A SCOTTISH ESCAPE

Beth Connor visits Oban Holiday Park, a scenic Scottish escape by the sea...

Oban Holiday Park, situated within the picturesque 340-acre expanse of Gallanachmore Farm, offers a tranquil retreat on Scotland’s west coast. Located just three miles from Oban’s vibrant town centre, the park provides a serene escape with breath-taking views of the Isle of Kerrera.

Operated by Highland Holidays, Oban Holiday Park has undergone significant investment in recent years, resulting in a beautifully maintained and modern park that manages to retain its connection to the wild Scottish coastline.

JUST A SHORT DRIVE from Oban, the park is a peaceful base for ferry trips and seaside strolls.

ACCOMMODATION WITH A VIEW
One of the standout features of Oban Holiday Park is its wide choice of accommodation and the views that come with it. Guests can choose from a range of luxury lodges, glamping pods, touring & camping pitches.

The high-spec lodges in particular are a real highlight, many of which feature private hot tubs on decking that overlooks the bay, a setting that’s hard to beat for a sunset soak. For those who enjoy the charm of camping without compromising on comfort, the glamping pods offer a cosy and convenient alternative, with electricity, heating and spectacular sea views as standard.

Touring and motorhome guests are also well catered for, with spacious pitches and excellent on-site amenities including modern shower blocks and laundry facilities.

MODERN LODGES with private hot tubs offer the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.

THE GATEWAY TO THE HEBRIDES
Oban Holiday Park’s location makes it the ideal base for exploring the wider region. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Isles” the town of Oban is a hub for ferry travel to the Hebridean islands, including Mull, Iona, and Coll - perfect for adventurous day trips.

Back on the mainland, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, coastal walks and wildlife watching, with regular sightings of seals, otters and sea birds.

Within a short drive, there’s a rich selection of attractions including Dunstaffnage Castle, the Oban Distillery and the dramatic landscapes of Glen Coe. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, kayaking, there’s no shortage of ways to connect with nature.

SOAK UP THE PEACEFUL surroundings and unwind with all the comforts of home.

WARM HOSPITALITY & FAMILY-FRIENDLY
The park is particularly popular with families, offering a safe and peaceful environment for children to play and explore. On-site play areas and open green spaces give kids plenty of freedom, while parents can enjoy a more relaxed pace of holiday life.

The park is also dog-friendly, which means four-legged family members are more than welcome to join in the fun. Oban Holiday Park strikes a great balance between providing freedom and convenience. While it doesn’t have the loud entertainment you might find at larger commercial resorts, it excels in offering a more tranquil, nature-led experience that many holidaymakers increasingly crave.

What really sets Oban Holiday Park apart is the warmth of its hospitality. Staff are known for going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome, from check-in through to departure. Visitors frequently comment on the friendly and helpful team who are always on hand to offer local tips and support.

A Highland Escape to Remember In a world where holidays often feel fast-paced and overly commercialised, Oban Holiday Park offers something refreshingly different. It’s a place where you can truly unwind, take in the scenery, reconnect with nature and loved ones, with a slower, more meaningful kind of holiday.

Whether you’re a returning visitor or discovering the area for the first time, Oban Holiday Park is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression and a longing to come back.

Oban Holiday Park
0333 188 1930
www.highlandholidays.com/holiday-parks/oban/

PANORAMIC VIEW OF OBAN Holiday Park set against the stunning backdrop of the Island of Kerrera.

THE PARK IS ALSO DOG-FRIENDLY, which means four-legged family members are more than welcome.

OBAN IS A CHARMING COASTAL TOWN in Scotland, known as the “Seafood Capital of Scotland”.

HIGHLAND HOLIDAYS

Highland Holidays prides itself on delivering unforgettable holidays in the most iconic and beautiful parts of Scotland. Led by the Campbell family, with Andrew and Emily at its helm, Highland Holidays operates three holiday parks across the Scottish Highlands and Argyll: Ben Nevis Holiday Park situated close to Fort William, Oban Holiday Park on the scenic west coast, and Tyndrum Holiday Park, nestled in the heart of the Highlands.

