Urquhart Castle

Curated Spring Experiences

Scotland's best experiences and events

As Scotland leaps into spring, we've put together a full line-up of awesome events being held across the country over the next few months - and paired them with some of our spectacular member hotels.

1. Enjoy an Edinburgh spring break and take part in one of the Edinburgh Science Festival events.
The Edinburgh Science Festival offers an extensive programme of events, hands-on activities, talks, performances, and more, aimed at all ages and taking place across Edinburgh. The theme for the 2023 festival is 'Let's Experiment!'

If you're planning a visit to Edinburgh, why not stay at one of our three wonderful Luxury Scotland hotels? The Roseate Edinburgh are two Victorian townhouses in the West End, The Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa offers modern luxury and a top-floor spa in the heart of the city centre, while the one-of-a-kind Fingal is Scotland's only luxury floating hotel in the city's bustling Port of Leith and is part of the prestigious Royal Yacht Britannia collection.

Blair Castle

2. Experience an April visit to Perthshire. Combine visits to Blair Castle and House of Bruar and end the day in style at Luxury Scotland members Fonab castle or Murrayshall Estate.
Re-opening after the winter on 1^st April, Blair Castle is the ancient seat of the Dukes and Earls of Atholl and home to Europe's last remaining private army, the Atholl Highlanders. This impressive estate is nestled in the landscape of Highland Perthshire and has been home to 19 generations of Stewarts and Murrays of Atholl. Unique amongst Scottish castles, the story told here will take you from a visit by Mary Queen of Scots to the Civil War and from the Jacobite cause to the disaster of Culloden following Bonnie Prince Charlie's own stay in the castle.

The Gardens
The castle grounds feature a magnificent nine-acre walled garden, recently restored to its original Georgian design, of fruit trees and vegetables, complete with a Chinese bridge, gothic folly, and a trail of contemporary and 18th-century sculptures. A peaceful wooded grove with some of Britain’s tallest and finest trees sits alongside the ruins of St Brides Kirk, the final resting place of Jacobite leader Bonnie Dundee. Around the grounds, visitors can spot local wildlife and enjoy picturesque views across Highland Perthshire while younger visitors can explore the adventure playground and Red Deer Park.

If you visit on Saturday, 27^th May, the Atholl Highlanders Parade is included in the standard admission price to the castle. The Atholl Highlanders are the only remaining private army in Europe and act as the personal bodyguard to the Duke of Atholl, who is Chief of Clan Murray. Whilst they don’t have any military role, they are armed with Lee Metford rifles and include a pipe band.

Please note: Seasonal opening times are 10.00 am to 5:00 pm, and the last admission is at 4.00 pm, April to October.

House of Bruar
The House of Bruar is Scotland’s premier independent country fashion retailer, bringing together an impressive collection of traditional Tweeds and cashmere garments with the latest in rural style for a unique shopping experience. You can also explore the fabulous Food Hall and Delicatessen and visit the Arts, Crafts, and Sculpture Gallery.

Luxury Scotland Members Murrayshall Country Estate and Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa are both perfectly positioned for enjoying all that Perthshire has to offer.

Puffin

3. Stay on Scotland’s stunning west coast and take a sea kayak trip.
The area around Fort William and Oban is rich in wildlife and you may be lucky enough to encounter seals, otters, basking sharks, and a huge variety of coastal birds from your kayak. Whether you are new to water sports or experienced in sea kayaking, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience. Families, groups, and individuals are all welcome. Many of the trips take place around The Sound of Arisaig and Glenuig area, these are well known as some of the finest destinations to paddle in the country. Find out more here.

You are spoilt for choice with Luxury Scotland hotels located on the west coast of Scotland. Choose your preferred location and property from the following options: Glencoe House in the Scottish Highlands, Inverlochy Castle Hotel in Fort William, Airds Hotel, or The Isle of Eriska Hotel Spa & Island, both near Oban, and Crinan Hotel near Lochgilphead.

Inverness

4. Explore the fascinating capital of The Highlands
As the locals like to say, Inverness and Loch Ness are spectacular, even if you don’t believe in monsters! You can experience the best of both worlds by combining the stunning natural landscapes of Loch Ness with the bright lights and city vibe of Inverness. Best known as the “Capital of the Highlands”, Inverness is surrounded by countless historical treasures that place it at the heart of Scottish history.

Cruise the mysterious waters of Loch Ness. At 23 miles long, deeper than the North Sea, with more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined - Nessie isn't the only thing that's Monster about Loch Ness! You can hop ashore and explore Urquhart Castle, which sits nestled on the shores of Loch Ness. Travel back in time with 1000 years of history to be immersed in.

In 1746 Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite army stood at Culloden Battlefield in what would be their final attempt to restore his family to the British throne. Walk in his footsteps and learn their story in an immersive theatre at the site of the last pitched battle on British soil.
After the battle, King George built the biggest artillery fortification in Britain, if not Europe, Fort George - to protect against further unrest. See the mighty cannons, explore the garrison buildings, and visit the five-star Highlanders Museum with over 50,000 artifacts - the largest military collection in Scotland outside of Edinburgh.

After a busy day of exploring, check in and relax at Rocpool Reserve Hotel. This delightful Georgian mansion house offers boutique five-star luxury in the heart of Inverness. Bursting full of charisma, this imaginatively designed hotel has 11 bedrooms, some with fantastic features such as private hot tubs. It also has an outstanding restaurant with an enviable reputation for excellence. It is only a few minutes walk to Inverness Castle and the city centre.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

5. Enjoy one of the finest railway journeys in the world on a west coast break.
The Jacobite steam train travels from Fort William to Mallaig. The train crosses the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was made famous by the Harry Potter films. Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84-mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, Loch Morar and the shortest river in Britain, River Morar, finally arriving next to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis! The morning train service re-opens for the season on Monday, 3^rd April, and runs seven days a week until Friday, 27^th of October. The afternoon service restarts on 1^st May and runs seven days a week until Friday, 29^th September.