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We stayed here for a long weekend at the end of October and thoroughly enjoyed it. Finding this site was very easy and well signposted. The site was not too busy with maybe about a dozen caravans. The toilet and shower block was very clean. There is not much on the site but that suits us fine. The walk down by the Union canal was lovely. The digital tv reception was excellent. After a while, the noise from the planes taking off and landing was hardly noticeable and I can't remember being wakened by any night flights. This site is ideally situated for easy access to both Edinburgh and Livingstone. Last but not least, Jean was very friendly and welcoming and could not have done enough to make our stay pleasant.
As the owner of Linwater, I just wanted to reply to Debbie's review, and firstly apologise to her and her family that she was not happy with her stay.
I was sorry I could not have her nearer the timbertent, but as we are very small, she was just round the corner, and I think the boys enjoyed their extra independence. We are a small, friendly site and always very safe, but if the grass hadn't been so waterlogged, you could have been beside them. However, we have had rain most days since August, and the Park had become very waterlogged - even with the sunny days at the end of September. This meant that even the hard standings had some water, and we could not cut any grass and I agree it did not look as attractive as I like it, but most caravanners realise the situation and take this into account. The roads do have potholes after the rough summer and will be attended to over the winter.
As for the lack of scenery, we are surrounded by trees for screening, as laid down in our planning from the Council, and our description does say 'situated on farmland', hence the sheep!
We do not advertise as being good for children, (only having a sandpit) but more we are a great base for visiting all the attractions around. I do notice you have had a good visit to Noah's Ark in Perth which is a great Park for kids. As for the Airport, we cannot do anything about that, and it is mentioned in many reviews, and many visitors do enjoy watching the planes. Ear plugs are available free in Reception!
Apologies again to you and your family, and we wish you a good winter, and happy caravanning in 2012, Jean and Alastair.
We have visited Linwater on a regular basis for nearly 10 years. This is our home from home and well worth the drive from Carlisle, even for one night.
Jean is one in a trillion, welcoming everyone like old friends, there are a lot of campsite owners/wardens who could learn a lesson or two here in customer service.
The site is immaculately clean (yes, that includes the grass) The toilet block is cleaned daily and Jean makes numerous checks through the day to ensure they stay clean.
From the site there are lots of walks including along the canal tow path, taking you all the way into Edinburgh if you are feeling energetic.
Jean's ordering service for newspapers, milk, rolls etc in the morning is brilliant. The bacon available in the freezer from the farm pigs is the best I have tasted.
The airport noise is not a problem, it can be entertaining for little ones who are not used to seeing planes as close.
As well as all the attractions of Edinburgh, shopaholics will enjoy a visit to MacArthur Glen at Livingston.
There are numerous places to eat out nearby -
Ratho Park - the cheapest (£3. 89) carvery around and tasty with it
Lime Kiln Livingston - lovely menu with children's play area with CCTV at the table for parents to keep an eye on the little ones.
The only criticism I have of Linwater is that it is not open all year, but after the year that Jean has had I do not grudge her a long period of RnR this year.
We stayed at Linwater with our 3 children (14, 11, & 9) for 4 nights in October. We had been really looking forward to staying at this site, especially as all the previous reviews had been so glowing.
We had booked a pitch with awning for our tourer, and has also booked a timber tent, specifically asking for our tourer to be as close to the timber tent as possible. Linwater's reply said that they would put us in a pitch parallel to the timber tent, so that was fine.
We arrived at the site, which is just off the outskirts of Edinburgh and fairly easy to find, and discovered that for some reason we had not actually been given the pitch parallel to the timber tent as indicated in the email, but one on the other side of the park.
I didn't want to make a fuss about this, as overall it wasn't too big a deal, but, as the timber tent was for our teenage son to sleep in, we had wanted to be close by, so we were a bit disappointed that Linwater hadn't managed to remember our request.
The pitch we were allocated was quite water-logged, with a big puddle in the top right corner, meaning that we had to really tuck the caravan right into the opposite corner to make sure that the corner of the awning wasn't in the puddle.
