We hire motorhomes but we also love camping, so when the boss said she was going to take a couple of motorhomes to camp for New Year/Hogmanay we asked her to share her tips and let us know how she got on!

Real Camping with real families!

You’ve all seen the idyllic photos of camping with kids and family trips, but what is it like to camp in winter with 2 families for New Year? Our boss shares her trip with all the laughs and the diversions you can expect from a typical camping holiday.

Kids’ ages: 4, 7, 10, and 13
Motorhomes:

December 30th: From Home to Edinburgh (202 miles)

Our journey started with a scenic drive to Edinburgh, the perfect destination for a motorhome trip. We parked at the Edinburgh Airport Park-and-Ride, a secure and spacious location ideal for motorhomes, and it was free!

A short tram ride (£11.40 per family return) took us into Edinburgh city center in just 10 minutes. Despite a little rain, the festive atmosphere with illuminated castles and a lively funfair kept everyone’s spirits high.

We visited the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions (link), an interactive wonderland for kids and adults alike. From fun exhibits to stunning rooftop views of Edinburgh and its light show, it was well worth the cost (£85/family of four).

Overnight at The Kelpies (20 miles from Edinburgh)

After soaking in the magic of Edinburgh, we headed to The Kelpies, where overnight motorhome parking offers a front-row view of these majestic, illuminated sculptures. For just £12.50, it’s a must-visit spot for motorhome travelers. Pro tip: Arrive before 8 PM to avoid being locked out.

While the weather didn’t allow us to explore inside the horse heads (link), the views alone made it unforgettable.

December 31st: New Year’s Eve Adventure

Edinburgh’s Weather Shifted Our Plans

With heavy rain in Edinburgh, we pivoted and hit the road to explore other Hogmanay celebrations across Scotland. When camping in a motorhome its always good to have a few options in case things don’t go to plan. Weather, events and road closures can mean your plans need to be diverted but the flexibility of a motorhome means this isn’t a problem.

Kelpies to Dundee (60 miles)

Our first stop was Dundee, home to the historic RRS Discovery (link). This legendary ship, built in Dundee, has sailed on Antarctic expeditions and beyond. A fantastic way to dive into Scotland’s maritime history!

We also explored the quirky street where Dundee FC and Dundee United’s football stadiums are just 200 yards apart—the closest rival teams in the world.

Dundee to Stonehaven Seafront (51 miles)

Next up was Stonehaven, a hidden gem with free motorhome parking right on the seafront. The town was alive with Hogmanay spirit thanks to the Stonehaven Fireball Festival (link).

Bagpipes, drums, and locals swinging blazing fireballs created an electrifying atmosphere. The festival ended with a spectacular fireworks display over the harbor. Bonus: It’s free, but donations are appreciated.

Stonehaven is also perfect for daytime exploring, with a scenic boardwalk, cafes, an outdoor heated pool, and a fun kids’ park.

January 1st: New Year’s Day in Scotland

Stonehaven to Loch Ness (140 miles)

We drove to Loch Ness to kick off the year with an icy but hilarious kayaking adventure! Using self-service rentals (link), we paddled around the iconic loch in -4°C temperatures. Chilly but absolutely worth it for the breathtaking views and family laughs.

Camping really comes into its own when you find activities to do together, things like mountain biking, kayaking and even hiking – anything where you are unplugged from your phone – is a fun way to connect with your family and find ways to laugh together through the planned and unplanned situations.

Loch Ness to Fort William (41 miles)

We parked overnight by the waterfront in Fort William, soaking up stunning views of the loch. The kids enjoyed football and fishing while we prepared for the next leg of our journey.

January 2nd: Nevis Range and Homeward Bound

Fort William to Nevis Range (6 miles)

A quick drive took us to the Nevis Range Mountain Resort (link). We rode a gondola 650 meters up for jaw-dropping views of Ben Nevis and the Great Glen. The cherry on top? A cozy hot chocolate at Scotland’s highest bar.

For adventurous families, the resort also offers mountain biking, snow sports, and walking trails. Overnight parking for motorhomes is available for just £15, with optional electric hook-ups.

Final Stop: Loch Lomond (320 miles home)

Our Scottish motorhome adventure ended with a serene drive along Loch Lomond, a breathtaking way to reflect on an incredible trip.

Why Hire a Motorhome for Your Edinburgh and Scotland Adventure?

Camping in winter, and in Scotland isn’t always first on people’s bucket list, but with a motorhome you can have a great time, staying warm and with the flexibility to go off grid or explore the more popular tourist areas.

Flexibility: Skip the rigid itineraries and embrace the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Comfort: Modern motorhomes like the Roller Team 746 offer spacious, cosy interiors perfect for families.
Edinburgh Accessibility: Convenient parking options like the airport park-and-ride make motorhome travel to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations hassle-free.
Cost-Effective: Save on accommodation and enjoy self-catering options.
Unforgettable Moments: From fire festivals to kayaking on Loch Ness, a motorhome allows you to create unique family memories.

Top Tips for Motorhome Camping in Edinburgh and Scotland

As with all camping fail to prepare and prepare to fail – or at least not have as good a time! Here are our top tips for camping in Scotland at Winter!

Plan Ahead: While Scotland offers great overnight parking options, arriving early ensures the best spots.
Stay Warm: Keep your heating on low at night to prevent frozen pipes.
Essentials: Use apps like Park4Night to find parking and facilities.
Conserve Resources: Switch off the shower between rinses and use bottled water for cooking.
Respect Local Rules: Adhere to departure times and leave spots as you found them.

Ready for Your Scottish Motorhome Adventure?

Whether it’s Edinburgh’s Hogmanay magic, the scenic beauty of the Highlands, or hidden gems like Stonehaven, a motorhome holiday is the perfect way to explore Scotland. Start planning your trip today!

Who is coming with us for Hogmanay 2026?