11 Alternative winter activities in Scotland

A walk in Scotland’s scenery never goes amiss. Wrap up warm and head outdoors to enjoy Scotland’s crisp winter air with the family, friends or even a solo wander to take in the landscape.

Our cities are as picturesque as they come during the winter months, with festive lights, Christmas cheer and markets selling warming drinks and tasty food to try. If you’re feeling more adventurous, venture away from the city to immerse yourself in the peace and tranquillity of our forests and woodlands, rolling hills and glistening lochside trails.

Nothing is quite as magical as admiring shooting stars, constellations and twinkling stars dotted against the night sky. The winter months in Scotland are the best for a chance to spot this interstellar sight – wrap up warm, bring a flask of hot chocolate and head out to the countryside away from city lights for the best conditions.

If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.

Plan an extra special wildlife experience with the family and see Santa’s fluffy sleigh pullers up close. The Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, located in Glenmore near Aviemore, is home to Britain’s only free-ranging herd of reindeer. Enjoy a guided hill trip, weather permitting, to see the herd out in the wilderness of the Cairngorms and stop by the shop for a souvenir or two, including hoodies, t-shirts, tote bags and even the chance to adopt a reindeer.

Nearby in Kingussie, the Highland Wildlife Park is a great spot to see and learn about a range of species, including the Amur tiger, Eurasian elk, European grey wolf, polar bear, Scottish wildcat and many more.

With the darker nights and chillier weather setting in, treat yourself to a spot of luxury and self-care this winter. Scotland’s outdoors are scenic and magical, so why not pair a dramatic backdrop with a relaxing evening in an outdoor sauna? Slow down your travels across Scotland and journey to spectacular locations, such as Stornoway, Shetland, Aberdeenshire, Fife and East Lothian, to name a few, for this unique experience.

Did you know you don’t need the warm weather and glorious sunshine to surf in Scotland? Lost Shore, located just outside of Edinburgh, recently opened its doors and boasts a fantastic environment to surf the waves and learn all the top tips and tricks you need to know. State-of-the-art technology has created a unique wave machine that allows beginners and pros to get on a board, hone your skills and catch the perfect wave. Join in lessons, hire a board and learn more on camps and courses, all just a stones’ throw from the capital.

Why not experience Scotland’s outdoors in a different light? Embark on a husky sled ride and learn all about these fantastic working dogs. You don’t need snow for this unique experience, the sleds run on wheels and work just as well on dirt tracks and trails across Scotland. Visit Husky Haven in Stonehaven, just south of Aberdeen, where you can meet the team of Siberian huskies before you head out on the trails. Or head to Blairgowrie in Perthshire where Bowland Trails offer husky ride experiences and group rides, and you can even meet the local Highland cows whilst you’re here.

Embark on a whisky tour or experience this winter and delve into the history and whisky making process of Scotland’s national drink. There are distilleries dotted around the country, in our bustling cities and in our glorious countryside, often situated amidst dramatic landscapes and scenery that add a special something to the experience.

From Macallan Distillery in Aberdeenshire and Scapa Distillery on Orkney, to The Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow and Lagg Distillery on the Isle of Arran, there are plenty of malts and flavoursome whiskies for you to get to know and sample along the way.

Believe it or not, the winter months can be a great opportunity to try out mountain biking and gravel biking. Over winter the ground freezes and hardens, creating a more solid trail to explore on two wheels. Across Scotland you can find mountain biking centres and urban trails and parks that allow you to continue the fun even during the colder months.

The Lower Trails at the Nevis Range are open all year round and offer a variety of graded trails to try out, the Glenlivet Estate in Aberdeenshire boasts purpose-built trails surrounded by stunning scenery and views, and Glentress is known for having some of the best mountain bike trails in the country.

Please remember to wrap up warm and ensure your bike tyres are in good condition for trails that can be wet, muddy and slippery in winter.

Scotland is home to a variety of artificial slopes that allow you to get to grips with skiing and snowboarding before hitting the real snow. The perfect place for beginners to get in some ‘mat-to-mountain’ practice, you can take part in lessons, taster sessions and even private tuition that will get you slope-ready in no time.

These slopes and centres are also a great option for year-round skiing and snowboarding, so you don’t have to wait for the snow to get some practice in and refine your skills.

If you’re not quite sure how to spend your time in Scotland, or maybe you’re looking for a bit of everything, why not try a guided tour or experience?

You're spoilt for choice here – from historic walking tours of our ancient cities and exploring Scotland by train to ticking off famous filming locations up and down the country. These tours range from half and full day adventures to weekend and even week-long trips, it all depends on what you fancy during your time in Scotland.

If you’d prefer to head out at your own pace to discover our towns, cities and countryside locations, choose one of our itineraries to follow and you won’t be disappointed by what you discover.

Is there anything better than warming up with a delightful hot chocolate whilst taking in cityscapes or countryside wonders? Winter is the perfect time to stay cosy with your favourite hot beverage, and we’ve sourced the best spots where you can sip away whilst also enjoying Scotland’s wintery walks and festive lights.