Grannie's Heilan' Hame, Golspie

Grannie’s Heiland hame is a short two-minute drive from the gorgeous little town of Dornoch on the east coast of Scotland. It’s also right next to the stunning Embo beach. It’s a large caravan park owned by Parkdean and is one of 24 they own across the UK.
We stayed for a long weekend at the beginning of June with the whole family and as there was eight of us, 4 adults, two teenagers and two soon to be teenagers we were a bit worried how we would manage to keep everyone happy but we needn’t have. This park had loads to do but not enough to make it feel like a 1960’s Butlins holiday.

The kids were never bored, there was crazy golf, a huge play park, tennis courts, kids discos at night, brilliant reps and plenty of space for them to run around in. It felt safe so we could relax while they went off to create mischief. There is also a swimming pool which is free which is a bonus, one of my pet hates is when parks charge you to use the pool when you have already paid to stay there. What I really liked was that all the activities, shop, pool, arcade, reception, restaurant etc. were all in the same building so it meant the rest of the park was peaceful and not over run with kids (sorry!)

For adults just the scenery was enough but there was also entertainment at night, a good arcade with pool tables and a well stocked shop, Although we didn’t eat at the restaurant other people did say that the food was good. There is also a take away on site that we ordered from and although there was a bit of a wait and the staff were run off their feet the food was amazing. There is also plenty places to go for walks, there is a few whisky distilleries nearby, including the Glenmorangie Distillery, although the cocktails at the bar in the park were soooo good I didn’t make it there, next time maybe.

There was a small problem to begin with as they put us in a pet friendly caravan, not a good idea when one of us is allergic to animals (make sure if you aren’t taking pets that you ask for a pet free caravan). The receptionist was brilliant though and got us moved (with a cheeky upgrade) straight away to a beautiful caravan literally right next to the beach with a huge decking area and French doors opening up to the most amazing view over Embo beach and the Dornoch Firth. I asked as we left and the name of the caravan is a “Linnie”, a bit more expensive but completely worth it for direct access to the beach and the fantastic views. I actually got up in the morning and took my daughter (who, for some reason, is unable to sleep past 7 o’clock) for a walk down to the water for a paddle, it was so serene and peaceful I spent A LOT of time there, relaxing, sleeping, walking, swimming (ok, just up to my knees, it is Scotland after all).

I thought this park was a perfect blend of beautiful views, a calm and peaceful atmosphere, while still having loads for the kids to do. I have been to parks in stunning locations but they are hard to appreciate when you have a small one next to you complaining they are bored, equally I’ve been to these mad parks that’s got bright plastic toys on every corner, reps singing outside the caravans with a trail of kids behind them and folk dressed up as some luminous purple dine or big red parrot. These parks are great if that’s what you like but I just thought this park had the best of both worlds.

To find out more about the park and perhaps book a wee break yourself have a look here - Grannies Heilan' Hame