Spring in Scotland<\/h5>\n
If you fancy taking a walking holiday in Scotland, springtime is when it\u2019s best to do it. Fantastic foliage combines with warmer temperatures to add stunning colour and contrast to Scotland\u2019s already breathtaking landscapes. The sheer variety, from high rocky tors to lowland loch-side and heather-studded wilderness, stretching to the horizon, must be experienced for yourself \u2013 plus, there\u2019s the chance to glimpse red squirrels, pine martens, deer herds and just maybe an eagle.<\/p>\n
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Summer in Scotland<\/h5>\n
What could be more Scottish than to see a Highland fling? The Highland Games take place throughout the summer, across the whole of the country. Expect hammer-throwing, caber-tossing, country dancing, tug o\u2019 war, acres of tartan and more bagpipes than you could imagine\u2026 or possibly desire! In fact, the summer sees a festive feel spread throughout Scotland, climaxing in Edinburgh in August with its famous Fringe. There\u2019s no atmosphere in the world like that on the streets of Scotland\u2019s capital city at this time.<\/p>\n
While scheduled events on the main bill require tickets in advance, many Edinburgh Festival events are there for you to just rock up to as the whim takes you. All of the pubs and restaurants in the city will be jam-packed at this time \u2013 but that\u2019s half the fun of it. And if you are in Edinburgh in August, you must plan your trip around the Military Tattoo \u2013 a spectacle of live music, pipes, drums and astonishing firework displays up at the Castle.<\/p>\n
If you do get lucky with the weather, then Scotland\u2019s beaches can be quite incredible \u2013 an August short break at the coast, or on one of the many extraordinary islands, will leave your friends thinking you holidayed somewhere more exotic when they see your photographs of powdery deserted beaches and turquoise water. Especially if you take a boat trip to get a snap of the dolphins that regularly dance in the Moray Firth.<\/p>\n
Autumn in Scotland<\/h5>\n
Scotland\u2019s wildlife comes into its own in the autumn. The nation\u2019s stunning National Parks are populated with red deer, their antlers now nearly fully grown, while endearing grey seals bob about the islands off the western coast. Scotland is 20 per cent trees \u2013 that\u2019s a lot of autumnal colour to enjoy on walks and weekend trips. Scottish produce is at its best at this time of the year, too \u2013 native Scottish oysters and succulent lamb should be at the top of your wish list when reading menus.<\/p>\n
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What is there for a family to do in Scotland?<\/h5>\n
If your family are up for learning about art and history, then they\u2019ll find plenty to satisfy their cultural cravings in Glasgow. A weekend in the city can easily be filled with edifying exploits at the GoMA or Kelvingrove galleries. Meanwhile, Edinburgh is your ideal destination for walking tours \u2013 often with a ghostly bent \u2013 and visits to sites of historical interest.\u00a0If the weather is good (or you don\u2019t mind sporting a brolly) then the whole country is surrounded by great beaches and fantastic, rugged coastline \u2013 you can easily spend a weekend racing around the sands and then replenishing your energies at the many shoreside pubs. In fact, a trip to Scotland is wasted without taking advantage of either its coast or National Parks. Primary among these is the Cairngorms, which should be a Wonder of the World \u2013 twice the size of England\u2019s Lake District, it boasts mountains, rivers, lochs, forests and little villages with charming inns and cottages. Your family can try almost every sport imaginable here \u2013 from skiing to windsurfing.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s the best way to travel to Scotland?<\/h5>\n
Scotland\u2019s major cities, and many of its islands, have airports \u2013 but if time is not an issue, then the Caledonian Sleeper rail service can be a magical way to travel, with something of the Hogwarts Express about it. If you can afford a first-class sleeper carriage then as well as a bed you\u2019ll get access to the lounge, where you can dine like Poirot\u2026 hopefully without an on-board murder-mystery!<\/p>\n
So why not take a look at our hotels in Edinburgh