Due to the growing increase in staycations, one of Scotland’s most famous visitor destinations, Blair Castle and its surrounding estate, has decided to extend its opening season, rather than stick to its traditional closing date in October.
For the first time, (subject to ongoing government guidance) the Castle will remain open for guided tours until mid-December. With the increasing popularity of motorhomes, touring pitches within the caravan park will now also be available to book until the end of the year.
The Estate has already seen its traditional summer holiday months extend well into the autumn, with bookings for self-catering accommodation over September and October up 15% on previous years and motorhome bookings in the caravan park rising 23% – which reflects the increasing popularity of touring holidays in the Cairngorms National Park*.
With uncertainty and potential restrictions around foreign travel, Blair Castle is now also seeing the impact on bookings for November and December as travellers exchange winter sun for stress-free pre-Christmas family get-aways in a COVID-safe environment.
Accommodation and venues across the estate have been effectively implementing Covid secure policies, being some of the first to achieve “We’re Good To Go” status. The official accreditation signals that the estate has followed government guidance and has a COVID process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.
Chloe Thornton, marketing officer for the Estate said:
“It is the simplicity of a holiday with family, surrounded by nature, that is driving enquiries for winter holidays. The confidence that travel arrangements won’t be disrupted and that high standards of cleanliness will be enforced is the perfect solution for families looking for ways to grab some time away together prior to Christmas.
“The holiday season has already spilled over into autumn, the perfect time to travel safely to Highland Perthshire for a well-earned break. The colours across the estate at this time of year are spectacular. That, combined with the reassurance we can offer, means we are potentially now seeing a new season of winter family holidays. The charms of a crisp winter landscapes and brisk morning walks are there to be discovered.”
Blair Castle and its estate offers a range of pet-friendly accommodation from its static caravans through to secluded woodland and historic highland lodges to suit all family sizes. Set in 145,000 acres of glorious countryside, end of year staycationers can enjoy 50 miles of waymarked trails to reconnect with nature, while no one is far from places to eat and shop in Pitlochry or House of Bruar, making this the perfect base for festive shopping trips.
Caravan Park & Woodland Lodges
Blair Castle Caravan Park in Blair Atholl is at the entrance to the Cairngorms National Park making it convenient and beautiful base for exploring the area or as a stop-off heading to and from the Scottish Highlands.
As well as Caravan Holiday Homes, there’re also one, two and three bedroom Scandi-style woodland lodges and a variety of fully served motorhome pitches.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Contact Elizabeth Lambley at Indigo on email lizzylambley@indigopr.com or 07967374330
NOTES TO EDITORS
Blair Castle
Situated in the heart of Atholl Estates, Blair Castle was built in 1269 and today is the home to the 12th Duke of Atholl. Set against the magnificent landscape of 145,000-acres, the estate offers beautifully scenic vistas of rolling farmland and wild open hills across Perthshire.
Visitor Attraction Information
During 2020 Blair Castle and Gardens will be open daily from 15th July until 30th October, between 10am – 5:30pm, with final admission at 4pm.
From 1st November to 12th December, the castle only will be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays for pre-booked pre-paid tours. Prices and tour times published on blair castle tours.
*Cairngorms National Park
Cairngorms National Park reports a 121% rise in hits on its ‘Plan your Visit’ webpage, with checks on facilities, including caravan services, up 873% on this time last year. The CNP Interim Report found that there was an increase in people camping and caravanning, up from 18% to 24% of overnight stays.
