Top things to do in Scotland at Easter
Bute and Portavadie
The isle of Bute is the ideal spot for a quick island getaway this spring. The beaches and bays are glorious on a bright day. Head to Scalpsie Bay for a bit of wildlife spotting and stunning views of Arran. Stop off at the Ettrick tearoom for a beautiful bite to eat. If you're on wheels, the Serpentine Road is worth a drive, offering a stunning vista from the top. For more visual treats, make sure you make your way to Loch Fad and of course Mount Stuart House and Gardens, which is scheduled to reopen mid-April. And for a little self-renaissance treat yourself to a stay at the glorious Portavadie Spa.
There are two routes over to Bute - from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay, and from Rhubodach to Colintraive, driving on the Cowal Peninsula to Portavadie. The journey to the ferry is part of the adventure - with breath-taking coastlines and some of the best but least visited beaches on the west coast. Portavadie is heaven for food lovers.
Outer Hebrides
For the best beaches and water sports head to one of our most furthermost destinations on the Outer Hebrides. Try sea kayaking, paddleboarding, gorge walking, coasteering, surfing - as well as a more relaxing boat trip in and around the archipelago's clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Book your ferry ticket now - and you'll have a unique springtime outdoor adventure in one of the world's most stunning locations - with experts on hand to guide your water sports experiences.
Skye
Sail over to Skye with Caledonian MacBrayne for breath-taking scenery - the ultimate spot for nature and history lovers of all ages. The drive to Mallaig to catch the ferry is one of the most memorable routes in Scotland - passing through Glenfinnan, and possibly Glencoe prior to that if you're travelling from the south. On the Trotternish peninsula, fossilised dinosaur footprints made around 170 million years ago have been discovered. You'll need to time the tide well to see them. For wildlife of the present time, take a boat trip to spot seals and the birdlife frequenting the cliffs, or head to beaches and bays for a quiet moment to wildlife watch. It's magical.
Gigha
You don't have to experience long airport queues to find white sands and turquoise waters this Easter - some of the best and most beautiful beaches are just a ferry ride away.
Twenty minutes sail from the Kintyre peninsula, with no advance booking required, and you'll land on Gigha with its wonderful twin beaches on its north end where you can swim, play and picnic the day away. A visit here is a tonic.
Mull and Iona
With more than three hundred miles of coastline, beautiful sweeping bays and beaches - Mull and Iona offer the visitor a chance to really relax and embrace the restorative power of their waters. Boost your wellbeing by taking a trip to visit untouched coastlines and impressive marine wildlife.
Don't wait too long - secure your spot today.