Braemar Caravan Park and Camping Pods Blog

Braemar Caravan Park is now closed due to the current Coronavirus / Covid-19 pandemic following Scottish Government advice.

The bookings diary will not accept bookings until the end of May at present. This will be monitored and updates issued via social media and the park website as the situation unfolds.

Customers with bookings, during this closed period, will be contacted over the coming days.

Winter and summer seasonal customers are being contacted at present for reassurance regarding their caravans and pitches.

We thank you for your continued custom and please take care.

Kind Regards

Peter and Mike

Braemar Caravan Park 

Invercauld Estate

We are currently operating Braemar Caravan Park as normal.

You will notice some additional signs around the facilities asking you to ensure you wash your hands thoroughly and more regularly throughout this time. Cleanliness is always an absolute priority at Braemar Caravan Park and of course this continues.

We are closely monitoring the latest advice from the Scottish and UK Governments and should their advice change, which may affect your holiday with us, then we will contact you regarding your stay with us.

For the latest advice issued by the Scottish Government for Scotland then please check here :-

https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/

For the latest advice issued by the UK Government then please check here :-

https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response

If you have any further questions then please call Braemar Caravan Park on 01339 741373.

So you wake up, rains been drip, drip, dripping on your tent or caravan all night and the forecast for the day ahead isn't looking  any brighter, just more rain and your wondering what to do for the rest of the day. Hopefully, the following top 5 things to do in Braemar might bring you some inspiration. Braemar Caravan Park  and Braemar itself is an inspiring destination and can be a great place to be no matter the weather.

It's all about what you can do with your day that's going to bring the most satisfaction. Finding an activity or shelter inside from the rain is all you need for a few hours. Here are just a few ideas to think about.

  1.  Go for a breakfast roll or full breakfast at The Bothy, cafe/ restaurant, adjoining the mountain shop, sit back with a hot drink, wait on your breakfast to arrive and watch the river rushing past from the rear windows then have a chat and plan your next activity as soon as the weather fairs up. You can take your dog in with you as well.

   2.  If it's afternoon, why not wrap up, get your boots on and wander down to Farquarsons Bar and Kitchen. Have a pint or two and relax with friends or family in the comfy seating by the log fire and enjoy the warmth of your surroundings.

  3.  Go for a walk with your dog or offer to take your neighbours dog for a walk. It will get you out and about and stretch your legs for an hour or so. Give your mind a chance to plan your next activity when the weather fairs. Remember there's always the drying room onsite to dry off any wet clothing or boots.

  4.  Jump in the car, as it's a longer walk on a wet day, and head along to Braemar Castle, at the other end of the village. A fascinating 17th Century castle owned by the Chief of Clan Farquarson. There is a small gift shop onsite and a chance of a hot drink to warm you up.

  5.  Wander round to the Braemar Highland Games Centre. signposted through the village and along past The Fife Arms, continue past the Braemar Gallery and see the signs ahead and heading off to your left.Visit the museum and enjoy a hot drink and some lunch in the cafe. Take the chance to see the arena where the Braemar Gathering takes place each September and the current games can trace their roots back to 1816.

Maybe now, when visiting Braemar Caravan Park and the weather behaves in the way it very often does in Scotland, you will be able to find some inspiration to get up and get out there to discover something new about Braemar and it's very vibrant and colourful history.

 We look forward to seeing you - no matter the weather !! 

To assist our customers and potential customers who may be spending some time at Braemar Caravan Park, we would like to introduce the current staff working on Braemar Caravan Park, their roles,  and share a little bit about their background with you.

We would like you to feel able to approach any of the staff for help if required, and at the same time feel comfortable with who you are asking for assistance.

It may help make your stay a more pleasant and relaxing experience for you.

Hopefully, the questions and answers below will raise a smile or two. Enjoy reading!

A Group Picture of the Team

 from left to right:-  Tom Johnson, Chris Novak, Mike Rock, Peter Burt.

Mike Rock

Employed as Joint Park Manager to co-manage the caravan park.   

Q 1.   What date did you start on this park?   

            A.    September 2019.                                 

Q 2.   Most unusual place you have visited in your life?

           A.     Smoo Cave in Durness, Sutherland.

Q 3.   What movie can you watch over and over again?

           A.     Greatest Showman.

Q 4.   What item could you not live without?

