8 Places in Scotland you must visit in 2025

Alasdair Peoples ·September 23, 2024Reading time: 6 minutes

If you've ever wondered what the best places are to visit in Scotland each season, you're in the right place. These Scottish gems have huge amounts to offer and there are exciting things to shout about in 2025. 

The Bridge to Nowhere, Dunbar

© Visit East Lothian

Spring

Weather: you can expect average maximum temperatures to range from approximately 7-13°C (or 45°-55°F) during the months of March, April and May.

A view towards Tantallon Castle, near North Berwick, with the Bass Rock beyond

East Lothian 

Location: Eastern central lowlands of Scotland. 

Spring in East Lothian is lovely. Expect seaside towns waking up after winter, with pretty harbours and beautiful beaches. Watersports fans will find plenty to do, from surfing and wakeboarding in Dunbar, to sailing in North Berwick. The mild weather is ideal for taking a coastal walk or exploring a castle – Tantallon is right on your doorstep here. 

Just a short train ride from Edinburgh, East Lothian is the perfect base for day trips to the Scottish capital, allowing you to experience a sense of rural calm with a spot of city living!  

In 2025, East Lothian is firmly putting its focus on making holidays accessible for all. Many local businesses have recently achieved the AccessAble accreditation, and an extensive amount of work has been done to improve beach facilities at popular places like Yellowcraig.  

Visit East Lothian 

 

Culla Bay and Beach, Benbecula, Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides 

Location: Northwest islands off Scotland’s mainland. 

Spring in the Outer Hebrides… what a place to be! We recommend the Uists, which include Berneray, North Uist, Grimsay, Benbecula, South Uist and Eriskay. These stunning islands offer a unique blend of walking, wellness, Gaelic culture, authentic experiences and more.  

Just picture miles of empty golden sands, backed by large dunes and machair that are rich with wildflowers and wildlife - these islands offer the perfect backdrop for a wellness retreat. Experience the great outdoors at its best. Explore on two feet or pedal your way through the islands on The Hebridean Way, or climb the spectacular Beinn Mhor and Hecla mountains on South Uist. Don’t miss some great opportunities to connect with the friendly islanders: join crofters for lambing and peat cutting experiences or put on your dancing shoes and join locals at a ceilidh. 

To top things off, the Outer Hebrides have bagged the accolade of being one of the ‘Best of the World’ destinations for travellers in 2025 by National Geographic. Surely that's a great reason to visit!

Explore the Outer Hebrides 

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate, Banchory

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Summer

Weather: June, July and August are normally the warmest months in Scotland, with average maximum temperatures ranging from approximately 15-17°C (or 59-63 °F).

Loch Muick

Aberdeenshire 

Location: North coast of eastern Scotland. 

Summer 2025 promises to be spectacular in Aberdeenshire with The Tall Ships Races coming to Aberdeen. This event will bring a fleet of majestic ships to the city, offering an exciting one-off spectacle. Aberdeenshire more widely is the perfect retreat for those who love the outdoors. 2025 will see a new visitor centre opening at the Spittal of Glen Muick – great for buzzseekers!  

Spot of fishing anyone? Anglers can try their luck in the Dee, Don, and Deveron rivers, while hillwalkers can tackle local Munros like Lochnagar, Mount Keen or Braeriach, to name a few. If you’re looking for a more relaxed wander, enjoy the scenic Loch Muick Circuit. Mountain bikers and hikers will find plenty of trails to explore in the Cairngorms, highlighting Aberdeenshire's undeniable natural beauty. 

Visit Aberdeenshire 

 

Loch Laggan near Dalwhinnie, Badenoch

© Airborne Lens / Liam Anderstrem

The Highlands 

Location: Mountainous area in the northwest. 

2025 will be an exciting time for The Highlands with the opening of the Inverness Castle Experience to the public. This new attraction will celebrate ‘The Spirit of the Highlands’ and offer a new perspective on the region's history.  

Further south in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, don't miss the beautiful region of Badenoch. With ancient fortresses, unique wildlife, scenic nature trails and endless hiking opportunities, this is the perfect base to experience the true Highlands. Discover Badenoch’s immense cultural heritage at the Highland Folk Museum, Britain’s first open air museum, encounter remarkable wildlife at Highland Wildlife Park and its brand-new Discovery Centre, and join the Badenoch Storylands Sessions for an evening of songs, poetry and tales, or download the Badenoch The Storylands app. 

