Midlothian
The closest touring park to central Edinburgh, in parkland below the Pentlands
Mortonhall sits in the grounds of a former country estate on the southern edge of Edinburgh, roughly four miles from the city centre and directly beneath the Pentland Hills. It is the nearest full-facility caravan and camping park to the centre, and the reason most people choose it: a bus route runs from the gates into town, so you can spend the day on the Royal Mile and be back among mature trees and open grass by evening.
The park is large and well organised, with a mix of traditional grass pitches for tents and a substantial number of hardstandings carrying 16-amp electric hook-ups. Fully serviced pitches add water and drainage connections, which is worth paying for if you are staying more than a couple of nights. Four amenity buildings house showers, washbasins, accessible facilities, a launderette, a kitchen and washing-up areas, and there is a games room and TV room for wet afternoons. Reception doubles as a small shop selling the basics.
Beyond touring pitches, Mortonhall hires out centrally heated caravan holiday homes and wooden wigwams, the latter each with its own barbecue stand — a reasonable option if the forecast looks poor. The Stable Bar and Restaurant on site serves food and drink without needing to head into the city. Dogs are welcome for a small nightly charge and there is space to walk them within the estate. Book well ahead for August, when Festival demand fills the park, and expect it to be busiest and liveliest through July and August.