           A.      Nice Shoes.

Q 5.   What tips or tricks have you picked up from your job?

           A.      Expect the unexpected & treat people how you would like to be treated on site.

Q 6.   When was the last time you slept for more than 9 hours?

           A.      Can't remember....... maybe when I was ill last summer.

Q 7.   Where's your go-to restaurant for amazing food?

           A.      Braemar Lodge.

Peter Burt

Employed as Joint Park Manager to co-manage the caravan park.  

Q 1.   What date did you start on this park?

           A.     September 2019.

Q 2.   Most unusual place you have visited in your life ?

           A.     The top of the Space Needle in Seattle.

Q 3.   What movie can you watch over and over again?

           A.    The Green Mile.

Q 4.   What item could you not live without?

            A.   Cake.  

Q 5.   What tips or tricks have you picked up from your job?

            A.   Always go with your gut feeling and instinct.

Q 6.   When was the last time you slept more than 9 hours?

            A.   On last day off, previous week.

Q 7.   Where's your go-to restaurant for amazing food?

           A.   Braemar Lodge - especially the desserts !!

 Chris Nowak (Tiff)

 Employed as Assistant Warden - to assist with the smooth running of the park.   

Q 1.    What date did you start on this park?

           A.   August 2019.

Q 2.   Most unusual place you have visited in your life?

           A.   Top Mountain Motorcycle Museum on the high alpine road in Austria - love the Alps.

Q 3.   What movie can you watch over and over again?

           A.   Vanishing Point  (1971).

Q 4.   What item could you not live without?

           A.   My motorbike.

Q 5.   What tips or tricks have you picked up in your job?

           A.   Always check the weather forecast. You will be asked !!

Q 6.   When was the last time you slept more than 9 hours?

           A.   Tuesday, I think. Whenever possible.

Q 7.   Where's your go to restaurant for amazing food?

            A.   Anstruther Chippy - Simple tastes !!

Tom Johnson

Employed as Assistant Warden - to assist with the smooth running of the park.

Q 1.   What date did you start on this park?

            A.   April 2019

Q 2.   Most unusual place you have visited in your life ?

           A.    A classic motorbike museum in Cyprus where the owner even made us a Cypriot coffee and talked us around his collection.

Q 3.   What movie can you watch over and over again?

           A.   The Butterfly Effect.

Q 4.    What item could you not live without?

            A.   A good pair of hiking boots.

Q 5.    What tips or tricks have you picked up from your job?

            A.  Always be prepared for a water leak somewhere in the caravan.

Q 6.    When was the last time you slept more than 9 hours?

            A.  Every day off!

Q 7.    Where's your go-to restaurant for amazing food?

            A.  Braemar Lodge.

We hope the selected questions and the answers will help the reader gain a better insight and understanding of the staff working on park. Our intention is to make you feel more at home and more relaxed about approaching any of the staff and be able to ask for their assistance during your visit with us.

Enjoy your stay!!

Many of our customers will be wondering what we have been up to whilst Braemar Caravan Park has been closed from the 10th of November until the 13th of December this year.

We have taken this opportunity to introduce ourselves to our nearby neighbours and also wanted to share our meetings with all our readers and customers alike.

The first neighbouring business we visited was Braemar Lodge Hotel. This is situated between the caravan park and the village, on the left, and has a large statue of a stag at the roadside. In the summer months the front of the building has a colourful display of flowering baskets. At the moment, the building and grounds are lit up by a wonderful display of Christmas lights.

We had the opportunity to eat twice in the warm, comfortable restaurant and met the friendly, welcoming owners, Fiona and Ronnie.

The owners and the staff went out of their way to be very hospitable to our friends, who were stopping there for a short break, and ourselves when we stopped by to meet them and have a meal in the restaurant.

The varied choices on the menu and the standards of the hearty meals were of an exceptional quality and our compliments go out to their chef. The restaurant is available from 6 pm each evening and at busy times it may be best to book a table. They are open on Christmas day for Christmas Carvery also New Year and still had availability in case any of our customers were looking for somewhere to eat at Christmas or New Year but best to check with them first. Their information leaflet is shown below.

 The second neighbouring business we stopped by was Cranford Guest House. This building is situated just outside the park again by turning left towards the village and you will find the guest house is the first roadside building on the right hand side of the road.

