Scotland’s high season typically lasts from April to October in line with the hottest weather and the longest days.
Scotland has many things to offer outside this time and in autumn-winter you can experience a different side to Scotland that I am sure you will find very satisfying. The hills don’t go into hibernation and the stunning views and landscapes remain.
In winter, we transform our lifestyles and habits. We don wooly hats and jumpers and spend more time reading , going out for a hearty meal and meeting friends in cosy pubs. We go for winter walks in a world that is often covered in the snow or frost. Even though the trees aren’t in full but there are views that stretch for miles that are obscured by trees in the summer.
Once back indoors there is the feeling of peace when we relax by a fire and warm up to the comfort of a sofa and an elation of having spent the day outside and ready to be snug. Include a hot cup of tea or a warming wee whisky into the mix and what more could you want on your next trip?
Read on to discover why a Winter Escape staying in holiday lodges Scotland should be firmly on your bucket list!
Less People
When it’s not peak season you’ll be able to avoid the crowds and enjoy Scotland’s stunning landscapes to you.
There are fewer people, more space and the feeling of being in a the world to yourself. yours.
Luxurious Accommodations
In the peak season, many luxury accommodations raise their prices to meet the increasing demand. When it is winter, the rates for staying in amazing hotels can be considerably advantageous.
You can treat yourself to staying in a castle-themed hotel and rest in a safe place, shielded from the cold outside by stone walls wreathed in hundreds of years of history. Castles are a maze of rooms to explore . exploring their pleasures and their lavishness can be the most exciting part of your holiday.
In the evenings you’ll find the library or drawing room to sit and soak in the lavish setting.
Escapism & Relaxation
A quieter time of the year can be the best occasion to take a break and shut down from our hectic world. The dark winter nights make busy minds to stop and busy people to sit in silence and unwind.
The winter holidays are an ebb and flow, where it is likely that you will finish your outdoor activities before 4 pm and have the whole evening ahead to go through that book you’ve been wanting to read, or have a long relaxing meal.
There is lots of time left to get caught up and lose that feeling that you must always be doing something.
Heating Food & Drink
One thing you cannot avoid is the fact it is winter cold. Every day breaks are required to replenish and warm. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore pretty cafes and lovely pubs!
A large portion of our Scottish cuisine is derived from the need for keeping warm with huge portions and lots of carbs. Think of Scotch broth roast meats and pies haggis neeps, tatties and haggis Cullen Skink as well as a warming curry root vegetable stew or the Scot’s obsession with chips in a bowl. My grandmother has an entire bowl of soup each day in winter. And soup from a Scottish granny is always the most delicious!
On a cold winter night I would recommend a meal of a warm pie with veg and roast potatoes followed by the large serving of hot sticky toffee pudding!
The whisky that is our national drink has a new meaning in the winter months, bringing warmth to cold nights in warm bars with friends or an evening at home around the fire.
Take a look at the Everyday Life
A lower number of tourists means that you’re more likely meet locals during your holiday. Bars, restaurants, and accommodations are typically filled by locals who are enjoying the night off as opposed to tourists. This provides an understanding of contemporary Scottish lifestyle and how people lead their normal, daily lives.
You might even get the chance to breezy (chat) with some friendly locals.
Accept the Weather
It is more likely to rain less in winter than at other times of the year , and temperatures generally stay over 0 degrees Celsius, which is unlike most locations in Europe. As with the rest of the year, you’re likely to experience an array of weather in one day but with the recent addition of gorgeous frost and snow , you can expect to find snow and frost in the mix.
A misty and autumnal Glencoe is possibly one of my top views in Scotland, while my favourite type of Scottish day is one that is freezing cold but brilliantly sunny with clear skies. Imagine a beautiful castle framed by snow-capped hills in a sunny day – the photo opportunities are numerous!
If you’re wearing the right clothing, heading outdoors is possible no matter the weather. If you are an experienced winter walker, taking a hike through the snowy mountains be unforgettable!
Discover Indoor Activities
Did you know that the majority Scotland’s art and museums are free and open to the public? They’re the perfect spot to escape the cold weather and learn something new.
This includes the enormous National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum within Glasgow. Stop by for 15 minutes or a whole day to get shelter from the chill!
Winter Events
As if this weren’t enough, there’s lots of festivals and events that occur in Scotland during low seasons.
Between the end of November until the start of January there are Christmas markets to visit in every Scottish city including the most spectacular one in Edinburgh in which you can enjoy the gigantic Ferris wheel, buy gifts at the festively decorated stands, and get cozy with mulled wine.
In the evenings, when they are at their darkest, we light up our cities with thousands of fairy lights covering streets and buildings.
Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve) is a major event in Scotland and you can expect massive celebrations all over the country.
There are a variety of important events celebrated in the months of November and December, such as Guy Fawkes Night on the 5th November, St Andrew’s Day on the 30th November, and Burns Night on the 25th January.
Celtic Connections is a two-week long music festival featuring internationally acclaimed artists that takes to Glasgow in January. The Up Helly Aa is the famous Viking festival that takes place in Scotland’s Shetland Isles. Burns and Beyond is a celebration of Burns Night and modern Scotland with a series of events that take place in Edinburgh on January. There’s a lot to choose from!
The Night Sky
Finally, take a trip to rural Scotland on a clear night to feast your eyes at the thousands and millions of stars twinkling down on you. I could look at our evening sky all night long, and the stars will provide a evening show that everyone can take in.
Top Tips for the perfect Scottish Winter Escape
Bear in mind the limited time of daylight.
Be aware of the weather forecast and plan your activities as you go.
If you are driving through rural areas be aware of winter driving techniques
Make sure you have a quality, waterproof coat and put on a warm coat
Make sure you check opening hours for attractions prior to their opening as they may be shorter or limited
And most importantly, remember to bring your camera!
Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved.