Auchenlarie Holiday Park Reviews
Find out more about Auchenlarie Holiday Park
View the full listing for more details, to check availability and book
Auchenlarie Holiday Park is a 5-star family park with touring and camping pitches, stylish ensuite glamping S-Pods and a range of accommodation. The park has access to a beach and private cove, with fantastic facilities including a bistro, bar, heated indoor pool, gym - to name just a few! Sea fishing available nearby too.
4.51 /5
95 reviews
81%
would recommend
A lovely break
Recommends site
Alison G
0
1
We stayed here for a family break in August; 2 adults with 12 and 15 year old boys and a dog. We camped on a grass pitch with electric hook up. The site is easy to find and the views are stunning. We went straight to our pitch as we'd had great communication from the site before our arrival and knew exactly where to go. We quickly realised that we were very close to the main road, which can be busy with large lorries at times. It certainly didn't spoil our stay but wasn't as peaceful as we'd have liked and my husband and I were aware of the road during the night, although the kids slept straight through! The boys enjoyed exploring the site and made good use of the football area and the pool; we were a little surprised that you have to pay extra for the pool and many of the activities, (I don't think we've ever come across this in 20 years of camping!) but the booking system is easy. There's access to 2 bits of beach; the bay, in particular is fabulous and very beautiful at low tide with lots of rocks to climb. It's not the type of place you'd set up camp for the day because the rocks mean you can't really go in the sea but the dog loved it and it's a great place to explore. The entertainment complex is of an era and very 'sunshine indoors', if you're a Phoenix Nights fan, but the kids were happy using the pool and amusements and we used the takeaway twice. Ordering on-screen (like McDonalds) is easy and it was very reasonably priced; we particularly enjoyed designing our own pizzas with exactly what we wanted on them. We didn't use the restaurant, sports bar or evening entertainment area so can't comment, but I will say that we didn't come across a member of staff the wasn't friendly or helpful! The onsite shop has all the basics (although it's a good climb uphill!) and they put our ice blocks in the freezer for us. Maintenance and cleaning staff had a good presence on site and there were many dog poo bins available which was good for us. Washing/toilet facilities were good although we preferred the block that was further away from us rather than the mobile type unit. The site was nowhere near full (maybe because Scottish schools had already gone back?) but we can imagine that had it been busy, there would have been much more queuing for a shower/the loo. We were really impressed by the number of great quality play areas around the site - our boys are too big now but they'd have loved them when they were smaller. We were also really impressed by the 12 noon check out so we could have a leisurely 'get up' on the last day. The surrounding coast is beautiful! Mossyard is a hidden gem! The beach was huge when the tide went out and not very busy at all; again the dog loved it! There were more rocks to climb and explore here too. The surrounding area is quiet. There's not loads to do but we didn't mind! We explored Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright; both quite sleepy but we enjoyed the wander. Both have a Tesco too. We really enjoyed our break - it was the beach, the general scenery and the fact it wasn't too busy on-site or nearby. It suited our family really well. We were perfectly happy with the site and I would recommend it as long as you're aware of a few things we've mentioned. If you're camping, you have to expect a certain level of 'making do' and it's just a fraction of the price of any other type of holiday! Thank you Scotland and Auchenlarie!
Lovely site, great value
Recommends site
Laura S
1
0
Really impressed with the site and facilities available. Food wasn't overpriced with generous portions and extremely tasty. Sports bar dog friendly with space indoors and outdoors. We had one sociable dog and one older nervous dog with us, so good to have outdoor space to sit too. Very nice atmosphere and whilst it was busy when we were there, never felt overcrowded or rowdy. Toilet and shower areas kept clean and well laid out with good pressure in showers that we haven't had on previous campsites. Shingle beach area adequate for dogs to have a little run off their leads. Watch out for rabbits on site if your dog is prone to chasing. We were in newer part that was close to main road, but didn't spoil our stay. Also visited Gem Rock Museum in Creetown only 10 minutes away. Well worth a visit with an abundance of rocks, gems and fossils and tasty tearoom too. Only £6 each. Would definitely come here again.
Fab stay
Kelly C
0
0
Lovely stay at this park, shower block & toilets very clean. On-site entertainment was quiet, due to Scottish summer holidays ending but really is a lovely site. Food in the restaurant was absolutely amazing. The outdoor park is lovely, my girls really enjoyed it here.
