Why Choose Scotland in Winter?

Not only do places like Iceland, Finland, or Lapland shine during the winter months, but Scotland definitely belongs among these magical destinations. During winter, road trips in Scotland offer spectacular snow-capped mountains, vast nature for hiking, and numerous photogenic castles that are even more enchanting with a layer of snow. You may even catch the Northern Lights! Cozy pubs with crackling fires invite you to rest after your daily explorations. Whether you’re embarking on road trips in Scotland or visiting a historical site, winter offers a perfect blend of tranquility and adventure.

Winter Activities to Enjoy in Scotland

1. Road Trip in the Snowy Scottish Highlands

Did you know you can witness tremendous sights in the Scottish Highlands in just seven days? This is your destination for peace, nature, and relaxation. To reach the Highlands, you can take the DFDS ferry from IJmuiden to Newcastle. After spending a night onboard, you can drive your own car along the east coast, heading to Edinburgh and then to Pitlochry, which is the gateway to the Highlands. Here, you will find stunning landscapes that are perfect for hiking and cycling! Make sure not to skip Cairngorms National Park and Loch Ness, and also visit the picturesque Aberfeldy (home of J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, and surrounded by many distilleries) and take a day trip to the Isle of Skye and the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle.

Discover the Top 10 Must-Do Activities in the Scottish Highlands!

2. Visit Winter Wonderland in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a wonderful city to visit, but in winter, it becomes even cozier. You’ll see festive lights everywhere, inviting pubs that look more appealing than usual, and nothing is more magical than Edinburgh Castle covered in a layer of snow.

Explore the Best Things to Do in Edinburgh: Your Ultimate Guide!

3. Northern Lights Spotting in Scotland

Did you know that you can sometimes spot the Northern Lights in Scotland as well? Locals fondly refer to it as ‘Mirrie Dancers’, also known as Aurora Borealis. You don’t necessarily have to travel to Lapland or Iceland to witness this natural phenomenon; take the ferry from the Netherlands to Newcastle, then drive north into Scotland. The northern part of Scotland lies on the same latitude as Stavanger in Norway, another notable spot for Northern Lights viewing.

4. Dive into Pubs & Whisky Tastings

When you think of Scotland, pubs are probably top of mind, and somehow, they seem even more inviting during winter. With the cold outside, it’s cozy and warm inside, and you can expect tasty treats to be served. Another fantastic activity, perfect for drizzly autumn or winter days, is visiting a whisky distillery! There are plenty around Aberfeldy. If there’s one drink that is quintessentially Scottish, it has to be whisky.

5. Stay Overnight in a Castle

Scotland is home to stunning castles, and aside from impressive ruins, some have been transformed into extraordinary hotels. If you’ve always wanted to experience staying like royalty, Scotland is the place to be. You’ll also learn a lot about the history of these castles, including clans and tartan history. Plus, many castles are surrounded by beautiful landscapes, often nestled among rolling hills or deep forests perfect for hiking. A great starting point for a castle road trip is Peebles in the Scottish Borderlands, from where you can explore various routes to different castles or manors, like Traquair House with its garden maze, or Thirlestane Castle.

6. Retreat to the Scottish Countryside

If you’re primarily seeking peace, space, and complete relaxation, consider booking a cozy cottage in the Scottish countryside during winter. Imagine sitting in a charming house surrounded by nature, with a warm fire crackling inside – doesn’t that sound like the ultimate winter experience? We definitely get The Holiday vibes from it (you know, that film with Kate Winslet & Cameron Diaz). For a cozy getaway, head to the Lothians countryside; you can reach there from Newcastle (where you arrive via the DFDS ferry) by driving along the east coast to Haddington. Once in Lothians, there are plenty of charming cottages to stay in, and you won’t run out of things to do. Visit Tantallon Castle, enjoy views of Bass Rock, or hike in the Pentland Hills Regional Park and you might even spot some squirrels along the way!

Planning Your Winter Drive to Scotland

From October to December, you can embark on beautiful winter journeys to Scotland, which are ideally planned from the Netherlands. You can easily catch the DFDS ferry to Newcastle and from there, explore the rest of Scotland! One of the biggest advantages of traveling with DFDS is that you can bring your own car, giving you extra flexibility and saving on car rental costs. While you can book your entire trip independently, Voigt Travel offers complete holiday packages that include ferry crossings (with accommodation in an outside cabin), delightful lodging (like cozy cottages or unique castles), breakfast, and recommendations for exciting activities! They have various trips to Scotland available online, whether you’re seeking a road trip through the Scottish countryside or a winter trip through the snowy Highlands visiting magnificent castles.