The site itself was, I would say, bland. It is bordered on one site by a line of bushes/trees, and on the other by a field with sheep in it, so there is no scenery so to speak of.
Despite other reviews raving about the grass getting cut, etc, we thought the site looked a bit unkempt and in need of a good spruce up - it was just a bit nondescript really.
The main track/road through the site was very pot-holed, and this meant that there were big muddy puddles everywhere, so that when the kids were riding around on their bikes they were splashing up dirty water all the time and their clothes were getting filthy, so maybe the potholes could be filled in with some rubble or gravel?
Apart from that there really isn't much to do for the kids on the site, there is a sandpit but I'd say that this was for younger kids.
Toilet blocks and showers are very clean and warm, showers are electric and as stated previously there are individual shower cubicles - however a bench or chair in the units would be handy as anything that couldn't be hung from a hook had to go on the floor of the shower unit.
Small shop in the reception area on site, selling sweets and ice creams for the kids, etc, lots of tourist information too - we ordered from the local fish and chip shop who did deliver to the site for a fee.
The local park and ride is a great idea, we spent a day in Edinburgh and took the bus rather than the car - brilliant.
Pot washing area was very exposed to the elements - if it was raining then you need your waterproofs on to do the dishes.
Unfortunately, the noise from the airport is very loud, and if you are a light sleeper then this is not good - we were woken 3 or 4 times and night with aircraft taking off or landing.
We suspect that this site is maybe ideal for an older couple who want a very peaceful site, but I doubt we'd be back as we don't think that even in the high season this would offer much on site for our family, although it is a good base for seeing lots in and around Edinburgh - if you don't mind the noise of the airport.
Can only agree with previous reviews - brilliant site.
Showers / toilets clean, warm and even fresh flowers on the sinks. Pitches are hard standing and very roomy. All the usual ehu, water, chem dispoal etc. Owners very friendly and helpful.
We walked 1 mile to bus stop and caught bus to Edinburgh for £4. 90 return.
No shops or pubs near site so you need to use vehicle if not walking to bus. We could hear airplane noise but would not say its intrusive.
Excellent site although probably wouldn't suit everyone especially with the noise from airplanes taking off from the airport which is not that far away.
We chose the site specifically for being close to a Park & Ride which was great.
Very helpful/friendly owner who always appeared to be about which was nice. A mixture of hardstanding and grass sites all with electrics.
Good shower/toilet facilities which were warm and kept nice and clean.
Pub in Ratho (not too far away) was recommended for their excellent Carvery for £3. 95 (£5. 95 Sunday)- we were not disappointed and used it several times during our stay.
Made our second visit to Linwater as a break on the way north. The delightful Jean welcomed us as old friends despite us arriving 24hours late - it's that sort of welcome!
Very convenient for getting into Edinburgh - use the park and ride service. Jean recommends the airport one, but we preferred Hermiston Gait - about the same distance, but easier access. Same cost - £1. 30 per person for any journey.
The airport activity is still fascinating - although perhaps not as frequent as at our last visit. The noise is not obtrusive and take-offs cease around 10:30pm. First take off didn't seem to be until about 07:30am.
Pitches are a good size and all hard stand with hook up. There is a small sheltered tent area that also has four wooden 'pods'. Must try one sometime!
Facilities are good, and always clean. There is a good supply of hot water - except when someone drains it off by accident. (Well the tap did come off in my hand in the 'open' position!). A retired plumber was staying on site fortunately! Jean didn't even shout at me!
Several supermarkets and big shopping outlet village in Livingstone - about four miles away. Can recommend the Ratho Park Inn for a meal - carvery for £3. 69!
At £16 a night this site is a bargain and so convenient. Can't waint to go back next year!
We have enjoyed Jean's friendly hospitality for quite a few years now (1st review 2009, Zippy). Considering the year that Jean has had, you can still be sure you will still get an extremely warm welcome.
We have stayed at hundreds of sites over the past 2 decades and Linwater is still definitely our favourite.
We only stay in Falkirk (a few miles away) but really look forward to our overnight stays with Jean.
