8 Reasons to Take a Short Break in Scotland this March

March is marvellously in-between, not quite winter, not quite spring. The cold season is loosening its grip and rumours of sunshine hint that good weather is just around the corner. As flowers and animals peek their noses out to greet the new sunlight, life awakens once again.

Many castles and attractions open their doors to the public in March, shaking off the winter to welcome in the crowds. And the Six Nations rugby tournament is in full swing, giving hope to fans of the Scottish national team. ‘Oh flower of Scotland…’

But it doesn’t matter if you’re not a rugby fan, there are a host of reasons to travel to Scotland in March. From fantastic festivals to wilderness walks, here’s some inspiration for your trip.

  1. Glasgow Across Glasgow

    Glasgow skyline

    If you’re thinking of a city break in March then why not head to Glasgow? March is a busy month in the city with a couple of festivals to attend. First off, there’s the Glasgow International Comedy Festival from 12 - 30 March 2025 which sees top class comedy stars from around the UK and beyond descend upon the city for a month of laughs. If you’re a film fanatic, the Glasgow Film Festivalwill be running from the 26 Feb - 9 March 2025 and will see an eclectic mix of films as well as previews, premieres and guest appearances.

  2. International Women's Day Across Scotland

    Mary Queen of Scots statue at Linlithgow Palace

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    On 8 March the world celebrates International Women’s Day – and Scotland will be raising a toast to women everywhere. Of course, this country is no stranger to strong women and you could even plan a holiday around one of our great ladies. What about the charismatic Mary Queen of Scots? Find out more about one of Scotland's most famous women, discover the historic locations associated with Mary, as well as locations that were used in the blockbuster movie about her life starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie.

    There are plenty of Famous Scottish Women that have left their mark across various professions in Scottish history, from medicine and education, to engineering and contributing to the war efforts.

  3. Unique Places to Stay Across Scotland

    The Torridon, a luxury estate retreat in Wester Ross

    As the summer season is still a few months away, you may find that prices are cheaper on your holiday – so make this your chance to stay somewhere unique. If you like castles – perhaps you have an ancestral connection to one – why not make one your base? Or if that sounds a little grand, you could book a few nights in a traditional inn with a roaring fire and a few choice ales on tap.

  4. Wonderful Walks Across Scotland

    View from The Lecht Pass on the SnowRoads Scenic Route

    Get your marching boots on – it’s time to get out and go for a walk. March is a lovely time to be out in the countryside or take a walk through one of Scotland’s cities, as you’ll get the chance to see the transition from winter to spring. The combination of fresh air and fantastic scenery is sure-fire winner.

  5. Cycling around Arran Isle of Arran

    Looking over to Holy Isle on the Isle of Arran

    © Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group

    Perhaps you prefer cycling to walking. If so, you could take a trip to the Isle of Arran this March – which is very accessible from the central belt. Catch the ferry from Ardrossan (which is 40 minutes from Glasgow by train) and you’ll be across the water in under an hour. Your reward will be miles of quiet roads, stunning sea views and some great places to stop off for lunch.

  6. Foraging Fun Across Scotland

    winter mushrooms in the Cairngorms National Park

    One of the more unusual ways to get out and explore Scotland is to go foraging for food. Wild food was once a staple part of our diets, and for some it still is, but for many they might not know where to start.

    A great resource is the Woodland Trust’s website, which provides guides to foraging. March offers some wonderful pickings, including wild garlic, hairy bittercress, chickweed and meadowsweet. Yum!

  7. Coastal Adventures Across Scotland

    The coastal village of Pennan, Aberdeenshire

    © VisitScotland / Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields

    What better time to get out and explore Scotland’s coastline. Take a walk by a beautiful loch or a boat trip around the islands, or you could even try some watersports. There are a host of high-quality outdoor activity centres in Scotland, offering a range of different watersports options for beginners, as well as those looking for a tougher challenge.

  8. Cracking Castles Across Scotland

    A couple exploring Dunnottar Castle in Aberdeenshire

    © VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

    Castle-hunters rejoice! Many Scottish castles open their doors towards the end of March to welcome visitors again after the winter. Scotland has hundreds of castles, each with its own unique personality – from famous fortresses to mysterious ruins. Who knows – you might even find yourself staying overnight in a castle!

Plan your Scottish break

Choose March for your next Scottish break and take advantage of all the things on offer. Even a short break at this time of year should leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world!

March is a wonderful month to visit, but there’s plenty to see and do throughout the year too. Find out when to visit Scotland and start making plans!

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