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Reviews of Thirlestane Caravan Park
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Thirlestane Caravan Park
Thirlestane Castle
Lauder
Berwickshire (Browse area)
TD2 6RU
Tel: 01578 718884 or 07976 231032
Visit their website Check Digital TV coverage See Weather Forecast
   
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Pitches: 50
Open: 01/04/2024 to 31/10/2024
01/04/2025 to 31/10/2025
Rating: 
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 Tent Pitches |
 Caravan Pitches |
 Motorhome Pitches |
 Small Campervans |
 No Glamping Units |
 No Statics for Hire |
 Holiday Homes for Sale |
 Seasonal Pitches |
 Electric Hookups |
 Hardstanding Pitches |
 No Fully Serviced Pitches |
 Show Full Facilities |
| Who's it for |
 Families Welcome |
 Not Members Only |
 Rallies Welcome |
 Not Naturist Site |
 Dogs Welcome |
 No Dogs Allowed |
 Groups Welcome |
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| Facilities |
 Toilet Facilities |
 Hot Showers |
 Washing Up |
 No Bathroom |
 Baby Changing Facilities |
 Laundry On Site |
 Drinking Water |
 Disabled Friendly |
 Chemical Disposal |
 No Battery Charging |
 No Gas Exchange |
 No Recycling Facilities |
 No Kitchen Facilities |
 Freezer / Fridge |
 Motorhome Point |
 Wifi Access |
 Shop <1 mile |
 Bar <1 mile |
 Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <1 mile |
| Activities |
 Kids Playground |
 No TV Room |
 No Games Room |
 No Evening Ents |
 Fishing On Site |
 No Wild Swimming |
 No Indoor Pool |
 No Outdoor Pool |
 No Horse Riding |
 No Cycle Hire |
 Golf <1 mile |
 No Tennis |
 No Beach |
 No Watersports |
 No Boat Launch |
| Other Features |
 No Sea Views |
 Not Working Farm |
 No Campfires Allowed |
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 No Waterside Pitches |
 Public Transport <1 mile |
 Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access |
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Reviews:
36 in total, now showing 21 to 30
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| Date of Visit: April 2016 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Jackadoo |
6 reviews from this member |
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 Time for an update. It's only fair that I do so.
I stand by a pretty scathing review back in August 2013 and didn't go back to the site until August 2015. The welcome was frigid to say the least as 'they' knew what I'd written.
However, I returned for my first trip of the season for the Easter weekend. What an absolute pleasure. The new site managers are what this place sorely needed. They are up to speed with social media, take an interest in the local community and in the few weeks Scott and Lesley have been on site, have increased visitor numbers significantly. It really is such a massive difference and I'd recommend anyone going to stay there. Sure, there's a few upgrades needed, but personally I'm not really too bothered. Increased visitor number will mean this happens quicker. Congratulations folks! 
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| Date of Visit: July 2015 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: NelehJ |
2 reviews from this member |
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We have just spent 9 days here, 2 adults and a 6yr old. Upon arrival we were greeted by lovely wardens who were very helpful.
We were shown to a pitch but when we asked to move to a different spot (nearer to toilet block) we were happily accommodated.
It is half statics and half tourers with room for a few tents. It is an extremely quiet site which we loved the peach and quiet. Alot of the vans are seasonal and so during the week even quieter.
The facilities are clean and tidy with plenty of free hot water.
I was dubious about booking here after reading other reviews but I am glad we ignored them. You can walk into Lauder in 10mins and there are basic shops.
If we were in the area again I would not hesitate to stay here again. Very peaceful and relaxing break.
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| Date of Visit: June 2014 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: JMGMB1 |
1 review from this member |
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Stayed for the first time at Thirlestane Castle for a few days as we were attending an event near Lauder. A very quiet camp site within walking distance to Lauder, which was partly why we booked this site. We were greeted on arrival, and after a long discussion we were shown to our pitch. We did get the feeling we had been put as far away as possible as we had a van, which had they been aware of prior to booking, I don't think we would have been accommodated.
Clean and tidy site, toilet block also clean, although a bit dated, very small shower area, no power points for hairdryer. Its also a long way to empty grey water. I know this is not a big issue however am just comparing this with other sites visited.
In summary a well located basic site great for touring, within walking distance to Lauder, people in Lauder were all very friendly and helpful. If visiting the area again, sadly this would not be my first choice.