We stopped by to introduce ourselves to the owners. We met a very friendly and welcoming owner called Sarah, her husband was out at the time so unfortunately we never had a chance to meet Alistair. Again, it is a breath of fresh air to find very welcoming individuals in the village. You can visit the website for Sarah and Alistair's guest house at www.cranfordbraemar.co.uk .

The final business we visited was the restaurant up at Glenshee Ski Centre. You have probably seen the signs at the side of the road through Glenshee for T @ the Shee. This is out the park entrance and turn right up to the ski centre and the restaurant is located on the right hand side of the road.

We ate a very hearty scottish breakfast including tea/coffee for less than £8.00 and comes highly recommended. Take a look at their website www.ski-glenshee.co.uk  then look up Base Cafe they are open daily from 8.30am until 5pm.

These are just a few of the many businesses and eateries that we have met recently.  Further experiences of places to eat in the village centre will follow.

Please support local business and say hi to our neighbours if you see them in the passing.  We have found them all to be friendly and welcoming and great people to know.

We look forward to all our customers returning when Braemar Caravan Park re opens on Friday 13th December.

More blogs to follow......

Braemar Caravan Park is a fantastic base for walking some of Scotlands Largest and most iconic mountains, and it is also an ideal start or finish point for some really spectacular longer distance walking routes; The Lairig Ghru, Jocks road, Lairig an Laoigh and many more.

These routes are amazing, walking them is a great experience, and can also be quite challenging, not just in terms of the weather - which can change in an instant, but logistics.

A big consideration when you're planning your walk, is how you're going to get back to where you started. One option of course is to walk back the next day - but time constraints (and tired legs) may well stop that. 

Public transport in Braemar can take you in the direction of Ballater and Aberdeen, but going south or over the hill to Aviemore requires a lot of planning and takes a long time.

There are guided walks available who organise transport; Hillgoers and the the National trust for Scotland at Mar Lodge organise guided walks throughout the summer and have a minibus waiting for you at the other end ready to bring you back. So you'll get to enjoy the route in the company of like minded people and you may make a few new friends on the way.

Highland Yaks is another fantastic service in the area, they not only can be your transport for a walking route, they can arrange bikepacking pick ups and drop offs, Canoe transport and drop off, Airport transport and even distillery trips.

So whatever you're planning there are some fantastic companies in the area ready to help with your trip.

Happy walking everyone :)

Spring time is an amazing time at Braemar Caravan Park. The birds are singing, the trees and flowers start to burst in to life and the days are longer so there's much more time to get out and explore before dark.

If you don't have a caravan or tent but want to come for a relaxing week at Braemar Caravan Park, our camping pods are a great place to relax and enjoy this amazing area.

From 6th May to the 28th June 2019, Book to stay in a pod for 4 nights during mid week; Monday to Friday, and get 4 nights for the price of 3.

Book online, and use Code Midweekpod at the checkout to apply this offer.

Our Camping Pods sleep up to four people, have a microwave, kettle and mini-fridge. There are heated toilet & shower facilities a short walk from the pods.

You will need to bring your own Sleeping Bags and Pillows, Towels and Toiletries, Cooking facilities, crockery, Cutlery & Cooking Utensils and Tea towels & Washing Up Essentials.

Sleeping bags, toiletries and other essentials are available to purchase from our on-site shop.

The Small Print

This offer applies on 4 night stays on Monday to Friday only between the 6th May and 28th June 2019.
This offer is not valid on Fridays to Mondays or for shorter durations.
This offer applies to new bookings only and not existing bookings.
This offer is for camping pods only not pitches.
This offer is subject to availability.
The Code has to be applied at the time of booking and not in retrospect.

It's that time of year again when the days are getting longer, the flowers and trees start to wake up, the birds start to nest, and our thoughts turn to planning trips away. Whether Caravan, Motorhome, Campervan, tent or staying in one of our Camping pods, Braemar Caravan Park is a fantastic place to stay, in such a beautiful location in the Cairngorms National Park.

There are so many opportunities for exploring and outdoor adventures on our doorstep, and there are also many places to visit, both well established favourites like Braemar Castle and Balmoral Castle, The Braemar Gathering and a number of new places to visit. 

The New Braemar Highland Games centre opened on the 15th March. The centre has an exhibition hall, Gallery, Café, Shop and Archive. You can discover all about the world famous Braemar Gathering which has been an annual event since 1832.

