Spring across Scotland this Easter

As each day gets lighter and the first signs of spring emerge from the undergrowth, it’s time to make the most of the upcoming Easter holidays and set-aside time to relax and recharge with family and friends.

Take in the sites with an adventurous day out in the city or embrace the countryside - racing to the next stile to walk off those Easter eggs. 

From egg hunts to storytelling with unicorns, there are copious ways to celebrate this time of year, with a variety of attractions across Scotland marking the occasion with special events and offers.

The warmer days in April make for the perfect time to experience the best of rural Scotland with a restorative stay or day out on a working farm. Count new-born lambs between daffodils on route, and upon arrival, don wellies and get stuck in with daily farm duties, such as collecting eggs, feeding alpacas or sit back and enjoy the fresh air and simple pleasures which come with country life. 

Until 31st March 2022

 Almond Valley Heritage Centre’s Alpaca Walk Experience is a great way to get hands on while enjoying the fields, woods and green spaces of the Almond Valley site that extend either side of the river Almond for nearly a mile. With animal and play spaces aplenty, Almond Valley Heritage Centre is the perfect family day out.

Cost: £40 to walk two Alpaca, in addition to the standard admission charge.

Head across the water to a family-run farm located near Blackwaterfoot on the Isle of Arran. Families can enjoy the sights and sounds of a working farm, as well as take part in farm tours and experiences (including collecting the morning eggs, feeding the alpacas and learning about the Arran food story) whilst providing spectacular views over the Kilbrannan Sound, over to the Kintyre Peninsula. 

Cost: for 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 14, farm tours cost £55 & farm experiences cost £25

In the spirit of Easter, discover how chocolate is made, from tree to bar, on this 90-minute tour offering a plethora of tastings along the way. This hands-on tour includes the chance to see and touch the fruit of the chocolate tree and the opportunity for visitors to make their own chocolate bar. 

Cost: Adults: £19.50, children (aged 6 and over only) £12.

4th April

Visitors can unleash their creative side within the tranquillity of Aden Country Park with guided Easter craft classes. Attendees will begin the session with a short walk around the park to collect supplies before taking part in  egg painting, decorating eggs with natural resources and creating Spring nature nests.

Cost:  Only children require a ticket for this event, £3.72.

From 15th April 

For those looking for a history infused day out, the stunning 19th century country manor, surrounded by 300 acres of gloriously maintained grounds and gardens on the Isle of Bute, is set to reopen until the end of the season in October. 

Cost: Tickets will be available on the website from March.

9th April -10th April

Celebrate Scotland’s national animal with a real life visit from not one but two unicorns. Youngsters can discover more about these mythical beasts with a variety of family friendly activities taking place around the castle. Book tickets to Stirling Castle for storytelling sessions, a lesson in unicorn history and a unicorn duck hunt. Attendees can also download a range of unicorn-themed activities to get ready for the day.

The Capital’s oldest purpose-built visitor attraction is a fantastic family friendly option. There are five floors and over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits, including several optical illusions, a mirror maze and a vortex tunnel. From the rooftop terrace families can enjoy 360-degree views of Edinburgh. For families looking to extend the fun, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is located just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle.

Days out walking with family and friends are at the top of the agenda this spring, what better way than to make it even more fun with an Easter egg hunt, complete with Easter themed activities, crafts and rewards.

From 15th to 18th April 

With Easter events at 22 Trust properties across Scotland, there’s lots of family fun to be enjoyed in the fresh air: from Brodie Castle in the Highlands to Culzean Castle & Country Park in Ayrshire; and from Greenbank Garden in Glasgow to Newhailes in Musselburgh. Visitors are set to follow the trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win chocolate-y rewards all whilst exploring and learning more about the stories of each property.

Cost: £4 per trail and there’s no need to book

17th April

The Easter Eggstravaganza is back once more for a marvellous day of egg hunting, egg painting and spring activities. Now in its 20th year, there will be 6,000 mini eggs to be found during a series of egg hunts in the largest hedged maze in Scotland, guaranteeing no child will leave empty handed.

Cost: tbc

After a refreshing and activity filled day out, be sure to reconvene over the pinnacle of Easter tradition, a Sunday roast. 

Diners can eat until their heart is content (or until they need to call it quits) at Glasgow’s latest addition, Gaucho, which has introduced the ‘Never Ending Roast’, accompanied by live music from local artists every Sunday for £32.50. 

Best enjoyed by fireside, those venturing to Edinburgh for a day out can enjoy all the trimmings at The Scran & Scallie. Alternatively, enjoy the very best of slow-cooked Aberdeen Angus beef at No.10 Bar & Restaurant or drench a plate in gravy at The Kingsway Farm in Dundee. 

An award-winning farm with a difference: the family-run business offers B&B accommodation in the farmhouse or a stay in the self-catering cottage. One of the main aims is to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and actively encourage recycling, reducing, reusing and recycling whenever possible. ​ Newton strives to work with the community and offers educational tours to add to their guests’ experience. They are committed to sourcing suppliers who have the same standards of sustainable production, which will help them to become a more sustainable business overall. This is primarily local when in season and where possible – overall, they use over 80% Scottish produce. Self-catering from £360 per stay. 

For those looking to indulge over Easter, the Glenapp Castle is offering a brilliant family deal where all kids go free. Guests can make the most of the hotel’s 110 acres of extensive gardens and local woodland by mountain biking through the estate or walks through the forest. The Castle is renowned for offering over 65 indoor and outdoor activities, with new activities added including: axe throwing, canoeing, coasteering, kayaking, yoga, forest bathing and a digital detox day - there truly is something for everyone. Cost: From £399.50 per person, per night. Kids go free.

Offer available from 15-18 April

The Northeast of Skye is known as Europe’s ‘Dinosaur Coast’ with footprints still visible on the rocks, there’s a museum devoted to dinosaurs, water-based activities include kayaking and the whole island is a treasure trove of history and legends. Up to two children under 15 can stay free in the same room as a full paying adult at Duisdale or Skeabost Hotel. 

Bookings must be made direct on 01470 373737 or by email toreservations@sonascollection.com.