a few lodges. Cambeltown's not too far away either.

OP posts:

ScotGirl · 16/02/2006 12:48

Sorry - can't second Carradale - I think there are much better beaches and the 20 mile drive down the single track road is a pain. Campbeltown is the pits too. And once you're on the Mull of Kintyre your stuck there - too many old people for us!!

I think if you want the "real" west coast (hills, white sandy beaches) you need to head north of Glasgow.

Mull though gets my vote - lots to do, Tobermory is a very cultural town, great beach at Calgary. Iona day trip... what is not to like! Only 45 mins on the ferry from Oban. Personally, I don't think there is that much to do around the Oban area.

Arisaig is also fab - the best beaches on the mainland I think. Beautiful white sands. Close enough to Fort William not to be too isolated. you can also get to Skye easily via the Mallaig ferry.

Other islands you could consider, if your into that kind, of thing are Coll (no town though great beaches) and the Western Isles. Barra is the most beautiful I think though getting there is a big commitment - 6hr + ferry from Oban.

Do not underestimate the Scottish Midge - they really are bad. We went camping in Ardnamurchan in last August and they were in full effect...

Original poster

paolosgirl · 16/02/2006 12:50

That's the whole point of Carradale, Scotgirl. Depends what you're looking for...

OP posts:

Skribble · 16/02/2006 15:58

Oban has an excellent sweet shop, a miniture museum, a sea life centre and McCabes (spell?) folly.

Aimsmum · 16/02/2006 16:02

Message withdrawn

mcmudda · 16/02/2006 16:03

There's a camping club site 2 mins from my house. we live on the shores of Loch Lomond so you've got Glasgow and Stirling 45 mins away but gorgeous remoteness by the Lochamd Ben Lomond in our back garden. AM totally biased though! THe east side of the loch is quieter and less touristy than the west.

KBear · 16/02/2006 21:13

Waaaah, I want to live on the shores of Loch Lomond. Not fair.

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