We were delighted to be invited to stay for the weekend in Portsoy. Even though it is close to home you just don’t have to go far and it feels like a world away. We managed to get to Portsoy Links Caravan Park just before it came down dark so we did a quick set up before heading for a chipper for tea.
Mr C was feeling rather peckish so I got him a Chicken Maryland and I tucked into a Smoked Haddock in Cheese sauce with chips which was absolutely delicious. Hook Line and Sinker chip shop isn’t too far from the campsite and there are some steps at the back of the campsite beside the toilet blocks which takes you up to the main street quicker.
After we had our tea we chilled out in the van for the evening and enjoyed listening to the waves. The campsite is well lit at night so no torch is needed when taking the dogs out and walking to the toilet block which isn’t too far from any of the pitches.
Next day we enjoyed a long lie but still had enough time to have bacon rolls before I headed out and about.
I didn’t have to go far to my first stop where I was treated to a fascinating tour of the Portsoy Salmon Bothy by the very knowledgeable Lorna. The former Salmon house has been restored to now house a museum and a community space/venue.
The museum is packed with displays, artefacts and information about Portsoy’s harbours, the industry, trade and salmon fishing operations. It is open at the weekend or by appointment. The community space upstairs was currently in use when I visited.
Next stop, the Portsoy Boatshed. A purpose built workshop housed in previous derelict buildings at the harbour. The team of volunteers at the boatshed teach traditional boat making skills to all ages from kids to seniors. The Boatshed is one of the leading Scottish Boat Building Schools.
After my tours myself and Lorna headed to the Porthouse Cafe for a coffee and I of course had a hot chocolate and we had a wee look around the Portsoy Marble shop before heading back to the van to see my husband and the dogs.
Unfortunately we hadn’t ordered nice weather before we left so a long walk wasn’t really an option but I did manage to stroll up the street! I popped in to see Pauline at The Portsoy Gift Box which is a lovely shop with lots of gifts and handcrafted items many are locally made. A trip to Portsoy wouldn’t be complete without Portsoy ice cream. Carrying cones back wasn’t an option but the lovely girl in the shop gave me a wee box to carry them back!
Later in the evening we were invited along to have dinner at Aspire Restaurant in Portsoy. The beautiful converted Church is as stunning on the inside as it is on the outside. Inside it has a modern airy feel but still with some original features such as the stained glass window and the original bell on the windowsill.
Our food was all delicious. I had panko camembert with black pudding and red onion chutney followed by pan fried halibut with smoked haddock fishcake and creamed leek with a caper & lemon butter sauce. Finishing the baked Alaska.
Mr C had prawn cocktail starter then battered haddock with rustic chips, side salad and tartare sauce. Finishing with sticky toffee pudding.
Jill and her team are doing an amazing job bringing great food and excellent service to Portsoy!
I was sad to be packing up the next day, the campsite is a great place for campervans, caravans and tents. There are decent facilities that are clean, well kept and the staff are very helpful. Within walking distance you can find a good chipper, cafes, pubs, Portsoy Ice Cream, shops and the fantastic Aspire Restaurant. Close by you will also find the old harbour which has been used several times as tv and film sets!
If camping isn’t your thing why don’t you check out The Sail Loft Bunkhouse Portsoy . The former sail making loft, Georgian house and 2 cottages have been restored by The North East Scotland Preservation Trust – NESPT and Portsoy Community Enterprise into the now Sail Loft Bunk house. The Sail loft had a fantastic kitchen, social area and various sized bedrooms, drying room and a hot tub outside. It is also dog friendly and very reasonably priced. I recommend you check it out!
Hopefully you will get good weather when you visit. You can find several walks on my website that are within easy reach from the campsite.
PR Visit
Check out the Portsoy links Caravan Park here.
Tracy Goes Outside 