9 Reasons to take a short break in Scotland this March

Castle-hunters rejoice! Many Scottish castles open their doors towards the end of March to welcome visitors again after the winter. Scotland has hundreds of castles, each with its own unique personality – from famous fortresses to mysterious ruins. Who knows – you might even find yourself staying overnight in a castle!

As the summer season is still a few months away, you may find that prices are cheaper on your holiday – so make this your chance to stay somewhere unique. If you like castles, why not make your trip extra memorable with a private castle or grand house hotel stay? If that sounds a little grand, the better weather and signs of spring make March a good time to try glamping, or to embrace the natural surroundings with a farm stay.

If you’re thinking of a city break in March then why not head to Glasgow? March is a busy month in the city with a couple of festivals to attend. First off, there’s the Glasgow International Comedy Festival from 12 - 30 March 2025 which sees top class comedy stars from around the UK and beyond descend upon the city for a month of laughs. If you’re a film fanatic, the Glasgow Film Festival will be running from the 26 February - 9 March 2025 and will see an eclectic mix of films as well as previews, premieres and guest appearances.

Visit Glasgow International Comedy Festival

Find out more about the Glasgow Film Festival

Bluebells, daffodils, primroses, tulips and blossoms - March sees Scotland bursting with colour and life. Make sure you visit one of our gardens and parks to see buds start to bloom against the backdrop of a grand country estate or castle. There are lots of spots where you can enjoy the flora and fauna in wilder landscapes as well, from forests carpeted with bluebells to blossom trees edging rolling fields. 

Lambing season in Scotland kicks off from March, with farms across the country busy delivering newborn lambs who will soon be bounding around the fields. Lots of farms offer tours or experiences where you can get up close and personal with the animals and engage with our rich farming history. When the lambs are a bit older, their wool can be used to produce some of the finest wool and textiles in the world. If you're into your knitwear and crafts it makes it a great time of year to learn more about the textile heritage, or give some of the craft traditions and techniques associated with wool a go yourself!

The improving weather and peaceful spring season make March a wonderful time to visit the islands and embrace the fresh sea air, whether you travel up north to uncover the Norse heritage of Orkney and Shetland, or head out west to explore the hidden gems of the Hebrides. Start your adventure with a trip aboard a ferry and discover the culture, community, ancient history and epic landscapes of Scotland's islands this spring. 

Get your marching boots on – it’s time to get out and go for a walk. March is a lovely time to be out in the countryside or take a walk through one of Scotland’s cities, as you’ll get the chance to see the transition from winter to spring. The combination of fresh air and fantastic scenery is the perfect way to blow away the cobwebs and take some time to connect with Scotland's natural landscape. 

One of the more unusual ways to get out and explore Scotland is to go foraging for food. Wild food was once a staple part of our diets, and for some it still is, but for many they might not know where to start. A great resource is the Woodland Trust’s website, which provides guides to foraging. March offers some wonderful pickings, including wild garlic, hairy bittercress, chickweed and meadowsweet.

On 8 March the world celebrates International Women’s Day – and Scotland will be raising a toast to women everywhere! Of course, this country is no stranger to strong women and you could even plan a holiday inspired by one of our great ladies. What about the charismatic Mary Queen of Scots? Find out more about one of Scotland's most famous women and discover the historic locations associated with Mary, as well as locations that were used in the blockbuster movie about her life starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie.

There are plenty of Famous Scottish Women that have left their mark across various professions in Scottish history, from medicine and education, to engineering and contributing to the war efforts. But it's not all ancient history! It's a great time to celebrate the women in your life with a girls holiday or mini break in March.