Businesses can cash in from 'set-jetting' happy campers lured to Highlands by blockbuster movies and TV hits
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
CANNY 'set-jetting' film buffs keen to combine a love of travel with their passion for movies are being enticed to the Highlands to check out locations immortalised on the big screen.
And it could spell good news for Highland businesses with campers and caravanners typically staying longer and spending more than the average tourist, according to figures shared this week.
Set-jetting involves exploring film and TV set locations and is a big trend this year according to the Caravan and Motorhome Club which is using the allure of everything from Harry Potter and Game of Thrones to The Crown and Midtown.
The club says members are flocking to visit screen location favourites while enjoying the great outdoors and staying at some of Scotland’s best camp sites.
They are being enticed by prices starting from £17.50 per night, per person with the claim that "there’s never been a better time to explore Scotland".
It cites research saying that 66 percent of travellers are inspired to visit a destination after seeing it on the screen.
It said: "Film and TV buffs can head to Scotland which is home to numerous filming sets. From royalty and wartime Britain, to magic and wizards there are so many great set-jetting locations waiting to be visited."
In Ross-shire, Kinlochewe Club Site has a connection to fantasy movie, Stardust, which was directed my Matthew Vaughn and adapted from Neil Gaiman's novel.
The club tells members: "Set at the bottom of the rugged slopes of Beinn Eighe and along the shores of Glen Docherty, Kinlochewe Club Site offers a slower pace of life once the great outdoors and its surrounding mountains have been explored. Fans of romantic fantasy film, Stardust, will recognise some of the beautiful, unforgettable views as the camp site played host to the stars during the filming of the 2007 movie."
Grantown-on-Spey Caravan Park has strong connections to The Crown.
The club tells members: "Located in the heart of the Highlands, within the magical Cairngorm National Park, Grantown-on-Spey Caravan Park is the ideal place to visit a number of locations from The Crown.
"It is no secret that the Royal Family has a long-lasting love affair with Scotland and, when staying at Grantown-on-Spey, holidaymakers can easily visit Ardverikie Estate – otherwise known as Balmoral Castle in The Crown - or Rothiemurchus Estate, where the lively Braemar gathering is filmed in Season 4, in the heart of the National Park. This campsite makes for an idyllic getaway with wonderful hikes while being immersed in Royal Family history."
Also featured in Bunree Club Campsite, Onich.
Would-be visitors are told: "Enjoy a Harry Potter marathon and then set off to see some of the famous sites in real life. Fans can enjoy staying at Bunree Club Campsite where they are surrounded by the magic of over ten years of Harry Potter filming.
"Just ten miles from the historic town of Fort William, Bunree is a breathtaking Highland holiday destination. Tourers can don their wizard hats and jump on-board the West Highland Line, which Harry Potter lovers will recognise as the magnificent Hogwarts Express, running through Fort William with a 30-minute journey to the infamous Rannoch Moor where ‘dementors’ boarded the train."
Stirling offers its own allure for Game of Thrones fans at The Woods Caravan Park, Fishcross.
Happy campers are advised: "Game of Throne fans will be able to explore the setting of Winterfell from The Woods Caravan Park. Only a short drive away is the majestic Doune Castle, home of the Stark family and of course, Jon Snow. The Woods Caravan Park is surrounded by fantastic 180-degree panoramic views of Ochil Hills and heather fields. Set where the Lowlands end and the Highlands begin, tourers will find several guided walks, a nature reserve and tranquil fishing spots."
At Edinburgh Club Campsite on the Firth of Forth there's a chance to be within easy reach of many filming locations including The Da Vinci Code, Outlaw King, Outlander and Sunshine on Leith. More recently, Victoria Street was closed off to the Netflix production team filming new superhero series, Midtown, due to hit screens this year.
Nick Lomas, director general of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “Each year the Scottish economy sees a significant boost from Caravan and Motorhome Club members who spend around £40m off-site when holidaying in the region.
“Scotland is famed for its breath-taking scenery, it’s no wonder the country provides the backdrop to so many iconic films and TV programmes. There is something to delight the sights and senses at every turn. Visitors to Scottish holiday parks and campsites stay up to 41 per cent longer and spend up to 39 per cent more than the national tourism average. Scotland really is the ideal location for anyone who wants to experience adventures in the great outdoors and while enjoying great value for money.”
What's so special about a campsite?
Staying on a club campsite means there are no additional costs for children under five, dogs can go free and awnings are not charged. Members and non-members can book with a low deposit with free cancellations or amendments up to 21 days before arrival. Club members can also save up to £15 and book ahead of non-members.
The Caravan and Motorhome Club is attending the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show running until February 5 in Glasgow. For further information about becoming a member of the Caravan and Motorhome Club or to book, visit www.camc.com or call 01342 318 813.