Ben Nevis Holiday Park opened in 2020, shortly before the world faced its first lockdown. Undeterred, the Campbell family used the time wisely to set about transforming the park into a contemporary and quality destination that offers its guests exceptional access to the incredible beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Ben Nevis Holiday Park is just ten minutes away from the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William. With a location literally in the foothills of Ben Nevis itself, hikers and outdoor adventurers would be hard pressed to find a better basecamp for a holiday. The broad choice of accommodation with 15 accommodation types means that the park has wide appeal.

Guests can choose from standard and hot tub lodges, caravans, camping pods, as well as touring and camping pitches. Common across all accommodation types are the spectacular mountain views! In 2023 & 2024, Ben Nevis Holiday Park won the Hoseasons Diamond Award for ‘Relax and Explore – Scotland’.

HIGHLAND HOLIDAYS aim to create an authentic Scottish experience for their guests.

The park has been widely praised for the high quality of its accommodation and outstanding guest satisfaction. “Being a family-owned, independent group deeply rooted in the Scottish Highlands gives us a unique advantage,” explains Andrew Campbell, Director.

“We truly understand the local landscape and culture, and we use that insight to craft truly memorable guest experiences. We’ve turned potential challenges into opportunities - for example, the growing demand for diverse accommodation has led us to expand our offerings, from spacious hot tub lodges to rugged camping pods, catering to both comfort-seeking travellers and adventure lovers.”

In 2022, the Campbell family acquired Tyndrum Holiday Park (formerly Pinetrees Caravan Park) and set about modernising it. Positioned on the West Highland Way, this park primarily offers holiday and short-stay accommodation for walkers and road trippers, with 11 different accommodation types on offer.

The park’s location is the perfect stopover for those travelling through to Glencoe, Oban or the Scottish islands, but its stunning setting also makes it ideal for a longer stay. The hot tub pods are a standout feature, offering guests a luxurious glamping experience in a picturesque Highland setting. Holiday home ownership is also on offer with a range of modern lodges and caravans available.

BEN NEVIS HOLIDAY PARK has an outstanding location in the foothills of Ben Nevis itself

A mix of holiday rental accommodation and holiday home ownership is also on offer at Highland Holidays’ most recent investment – Oban Holiday Park (previously known as Gallanach Caravan & Camping Park), which opened in July 2023. This stunning park has a prime location on the scenic west coast, overlooking the Isle of Kerrera and Oban Bay.

Oban Holiday Park offers an impressive 16 different accommodation types but there is a focus on providing high-specification lodge experiences. “We introduced luxury waterfront hot tub lodges at Oban,” explains Andrew Campbell. “Now the primary accommodation on the park, these lodges offer front- row views of the sea, stylish interiors, spacious decking with a private hot tub, and direct access to some of Scotland’s most stunning sunsets - perfect for couples or small groups seeking comfort, relaxation, and a view.”

Another new development on the park is a series of four-bedroom hot tub lodges. Recently introduced, these spacious, premium lodges are ideal for families or groups. Featuring modern interiors, open-plan living areas, private hot tubs, and outdoor decking, the new lodges offer a high-end retreat in a coastal setting.

Holiday home buyers can choose from a selection of stylish new lodges and static caravans. Ownership at Oban offers the opportunity to return time and again to a personal coastal retreat in one of Scotland’s most scenic locations, with the option to sublet when not in use. More exciting new additions at Oban Holiday Park are in the plans for the coming years.

LUXURY WATERFRONT Hot Tub Lodges offer front-row views of the sea and stunning sunsets

The holiday parks business comes with its fair share of challenges – from changing guest expectations to increased competition and the need for sustainable tourism. Highland Holidays has responded by staying true to their core strengths while continuously evolving to meet modern demands. Their business model hinges on quality informing every aspect of the guest experience, as well as a keen understanding of what modern holidaymakers seek.

Each park is pet-friendly, family-friendly, and designed to offer both adventure and relaxation in equal measure. “With multiple parks, our focus is on maintaining consistently high standards across every touchpoint,” explains Andrew Campbell.

