A charming campsite nestled within the Cairngorms National Park has been named the best in Scotland.
On Tuesday, the Caravan and Motorhome Club unveiled its Certificated Location (CL) of the Year winners for 2024. The top caravan parks in Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland were all recognised.
As reported by the Scottish Daily Express, Firbank Park at Dinnet in Aberdeenshire took home the top prize for Scotland. Owned by Archie and Justine Buchanan, the acclaimed site lies close to a plethora of walks, bike trails, and Munros.
Elsewhere, the villages of Ballater and Aboyne are a mere stone’s throw away — each just a ten-minute journey. Even Balmoral Castle, the Royal Family’s Scottish holiday home, is just a 20-minute drive from the site.
Its website states: “When out and about you may be lucky enough to see a member of the Royal Family who regularly walk around Ballater and the surrounding area. If you see someone you think looks like a Royal then it probably will be!”
Adding to Firbank Park’s charm, the historic Dinnet Oakwood forest provides a breathtaking backdrop. Pitches are tucked between Douglas fir, Scotch pine, and oak trees that are also home to an array of wildlife including red squirrels and roe deer.
With five acres of space, Firbank Park ensures its hardstanding pitches are well spread out. Prices begin at £27 per night, including electric hook-ups and private water sources.
Meanwhile, if you are looking for things to do while staying at the park, the nearby Glen Tanar Estate offers a range of activities. Among the most popular are fishing and horse riding.
Mr Buchanan commented: “We have built somewhere that we would want to go to, so we’re hoping that other people will like that as well, and it seems to be the case. It’s like being on our holidays.”
Director of the Caravan and Motorhome Club Nick Lomas added: “Certificated Locations provide club members with an incredible opportunity to access a plethora of campsites located in quieter, rural areas.
“We would like to thank our CL owners for the hard work they do, and these awards are a way to give back and celebrate their efforts for going above and beyond to ensure that guests have a positive stay. I would like to congratulate all the winners for their great work and look forward to seeing what the next few months will bring to the CLs and our members.”
Firbank Park boasts a five-star rating from 47 reviews on the Caravan Club website. One recent review reads: “Just stayed six nights at Firbank, taking in the Aboyne Highland games and once again I find it difficult to fault this CL.
“Archie the owner is such a pleasant, helpful gentleman and always makes one feel welcome.”
Caravan and Motorhome Club Certificated Location (CL) of the Year winners
- Best CL in Wales & Overall CL Winner — Brambles in Anglesey
- Best CL in Scotland — Firbank Park in Dinnet
- Best CL in England North — Drake House Farm in Lancashire
- Best CL in England South — Goodleigh Hill in Worcestershire
- Best Newcomer — The Courts in Essex
- Sustainability Award — Birch Hill in Shropshire
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