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| Date of Visit: May 2014 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: RobertGilchrist |
3 reviews from this member |
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Read some reviews before I came here, some people were moaning for absolutely no reason what so ever, the shower block was cold moan moan, the gates are locked at 11pm moan moan, and my feet got wet from the grass moan moan, oh and the best one the warden was talking to loud??? I suggest these moaners book in to a 5 star hotel and sell there caravans. We were greeted with a happy smile and got our van sited where we wanted and help to level our van with the warden fetching us planks of wood to help level us up, we asked about tv were told signal not very good, so I suggested I'd use my satellite and was told which direction to point it. Had it picking up great signal in seconds, the site is lovely, the town is lovely and the food in the pub was lovely, the warden was a very helpful man and nothing was a problem. So Moaners, YOUR AT A CAMP SITE IN A CARAVAN! Great site I will be back. Oh I forgot me and my wife are very fussy people.
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| Date of Visit: April 2014 |
Unit: Motorhome |
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| Reviewer: DeniseMike |
1 review from this member |
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Spent a lovely, peaceful weekend over Easter. Couldn't get a satellite signal on the first pitch we were on but we mentioned this to the warden and we were swiftly moved to another pitch where the signal was fine. The warden couldn't do enough to accommodate us and was very warm and friendly. The pitches are a good size and relatively flat. The views of the surrounding countryside are lovely. The site gates are locked from 11pm which makes you feel very safe.
Toilets and showers were spotlessly clean but maybe a bit chilly.
Lauder itself is lovely with good pubs and chip shop.
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| Date of Visit: April 2014 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Kgm64 |
3 reviews from this member |
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My wife and I have just spent a long weekend in the Scottish Borders and on this visit tried Thirlstane Castle Caravan Park. We were welcomed by the wardens with the list of rules as mentioned by others and directed to our pitch with a final reminder that the toilets and showers were closed 1100 to 1200 and Oh!, by the way, there was only 10 amps of power from the electric hook ups (which means we could not have our Heating on at the same time as the water heater and had to switch heating off to use a toaster or hairdryer). I know some might say it's not a major issue, but, it is a pain when all you want to is relax and enjoy your trip, and, it is still early Spring so not that warm at night.
There was no Wi-Fi (we were told by the warden to buy a dongle or go into Lauder and sit outside the Leisure centre), no TV coverage where we were sited (we were told by Warden to get satellite), we had a mile to take our waste water and the toilet/shower block was freezing (although clean enough). The most bizarre rule was the gates were locked at 11pm and would not be re-opened until 0730 in the morning, so if you were visiting or at an event and couldn't get back by then you had no way of getting back in and there was nowhere to leave your vehicle. (we heard in Lauder that that is the most common complaint from visitors).
It is such a shame that the male warden runs the place more like a Stalag than a welcoming 21st century site in a beautiful area. We visit the Borders several times a year for Melrose 7s, Common Ridings, walking, visiting family & friends etc. And am very disappointed we have to rule this site out because of these matters, matters that could easily be put right by the owners rather than employing someone such as this man (who could do with learning something about the area).
Don't be put off visiting this most beautiful part of Scotland, just don't stay at Stalag Thirlstane. Lauder is a welcoming Border town with good pubs, restaurants, chippy/pizza take away, garage/shop, a Baker and Butcher etc. Lauder is also not too far from other Border towns and only 40 mins from Edinburgh.
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Management response: We read with huge disappointment that your visit to our Caravan Park was a poor experience so much so that it prompted this post. Anyone trying to enjoy their leisure time, after all many of us get precious little, would have found what you describe very trying.
We are only glad that you concluded by saying the Scottish Borders and town of Lauder are magnificent and everyone in our opinion should come here at least once! Regarding the specifics of your visit its always a challenge to give the right response we certainly don't want to pay lip service nor is there any point being defensive. We have opted to be honest. We have already addressed the short falls of our team, we are dealing with the water/heat issue and the gates are now open for access. Our plans for upgrade include better electric supply and Wifi is being considered. We have resisted providing 21st Century technology and encourage all visitors to hop off the roundabout and soak in the best of our walks, picnic spots, wonderful towns and villages and events. Nonetheless we hear you!
We cannot undo what has happened but we can ensure it doesn't happen again and would ask anyone considering coming to stay and seeing you report to give us the benefit of the doubt and if necessary give us a call so that we can allay any concerns. With regard to your own experience we would like to make amends and ask what can we do to at least make you feel we don't take anyone for granted and that you and indeed all our visitors are so important. We have a number of ideas; a picnic in the Castle grounds, a personal tour of the Castle, tickets to a Vintage Car rally??? Please give our office a call and make yourself known.
