No matter the weather this spring, a visit to any of Historic Scotland’s incredible sites will be a worthwhile adventure for the whole family, come rain or shine. Scotland has it all, from prehistoric villages to medieval castles and abbeys, making it easy to find something everyone will love.
Spending time out in nature is a great way to shake off the winter blues and boost wellbeing, too. A Historic Scotland Family Membership — which includes two adults with children — costs just £9.16 per month, while a Concession with Children Membership is just £7.41 per month. Membership offers a range of brilliant benefits including free entry to Historic Scotland sites and daytime events, access to exciting Members’ Exclusive events and discounts in Historic Scotland cafes and shops.
Best of all, you will be helping keep Scotland’s history alive for future generations, ensuring it continues to be cherished, understood, shared and enjoyed.
Here are some of the best places to visit across the country right now.
A visit to any of Historic Scotland’s incredible sites could not be easier with a range of great value membership options.
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Heroic voyages
Experience
life in the Antarctic with Captain Scott and his crew on the RRS Discovery at Discovery Point
History Awaits
Set atop a volcanic outcrop, this is one of Scotland’s great stone castles, which guarded the lowest crossing point of the River Forth for centuries and remains an important symbol of Scottish independence and national pride today.
Admire the refurbished Royal Palace, childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots — its lavish design drew on European Renaissance fashions to show off James V’s power and good taste.
Visitors can also explore the Great Kitchens and pop into the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Museum.
Heritage
The museum that is a window to its own treasures
Scotland’s public transport system offers great options for sustainable travel when exploring our fantastic museums and galleries.
There are frequent train services between each of Scotland’s eight cities, and the rail network also links many towns and villages across the country. Taking the train or making the journey by bus or coach lets you sit back, relax and enjoy our beautiful scenery or focus on having fun with friends and family.
And using public transport is much better for the environment too.
ScotRail offers great-value train fares all year round, and you can save more by travelling off peak, booking in advance or availing of discounts for group bookings and railcards.
The four main operators in Scotland — First, Stagecoach, Lothian Buses and National Express — and a number of independent operators run services between the main cities, towns and villages.
For information on all services in and around Scotland's towns and cities, contact Traveline Scotland on 0871 200 22 33; travelinescotland.com
Let the train — or bus — take the strain
Hidden gems
Curiosities
Tranquillity
hyyhhy
National Gallery of Scotland,
Edinburgh
Blackness Castle, near Linlithgow
Explore Scotland’s rich past, from exciting day trips to fascinating educational escapes the whole family will enjoy
Stirling Castle, Stirlingshire
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Set in the heart of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh Castle has dominated the city’s skyline for centuries. Climb Castlehill to explore this mighty fortress and former royal residence, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Look out for Mons Meg, a six-tonne late-medieval siege cannon named after the Belgian town where it was made, and set your watch by the One O’Clock Gun, fired daily except on Sundays.
Explore Fight for the Castle, an immersive exhibition telling the dramatic story of the Castle during the Wars of Independence, and admire Scotland’s crown jewels.
Edinburgh Castle
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Alexander II of Scotland built this medieval castle, set high upon a volcanic rock in the Firth of Clyde, around 1220 as a border stronghold against the threat from Norway, whose kings ruled the Hebrides and the islands in the Clyde.
An important royal castle, it later became a garrison fortress, its defenses packed with guns; it last saw military action during the Second World War.
Climb the White Tower Crag for stunning views, take in the artillery fortifications and explore the Governor’s House, home to interesting artefacts found at the castle.
Dumbarton Castle,
West Dunbartonshire
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Climb to the battlements of this grand medieval castle, which was home to the Red Douglas dynasty. Set high on a cliff edge and featuring a massive red sandstone curtain wall, this mighty stronghold was finally abandoned when it was besieged for the third time by Oliver Cromwell’s army in 1651.
View the replica gun in the east tower, an exact copy of those used to defend against James IV and James V, and explore recent archaeological discoveries
Enjoy stunning views over the North Sea to the Bass Rock, home to the world’s largest colony of Northern gannets, and spot rare animals, birds and plants among the local wildlife.
