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!
Find experiences
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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.
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.
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.
Beautiful lochs in Scotland - how many do you recognise?
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
Summer Events
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.
7 Days
Boat
The Highlands for Kids
Check out our 7-day itinerary for families in the Highlands and plan a break that the kids will remember!
Scotland's Unmissable Family Attractions
Discover Scotland's unmissable family attractions, including castles, historic ships, zoos and wildlife parks and plan a memorable family day out!
10 Crazily Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids
Make unforgettable family memories on these 10 outdoor adventures for kids that adults will love too, including cycling, gorge walking and zorbing.
18 Ideas for Fun Family Days Out in Scotland
Keep the kids happy with our fantastic range of days out for the whole family!
6 Family-Friendly Cycle Routes in Scotland
Keep those wheels turning with our six great family-friendly cycle routes.
14 Scenic Short Walks for Families
Family walking trips are a great way to embrace the great Scottish outdoors.
Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace
Watch knights atop their magnificent steeds battle it out for glory at this family-friendly weekend event.
More Fun Things to Do in Scotland in Summer
4 Days
Car
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.
6 Perfectly Scenic Summer Walks in Scotland
We've put together a selection of some of Scotland's most scenic summer walks.
11 of the Best Cycling Routes in Scotland
Experience Scotland's beauty by bike with these 11 must-pedal routes.
Scottish Islands & Island Hopping
Explore some of the 700+ islands off Scotland's coast and experience their unique cultures and stunning landscapes.
15 Best Summer Photography Spots to Visit in Scotland
Explore the sunnier side of Scotland with some of the best places to visit in summer.
Best Weekend Road Trips in Scotland
Hit the road and discover an endless supply of stunning scenery and things to see and do for an unforgettable road trip.