Golfers take note! The new Castle Stuart Golf Course opens in 2025, complementing an already world-class Scottish golfing area. For those seeking a coastal break, the Sutherland & Caithness coast from Dornoch to Wick offers breathtaking scenery.  The region is also home to  The Flow Country – one of the largest areas of blanket bog anywhere in the world, and it has just been announced as Scotland’s latest UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to diverse habitats, an array of wildlife and untouched natural scenery, it is a must-visit for 2025. 

Explore The Highlands 

 

Loch Katrine seen from the summit of Ben A'an in The Trossachs

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Autumn

Weather: In the autumn, Scotland is likely to experience temperatures ranging from around 8-15°C (46-59°F) from September to November.

Loch Ard near Aberfoyle

Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley 

Location: West of central Scotland. 

Autumn is a brilliant time to explore the Forth Valley. With excellent cycling links and walking opportunities in the sweeping glens of the Ochil Hills, as well as characterful towpaths along the area's canals, this is a fun place to experience Scotland’s dazzling autumn colours.  

You could also escape to The Trossachs - we recommend the area around Loch Katrine, the quaint villages of Callander, Aberfoyle, and stunning lochs like Loch Venachar and Loch Ard. There are also plenty of places along the way where you can enjoy local produce and soak in the atmosphere of autumn around you.  

Nearby in Stirling, the National Wallace Monument is a popular spot. Climb the steps and admire the panoramic views over the city and region beyond. A short drive away you’ll find Doune Castle, which is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its appearance in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. 

Visit Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley 

 

Carnoustie on the Angus coast

Dundee & Angus 

Location: East coast of central Scotland. 

Did you know that travelling during autumn is a green and sustainable holiday choice? Autumn holidays spread the tourism love across the year and Dundee & Angus is a great choice for 2025. Definitely worth a look are the amazing outdoor experiences on offer, such as Camperdown Country Park, Carnoustie Beach, Monikie Country Park and more. 

Head along to visit Dundee’s waterfront, where you’ll find top attractions like the V&A Dundee – expect illuminating exhibitions and cutting-edge design here as always. Another fantastic sustainable element of the region is the Eden Project – set to be a landmark development for the city, transforming former gasworks into a beacon for regeneration and green tourism. Keep your eyes peeled for more information coming soon. 

Explore Dundee & Angus 

 

Edinburgh Sunset

Edinburgh Sunset

© VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

Winter

Weather: December, January and February are generally the coldest months in Scotland, with the average maximum temperature usually around 5°C (41°F).

A father and his daughter enjoying the Edinburgh Christmas Market

© VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin

Edinburgh 

Location: East of central Scotland. 

Edinburgh + winter = the ideal escape! In 2025, the city is set to have some exciting new attractions. Perhaps most anticipated was the opening of Lost Shore Surf Resort, which means surfers can now catch perfect waves in the heart of winter. 

Edinburgh Gin's new location will provide a cosy spot for gin lovers. Of course, the city's classic attractions remain as appealing as ever, from Edinburgh Castle to the famous Hogmanay celebrations at New Year. Whether you're browsing Christmas markets, or simply soaking in the city's winter ambience, Edinburgh is the place for a magical winter getaway. 

A day trip to nearby Glasgow should also be on the cards. The city celebrates 850 years of history in 2025. 

Visit Edinburgh 

 

Up Helly Aa

Shetland 

Location: Northernmost island off Scotland’s mainland. 

Winter in Shetland offers all kinds of incredible things to do! A must see is the famous Up Helly Aa fire festival in Lerwick, where you can experience Shetland’s Norse legacy at Europe’s largest annual fire festival. Get ready to see the Viking Jarl Squad, a mesmerising torchlit procession, and the burning of The Galley too. There are in fact many regional fire festivals held across the islands, providing a unique insight into Shetland's community spirit and cultural traditions.  

Beyond the festivals, Shetland in winter is a place to centre yourself in lively island life. Embrace brisk walks along epic coastlines in Shetland’s UNESCO Global Geopark where you can uncover incredible geology that spans almost three billion years, topped off by warm, welcoming pubs serving up local food & drink. The long winter nights also offer excellent opportunities for stargazing and, if you're lucky, catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Why not uncover the new Sky Trail that celebrates Shetland’s amazing skies? 

Visit Shetland 

 

Of course that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Scotland’s must-visit destinations. These were just a few of the best places to visit across the seasons but the adventures don’t stop here. Where will you go next?

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