The 7 best Easter holidays in Scotland for 2025

Scotland is an enchanting destination for an unforgettable cottage holiday at Easter. As the days grow longer and the first signs of spring appear, the country comes alive with new-born animals, beautiful flowers, vibrant festivals, fun outdoor adventures, and cultural celebrations that make Easter in Scotland truly special.

In this travel guide, we'll share some amazing family-friendly holiday homes perfect for Easter breaks and fun things to do around them. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience Scotland at its most magical this Easter − and don’t forget to look out for the Easter Bunny!

When is Easter in Scotland in 2025?

This year Easter Sunday lands on Thursday 20 April 2025 and the school holidays run from Monday 7 April to Friday 21 April 2025. This gives you plenty of time to plan an exciting itinerary for you and your family to enjoy.

Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in Scotland?

While Easter Monday isn’t a bank holiday in Scotland, Good Friday (the Friday before Easter Sunday) is. Although you don’t get the day off by default, you can still take Easter Monday off and enjoy a wonderful long weekend.

Our 7 best Easter holiday ideas in Scotland for 2025

Looking for the perfect Easter getaway in 2025? From the historic Highlands and the majestic shores of Loch Lomond to the cobbled streets of Edinburgh and stunning west coast beaches, we’ve rounded up the best holidays for all ages.

Riof Ocean Cottage - island hop the Outer Hebrides

If you are looking for a wild Scottish experience, check out Riof Ocean Cottage on the Isle of Lewis. This cosy cottage sleeps four and is set on a secluded beach with stunning sea views − perfect for an Easter egg hunt. Enjoy nearby attractions like the Calanais Standing Stones (20 miles) and the Arnol Blackhouse (35 miles).

Spring in the Outer Hebrides is ideal for family holidays, with warmer weather and no midges. Access the Isle of Lewis by ferry from Ullapool, then explore Harris and take a day trip to Skye, where castles, beaches, wildlife, and wilderness await.

Dunesk Lodge - enjoy a city break in Edinburgh for history and culture

In Edinburgh, we recommend Dunesk Lodge, a family-friendly holiday home only 6 miles from the city centre. It sleeps six across three comfortable bedrooms and there is a peaceful fully enclosed garden for those moments the children want a bit of fresh air − a bonus for a city holiday home! Explore Edinburgh’s history along the Royal Mile, visit iconic landmarks like Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood House, and enjoy walking and ghost tours. Don’t miss the Edinburgh Science Festival this Easter, offering hands-on exhibits and fun activities for all ages. 

For even more family fun, consider these other activities. At Edinburgh Zoo you can see lions, tigers, and more, with fun animal antics shows running from 5 to 20 April 2025. At the National Museum of Scotland visit the Spaceship Earth installation at the Grand Gallery and explore the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources through LEGO, games, and interactive exhibits. Finally, at Arthur’s Seat Hike you can climb to the top for panoramic views and it's a great picnic spot after an Easter egg hunt.

Cawdor Cottage - monster hunting on Loch Ness

Cawdor Cottage, a quaint little cottage by Loch Ness, is the perfect base for a small family looking to hunt for Nessie. Located in the hamlet of Fort Augustus, it offers peaceful surroundings with easy access to bike rides, walks, and boat trips on the loch. Enjoy Nessie hunting with Jacobite Cruises, which stops at Urquhart Castle, or visit the famous village of Drumnadrochit and Nessieland for all things monster-related. 

Other Easter activities include The Great Easter Egg Hunt where you can search for eggs hidden in Inverness city centre, and the Inverness Botanic Gardens, a stunning site where you can explore a range of plants and flowers.

Corriebuie Cottage - adventure around the Cairngorms National Park

Corriebuie Cottage, a charming three-bedroom home in Laggan, offers a lovely base for exploring the Cairngorms National Park. With a wood burner, luxurious furnishings, and a beautiful garden, it’s perfect for families and friends. Outside, enjoy relaxing spots and stunning views. The Cairngorms is ideal for Easter, offering outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting, including Red Squirrels and Capercaillie.

Other highlights include Landmark Forest Adventure Park, a thrilling destination featuring adventure trails, a high ropes course, a captivating dinosaur kingdom, and exciting water slides, and Highland Wildlife Park home to native and endangered species like Scottish wildcats, red pandas, and polar bears.

Rosedale - attend the MacMoray Easter Music Festival

This beautiful coastal getaway in Findochty, with views over the Moray Firth, is perfect for larger families or two families looking to get together. The village offers independent shops, cafes, and a lovely beach, while nearby villages like Cullen and Buckie, and larger towns like Lossiemouth and Elgin, provide plenty to explore. Rosedale sleeps eight and is a stylish, period property that promises a comfortable stay. 

Don’t miss the MacMoray Easter Music Festival in Elgin on 19 and 20 April 2025. The festival features performances by Skerryvore, Torridon, Tweed, Bay City Rollers, and Ultrabeat, along with food stalls, face painting, a bouncy castle, Disney princesses, and a bar area inside a marquee − what more could you want?

Carribber Lochside - marvel at the Scottish Kelpies, designed in Scotland

Carribber Lochside is a gorgeous cottage settled on the edge of a family-run trout fishery, just 2 miles from the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow. Close to both Edinburgh and Falkirk, this cottage offers the perfect base for adventures from city excursions and shopping trips to canal rides around the town. The house is spacious and welcoming, sleeping six, with a great outdoor terrace for al fresco dining. You can catch blue, brown and rainbow trout from your doorstep and then relax in the shared hot tub of an evening. 

But what to see in Falkirk? The Kelpies are a must-visit. The 30-metre-high beautiful and dramatic sculptures of horse heads were designed by the Scottish artist Andy Scott. They represent the mythical water spirits known as 'kelpies' in Scottish folklore, celebrating Scotland's industrial heritage. Visitors can view the sculptures up close and can enjoy a guided tour inside them. They have become an iconic landmark in Scotland and appeal to all ages − especially horse lovers. Why not also visit the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift?

7 Lomond Courtyard - explore Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

Near the shores of Loch Lomond, 7 Lomond Courtyard is a modern home offering a cosy retreat close to the Trossachs National Park. Sleeping six, it features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an enclosed garden, perfect for a luxurious soak in the bubbling hot tub or dining alfresco under the beautiful gazebo with seating and charcoal BBQ. With Loch Lomond only 2 miles away, picnics, paddleboarding and boat trips are easy to plan.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is a breathtaking landscape of rugged hills, forests, and charming villages. Home to Scotland’s largest freshwater loch, it’s a haven for walking, water sports, cycling, and birdwatching. Scenic drives offer stunning views, while the park’s rich history and culture make it a fantastic destination for all. Family-friendly attractions nearby include Monty’s Farm Park, the Sea Life aquarium, Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, and Cruise Loch Lomond.

Map showing 2025 Easter holiday ideas

Try out our interactive map to find our favourite Easter destinations for 2025.

Spend the 2025 Easter holidays in Scotland

We hope you have enjoyed reading through our Easter holiday ideas for 2025 and that we have inspired you to come and stay in some of these great cottages. Explore our impressive collection today and find the perfect self-catering holiday home for your Scottish Easter break.