Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Last Updated: 26 March 2025 12:58
Image Credit: Historic Environment Scotland
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or simply looking for a day out, Scotland’s history is ready to be discovered. From the ancient Broch of Gurness in Orkney – home to one of Scotland’s best-preserved Iron Age villages – down to Dundrennan Abbey in Dumfries where Mary, Queen of Scots spent her last hours in Scotland, there are historic sites spread throughout the entire country.
Craig Mearns, Director of Operations at HES, said: “The start of the new visitor season is always exciting. As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to step outside, experience Scotland’s natural beauty and get a closer look at our past. With castles, palaces, priories and brochs all reopening, everyone will find an aspect of Scottish heritage to enjoy.
“These sites are part of Scotland’s history and offer an incredible range of experience and understanding. Our monuments include safe havens for key historical figures, strategic fortresses, Hanoverian munitions factories and sites of ceremonial importance to ancient tribes. Each place tells a unique story, and we look forward to sharing them with people from across the world.”
Many sites will also be celebrating the onset of warmer weather with family-friendly events such as Easter Eggsplorer Trails. For a full list of events visit the HES website.
Visitors can find out more about sites reopening in their area on the HES website. Tickets are on sale now with a discount available for purchasing in advance.
Entry to sites and daytime events is free for Historic Scotland members. Members can also collect History Hunt Cards, a series of seven cards looking at the various types of sites including fortresses, settlements, and towers, when they visit staffed sites. A full set can be exchanged for a pin badge only available through the Hunt.
For further information or to become a member visit: alittlehistory.scot
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MOREThe Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MOREM&D's Scotland's Theme Park has been nominated for three awards at the Scottish Entertainment & Hospitality Awards.
READ MOREAldi Scotland's Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in East Kilbride the chance to raise funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MOREDi Maggio's East Kilbride launches inaugural Easter Bunny event, here's everything you need to know to book a morning of egg-cellent fun with your little ones!
READ MORERockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is hopping into spring as it hosts 40 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care in April!
READ MOREA nature walk has been created through woodland in Motherwell thanks to local company Lisini Pub Ltd and the council.
READ MOREInnis & Gunn joins forces with top Scottish comedian Marc Jennings to find Scotland's funniest pub stories for 'The Book of Pub Banter & Confessions'.
READ MOREGarden Centre invites gardeners to get hands-on with wildflowers and springtime celebrations.
READ MORERockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has revealed five new artists to the Glasgow Green billing, including two of the hottest UK acts right now, JADE and Myles Smith!
READ MOREMore than 30 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORETo coincide with World Theatre Day this Thursday (27 March), Vue venues in Scotland are bringing a selection of British productions to the big screen this spring.
READ MORELanark Amateur Musical Society performed to a record-breaking 2,000 strong audience over four sell-out performances of Sunshine on Leith at Lanark Memorial Hall, from 20-22 March!
READ MOREAn organisation that runs youth hostels across Scotland is launching an initiative to provide free stays for disadvantaged young people and families.
READ MOREBBC Radio 1 Dance is taking over the much-loved Boogie Bar to bring some of the best dance music to Glasgow Green this summer on 11-13th July!
READ MOREUB40 ft. Ali Campbell are set to light up Falkirk as part of Kelpies Live at Helix Park, marking a triumphant return to Scotland for one of music's most iconic acts.
READ MOREThe venue has been designed to transport guests back to a magical bygone era, offering an escape from everyday life into a world of indulgence and excitement.
READ MORETo mark Food Waste Action Week (17th – 23rd March), Aldi is calling on children in Scotland to design a poster that encourages people to reduce food waste.
READ MOREWith three 18-carat golden girders worth £10,000 still out there, IRN-BRU unveils giant hanging girder to encourage Scots to get on the hunt!
READ MOREFrom Wallace & Gromit to Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s plenty to enjoy at Vue venues across Scotland this Easter break.
READ MOREScotland's favourite family destination, M & D's Scotland's Theme Park, is to host a special Preview Weekend to launch the new season!
READ MORELoch Lomond Springfest, one of Scotland's biggest FREE food festivals, is back on the 5th and 6th April at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORETo mark World Sleep Day, Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is introducing the Sleep Retreat Essential Spa Break, designed to help guests prioritise rest and relaxation.
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns next month and looks set to be the biggest yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before.
READ MOREOver 2,000 years of history will be celebrated this summer as Historic Environment Scotland announces its 2025 summer events programme!
READ MORE