March breaks in Scotland

March is a time of transition in Scotland. As winter begins to fade, days become longer, landscapes turn green, and attractions start reopening after the off-season. It’s an ideal time for a refreshing break, whether you’re drawn to peaceful countrysides, historic castles, or island adventures shaped by nature and heritage. From lambing season in the south to castle trails in the north and wildlife-rich island escapes, savour the start of spring in Scotland.

Scott's View, overlooking the valley of the River Tweed and the Eildon Hill

Explore the Scottish Borders in Spring

In March the undulating hills, farmland, and river valleys of the Scottish Borders begin to show the first signs of new life, while the region’s strong agricultural traditions take centre-stage. It’s a particularly rewarding time to experience the Borders’ peaceful countryside and rural heritage.

Experience lambing season on working farms

March is a key month for lambing across the Borders, with farms busy welcoming newborn lambs that will soon be bounding across the fields. Some working farms offer guided visits or hands-on experiences, giving visitors the chance to learn about Scotland’s farming traditions and animal husbandry. Learn how their wool shapes the Borders’ world-renowned textile industry at the Borders Textile Towerhouse, and enjoy experiences such as farm visits at Jacksons of Jedburgh and the Highland Cow Experience.

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St Abbs Head Lighthouse
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Explore the Berwickshire Coast in early spring

Early spring brings subtle but striking seasonal change to the Borders coastline. In March, seabirds begin returning to nest along the cliffs at St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve, while coastal paths remain open and uncrowded. It’s a rewarding time for walkers and photographers, with opportunities to enjoy bracing sea air and dramatic views. Fishing towns such as Eyemouth also make ideal stops for fresh seafood and harbour walks.

Visit the Berwickshire Coast this spring

Enjoy countryside walks and scenic trails

March is a lovely time to explore the Borders on foot as landscapes shift from winter to spring. Gentle riverside walks, rolling hill paths, and historic routes offer fresh air, wide views, and a slower pace. Long-distance trails such as the Borders Abbeys Way link some of the region’s most impressive abbey ruins, including Melrose, Jedburgh, Dryburgh and Kelso, all set amid early spring flowers and awakening wildlife.

Embark on the Borders Abbeys Way

Discover heritage and rural market towns

Historic abbeys, local museums, and characterful market towns are scattered across the Borders, making it easy to combine outdoor exploration with cultural discovery. Seasonal highlights include the reopening of attractions such as Abbotsford, Sir Walter Scott’s former home, and the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns, celebrating the life of the world-famous racing driver. Events like the Hawick Reivers Festival (27 – 29 March) also brings local history and traditions to life.

Visit the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum

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Discover castles and coastlines in Aberdeenshire

March signals the reopening of many of Aberdeenshire’s castles and historic attractions after the winter months. With one of the highest concentrations of castles in Scotland, this region is a natural choice for history lovers keen to explore dramatic architecture and centuries-old tales.

Dunnottar Castle
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

Follow Scotland’s Castle Trail

Aberdeenshire lies at the heart of Scotland’s Castle Trail, with dozens of sites ranging from grand royal residences to atmospheric ruins. Castles such as Dunnottar and Crathes are among those that are open in spring, offering a chance to explore at a quieter pace before peak summer crowds arrive.

Delve into Scotland’s Castle Trail

The walk to Grey Mare's Tail and Mamore Lodge, Kinlochleven

Explore Royal Deeside and historic estates

March brings a fresh splash of colour to Royal Deeside, where historic estates, gardens and country parks begin to bloom. Expansive landscapes at Mar Lodge Estate National Nature Reserve and Glen Tanar Estate are ideal for early-spring woodland and riverside walks, while the region's profound royal associations are on display at Balmoral Estate, the grounds and gardens of which remain open throughout most of March.

Explore Royal Deeside

Views from Auld Mill Bay across to Pennan Head and Troup Head.
© Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields

Coastal drama and seabrids

Aberdeenshire’s coastline offers striking scenery year-round, but spring light makes it easier to explore clifftop walks and coastal paths. Routes such as the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail combine sea views with dramatic geology, while quieter beaches and headlands provide space to pause and soak up the scenic splendour. Spring also sees seabirds returning to nest along Aberdeenshire’s shores. Places like Rattray Head and other coastal reserves offer opportunities to spot gannets, kittiwakes and other seabirds against a backdrop of wide skies and North Sea views.

Follow the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail

Fraserburgh Harbour
© Discover Fraserburgh / Damian Shields

Enjoy spring seafood by the sea

Aberdeenshire’s coastal waters deliver some of their finest seafood in spring. From sweet crab and plump mussels to classic North Sea haddock, the season brings outstanding freshness and flavour. Pair a coastal walk or wildlife spotting with a relaxed seafood lunch in towns such as Stonehaven or along the Moray Firth coast for a true taste of the north-east.

Savour Aberdeenshire’s finest seafood

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Escape to the Outer Hebrides and Shetland

The improving weather and peaceful spring season make March a wonderful time to visit Scotland’s islands. With lighter nights and longer days, island life comes out of hibernation.

Explore Norse heritage

Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement brings this story vividly to life, revealing layers of settlement from Norse longhouses to medieval farmsteads set dramatically against the sea. For deeper context, the Shetland Museum and Archives in Lerwick provides an excellent introduction to Shetland’s Norse past, with artefacts, exhibitions, and storytelling that trace how Viking settlers shaped the islands’ language, culture, and way of life – much of which still endures today.

Discover Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

Up Helly Aa, Shetland's Viking Fire Festival
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

Join nature walks and Up Helly Aa festivities

While large festivals are limited in March, the Outer Hebrides offers a growing programme of small-group, nature-focused activities as spring begins. Guided walks at places such as RSPB Balranald nature reserve on North Uist, or woodland and lochside areas on Lewis, provide opportunities to spot returning birds and learn more about local landscapes. Community trusts and wildlife organisations often publish spring programmes worth checking ahead of your visit. In Shetland, March can also coincides with late-season Up Helly Aa fire festivals, where torchlit processions and Viking-inspired celebrations pay tribute to the archipelago's norse forebears.

Birdwatch at Balranald Nature Reserve

Enjoy seal spotting and wildlife encounters

March is an excellent time for seal spotting around both Shetland and the Outer Hebrides. Grey and common seals gather on skerries and reefs, and boat trips offer close-up views from the water. Naturally curious, seals often approach vessels, making this one of the most reliable and rewarding wildlife encounters you can have in early spring. Gannets and kittiwakes, and other migrating seabirds also return to the islands at this time of year.

See seals and other marine life in the Outer Hebrides

See marine life in Shetland

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