Family Holidays in Scottish Borders

What's actually on offer

BritStays currently lists 7 family stays under the Scottish Borders. The mix is simple: 4 holiday parks and 3 camping options. There are no cottages or hotels in this set, so expect a site with shared facilities rather than a standalone house.

One thing is worth knowing before you start. Only three of these stays are listed as being in the Scottish Borders itself. One is in Kelso, and the other four are around Kielder in North East England, just over the border. If being on the Scottish side matters to you, check the location line on each listing rather than relying on the region heading.

Choosing a stay for your family

Facilities vary a lot across the seven. These are the ones that come up most often:

• EV Charging Nearby: 5 stays
• Swimming Pool: 3
• Bar: 3
• Toilets: 3
• Disabled Access: 3
• Pet Friendly: 3
• Hot Tub: 2
• Parking: 2

If you want plenty on site, look at Tweedside Caravan Park in the Scottish Borders. It lists a swimming pool, evening entertainment and a bar, which helps when children need entertaining after dinner.

If you want a wider choice of activities, look at Victoria Park Campsite, also in the Scottish Borders. It lists a swimming pool, gym and spa, an unusual combination for a camping-style stay.

If you want something more relaxed, look at Feather Down - Chesters. It offers a hot tub, a bar and takeaway food, which means fewer evenings cooking after a long day out.

If you're travelling with a big group, Calvert Kielder, in Kielder Water & Forest Park, sleeps 12. That is by far the largest capacity listed. It also has a swimming pool, hot tub and bar, so it's worth a look for grandparents, cousins and all.

If you're a family of up to six, you have three options:

• Kielder Waterside
• Clear Sky Lodge Park, in Kielder
• Springwood Holiday Park, in Kelso

Clear Sky Lodge Park and Springwood Holiday Park both note EV charging nearby, which is handy if you're driving an electric car.

Coast or countryside, dogs and access

None of these stays is listed with a coastal location. If a beach holiday is the priority, this set may not be the right fit. If you're after a countryside break, the Kielder stays and the Borders sites suit that well.

Three of the seven are marked pet friendly, and three list disabled access. These features aren't attached to specific stays in our summary. Check the individual listing, and if your dog or someone's mobility needs are central to the trip, contact the site directly to confirm the details.

Things to do once you're there

Castles are the big draw in this part of the world, and children who like a good story will find plenty here. Landmarks to look up include:

• Floors Castle
• Traquair House
• Ferniehirst Castle
• Thirlestane Castle (Scottish Borders)
• Gilnockie Tower
• Greenknowe Tower
• Fatlips Castle

For rainy days, these museums in the Scottish Borders are all worth checking:

• Sir Walter Scott's Courtroom
• Old Gala House
• Commendator's House Museum

A little further afield, there's Moffat Museum in Dumfries and Galloway. Towards Berwick-upon-Tweed, you'll find Hay Farm Heavy Horse Centre and Lady Waterford Hall. The heavy horses in particular tend to go down well with younger children.

Opening times can vary, so check each attraction's own website before you set off.

When to book

With only seven family stays listed, choice is limited. That matters most if you need something specific, such as:

• sleeping more than six (only Calvert Kielder lists that)
• a pool (only three stays)
• a hot tub (only two)

For school holidays, it makes sense to book as early as you can, as stays with the most facilities are likely to go first. If your dates are flexible, travelling outside the main holidays usually gives you more choice.

Before paying, a few checks will save you hassle:

• Confirm how many the stay sleeps, as several camping listings don't state it.
• Ask whether the pool is open on your dates.
• Check parking, as only two stays list it.
• Look at the cancellation terms.