The summer holidays are finally here and that means lots of people have some time off to go out and explore. Europe is a perfect destination to spend some time over the summer with the warm weather and lots of great things to do like go to festivals, tours the cities, and take in some local culture. Scotland is a perfect summer destination because the weather is generally nice and warm without being too overbearing. Plus there are lots of great things to experience all over the country from festivals to events and new places to discover. So if you’re heading to Scotland over the summer holidays, see our guide of the best things to do over the summer holidays in Scotland.
1. Explore the shorelines of the Isle of Arran (from USD 591.0)
Sometimes referred to as the “miniature Scotland” because of its highland and lowland areas, the Isle of Arran is located just of the coast of the mainland. The island is absolutely beautiful and a great way to see the best of it is to head to Arran Adventure and get yourself a kayak. Tour the island through the shoreline of the mainland and get a unique view of Scotland.
Isle of Arran 3-Day Tour from Edinburgh
Duration: 3 days
2. Row around the boating pond at Mabie Farm Park
Mabie Farm Park is a great way to spend a bright summer day especially if you’re travelling with kids. The area is mostly designed for kids who can learn about what goes into a working farm. The boating pond is lots of fun to cruise around and take in the views.
Mabie Farm
Address: Mabie Ct, Dumfries DG2 8EZ, UK
Website: Mabie Farm
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
3. Go fruit picking at Charleton Fruit Farm near Montrose
No matter the time of the year, Charleton Fruit Farm has something to do! Spend some time in the on-site coffee shop and enjoy some fresh brews and farm fresh food. Or head outside and do a little fruit picking. They also have some great lunch menu items so you don’t have to pick on an empty stomach. There’s even a play area for the kids to enjoy as well.
Fruit picking at Charleton Fruit Farm
Address: Charleton Fruit Farm, Montrose DD10 9EW, United Kingdom
Website: Charleton Fruit Farm
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 20 USD
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4. Soak up culture at Edinburgh Festivals across the summer
Edinburgh Festivals are some of the best in the world and some of the exciting. No matter what you’re into there’s probably a festival going on in the summer that caters to it. Edinburgh Fringe Festival is one of the most popular ones but there are food festivals, children’s festivals, whisky festivals. and theatre festivals, too–the list goes on and on. Don’t miss summer in Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Festivals
Address: All over Edinbrugh
Website: Edinburgh City Festivals
Price: Varies depending on event and festival
5. Explore canal paths on a Segway or go paddling in a canoe at Falkirk Wheel
The Falkirk Wheel is designed to connect Glasgow with Edinburgh which is not only great to get an amazing view from high up but is a really cool method of transportation. But you can also check out the winding old streets via Segway or roam around the canal basin and just enjoy your day.
Fallkirk Wheel
Address: Lime Rd, Tamfourhill, Falkirk FK1 4RS, UK
Website: Fallkirk Wheel
Opening hours: 10am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 15 USD
6. Make your way to the magical Crathes Castle at Banchory (from USD 15.0)
Take a step back in time to the beautiful Crathes Castle. This 16th-century castle has been with a family for over 400 years but is currently managed by the Scottish government and open to the public! Walk around the outside and stroll through the gardens that are filled with lush and exotic flora. You can also take a tour of the interior where many rooms are filled with art from the Scottish Renaissance.
Crathes Castle, Garden, and Estate Entrance Ticket
Duration: 1 to 6 hours
7. Catch a glimpse of the local ospreys at Loch Garten Osprey Centre at Abernethy
Located in the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Garten is in the highlands surrounded by tall pines trees. The loch is a freshwater area with amazing nature to surround yourself with. It makes for an amazing day out. Visitors can watch the ospreys through telescopes and binoculars which can be acquired at the osprey centre. You can learn more about the centre and how it works to help protect the birds and the species. Be on the lookout for EJ, a local osprey who’s sort of the unofficial mascot for the centre.
Loch Garten Osprey Centre
Address: Abernethy National Nature Reserve, Nethy Bridge PH25 3EF, UK
Website: Loch Garten Osprey Centre
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Fill your day with countless thrilling adventures at Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Located in the town of Carrbridge, Landmark Forest Adventure Park is a great way to spend a summer day with the family or group friends. The nature-themed amusement park is not a fun way to spend some time. The park has also actively helped the endangered red squirrel population increase. Get some thrills on the roller coasters or cool off on the water slide.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Address: B9153, Carrbridge PH23 3AJ, UK
Website: Landmark Forest Adventure Park
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 25 USD
9. Step into a storybook and follow the Gruffalo Trail through Ardkinglas Woodland
This will make a perfect afternoon for the kids or just those that want to take a walk through nature. Located near the beautiful Loch Fyne is the Ardkinglas Woods where people can go on a self-guided tour through the Gruffalo Trail. Based on a beloved children’s book, guests will discover handcrafted wood carvings of the Gruffalo.
Gruffalo Trail
Address: Ardkinglas Estate, The Estate Office, Cairndow PA26 8BG, UK
Website: Gruffalo Trail
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 10 USD
10. Watch white horses racing down rolling dunes at Balmedie Beach
Balmedie is a large town in Aberdeenshire just north of the city. The large beach area is a great way to hang out on a warm summer day and watch the waves hit the beach. The large dunes that surround it are perfect for relaxing and spending a day by the water. The area is popular with locals and visitors. A nearby park is often used by horse riders who will often times ride through the beach and by the shore. Pack a picnic and watch them go by.
Balmedie Beach
Address: Balmedie, Aberdeen AB23 8XG, UK
Website: Balmedie Beach
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
Summer in Scotland
When the weather’s nice and the sun is finally out, Scotland in the summer is a great place to be! There are amazing places all over the country to explore and take in so matter where you’re visiting, there’s something worth checking out so don’t miss out on these amazing things to do over the summer holidays in Scotland
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