For a small village there is a really great choice of places to eat out, whether for Breakfast, lunch or dinner; casual quick bites to eat, coffee and cake, or a special occasion. The much anticipated opening of the Fife arms has the already infamous 'Flying Stag', a cocktail bar, Drawing room for High tea and the Clunie dining room for that special evening meal. There is a café in the Braemar Highland Games centre cafe, the much loved favourites Bothy and Taste, The Bistro and more, will soon be joined by Farquharsons Bar and Kitchen. For more information on eating out in Braemar Visit the VisitBraemar page.

And why not enjoy the spectacular routes of the Snow roads and the North East 250 while you're in the area. These routes will take you through some breath taking scenery, to some wonderful villages, where you can explore the amazing variety of the North East of Scotland.

Whatever you do when you are in Braemar, it'll make you want to keep coming back again and again.

See you soon.

Autumn is a really magical time at Braemar Caravan Park. There might be a few more wet and windy days than Summer, but there so much to see and do, it's well worth a visit to enjoy this very special time of year.

The colours of the landscape are spectacular, and change every day. The deep golds and Rich reds of the Rowan, the bright Yellow Aspen, the chestnut browns of the Beech to name but a few. Braemar Caravan Park has a variety of trees on the site, which attract lots of different Wildlife; Red Squirrels which gorge on the Hazel nuts and Scots Pine Cones; Black Birds, Red Wings and Mistle Thrushes enjoying the Rowan Berries; Long tailed Tits, Great Tits, Coal Tits and Blue Tits, Tree Creepers, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Tawny Owl, all on site feeding themselves up preparing for the long Winter ahead.

And if you're lucky you'll catch a glimpse of the cheeky Stoats and Weasels darting around in the evening light to find some food, or the Pippistrelle Bats flying around the lights to feed on the insects. 

In the woods opposite Braemar Caravan Park on the flanks of Creag Choinnich, there's a brilliant Nature trail which guides you round some fantastic habitats.

October is also a brilliant month to Visit Braemar if creativity is your thing. The annual Braemar Creative Arts Festival hosts an amazing variety of workshops and events to get your creativity flowing. This year is no exception and has many new arts and crafts on offer to try, it's hard to choose what to choose, but whatever you choose will be fantastic. Whether you are interested in creative writing, drama, music, dance or crafting, there is something for everyone. This years festival starts on the 24th October and finishes on the 28th October with Braemarket, a craft fair in the Village hall which is a great opportunity to get some unique christmas presents in early.

If you normally come camping in a tent but are unsure about being under canvas as the seasons change, our Braemar Caravan Park Camping pods offer a comfortable, warm, cosy alternative. The Pods are heated, insulated, carpeted, thick curtains, comfy mattresses and have a microwave, kettle and a mini-fridge. Book your camping pod break now.

Braemar Caravan Park is open until the 28th October 2018 and reopens on the 1st December 2018, so we're only closed for a few weeks before the Winter season begins. 

Braemar Caravan Park has been operating since around 1984, and since 2013 has been managed by Invercauld Estate. 

Invercauld Estate has been in the ownership of the Farquharson family since before 1432. The current laird, Captain Alwyne Farquharson of Invercauld is the 16th laird and chieftain of the Clan Farquharson.

The Estate covers around 200 Square Miles of amazing landscapes in the Cairngorms National Park. The Estate is run as a trust with the guidance of the Farquharson family

Invercauld Estate is located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park , in spectacular Royal Deeside. The Estate is managed commercially but with great respect for the natural environment.

Invercauld Estate is a sporting Estate and is world renowned for grouse shoots, deer stalking and salmon fishing. The native Caledonian Scots Pine provides the backdrop for rolling heather covered mountains leading up to a number of Munros. 

Invercauld Estate plays a significant role in the community of Braemar, and in the last two years have been carrying out a masterplan to identify the potential developments for the future of Braemar to help ensure a sustainable, thriving community. 

On the 4th September 2018 between 2:30 - 4:30pm or 5:30-7:15pm at Castleton hall, the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) will be holding a consultation event to set out proposals for Braemars future in its Local development plan. CNPA has suggested that some land at the North East of the village should be made available for development.

Invercauld Estate owns this land and is now preparing proposals for consideration by CNPA. Invercauld Estate invites you to give your views on  how a development in the village might meet the needs of Braemars residents, businesses and visitors.