The facilities are immaculate, the pitches well maintained, and you could order 'almost' anything for the morning and it will be there.
The whole site has a 'community feel' to it. Jean, you are an exceptional woman!
Just back from a 10 day trip taking in Edinburgh, Dalbeattie and Eskdale. Edinburgh was our first stop for the Fringe festival and we had a great time in the city and Linwater proved to be an excellent base.
Arriving on a rain soaked afternoon, the owner Jean welcomed us with open arms in her bright and cheerful manner. We were offered a few places to pitch as we were quite early to arrive in the day, so thankfully we could chose a pitch that was quite dry (the water logging of other pitches was due to very heavy rain rather than poor drainage on-site - on leaving we had over an inch of sitting water, but thankfully a water tight tent).
We were given some great information re. Directions to the nearby Park and Ride (10mins away) and a bus timetable. Also in reception were stacks of leaflets and even several copies of the Fringe brouchure which we found very useful.
The toilets and showers are excellent - the best we've experienced so far; 3 proper showers in both male and female sections (no push buttons as is often the case) in cubicles, numerous wash basins and even fresh flowers in the ladies.
There are also laundry facilities which we didn't use. With the really wet weather we had for our 3 nights, the clean and warm facilities were a God send. Only small comment would be the washing up area - only 2 sinks for quite a large site and the overhead roof doesn't provide much cover from the lashing rain!
As mentioned, the site is very close to the park and ride next to the airport which is then a 20-30 minute ride into town. By far the easiest and cheapest method. The downside to this location however is the constant noise of planes taking off from the airport (one every 5/10 mins from 6am - 10pm) - however this isn't a site most people use as a site for total relaxation, more a base for the city and it more than makes up for this one negative.
Provisions can be had from the nearby village (take aways deliver to site!) or supermarket on the way into the city.
Overall Linwater is a great campsite - the family of owners are brilliantly friendly and very helpful. The reception has everything and more you'll need (including fresh bacon and eggs from the farm, as well as daily bread, milk and papers which Jean brings to site at 8am). The facilities are top class and the location is perfect for Edinburgh city centre and other transport links.
We'll be back for the Fringe and will use Linwater again - we'll just hope for some better weather!
First the bad things, well actually there's only one bad thing, noise from the airport, it can be a little annoying (maybe less in a caravan), but its not that bad really.
Now Jean can't do anything about the airport, so she more than makes up for that with a friendly welcome and an immaculate site.
When anyone leaves, the grass where they were pitched gets cut, so when you arrive your pitch is perfect.
The toilet/shower block must be cleaned several times a day as it is always so clean, though we never found it unavailable.
Upon arrival, Jean shows you to your pitch, we've got a large tent so she just made our pitch a little larger. She offered a loan of an extension if our EHU didn't reach as it was some way off.
Maps were provided showing local shops and supermarkets and the Park n Ride for Edinburgh.
We asked about local walks and were given a preprepared sheet with several walks on it, we had a walk down to a local Aqueduct whilst eating some tubs of ice-cream from the site shop.
My wife needed a needle and some thread, Jean just went over to her house and lent her own sewing box.
There were people staying for a week, some for just a night or two and such an array of camping from huge RV Campers all the way down to one man bivvy type tent.
It would need a really special site to be better than this one, this was our first visit, it most certainly won't be our last.
What a lovely site! Large pitches, friendly owner, spotless facilities, perfect location for exploring the Edinburgh area. Would recommend the Park and ride into the centre as it is only a short drive away.
If you don't want to use the car there is a great cycle ride along the union canal - 10miles into Edinburgh. The site shop/reception even has details of takeaway deliveries if you don't feel like cooking.
There is a lovely large sandpit for younger children but no play area for older children however mine just loved cycling around, would definitely return.
I don't think I can say too much about this site I would be repeating everything other reviews say. It was our first visit to Scotland as we had tickets for edin tattoo.
I think we made a fab choice of site. Jean was brilliant in every way always smiling very chatty and very informative.
There is a mixture of hard standing and grass pitches for tourers. They have bacon and eggs for sale but if you don't fancy cooking they have a variety of take aways which deliver to site.
