Summer holidays & breaks in Scotland

June 

Breathe in the sea air and let June’s long, sunny days lead you to East Lothian. Feel the sand beneath your feet on Yellowcraig Beach, linger over a seaside picnic or follow the John Muir Way as birds soar above the waves. Along the coast, Tantallon Castle rises dramatically above the sparkling North Sea, while boat trips from North Berwick offer a closer look at the wildlife around Bass Rock. From sweeping shores to welcoming towns and villages, there’s room to roam and time to slow down and dip your toes in the sea! 

Visit East Lothian and find more places to explore in June 

July 

Follow the sound of live music down a West End lane and let July in Glasgow unfold around you. Browse vintage treasures and flick through records before the aroma of fresh coffee tempts you into a cosy café. There’s plenty to stir your curiosity, from the Burrell Collection’s fascinating galleries to the stunning architecture above the city’s bustling streets. Then swap the urban buzz for sounds of birdsong beneath Kelvingrove Park’s grand trees, visit the balmy glasshouses of the Botanic Gardens or seek out Highland cows in Pollok Country Park.  

Keep reading to find more destinations to visit in July 

August 

Follow the ripple of applause and music through Edinburgh’s streets this August, as Edinburgh’s festivals fill the city with theatre, comedy, art and culture. Or head north, on your own or with friends and family, for a taste of Highland culture and crisp northern air. Wander through Inverness, the historic Highland capital, and step inside the newly reinvented Inverness Castle Experience. Let the dark waters of Loch Ness stir your curiosity, then hear tales of its elusive monster at the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit. Feel the sea breeze on Nairn’s beaches, pedal its coastal paths or play a round of golf on its championship links. 

Keep reading to find more destinations to visit in August 

Dive into an eclectic range of events and festivals that make the most of Scotland's summer months and warmer weather.

• Solas Festival, Perthshire, 11 – 13 June 2027 – celebrate Scotland’s midsummer with a weekend extravaganza of music, theatre, performance art, and entertainment for all ages.
• Arran Folk Festival, 11 – 13 June 2027 – lose yourself in a weekend of unforgettable folk music, lively sessions, late-night tunes, and island spirit.
• Borders Book Festival, Melrose, 17 – 20 June 2027 – this festival is a bookworm’s paradise, brimming with great books, big ideas, and inspiring talks, alongside fun and creative workshops for children.
• Largo Arts Week, Fife, 17 – 25 July 2027 – spend a week exploring art, music, and poetry, alongside engaging talks, family activities, and pop-up events.
• Eilean Dorcha Festival, Outer Hebrides, 23 – 24 July 2027 – this family-friendly event on Benbecula features a diverse line-up of live music, creative workshops, art exhibitions, and much more.
• Fringe by the Sea, North Berwick, 30 July – 8 August 2027 – set in the picturesque seaside town of North Berwick, this award-winning multi-arts festival brings together people who share a love for creativity, performance, and the arts.
• Pittenweem Arts Festival, Fife, 31 July – 7 August 2027 – explore one of Scotland's most unique arts festivals in the historic fishing village of Pittenweem in the East Neuk of Fife.
• Shetland Fiddle Week, 2 – 7 August 2027 – experience a week filled with lively workshops, captivating concerts, and immersive fiddle traditions guided by top Shetland tutors – truly an unmissable event!
• Party at the Palace, Linlithgow, 7 – 8 August 2027 – set against the stunning backdrop of Linlithgow Palace, enjoy an unforgettable weekend of live music, good atmosphere, family-friendly entertainment, and castle views.
• Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival, 8 – 13 August 2027 – held in Glasgow ahead of the World Pipe Band Championships, this internationally renowned festival celebrates bagpipe music and Celtic culture with concerts, performances, workshops, ceilidhs, and live events across the city.
• Stirling Highland Games, 21 August 2027 – step into the excitement of traditional Highland games, with athletics, piping, dancing, and Scottish culture on full display in the heart of Stirling.
• Edinburgh Festivals, throughout August 2027 – across the month of August, Edinburgh hosts an exhilarating mix of internationally renowned festivals, featuring everything from comedy and theatre to live music, art, and much more.
• Marymass Festival, Irvine, 12 – 23 August 2027 - this annual traditional horse festival features horse racing, parades, a funfair, live jousting stunt shows and much more to get involved in.