Thinking of a family minimoon? Or need a break from wedding planning and fancy a bit of a pamper? We may have just found the perfect spot for you!
I enjoyed a glorious few days away at Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village. And while I’m well past the ‘just married’ stage (our ten year anniversary has just passed), I realised that it would be the ideal spot for a minimoon / hen party / break from the trials and tribulations of wedding planning.
If you’re a Scot – or have spent a decent amount of time in Scotland – then you’ve probably heard of Argyll Holidays. They’re one of Scotland’s biggest holiday brands and their eight holiday parks are dotted all over the country. Drimsynie Estate is their original (and flagship) park. The Campbell family owned a farm there back in the 1960s and, in 1968, decided to put six caravans on their land and rent them out to holidaymakers. Fast forward to today and their eight parks can be found in some of Scotland’s most scenic and unique locations.
Drimsynie itself is only an hour from Glasgow but it feels like you’re in the middle of nowhere, it’s so tranquil and idyllic. Basically, you stop off at Rest and Be Thankful (always worth a stop there to rest and / or be thankful), take in those views and then turn left. Now, you’re probably like me and have no idea there’s a left turn at Rest and Be Thankful, but that left turn is well worth taking because within 20 minutes you’ll be at Lochgoilhead where you’ll find the beautiful Drimsynie Estate.
As soon as we turned into the Estate we were greeted by the Tunnocks caravan. Not something either of us expected to see but it made us smile. Done up like a Tunnocks Wafer, the caravan is certainly a unique place to stay!
If caravans (or Tunnock Wafers) aren’t your thing then there is all manner of different accommodation to pick from. Lodges (with and without hot tubs), cottages, apartments and the Drimsynie Hotel itself. There’s also a new addition, the Pond View Glamping Pod which is pretty darn luxurious. If you’re taking the kids away on your minimoon then treat yourselves to a stay in this beauty!
We were staying in the hotel, a gorgeous stone and glass building with incredible views out over Loch Goil. It boasts a full on leisure complex and spa – I thoroughly enjoyed my manicure – which can be enjoyed by everyone on site, not just the hotel guests. There are so many activities and loads of stuff to do for the kids from archery and crossbows to arcades and mini go karts.
Now, this being Scotland, the weather wasn’t the greatest while we were there but we still managed to get out and about on a few of the many scenic walking routes. Our favourite was the walk into Lochgoilhead which, of course, ended in the wee village pub! We were big fans of the Boat Shed Cafe too and spent many a happy hour on their covered outdoor seating area watching the boats go by on the loch.
You’re also just a few miles from Carrick Castle which is well worth a visit. Carrick Castle just happens to be a pretty lovely wedding venue, so if you’re getting married there and fancy a post wedding spa break then you could always check yourself into Drimsynie.
Here at We Fell in Love we always get asked about good minimoon destinations. Especially those places which are great for kids too. Now we’ve checked out Drimsynie, we’ve put it straight on our list. In fact, our top tip is to book a minimoon at Drimsynie, take the kids along so they don’t feel left out and then you won’t feel too guilty when you abandon them and head off on an actual honeymoon just for the two of you. Sorted!
You can find loads of info about the Estate, and how to book, over on their website. We highly recommend it!
Sarah enjoyed a two night stay at Drimsynie Estate in May 2022 in exchange for an honest review of her stay.
All photos by Joy Story