Tantallon Castle, near North Berwick, East Lothian
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This spectacular castle on the shores of Loch Ness bore witness to some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s story during its 500 years as a medieval fortress.
The castle passed back and forth between the Scots and the English during the Wars of Independence, and the last government troops garrisoned here during the Jacobite Risings blew up the building when they left.
Today, its iconic ruins offer a glimpse of medieval times and the lives of its noble residents. Admire the strategic setting of the castle, imagine splendid banquets staged in the Great Hall and peer into the gloomy prison cell.
Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit, near Inverness
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Aberdour has served as a residence to the powerful Mortimer, Randolph and Douglas families and is among the oldest masonry castles still standing in Scotland.
First built to provide its owner with both a secure stronghold and comfortable lodgings, it was enlarged several times throughout its history, to become the extensive, outward-looking residence we see today, surrounded by beautiful gardens and pleasure grounds.
Explore its delightful walled garden, terraces and orchard, which was replanted in the 1990s; look out for the pretty beehive-shaped dovecot.
Aberdour Castle and Gardens, Fife
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This fascinating water-powered mill, built at the end of the 1700s, springs into life in the summer, when it is put to work to show how oatmeal is made.
Join a guided tour to find out how the mill was used to grind grain between stones, hear the stories of some of its millers and admire the white-washed buildings and machines that are just as the last miller left them more than 70 years ago.
Catch the mill in action from April to September and on days when the mill is not running, don’t miss The Miller’s Tale, a video presentation that shows the mill at work.
New Abbey Corn Mill, Dumfries
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Step back 5,000 years in time to explore the best-preserved Neolithic settlement in Western Europe, uncovered by a storm in 1850. This remarkable place was a thriving village long before Stonehenge or the Egyptian pyramids were built.
Visit a replica Neolithic house to see how it might have looked inside and see artefacts such as gaming dice, tools and jewellery on display in the visitor centre, or enjoy the stunning variety of local bird life and wildflowers.
Skara Brae is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.
Skara Brae, Sandwick, Orkney
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Built in the wake of the Battle of Culloden as a secure base for King George II’s army, this imposing fort took 22 years to complete, by which time the Jacobite threat had subsided. Strategically located on a promontory jutting into the Moray Firth, it has heavy guns covering every angle.
Walk around the main rampart, well over half a mile long, explore the fort’s history in the Highlanders Museum — Scotland’s largest regimental museum outside Edinburgh — and visit the barrack rooms to see how soldiers lived in centuries gone by.
Today Fort George is still an active army base, home of the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (3 SCOTS).
Fort George, near Ardersier, Inverness-shire
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Explore the castle where Mary Queen of Scots and her new husband Lord Darnley stayed during the Chaseabout Raid — when they saw off a rebellion — and uncover some dramatic episodes in Scotland’s story.
Get to grips with the castle’s unusual layout, with its two closely placed tower houses, and look for the delicately painted ceiling dating from about 1540.
Discover the secret hiding place used for Ruthven treasures — a cupboard within a cupboard, behind a stone.
Huntingtower Castle, Perthshire
Marvel at the splendour of Doune Castle, built as the home of Regent Albany, known as Scotland’s uncrowned king, whose lavish taste can be clearly seen in the architecture of this medieval courtyard castle.
Admire the views from the battlements across the River Teith towards the Menteith Hills and Ben Lomond, and explore the castle grounds, which include a woodland walk, the site of a Roman fort and new pedestrian bridge.
Today Doune is a popular filming location and has featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones and Outlander.
Doune Castle, Stirlingshire
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Visit the seat of one of medieval and Renaissance Scotland’s most powerful families. The remains tell the story of the development of castle architecture in Scotland, from the motte and bailey of the 1100s, through to the tower house of the late Middle Ages, and stately stone palace of the Jacobean era.
Enjoy the castle’s majestic location where the rivers Bogie and Deveron meet. Admire the South Front, given a striking, French-inspired makeover by the 1st Marquis around 1602, and tour the palace interiors to see treasures such as the heraldic fireplaces in the lodgings of the marquis and marchioness.