With best wishes
The Team at Thirlestane Castle Caravan Park |
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| Date of Visit: August 2013 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Jackadoo |
6 reviews from this member |
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Stayed on this site for the 2013 Lauder Common Riding. This was the first time in our own caravan but we have stayed in a tent on a number of occasions in the past. Arrived on Friday evening to be welcomed by warden speaking very loudly to a French visitor whose English was perhaps as good as my French (poor). It was like a scene from Fawlty Towers. Volume does not equate to improved understanding.
Shown to our pitch on sloping ground but this wasn't a problem. Grass very long though. Long list of rules and regulations which are pretty much common sense anyway but as mentioned in another review they were verbally enforced. Not really necessary.
The touring/tent area is not well provided with electric hook-up points and unless you've got a very long cable make sure you're close to one of the few connections points. Disposal of grey water is a good distance from the far end of the site at the shower block as is the chemical disposal point. Toilet block/showers were very clean. Drinking water points are also lacking in numbers.
The one major gripe is the general attitude of the wardens. The site looks good due to their efforts but their approach to visitors is dire. It would appear that if you're a regular and know them, all is well (if they like you). First timers or infrequent visitors like me feel like we're an annoyance.
Finally, we asked to stay a couple of extra hours on the Sunday. However, due to a noise complaint from the previous evening we were told under no circumstances should we leave after 12 noon. 8 minutes late and they were on us like midges. Given that A- it was Common Riding weekend and as such visitors such as myself inject much needed cash into the town. B - No-one was told who the complaint was about. C- we were in bed by 10:30pm on the Saturday night but I believe the finger was pointed in our direction. D - Why weren't the wardens checking the site for noise on what can be a busy weekend?
There are other issues but I'll leave it at that. Will I be back? Good question but I doubt it.
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Management response: Dear Jackadoo,
Thank you for taking the time to write your thoughts about the site, we value all our customer feedback.
Please accept our apologies for the customer service your felt that your received the last time you visited us. Since we discovered your review, we have been actively working to improve our customer service and have put plans in place to be more flexible to our valued customers. You may notice a few other improvements - we are currently updating the shower block and getting the site ready for the new season which opens on 1st April. We very much hope you will visit us again. Please call our site manager directly should you wish to discuss any further
With best wishes
The Team at Thirlestane Castle Caravan Park |
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| Date of Visit: July 2012 |
Unit: Motorhome |
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| Reviewer: Mrsgrinchy |
5 reviews from this member |
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We stayed here just one night as a stopover, travelling from Northumberland up to Scotland. We were made welcome and the facilities were clean and tidy.
We had a level hard standing pitch, unfortunately for me with the odd nettle forcing it's way through the gravel!
The weather was not brilliant which may have coloured our judgement regarding the surrounding area, but we were not sure we would personally choose this site for a prolonged stay.
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| Date of Visit: June 2012 |
Unit: Tent |
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| Reviewer: Fernypooh |
3 reviews from this member |
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Had 6 nights at this lovely peaceful campsite on the edge of Lauder. Wardens were lovely and the toilet block was kept immaculately clean. Brilliant for exploring the borders and a great base for the Jim Clark rally in Duns.
If you're looking for a nice quiet base to travel the area then this is the ideal place and the fact that you can walk into town in less than 10 mins for the local shops and a few nice bars means you can leave the car at the site.
Only slight criticism would be that the grass was very long so we had damp feet for 6 days!
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| Date of Visit: August 2011 |
Unit: Touring Caravan |
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| Reviewer: Manj |
17 reviews from this member |
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Stayed at this site for a weekend as a stopover on our holidays. It is very handy for visiting Lauder, which is within walking distance of the site. The toilet block was always spotless, although it is beginning to look a bit dated.
The weather wasn't good when we were there and as there is no heating in the toilet block it was quite cold when showering, although the water was always hot.
The site is mainly sloping but we were given a hardstanding so didn't encounter any problems.
One slight issue was that the grass was very long - perhaps the bad weather accounted for this. We also felt that there was no atmosphere on site as there were mostly seasonal tourers which were unoccupied while we were there.
Thirlestane Castle is closed on Fridays and Saturdays, which isn't handy if you are just there for a weekend visit.
Having said that we would return in the future.
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Common Questions
Is Thirlestane Caravan Park child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Thirlestane Caravan Park? There is a shop within 1 mile View all facilities
Is Thirlestane Caravan Park dog friendly? YES View all facilities
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