Spring brings a new lease of life to Scotland, making it the perfect time of year to visit. Read on to find out why you should come to Scotland over spring, from seeing newborn animals to venturing on Easter egg hunts.
Get the chance to see some cute baby animals
A wildcat at the Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, by Kingussie, Highlands © VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
The start of spring brings new life to the animal kingdom. From fluffy chicks to woolly lambs, take a look at our top picks on where to find them.
- Heads of Ayr Farm Park, Alloway by Ayr
With spring comes new life, meaning it’s a perfect opportunity for the whole family to visit Heads of Ayr Farm Park and see adorable baby animals. Animal lovers might want to snuggle with a floppy-eared bunny in the animal barn, or explore the countryside where you could spot a leaping lamb or two.
- Highland Wildlife Park, Kingussie
Hop along to the Highland Wildlife Park where families can enjoy a whole host of Easter activities, including a bunny maze, face painting and egg decorating.
- National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride
Join the museum for a wealth of springtime surprises, from lambs and chicks to Easter activities, storytelling and music, each day will be different and fun.
Have a picnic
Beecraigs Country Park © @tylerlottjohnston
Although the weather can be slightly unpredictable at this time of year, you can’t beat a good old-fashioned picnic! Take a look at the list of places for your perfect picnic.
- The Sands of Breckon, Shetland – admire the glistening shell sands and grassland dunes, giving you the perfect oasis for catching the beautiful sunset over the Atlantic Ocean. After your feast, walk along one of the best short coastal walks in Britain, past rocky inlets, and Yesnaby Castle, a delicate sea-stack with a natural arch to Gaulton Castle.
- The Cruickshank Botanic Garden, Aberdeen – be surrounded by the beautiful displays of the Cruickshank Botanic Garden while having a peaceful picnic. Enjoy a walk exploring the many rare plants before you tuck into your feast.
- Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline – situated in the very heart of Dunfermline, Pittencrieff Park offers surprises to visitors around every corner. Affectionately called ‘The Glen’ by locals, the beautifully kept greenhouses, gardens and woodland walks will help you switch off from the world outside, while the playpark will keep the little ones entertained for hours. Once you’ve been fed and watered, explore the fascinating Pittencrieff House Museum or venture onto the Fife Pilgrim Way.
- Beecraigs Country Park, near Linlithgow – awarded a 4-star rating from VisitScotland, the largest of West Lothian’s country parks, Beecraigs has something for all the family. Take a short walk on one of the many trails or let the little ones run wild around the playpark before you tuck into your picnic on the banks of the lake. After your picnic, make sure to stop off and say hello to the Highland and Belted Galloway cows and calves, and try to catch a glimpse of some of the park’s wildlife, including red deer.
- Killantringan Bay, Dumfries & Galloway – for that ocean breeze, take the South West Coastal 300 where the charming Killantringan Bay awaits you. Soak up the sea view on the golden sands or head along the coast nearby to the Killantringan Lighthouse, designed by David Alan Stevenson, cousin of author Robert Louis Stevenson.
Find out more about planning the ultimate picnic experience in Scotland.
Go cycling
The Shore, Leith, Edinburgh
Get on your bike this spring and pedal to your heart’s content while you meander through some of Scotland’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Here are just a few suggestions to get you all geared up for your cycling journey:
- Hebridean Way Cycling Route – this epic, long-distance cycling route lets you discover the Outer Hebrides in all of its glory. Pushed for time? No problem at all! You can still capture the true essence of the Outer Hebrides by opting for the shorter route, taking you along the Isle of Vatersay to the Isle of Barra. Take in the beautiful sights of Scotland’s stunning beaches, famous for their white sandy shores and turquoise waters.
- Cumbrae Circular Route, Isle of Cumbrae – cycle around the 10.25 mile circumference of the island and absorb the stunning sea views – you never know, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the resident seals!
