Children playing on the beach at Shandwick Bay
© Tain and District Development Trust
Summer Holidays
What makes a summer holiday in Scotland so special? The lush, green landscapes and long summer days for starters – perfect for outdoor adventures or simply soaking up the views.
Then there are all the wonderful things to do, from thousands of shows at Edinburgh’s famous summer festivals to cheering on competitors at a traditional Highland games.
With pleasant summer temperatures of around 17°C (63°F) maximum on average, why not try some outdoor activities on your summer holidays? Go hiking in a national park, cycle along an off-road track or head to a remote beach, where white sands and turquoise waters await you … happy summer everyone!
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Summer Breaks and Accommodation in Scotland
Find all the hottest ideas for what to see and do in Scotland this summer.
Edinburgh Castle
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Recommended Summer Adventures
Scotland is bursting with adventures and new things to try this summer.
Unmissable Landscapes to See This Summer
11 of the best beaches in Scotland
Miles of sandy beaches create a golden ribbon around Scotland's coastline. Find one near you.
Lochs
Scottish lochs and smaller lochans, often known as 'lakes' in other countries, are a sparkling feature of the landscape
20 Most Beautiful Places & Beauty Spots in Scotland
Find inspiration for places to stay with our list of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
Pipe band marching at Ballater Highland Games
© VisitScotland / David N Anderson
What's on next summer
Round up your friends and head off to a summer music festival, or take the family to a Highland games for a taste of real Scotland.
Cottages in the village of St Monans, Fife
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Where to stay
With the warm weather and long days, you've got a great choice of accommodation in Scotland. Go camping with the kids by the beach, find a treehouse for a romantic break or hire a cottage for the whole family.
Paddle boarding on Loch Insh
© VisitScotland / Jakub Iwanicki
Family Summer Holiday Ideas
See curious wildlife at animal parks, burn off some energy on the bikes or just head out and explore the beauty of Scotland in summer.
More Fun Things to Do in Scotland in Summer
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Harry Potter film and book locations itinerary
Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter with our 4-day itinerary travelling from Edinburgh to the Highlands.
Off The Beaten Track In Scotland
When planning holidays in Scotland, look beyond the obvious.
11 unique country getaways & weekend breaks in Scotland
From treehouses to Romany-style caravans, check out some gorgeous accommodation options for a glamping or self-catering holiday in Scotland.
11 of the Best Cycling Routes in Scotland
Experience Scotland's beauty by bike with these 11 must-pedal routes around Arran, Edinburgh, Loch Leven & more.
Scottish Islands & Island Hopping
Explore some of the 700+ islands off Scotland's coast and experience their unique cultures and stunning landscapes.