“We aim to create memories that last a lifetime through exceptional customer service, carefully selected park locations in stunning natural surroundings, and a range of high-quality amenities and accommodation to suit every guest.” There’s more than a nod to sustainability and seamless integration with those stunning surroundings too.

TOURING AND CAMPING options are also available at Oban Holiday Park.

Oban Holiday Park gets its water supply from nearby hillside springs, making it a particularly environmentally friendly choice. Tyndrum Holiday Park is surrounded by pine forests, home to a variety of wildlife, and offers a children’s quiz to encourage early adoption of eco-responsibilities.

At Ben Nevis Holiday Park, Campbell’s Café serves meals made with locally sourced ingredients, giving visitors a chance to enjoy delicious native Scottish cuisine. Through Highland Holidays, the Campbells are particularly proud to present an authentic Scottish experience for their guests, set against breath-taking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

“With travellers now prioritising flexibility, pet-friendliness, and multi-generational appeal, we’ve designed our parks to be inclusive and adaptable,” says Andrew Campbell. “Highland Holidays embodies the spirit of togetherness. As a family-run business we truly recognise the importance of family time and the joy of shared experiences. Our mission is to offer our guests unforgettable family holidays in Scotland.”

Highland Holidays
0333 188 1930
www.highlandholdiays.com

TOURISM TRENDS UNDER MICROSCOPE

TOURISM TRENDS UNDER MICROSCOPE

WELCOMING TOURISM minister Richard Lochhead (third from left) to the conference were BH&HPA (Scotland) director Keith Campbell, BH&HPA Scottish policy director Sarah Allanson, and director general of BH&HPA Debbie Walker

Delegates from holiday parks across Scotland gathered in Edinburgh this winter for their annual national conference. Held at Our Dynamic Earth, the event brought together senior figures from many of Scotland’s near 200 parks providing camping, caravan, luxury lodge and glamping holidays. Members of the British Holiday & Home Parks Association (Scotland), and guests heard from a line-up of guest speakers including Scotland’s Tourism Minister Richard Lochhead.

Welcomed to the conference by association Directors Keith Campbell and John Kirkaldy, the Minister said that parks were doing much to minimise their environmental impact: “Sustainability is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s tourism strategy, and I welcome the steps the holiday parks industry is taking to champion green getaways in order to help achieve our net zero ambitions.

“This year I have visited several parks to see how they work within their communities, and with other local businesses, to provide the best possible visitor experience. “These businesses – and the visitors to campsites, caravan and holiday parks - make a valuable contribution to our national and local economies,” said Mr Lochhead.

Earlier in autumn, Mr Lochhead visited Findhorn Bay Holiday Park on the Moray Firth where electricity is generated by wind turbines, supported by the grid using a green energy tariff. The minister, who was a guest of BH&HPA, made his own contribution to a greener future by planting a commemorative tree to mark what the park described its new series of eco-adventures.

GUEST SPEAKERS
The conference also heard from other guest speakers on a range of different topics impacting on park businesses, many of which in Scotland are long-established family enterprises. Subjects addressed included how parks can best formulate and implement a green energy strategy, and what holiday home manufacturers are doing to make their products more sustainable.

Tourism trends were also put under the microscope, along with an examination of how parks could continue to meet the ever-rising quality expectations of holiday park guests. Running parallel to the conference at Our Dynamic Earth was an exhibition featuring suppliers of goods and services to Scottish holiday parks.

Keith Campbell, owner of Highland Holidays with three parks in Tyndrum, Oban and Ben Nevis, said that in 2023 holiday parks had remained as popular as ever with families and couples. But he added that the industry was by no means complacent, and that parks continued to invest heavily is their businesses to ensure they provided world-class standards of hospitality.

An economic survey produced four years ago and currently being updated found that BH&HPA member- parks in Scotland are part of a sector generating £772 million of annual spending in mainly rural areas, and that the industry also helps sustain over 14,300 full-time jobs.