Scotland tours discovery guide

The best time to visit Scotland depends on your travel preferences. It’s a destination that can be enjoyed in any season, so our tours there run year-round.

Despite being very far north, the Scottish climate is fairly temperate. Winters—while still chilly—are much warmer than locations on similar latitudes, and comparable to the East Coast of the U.S. Summer is mild and pleasant, making it a popular time to visit Scotland. In the summer, you’ll also find the days are very long, which means you’ll have plenty of time for exploring. In Edinburgh in June, the sun doesn’t set until around 11pm. Spring and fall are also great times for visiting Scotland, when seasonal changes bring bursts of beautiful color to the Highlands and crowds are smaller at the most popular sites.

A few of our Scotland tour packages are specially designed to take you to the heart of local events, so you can experience unique cultural moments firsthand. In August, you can attend the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to view performances by the British Armed Forces, Commonwealth, and international military bands. Or, travel on a special trip in October to join revelers for Halloween night at the Samhuinn Fire Festival. Both of these local events occur right in Edinburgh, and when you travel with us, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to these distinctly Scottish celebrations.

If you’re planning on booking one of our Scotland travel packages, you may already have a few places you’d like to see in mind. Popular stops include the capital of Edinburgh, the city of Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands, and Loch Ness. (Just keep your eyes peeled for the mythical Loch Ness monster while you’re there!) Our trips cover all the best places to visit in Scotland—and include special sightseeing tours and activities that give you a closer look at the local culture. If you’re interested in visiting the country, one of our expert Tour Consultants can help you narrow down your perfect itinerary.

Scottish cuisine has historically relied on readily available ingredients, so game meats, dairy, and seafood all play an important role. Haggis, a savory pudding made with sheep’s innards, is Scotland’s national dish and is probably the meal most often associated with Scottish food. Bangers and mash (sausage and potatoes), fish and chips, and smoked salmon are also favorites on Scottish dinner tables—and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the country’s world-famous whisky.

While traditional cooking is still prevalent across the country, you’ll also find plenty of restaurants serving elevated European-style dishes as well as international cuisine. Ask your Tour Director for suggestions—they’re sure to know the best local spots—and enjoy included meals that reflect Scottish flavors on all our guided tours of Scotland.

No matter when you plan on visiting Scotland, you’ll want to have your rain boots and umbrella handy. The weather at any time of year is notoriously changeable, and rain showers are common, so it’s best to be prepared! Layers are also a good idea as evenings can be quite cool, even in summer. Depending on the time of year, you may also want winter wear such as gloves and a hat.

Once you’ve booked one of our tours of Scotland, you’ll receive more detailed information to help you get ready for your trip. You can also download the Go Ahead Tours mobile app to have all your getting-ready-to-go information right on your smartphone. That includes a detailed packing list you can check off so you don’t leave anything behind!

We recommend spending at least 10 days in Scotland, which should give you ample time to explore the highlights of Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the Highlands. To add the islands and other cities like Aberdeen and Inverness to your itinerary, extend your stay to at least 14 days.

Scotland uses the pound sterling. To stock up on local currency, order some from your bank before you go, or use your debit card at an ATM once you arrive. For tips on using the pound while on a trip to Scotland, check out our article on currency exchange.

English is the nation’s main language, and you’ll hear it throughout your Scotland travel. However, the country also has three other official languages: Gaelic, traditionally spoken in the Highlands and on the islands; Scots, an English-like tongue traditionally spoken in the Lowlands; and British Sign Language.

Although unpredictable, the country’s weather is fairly temperate. Year-round temperatures rarely dip below freezing or rise into the 70s, and showers are common, so be sure to pack some rain gear for our Scotland tours.