Noise from the road kept us awake
Recommends site
Joseph R
0
0
The road is the main road to the ferry, so cars and wagons drive day and night. I would recommend the park but inform about the noise so others knew what to expect. Site is clean but the staff in reception send the sheets to inform you of the site facilities the day after you arrive which is no good in most cases as lots do not have internet when on site. This should be done in advance so families can plan their activities and days when they are there. This site is on a hill so it is not suitable for the elderly, unless they were very fit.
Great camp with plenty to do
Recommends site
Victor P
0
0
Great campsite with plenty to do and had a good time, but the traffic noise was very bad.
Motorhome travel
Recommends site
James D
0
0
Great site to camp on, easy hook ups and plenty of things to do on the site. Pubs, entertainment, gyms and swimming facilities.
Very, very loud
Frazer H
0
0
On initial review, the location seemed lovely. Our campsite was clearly marked. There were toilet facilities next to us. We were camping literally beside the main road, which was incredibly loud, with big artic lorries passing frequently. The staff were lovely. However, you had to pay for entertainment on top. Lauren in particular was fantastic The toilets were absolutely gross unfortunately. I did see a cleaner several times and it does just happen unfortunately, with lots of people using them. The beach is also not very accessible. It's a very, very steep windy road to the beach. Overall, due to the location, I would not return, but I'm sure if you were in a quieter spot, it would have been better!
Fab
Recommends site
Alan K
1
1
This park has everything. Beautiful views - the pictures online do not do it justice. We were blown away with the attention to detail. Very impressive.
Great caravan park
Recommends site
Laura B
0
1
We had a great week away, there was plenty for the kids to do. Caravan park is spotless. All staff were helpful and friendly.
Summer holiday in our tourer
Louise A
0
0
We had our tourer at this park, which looked amazing when we booked. The site is beautiful, although very hilly. The touring pitches were the furthest away from the shop, entertainment, arcade, big kids play park and if you have an awning make sure you have really good pegs. We had nail pegs for hard standing pitches however, the pegs only went in so far as there was a layer of concrete. We had to take our awning down on our 8th night due to extremely high winds and the pegs all came out. There is no phone signal or Wi-Fi of your own, unless you're with Vodaphone. You need to get a TV aerial from reception or the TV will not work. We didn't know this until we went up to reception. £10 deposit for the tv aerial. The biggest problem for us was that you had to pay for everything, swimming, entertainment was not included. The swimming pool was small and sessions are only 45 mins. They could have had a larger pool with a slide, the site is big enough. The person at reception commented on the fact that they were cheaper per night but actually they were only around £50 cheaper than our normal site for the full time. The food at the Rob n Roll was nice and great idea for all you can eat buffet breakfast, although I think there should be other choices. Advertising food times was not good. We were told it was open all day, however breakfast was from 10 - 11.30, lunch was 12 - 3, takeaway from 4 and on a Sunday you only had a choice of takeaway or all you can eat Sunday carvery. We won't be back at this site for these reasons, we prefer everything to be included. The best part about the site was the Sports Bar where you can take children and dogs in. The staff were all amazing in the bar and the café, just a shame the facilities bring the place down.
Site is great
Ian F
0
0
The site is great. I did ask to be near the toilet, which near happened. You pay for Wi-Fi which isn't great. I wouldn't stay again.
Decent campsite
Recommends site
Jamie R
1
0
It was a decent campsite but the showers in purple section were absolutely freezing.
It was excellent
Recommends site
Stuart G
0
0
The site was excellent, the pitch was hard standing that I wanted so can say I was not disappointed overall.
Best campsite we have been to
Recommends site
Jacqueline H
0
0
Brilliant park, well set out, stunning location, lots to do for kids. Prices are fab and nothing was overpriced. Will definitely return.