We wished the site was closer to where we live we would stay more often. The park and ride is only 5 mins drive away.
Forth road bridge not too far away. Site is within easy reach of motorway.
Lovely well maintained site with friendly and helpful staff. Wooden tents/wigwams are lovely and more reasonably priced than I have seen.
Toilets/showers are clean and well looked after and I love the fact they have wash handbasins in their own cubicles.
Only downside was that there is no kids play park, though there is nice big sand pit but a park would make it much more child friendly. Close to Edinburgh and motorway so lots to do in surrounding area.
Fishing reasonably nearby at the canal, though not as close as it looks on map.
Not much I can add really except to confirm that Jean really is a very kind, cheerful and extremely helpful lady.
I stayed there on several occasions throughout last summer while attending a training course and Jean let me leave the van at the farm when I went home and even managed to find a space for me on a couple of occasions when the site was full.
She always has a cheery hello and smile for everyone and the home grown pork and eggs are out of this world. She's a lovely lady. I hope to return for a holiday very soon.
From the moment you arrive and meet the owner you are aware that you have come to the complete site. We have stayed on numerous occasions and without exception it is the cheeriest reception you will ever get. We now make our own way to 'our' pitch as she remembers our preference.
Small shop with limited stock but fresh eggs and bacon (her own) are really tasty.
The toilet blocks are absolutely immaculate and a credit to Jean and her faithful cleaner John.
Five minutes from the Park and Ride into Edinburgh.
An absolute haven for golf should you play.
Free WiFi.
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Common Questions
Is Linwater Caravan Park child friendly? YES, it accepts children & has a playground View all facilities
Where is the nearest shop to Linwater Caravan Park? There is a shop on site View all facilities
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
All reviews and comments are the personal opinion of the review author only , and as such do not represent the view of the UK Camp Site.co.uk.
The facilities shown on this website are a guide only, and you should check with the campsite direct before making any booking. The UKCampsite.co.uk will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions
Tent Pitches 
Caravan Pitches 
Motorhome Pitches 
Small Campervans 
Glamping Units 
Holiday Homes for Hire 
Holiday Homes for Sale 
Seasonal Pitches 
Electric Hookups 
Hardstanding Pitches 
Fully Serviced Pitches 
Families Welcome 
Not Members Only 
No Rallies 
Not Naturist Site 
Dogs Welcome 
No Dogs Allowed 
Groups Welcome 
Motorbikers Welcome 
Toilet Facilities 
Hot Showers 
Washing Up 
Bathroom 
Baby Changing Facilities 
Laundry On Site 
Drinking Water 
Disabled Friendly 
Chemical Disposal 
No Battery Charging 
Gas Exchange 
Recycling Facilities 
Kitchen Facilities 
Freezer / Fridge 
Motorhome Point 
Wifi Access 
Shop On Site 
Bar <5 miles 
Restaurant or Cafe or Takeaway <5 miles 
Kids Playground 
TV Room 
No Games Room 
No Evening Ents 
Fishing On Site 
No Wild Swimming 
No Indoor Pool 
No Outdoor Pool 
Horse Riding <5 miles 
Cycle Hire <5 miles 
Golf <5 miles 
No Tennis 
Beach <10 miles 
Watersports <10 miles 
Boat Launch / Mooring <5 miles 
No Sea Views 
Working Farm 
No Campfires Allowed 
Open All Year 
No Waterside Pitches 
Public Transport <5 miles
Offroad Dog Walk On Site or Direct Access 
We stayed here for a long weekend at the end of October and thoroughly enjoyed it. Finding this site was very easy and well signposted. The site was not too busy with maybe about a dozen caravans. The toilet and shower block was very clean. There is not much on the site but that suits us fine. The walk down by the Union canal was lovely. The digital tv reception was excellent. After a while, the noise from the planes taking off and landing was hardly noticeable and I can't remember being wakened by any night flights. This site is ideally situated for easy access to both Edinburgh and Livingstone. Last but not least, Jean was very friendly and welcoming and could not have done enough to make our stay pleasant. 
