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If you are looking for alternatives on how to get to Scotland from Spain by car, motorhome or campervan, keep reading you are in the right place, I hope to help you!
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Hello fellow traveler! If you're thinking about exploring the majestic landscapes of Scotland , let me tell you, you're making an excellent decision. As a mother of two and an avid traveler, I've explored Europe by campervan, and today I want to share with you five alternative routes to Scotland from Spain that I discovered while planning our last campervan trip , which you can read about in full on our blog.
So make yourself comfortable, because I assure you that this trip promises adventures and funny anecdotes. We start planning our departure from Spain to Scotland now!
We are the Kucavana family , and we travel with our two children and our adopted dog, Max. We usually travel in our motorhome, also called Kucavana, hence the name of our blog (as a baby, Anna couldn't pronounce "motorhome" and said "Kucavana"). But we also enjoy traveling by bicycle, by plane, and backpacking—the point is to have adventures as a family. The one writing this is me, Pilar, the mom of the family and perhaps the craziest one. I enjoy every new experience we have as a family, and I hope to help you enjoy traveling as much as we do.
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TIP: If you don't have a motorhome or campervan but want to rent one and try this type of travel, remember that the cheapest option with the best experiences is to rent from private individuals through a platform like Airbnb, but for motorhomes and campers.
By ferry from Bilbao to the south of England
If you prefer a little more maritime adventure, you can take a ferry from Bilbao, in the north of Spain, to the south of England. Imagine the thrill of setting sail on a boat and enjoying the views of the sea as you approach your destination.
Rates and schedules
As with the Eurotunnel, the prices of the ferries can vary. I suggest you visit the websites of the ferry companies to get the most up-to-date prices and schedules. Remember that it is advisable to book in advance to ensure your place. This ferry, like the Santander, is much more expensive than the one from Calais, but on the other hand, if you live nearby, you save on driving and fatigue on the trip.
Tips
- Book early and save on the ticket.
- Close the gas on the boat, by regulation it must be closed.
- Take a backpack with a game, food and water to the boat.
- If you suffer from motion sickness, take some motion sickness remedies or patches with you. You don't want the trip to turn into an unpleasant experience!
- Make the most of the ferry facilities. Some ships have restaurants, shops and even a spa. There is no time for boredom!
By ferry from Santander to the south of England
If you live closer to Santander, you also have the option of taking a ferry from there to the south of England. In addition to enjoying the beautiful views of the Cantabrian Sea, you will have the opportunity to live a unique experience aboard a ferry that is very similar to the one that leaves from Bilbao in price, hours and type of trip.
Rates and schedules
Prices and schedules may vary depending on the season and the ferry company you choose. I recommend you visit the companies' websites for up-to-date information and make your reservation in advance. Remember that demand can be high at certain times of the year, so plan your trip ahead of time.
Tips
- If you are traveling with children, be sure to bring games, books, or movies to entertain them during the journey. A few fun activities can turn the trip into an exciting experience for them.
- Don't forget to bring a few snacks and drinks to the boat to enjoy on board. Also, bringing a blanket or pillow can make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
- If you get the chance, explore the ferry facilities. Some ships have recreational areas, swimming pools and restaurants, which will make the trip even more entertaining.
- Turn off the gas in your motorhome, due to safety regulations you have to do it
By ferry from Calais, France, to the south of England
Another option to get to the south of England is to take a ferry from Calais, France to the south of England. This route will allow you to reduce the hours on board the ship and reduce the budget of the ferry compared to Bilbao or Santander, but in return you will have to drive considerably more to reach Calais, towards the north of France.
Rates and schedules
As in the previous options, I recommend you check the prices and schedules on the websites of the ferry companies. Be sure to book early to secure your spot and get the best available rates. This ferry is cheaper than the other two ferries that leave from Spain but it also includes tolls and gasoline costs to get to Calais, it all adds up.
Through the Eurotunnel from Calais to the south of England
One of the most popular options for getting to Scotland by car, motorhome or van is to take the Eurotunnel in Calais, France, to reach the south of England. Why the south of England? Well, because from there you can start your journey to Scotland by car, motorhome or camper. Also, crossing the English Channel through the Eurotunnel is quite an experience in itself.
Rates and schedules
Eurotunnel prices vary depending on the season and how far in advance you book. I recommend checking their website for the most up-to-date information. As for the schedule, trains cross the canal approximately every 20 minutes, so you won't have to wait long!
The Eurotunnel is cheaper than the other two ferries departing from Spain, but factor in tolls and fuel costs to reach Calais, and it all adds up. Depending on your departure point, a more expensive ferry from Bilbao or Santander might be cheaper. It's all about calculating carefully based on your origin in Spain.
Tips
- Be sure to arrive in plenty of time to complete the shipping formalities. You don't want to miss the train!
- Book early and save on the ticket.
- The earlier or later you take the train, the cheaper the ticket.
- During the eurotunnel journey you can be inside your motorhome comfortably as when you are driving but not driving.
By plane and rent a motorhome, camper or car there
If you prefer to save time and get directly to Scotland, you can choose to take a flight from Spain and rent a motorhome, camper or car once you are there. This option is ideal if you have 10 or fewer days of vacation and want to maximize your time in Scotland and don't mind missing the road trip.
Tips
Research and compare car and campervan rental prices in Scotland ahead of time to get the best deals. Be sure to read the rental companies' policies and requirements before making your reservation as well, as they are important in the event of an unforeseen event.
Our pick for a 10-day trip to Scotland
On our last trip to Scotland, we decided to take the option of flying from Spain and renting a motorhome in Scotland. We did it with an individual through Yescapa.
With only 10 days available, we wanted to make the most of our time exploring the stunning landscapes of this country.
Arriving in Scotland, we were surprised by the warmth of its people and the beauty of its landscapes. We toured the famous Loch Ness, the Isle of Sky, marveling at towering castles and enjoying highland walks. In addition, the flexibility that the motorhome gave us allowed us to stop at picturesque places and camp in dream campsites.
We also had the opportunity to try traditional Scottish dishes such as haggis and delicious shortbreads. Our palates were delighted with the unique flavors of Scottish gastronomy!
If you decide to follow our example and rent a motorhome in Scotland, I would recommend planning your route in advance because it is a destination with little parking, a lot of prohibited overnight motorhomes and a lot of tourism in July and August. Scotland has so many amazing places to visit including stunning Glencoe, the magical Isle of Skye and the historic city of Edinburgh. Make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy each destination and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you.
So, dear traveler friend, get ready to embark on a unique adventure in Scotland after your best choice on how to get to Scotland by motorhome, camper or car. Enjoy its spectacular landscapes, immerse yourself in its rich history and be surprised by its vibrant culture. I can't wait to hear your own stories and experiences in this fascinating destination! Have a good trip! I read you in comments.