A workout to get unloaded and to pitch
Recommends site
Debra P
0
0
Most of the tent pitches are up a steep bank with no access to cars next to pitch, and ours was almost bare of grass and rocky. Maybe a retaining wall and the mobile toilet block re-sited to allow cars access. Or steps up to each individual pitch? Any mobility issues and you're going to struggle. The pitches are next to the rookery, which is very very noisy from around 3am till 10pm (lots of squawking). There is also no open space for kids to play together in sight or an outdoor pool or parasols/benches (which is a must if camping as no shade on tent pitches whatsoever). Lots of play areas near caravans for one to be converted maybe? There were no snack bar/tea coffee facilities before 2pm. The toilet/shower lights - one stays on for 20 seconds and then you have to wave your arms to activate it again. The indoor pool is all one depth and a bit tired, and the soft play isn't for over 7's (it is too small). The beach is a trek down a steep rocky hill. Some wooden steps with handrails would work a treat here. The beach is also shingle, not sand. However, the staff are so friendly and helpful (shout out to Lizzie!). The showers/toilets were immaculate and showers had plenty of hot water. The main play area is awesome and the kids disco was fun. The food from all outlets was also very nice. Overall a noisy layout for campers with young children up to 10 years old and anyone with mobility issues. I wouldn't recommend. Campers with older children 10+ and fit parents would enjoy it here, but bring earplugs. We are mid 50's with a 7-year-old grandchild, we had to take him everywhere to play and when no friends were around, the area around the tent wasn't suitable for playing.
June break
Recommends site
Catherine H
0
0
What a beautiful, well-kept caravan /camping park, fresh short lawns, water and electric is situated on your pitch. Every member of staff were friendly and efficient. The grounds were immaculate.
Good facilities but too noisy
Chris B
0
0
This is a good site for kids because of the good facilities - swimming pool, games room, adventure park etc. Also plenty to do in the surrounding area for active kids, although the park is first and foremost a caravan park. Our main issue was the noise - our pitch was only 30 yards or so from the A75 road and this is the main road to Stranraer ferry port, so large articulated lorries are coming through on a regular occasion from 3am onwards. Also/ although not the park's fault, even worse was the copse of trees by which all the tent pitches were located had become a nest site for a large colony of crows and jackdaws. They made a constant loud noise from 4am through to 9pm at night.
Very nice stay
Recommends site
Graham R
0
0
First time at this site with our trailer tent and were very pleased. Great well stocked shop and great toilet / showering facilities.
Easter break
Recommends site
Suzanne L
1
0
This is a fantastic park for families. Kids enjoyed all the activities. The pool and soft play were a bit tired and needed a bit of TLC. The staff were great and very enthusiastic.
Fantastic value, great facilities
Recommends site
Emma S
0
0
We stayed in a large family tent for three nights and we all had an absolute ball. The camping area was spacious and flat, the toilets were very clean and nearby and our neighbours were very nice. The one downside here is the noise from the road and the nearby rookery, but you can't have everything. The facilities were excellent and reasonably priced too. We had no problems booking swimming (priced per head) and the pool was really fun (lots of inflatables). We also made use of the arcade and the sports bar - drinks were a little pricey here, but nothing extortionate. I would like to give special mention to the park shop which is well stocked and very reasonably priced. It would be tempting for a shop like this to rip off its customers (a captive audience who have forgotten to pack things) but we found everything we needed at a price no higher than a corner shop elsewhere. Location is right on the main Dumfries-Stranraer road which means so much is witching striking distance. All in all, a fantastic few days at a very reasonable price.
Credit to the site
Recommends site
Larry G
0
1
Excellent first time stay at this holiday park. One of the best sites I have stayed at. All the staff were so friendly - Henry, Caile and John. They are so good with the entertainment and service. Site spotlessly clean, shop not over expensive and plenty to offer. We didn't eat anything but what we did see looked nice, also take out service was non stop and that says it all. I had a small motorhome and the site had everything we needed close to hand. A credit to the staff and site, we will be back.
Lovely site with helpful staff
Recommends site
Ming L
0
0
Lovely site with helpful staff. Had a tent site with electric hook-up, the pitches had individual water supplies too. The private beach is stunning. One of the best sites I've visited with my family and dog. Only negative is not to do with the site but the visitors who don't clean up after their dogs.
Ideal
Recommends site
Craig M
0
0
Spotless and very well maintained.
1st time Motorhome stay
Recommends site
Mark B
0
0
This was our first experience in a motorhome, found the excellent site that is Auchenlarie. Will be back.
Fantastic facility
Recommends site
Adrian H
0
0
I hadn't been to a campsite for many years and was blown away by the quality of Auchenlarie. It's spotlessly clean throughout, the pitches are really generous in size and well equipped (our motorhome rental company told us that it's the norm to have water for the motorhome as communal, but our pitch had a tap as well as electricity). The beach is phenomenal and the plethora of activities (play park and swimming, were awesome, to name but two) were really excellent. Every member of staff we came into contact with was warm and helpful. A great stay and thanks to everyone.