Scotland in February and March is a wonderland of experiences, from nature’s delicate beauty to thrilling outdoor adventures. Whether you’re exploring historic castles, meeting Highland cows and alpacas, or uncovering Scotland’s rich maritime and artistic heritage, there’s something for everyone this season. Get ready for an action packed break in Central Scotland!
Scottish Snowdrop Festival, across Scotland
Dates: The 2025 Snowdrop Festival will run until 12 March 2025.
Price: Varies, depending on admission price of venues.
Dozens of gardens across the country will be opening their gates so that visitors can enjoy the spectacle of snowdrop-covered woods. Some gardens will also be hosting special events, with moonlight snowdrop walks, snowdrop-inspired crafting sessions and live music. On Friday, 21 and Friday, 28 February, Teasses estate at Ceres in Fife will be hosting evening walks, when visitors can see the snowdrops in the ethereal glow of candlelight.
The Scottish Snowdrop Festival began in 2007 and it has grown to include gardens of all kinds, from castles to crofts, some with acres of native snowdrops and others home to important collections of specialist bulbs. The Festival is organised by Discover Scottish Gardens and many garden owners open in aid of Scotland’s Gardens Scheme, with gate receipts going to aid a range of charities.
A full list of participating gardens and more information is available from: www.discoverscottishgardens.org/events
Highland cow, deer and alpaca experiences
Dates: All year round, but tours pause for lambing season.
Places provide authentic, guided farm experiences on a real working farm with farmers and their family, providing a truly memorable and unique opportunity to find out what daily life is like on a Scottish farm. Offering educational, interactive experiences to inspire all ages.
Beatrix Potter at Birnam Arts, Dunkeld, Perthshire
Dates: Open daily, 1030 – 1530 (Last Entry 3pm)
Price: Adult, £4.00; child, £3.00; concession, £15.00 (Children under 3 & carers free).
The family of Beatrix Potter had a long and heart-felt connection with Dunkeld & Birnam and the surrounding area. Find out how Beatrix Potter spent many of her childhood summers in Perthshire. Wee ones will enjoy spending time playing traditional games, dressing up as their favourite character & stepping back in time to visit our Victorian School Room. For enthusiasts of the world she created, discover the story of where she sought inspiration for these much loved characters, as well as our collections of original memorabilia.
For full details: https://birnamarts.com/Beatrix-Potter-Tickets
Food foraging trips
Dates: All year round
Prices: Vary depending on what group you book with
Taking the kids out foraging is a great way to get them in tune with nature, teach them about their surroundings, and can also be a really educational experience. Foraging could be a great opportunity to explore a new corner of Scotland that you haven’t visited before where you can teach the wee ones about foraging; what to pick, what not to pick, where to pick from (i.e. not beside a road or place where there are dog walkers), and making sure they check what they pick with an adult first to ensure it is safe. Get a guide here
Responsible wild harvesting means taking only what you will use and picking carefully to have minimal impact on the plant. It’s vital that you eat only those wild plants and mushrooms that you can identify as safe for human consumption.
Historic Sundays
Date: First Sunday of the Month
Price: Free!
Did you know that Scottish residents can visit selected Historic Scotland properties for free on the first Sunday of each month up until March 2025? The Historic Sundays initiative is particularly aimed at encouraging those who have never visited a site before, whether due to perceived cost or feeling heritage may not be for them, with the opportunity to visit a historic site for free and experience all of the wellbeing benefits that engaging with the historic environment provides.
Visit historicsundays.scot for tickets.