Huntly Castle, Aberdeenshire
Each of Historic Scotland’s staffed sites has one of seven specific collectible History Hunt cards, only available to Historic Scotland members.
Each card has a rating of Craft, Power and Enchantment and your heroic quest is to collect all seven to earn your History Hunt badge, so if you want to avoid doublers, you will have to look for new places to visit. Remember to show your membership card on site to redeem your card.
Why not challenge
your friends to see
who is the greatest
History Hunter?
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Historic Scotland has an amazing line-up of events planned for spring and summer. To avoid disappointment, book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, as the most popular sites can get very busy.
Here are some of the highlights happening over the next few months.
Discover
great days out
Easter Eggsplorer Trails, various venues: April 18-21
The birds are flocking to attend their annual spring party, but one of them is running late. Could it be the horse-o’-the woods, the capercaillie, Jenny Hoolit, the tawny owl, or the red-nebbit fisherman, the puffin? Follow the clues on these self-guided trails to figure out who’s missing and win a chocolatey reward. Free for Historic Scotland members.
VE Day 80, Stirling Castle: May 3-4
Join Historic Scotland for the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Wander through the castle and meet a variety of people from the 1940s, dressed up and ready to celebrate with a swing band or making some party food with their rations.
This is a celebration not to be missed.
VE Day 80 Celebration Concert and Dance, Stirling Castle: May 3
Dress to impress and join in the dancing, or sit back and immerse yourself in the timeless music of Glen Miller and the sound of the fabulous forties with big band ‘That Swing Sensation’. Historic Scotland members enjoy a 10% discount.
Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Stirling Castle, Stirlingshire: June 26
Join the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of classical music in the grandeur of the Castle’s Great Hall, with music by Schubert, Mozart and Lars-Erik Larsson. From lyrical charm to dramatic intensity, the programme offers something for everyone. Historic Scotland members enjoy a 10% discount.
Twelfth Night, Duff House, Banff, Aberdeenshire: July 10
A fabulous outdoor performance of this Shakespearean comedy, bursting with romance and laughter, mistaken identities and a love triangle. Bring your own seating or picnic blankets and dress appropriately for a Scottish summer evening. Historic Scotland members enjoy a 10% discount.
Spectacular Jousting: Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries: July 26-27
Enjoy exhilarating horsemanship and impressive skills as brave knights battle it out at this spectacular show. Visitors can also wander through the colourful living history encampments to experience life in medieval times. Free for Historic Scotland members; advance booking is required.
Celebration of the Centuries, Fort George, Inverness-shire: August 9-10
Once again Fort George hosts Historic Scotland’s largest re-enactment event, as the mighty fortress comes to life with a living timeline depicting more than 2,000 years of Scottish history. Stroll through the living history camps dating back to the Picts and Romans, and enjoy a brand new Robert the Bruce-themed jousting event. Free for Historic Scotland members.
Put the past in your pocket
Step into history this spring
Enjoy Scotland’s rich history and landscapes this spring with a Historic Scotland membership.
Family membership — for two adults with children — costs just £9.16 a month and offers access to more than 300 of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including castles, abbeys, cathedrals and prehistoric sites such as Skara Brae.
All members enjoy a wide range of benefits, including free entry to daytime events at Historic Scotland sites and a free quarterly members' magazine, a 20% discount online and in on-site shops, and a 10% discount in on-site cafés.
Members also get access to exclusive events such as behind-the-scenes tours, special curator exhibition tours and exclusive archive events.
They also enjoy half-price entry to more than 500 heritage attractions in England and Wales in their first year of membership, as well as free entry to heritage attractions on the Isle of Man.
Joining Historic Scotland helps support the conservation of our valuable places, collections and archives, the training of more craftspeople to keep traditional skills alive and doing more to adapt to the challenges of climate change.
Sign up for a membership today, begin planning your next visit, and help us to preserve 5,000 years of Scottish history, both now and for future generations.
Visit hes.scot/events for more information about Historic Scotland events happening this spring.