- Strathyre to Lochearnhead – just bought a bike but still undecided on where to find the best cycling route? Mostly traffic free, begin your first cycling adventure from Strathyre to Lochearnhead. Meander through the vivid colours of Strathyre Forest and the rugged surrounding landscape, and why not stop off for a quick bite to eat before setting off again to Lochearnhead? Highlights include part of the BLiSS Art Trail which showcases the very best art sculptures from local artists, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for some interesting characters along the way, such as Drover’s Bho the Highland Cow and Ewen the West Highland Terrier.
- Roseburn to Leith – want to take in the sights and sounds of city life but still avoid the hustle and bustle? Edinburgh’s Roseburn to Leith cycling route is the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s suburbs. With a smooth surfacing and flat riding, cycling has never been easier for beginners.
- Ayrshire Coast Cycle Way – take a breath of fresh Ayr by discovering more of the picture perfect Ayrshire Coast Cycle Way. From its glistening coastline waters to its scenic views to the Isle of Arran, Ayrshire truly is a cyclist’s paradise!
Perfect photo opportunities
Ashton Lane, Glasgow
Want to make everyone jealous of where you have been recently? Take some inspiration from this list of places that we think would look fabulous on your Instagram feed.
- Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh – watch the city of Edinburgh unfold right in front of your eyes as you climb up this extinct volcano, giving you the perfect opportunity to capture some of the best shots of the extraordinary views from the summit.
- Dunrobin Castle, Sutherland – straight out of a fairytale! Photographers will not be able to believe their eyes when they come across this beauty. Snap away at the castle’s beautiful exterior and interior which boasts opulent dining rooms and a decorative library.
- Benmore Botanic Garden, Benmore by Dunoon – head on down to the beautiful Benmore Botanic Garden this spring! The garden is the perfect place to set up your camera and capture nature at its finest.
- East Aquhorthies Stone Circle, Aberdeenshire – if you’re a sucker for taking pictures of beautiful starry night skies, then the East Aquhorthies Stone Circle is the place for you!
- Ashton Lane, Glasgow – enjoy this beautiful cobbled backstreet with its pretty bars and restaurants and a licensed cinema.
- The Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis – get snappy as you photograph the world famous Callanish Stones. Make sure to also pop into the visitor centre while on your travels.
- Cairngorm Reindeer Centre, Aviemore – get up close and personal and take a selfie with your new furry friends!
- Glenfinnan Viaduct – if you’re a Harry Potter fan then you will definitely not want to miss the opportunity of going up north to take pictures of the Glenfinnan Viaduct.
- Talisker Bay, Isle of Skye – be in awe of Talisker Bay’s spectacular setting and take lots of pictures of its impressive high cliffs and waterfalls.
Still looking for more Instagrammable spots to visit? Why not follow some of these Instagram accounts for the perfect Scottish holiday inspiration?
Soak up the spring sunshine by getting outdoors
A school group tubing with ‘Nae Limits’ on the River Garry, Killiecrankie
Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or like to take things at a leisurely pace, immerse yourself in the great Scottish outdoors.
- Nae Limits, by Pitlochry – Perthshire is definitely the go-to place for adrenaline junkie activities. Book yourself and the whole family to go white-water rafting at Nae Limits. Start by cruising down the River Findhorn before things start to pick up the pace, taking twists and turns round the river bends.
- The Scottish Sea Kayak Trail – make a splash this spring by kayaking along the stretch of the west coast, from the Isle of Gigha to Ullapool.
- Go Ape!, Aberfoyle – there’s lots of fun to be had at Go Ape! Embrace your inner Tarzan with zip-wires, rope-swings and tree-top walkways.
- Culbin Forest Nature Reserve, Forres – if outdoor adventure activities are not your thing, then head to Culbin Forest Nature Reserve. Park the car before you enter its enchanting forest and if you’re lucky enough, you might even spot some ospreys and seals.
We hope that we’ve given you a good flavour of things to do in Scotland over spring! If that’s not enough to fill your boots, then why not take a look at some more fun ideas. Planning to visit here during the colder weather? Take some inspiration on all the wonderful things you can do in winter.
Comments