April! What a month. Winter is retreating, spring flowers are appearing in parks and gardens, and Scotland’s attractions are swinging open their doors to welcome new visitors. The lighter nights are very welcome at this time of year and there is an amazing array of wildlife on show.
If you’re visiting in April you have loads to look forward to – it really is a great month to travel. Booking an April holiday also means you’ll arrive before the summer crowds – and the midges! So let’s hope for sunny days and fun times on your April break, here are some ideas.
Book Tickets to a Fabulous Festival
Edinburgh International Science Festival
1 – 16 April 2023
Edinburgh © Lateral City
Spending a few days in Edinburgh over the Easter break? Then you won’t want to miss the Edinburgh International Science Festival, an annual celebration of science and technology. The programme of events varies each year, with interactive exhibitions, shows and workshops for the whole family. Kids especially will love the range of activities on offer.
Spirit of Speyside
26 April – 1 May 2023
Speyside Cooperage
Whisky connoisseurs will know that Speyside is one of Scotland’s best loved whisky regions, as well as the country’s largest whisky producing region. It’s no wonder then that the area has its own festival, celebrating all things malt. Events take place across Speyside in distilleries, local whisky bars and even in castles. So, if you love whisky – or if you are new to it – you’ll find something at Spirit of Speyside to tickle your taste buds.
Beltane Fire Festival
30 April 2023
Beltane Fire Festival
Finish April off in style with a celebration of the birth of summer and the fertility of the land. Beltane Fire Festival, which takes place on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill, is a dramatic procession with dancing and performances, food, drink and a giant bonfire. A night of joy and revelry, it’s a great way to bring in the summer in the nation’s capital.
Get Sporty in the Spring Sunshine
St Andrews Golf Week
9 – 15 April 2023
The Old Course, St Andrews
April is a great month to get back in the swing of things! Ask any golfer where they would most like to play a few holes and many of them would say St Andrews – ‘the Home of Golf’. The St Andrews Golf Week gives you a chance to do just that. Open to any amateur golfer in the world, the week involves a series of daily competitions, some of which are individual and some in teams. Find out more about St Andrews Golf Week, including pricing, accommodation and sightseeing in the local area.
Melrose Sevens Rugby
8 April 2023
Scott’s View, Melrose
Who wants to see some rugby players in action? From big and strong to wiry and fast, you’ll see all kinds of players strutting their stuff on the hallowed pitches of Melrose. The Melrose Sevens tournament has been held in the Borders town since the 1880s, offering a spectacle that is often faster and more chaotic than the traditional game of 15-a-side. Great to watch!
Etape Loch Ness
23 April 2023
Loch Ness
Lovely Loch Ness is the location for a charity cycling event that aims to test your endurance to the max. Offering you the chance to cycle 66 miles (102.6 km) on traffic-free roads, Etape Loch Ness is a great way to challenge yourself and help others at the same time. Demand for this event is high, so don’t delay if it sounds up your street.
Walk off the winter, roll on the summer
Kiltwalk, Glasgow
30 April 2023
Glasgow
Why not put on a kilt and walk for charity this year? Kiltwalk brings together traditional Highland dress, walking and good causes – what could be more fun and rewarding than that? There are Kiltwalks throughout the year, but April sees the event return to Glasgow. Choose from three different distances and admire this city’s fine architecture, meeting locals along the way. Any excuse to wear a kilt, right?
Galashiels Walking Festival
28 – 30 April 2023
Galashiels, Scottish Borders © VisitScotland / Ian Rutherford
If you’ve always wanted to visit the south of Scotland and walking is your thing then this is the event for you. Enjoy a healthy and friendly weekend of walking around the Galashiels area. As you explore, let the rolling hills and open countryside inspire you and leave you feeling refreshed for the summer ahead! Find out more about the Gala Walking Weekend.
National Trust for Scotland Easter Egg Trails
1 – 16 April 2023, various locations throughout Scotland
© National Trust for Scotland
With 22 different locations taking part, from Brodie Castle in the Highlands to Culzean Castle & Country Park in Ayrshire, the National Trust for Scotland Easter Egg Trails is a hard event to resist. Suitable for the whole family, become explorers for the day by searching for clues to find your chocolatey reward. Each trail is completely different and unique at each venue, so there’s even more of an excuse to hop along to as many attractions as possible.
Book a Fun Farm Stay
Byres Farm, Moray Speyside
What could be better for kids and families than a holiday on a working farm? Spend time surrounded by farm animals and have lots of fun trying outdoor activities. It goes without saying you’ll enjoy the surrounding countryside, with activities like long bike rides, lambing and foraging on offer. Does this sound like your type of holiday? If so, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, pull on your wellies and head down to one of the many welcoming farms across Scotland.
Feeling inspired to visit Scotland? Check out our accommodation page and take the next step to planning your holiday. Can’t wait? What about a holiday in March…
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