Crathie Opportunity Holidays

We stayed 3 nights in Clunie Cottage, one of 4 set around a court yard. The whole cottage was well arranged for wheelchair access. I found the bedroom a little snug. There was no room for a dressing table, difficult to get a mirror set up to do hair and makeup. I used the bathroom mirror. No big deal really. There was a laundry room ,which also had extra fridges if you need, with washers and dryers for everyone to use. The manager and staff were all very friendly and helpful. The setting was lovely, beside the river Dee, a short walk to Crathie Church and village. The car park to Barmoral Castle is right at the entance road to the cottages, so visiting the Castle and its grounds is easy in a wheelchair from the cottage. The Castle is closed from July to October when the Royal family are in residence. Unfortunately for me I didnt get to see around the grounds, which was disappointing. Maybe next time. Getting out for a walk with the dog from the cottage is easy with mostly flat paved roads from the cottage. It is very quiet and restful. Perfect for those with disabilities.

The team have thought of everything needed to make an enjoyable, relaxing holiday for everyone, of any age. Crathie Opportunity Holidays does indeed provide opportunities by being fully accessible in terms of design and provision of equipment. The area is full of opportunities for exploring by path or further afield by car. This was our first visit and we plan to return for holidays in the future. The booking process was straightforward and allowed us to pre-book additional equipment (no extra charge) and we were made very welcome from the moment we arrived. It was delightful to be able to enjoy such a wonderfully inclusive holiday cottage (step free access, profiling bed, moveable sink in the bathroom, hoists and more) and all its other features like the fabulous laundry provision, the bird feeders, the gardens and the ability to get the wheelchair right up to the fence to view the River Dee and enjoy the sight and sound of the river flowing by. We visited in October and the Autumn colours were beautiful, but I can imagine that Crathie and the surrounding area is beautiful and inspiring at all times of the year:) I recommend Crathie Opportunity holidays, and their lovely team, very highly indeed.

This was our fourth visit to the cottages and hoping, if all remains well, that we will visit again next year. These cottages are perfect for a break if you have a family member, partner or friend with a disablity. The cottages are well equipped and there's good access to laundry facilities, should you need it during your stay. It's also easy to request any specific equipment you may need in advance, there's no additional cost for equipment, it's all factored in . The cottages are lovely and quiet The grounds around the cottages are pretty, there are wheelchair friendly benches and tables, access to a BBQ area and a small play park should you need it. Not forgetting all the bird feeders and the mass of visiting small garden birds that come and go all day long, lovely to watch from the cottage. There is lots to do around the surrounding areas, however, you will definitely need a car to get about. Maggie and her team long with the amazing volunteers who help run and maintain the cottages are the real deal. Nothing is a bother to them, they are all friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable regarding the surrounding area. We would highly recommend a visit and hope to be back in 2026.