Caravanning in Scottish Borders

What's available

BritStays lists 16 caravanning stays in the Scottish Borders. Most of them (12) are filed under the region as a whole rather than a specific town. One is in Jedburgh and one is in Hawick. So you'll usually need to look at each site's own location details, rather than the town label, to judge how it fits your plans.

The named sites cover a fair spread. There are two club sites, Lauder - Camping and Caravanning Club Site and Jedburgh Camping & Caravan Club site. There are smaller parks such as Crookhouse Farm Campsite, Honey Cottage Caravan Park, Jedwater Caravan Park and Riverview Holiday Park. And there are a couple of places with more on-site extras.

Matching a site to your trip

Our listings don't tag sites as coastal or rural. If a sea view or a quiet countryside pitch matters to you, check each site's map position before you book.

What the facility data does tell you:

• For families or anyone needing step-free access: both club sites list toilets, disabled access and WiFi. They are two of only three sites in the set flagged for disabled access, so they are a sensible starting point.
• For couples wanting a bit of comfort: Lilliardsedge Park lists a hot tub, bar and restaurant. Thirlestane Castle Caravan Park lists a spa, restaurant and guided tours. These are the two sites in the set with a restaurant.
• For a simpler pitch: Crookhouse Farm Campsite, Honey Cottage Caravan Park, Jedwater Caravan Park and Riverview Holiday Park have no facilities recorded on their listings. That may mean they are more basic, or it may just mean the details haven't been filled in. Ask before you assume either way.
• For dog owners: none of the 16 listings records a dog policy. Contact the site directly and ask about rules, any charges and exercise areas.

Reading the facility numbers

Across the 16 stays, these are the most common facilities recorded:

• EV Charging Nearby: 9
• Disabled Access: 3
• WiFi: 3
• Toilets: 2
• Laundrette: 2
• Near a Bus Stop: 2
• Restaurant: 2
• Guided Tours: 2

Charging is the stand-out. More than half the sites have EV charging nearby, including Lidalia Caravan Park (which also lists WiFi), Haugh Caravan Park in Hawick, Blackadder Caravan Park and Kilnknowe Park Caravan Site. Note that "nearby" doesn't mean on your pitch, so confirm the details if you're towing with an electric car.

Only two sites list toilets, which almost certainly reflects gaps in the data rather than reality. If you're touring without onboard facilities, check what's provided. The same goes for laundry and bus links, which only two sites each mention.

Houndridge lists a gift shop. That's handy for small essentials, but don't rely on it for a full shop.

Things to do once you're pitched

The Borders are rich in castles and historic houses, and you can easily build a few days around them. Listed landmarks include:

• Floors Castle
• Traquair House
• Ferniehirst Castle
• Greenknowe Tower
• Gilnockie Tower
• Fatlips Castle

If you prefer museums, Sir Walter Scottʼs Courtroom, Old Gala House and the Commendator's House Museum are all listed in the Scottish Borders. Thirlestane Castle is also listed as an attraction, which makes Thirlestane Castle Caravan Park an obvious choice if you'd like a historic house close to hand.

Further afield, Moffat Museum is in Dumfries and Galloway. The Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre and Lady Waterford Hall are both listed under Berwick-upon-Tweed, across the border in England, if you fancy a day out over the border. Check opening times before you set off, as these can vary by season.

When to book

With 16 sites listed, there is choice, but it isn't unlimited. Some sites stand out for particular features, so they are the ones most likely to fill first:

• the two club sites with disabled access
• the two with restaurants
• anywhere with EV charging nearby

A few practical pointers:

• If you need step-free access, book early. Only three sites are flagged for it, and accessible pitches are usually limited.
• For school holidays and bank holiday weekends, book as far ahead as you can, especially at Lilliardsedge Park and Thirlestane Castle Caravan Park, where the extras draw more interest.
• Confirm the season dates directly with each site. Our listings don't record whether a park opens all year.
• Before paying a deposit, ask about anything you depend on that isn't recorded: dogs, hook-ups, toilet blocks and laundry.
• If you want to see several castles without moving pitch every night, choose one well-placed base and plan day trips from there.