April breaks in Scotland

Pick-your-own experiences and farm shops 

Visit pick-your-own farms, where you can gather fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the fields to take home and enjoy. Fife is home to plenty of well-loved spots, including Cairnie Fruit Farm in Cupar and Balgove Larder near St Andrews. Bowhouse, which is part of the Balcaskie Estate near St Monans, hosts bustling monthly market weekends showcasing local producers and products, from meat and vegetables to baked goods and more, while Blacketyside Farm Shop in Leven is great for a homemade lunch after a round of golf at London Links Golf Club. Many of these farm shops sell home-grown produce alongside homemade jams, baked goods, artisan bread, and other local delights.

Explore charming villages and historic sites 

Wander through picturesque coastal villages like Anstruther, Crail and Pittenweem, where colourful harbours buzz with activities, and cafés, galleries and independent shops begin to open for the season. April is also a lovely time to explore Fife’s historic landmarks before the peak summer crowds arrive. Discover the atmospheric ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, step back in time at Falkland Palace with its beautiful gardens and links to royalty and Outlander filming locations, or explore the elegant interiors of Kellie Castle.

Go dolphin spotting along the Moray Coast 

Pods of bottlenose dolphins are often seen playing and feeding close to shore, putting on spectacular displays as they leap. Chanonry Point, located in Cromarty near Inverness, is one of the best places in the UK for shore-based dolphin watching. There are also several other excellent viewpoints along the wider Moray Firth, including Burghead, Hopeman, and Spey Bay, where these mammals are regularly spotted close to the coastline. For more chance to spot dolphins, try the Inverness Kessock Bridge area and Fort George near Inverness, both of which are popular with wildlife enthusiasts. Keep your eyes on the water for porpoises, seals, and seabirds as well, which are often spotted alongside the dolphins, making a trip to the Moray Coast a truly rewarding wildlife experience.

Visit historic sites and whisky distilleries 

Local attractions start to flourish for the season. Visit Elgin Cathedral, a striking ruin with soaring Gothic arches and a fascinating history, then stop by Johnstons of Elgin, a world-renowned luxury textiles manufacturer. A short drive from Elgin, Brodie Castle offers elegant interiors and an impressive art collection, while Balvenie Castle near Dufftown rewards visitors with sweeping views. 

Whisky enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in Moray. Why not tour iconic distilleries such as The Macallan near Craigellachie, famous for its malts and striking modern distillery, or Glen Moray where you can learn about traditional distilling techniques and enjoy guided tasting tours? Nearby, you can also visit Aberlour, set beside the River Spey, and Glenfiddich near Dufftown, one of the world’s best-known single malt producers. 

Mull Music Festival 

The Mull Music Festival is one of the highlights on the island’s cultural calendar. This vibrant festival celebrates traditional Scottish music, with a packed programme of lively performances in local pubs and venues across Tobermory and beyond, ranging from folk and ceilidh bands to solo musicians and contemporary acts.

On nearby Iona, enjoy guided heritage walks and storytelling sessions that celebrate the island’s historic abbey and stunning natural scenery, while Staffa hosts early-season wildlife tours, perfect for spotting puffins, seabirds, and other marine life.

Spring wildlife and scenic walks 

The island’s coastal paths and hill trails offer dramatic views of cliffs, beaches, and glens, providing fantastic walking opportunities and ideal vantage points for spotting wildlife. April is an especially good time to spot seabird colonies, including guillemots, razorbills and puffins, returning to nest along the cliffs, while the nearby Iona often sees waders and geese. Inland, Ardmeanach and Calgary Bay are popular spots to see red deer or otters in the streams.