Spring holidays & breaks in Scotland

March 

Listen out for birds returning after winter and breathe in the wonderful fresh air as Scotland’s landscapes and wildlife stir into life during March. With award-winning attractions reopening after winter, there’s plenty to tempt you out exploring. Start in Aberdeenshire, where castles, historic buildings and stately homes will transport you back to the past. Stroll along windswept beaches and admire miles of amazing coastline too. Don’t forget your binoculars to watch wildlife as the waves break against the shore. When you’ve worked up an appetite, settle in for a taste of local seafood. 

Keep reading to find more destinations to visit in March 

April 

Feel the days stretch out in Scotland this April, as spring light fills our fields and forests. Buzzing festivals bring a sense of excitement to the season with plenty to explore. Head for the islands to breathe in cool sea air and live life at a slower pace. On the Isle of Mull, wander sandy shores with the breeze in your hair and the sound of the sea, or follow island paths through epic landscapes. Pause to watch for wildlife along the way, then step aboard a ferry for an island-hopping adventure to the nearby Isle of Iona. 

Keep reading to find more destinations to visit in April 

May 

Enjoy the warmth of the May sunshine and see Scotland’s landscapes come alive with colour. It’s festival time in many places, with conversation and music all around at a host of great events. In the Highlands, take in the spring air as you journey on foot or by bike, with incredible views tempting you to explore a little further. Savour the aromas and flavours of a whisky tasting or settle into a steam train carriage and listen to the rhythmic clatter as the scenery rolls past your window. From lively celebrations to the glorious landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park, you’ll find May is a great month to travel in Scotland. 

Keep reading to find more destinations to visit in May 

Lights, camera, action! Step into Scotland’s spring festivals and find a story, sound or flavour worth travelling for. 

• Glasgow Film Festival, 24 February – 7 March 2027 – this award-winning festival screens hundreds of films and productions, new and old, from around the world to celebrate the electric spectrum of cinema.
• Kirkcudbright Book Festival, March 2027 – dive into this annual literary festival that showcases and honours all forms of written word. From poetry, novels and short stories to Scottish history, children’s authors and more.
• Glasgow International Comedy Festival, 10 – 28 March 2027 – when one of the funniest cities in the world hosts a comedy festival, you know it’s a must-do! Choose from hundreds of acts and performances at 39 venues across Scotland's largest city.
• Inverness International Blues Festival, March 2027 – seven legendary blues artists from around the world descend on the Highland capital for a vibrant and atmospheric event, showcasing the some of the best blues talent from across the globe.
• Edinburgh Science Festival, 3 – 18 April 2027 – step into the UK’s largest science festival with a vast programme full of exhibitions, events, workshops, performances, screenings, kids' activities and more.
• Glasgow Coffee Festival, April 2027 – coffee lovers are in for a treat! Head to Glasgow for a caffeine-filled weekend of tastings, talks, workshops, and demonstrations, where you can discover new brews, learn brewing techniques, and celebrate everything coffee.
• Paisley Food & Drink Festival, April 2027 – tuck into a weekend of top street food vendors from across Scotland, alongside fantastic local traders, live music and more to enjoy.
• Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, 28 April – 3 May 2027 – whisky lovers from across the globe descend on Speyside during Whisky Month to sample rare drams, uncover the stories behind Scotland’s finest whiskies, and enjoy a host of events celebrating Scotland's national drink.
• Beltane Fire Festival, 30 April 2027 – this annual festival is steeped in Iron Age Celtic rituals and community spirit, celebrating the birth of summer and fertility of the lands across Scotland.
• Culture Night Stirling, 30 April 2027 – join in this city-wide event celebrating the creativity and cultural diversity of Stirling’s communities. The programme will showcase music, dance, comedy, visual arts, crafts, literature, and food, with museums, galleries, attractions, bars, and community venues coming together to put on a collaborative cultural experience. 
• Orkney Folk Festival, 27 – 30 May 2027 – this volunteer-run event showcases musicians and performances from the USA, Canada, Finland, Ireland, England and Scotland across a vibrant weekend on the Orkney Isles.
• Fèis Ìle - The Islay Festival, 28 May – 6 June 2027 – celebrate the culture, sound and spirit of the Isle of Islay across this 10-day festival featuring a combination of tastings, tours, beaches, walks, ceilidhs, and live music.