Winter in the Highlands can be harsh, but in March, although chilly, there’s lots to see and enjoy. Days get longer and the spring flowers are about to burst into bloom.
It’s a time of the year when exploring this glorious region is a real adventure. From enjoying the unspoilt landscapes and coastlines to sipping the finest Scottish whisky, the Highlands has a lot to offer during March. It’s a great time to visit Scotland when not so many people are about.
Reasons to visit Scotland in March
The North Coast 500 drive takes around five days to complete, ideal for a longer stay!
With so many reasons to visit Scotland in March, you’ll be spoilt for choice. We’ve listed just a few of the events that take place below:
North Coast 500: With less traffic on the roads, March in Scotland is the ideal time to organise a road trip. You’ll get to enjoy incredible scenery both inland and along the coast. The route starts out and finishes in Inverness. Why not book a stay at our 5 Star Hotel in Scotland where you’ll enjoy a warm welcome!
Scottish festivities: Fun events and music festivals are the order of the day. There’s the Inverness Music Festival, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Aberdeen International Jazz and the Scottish Concert Band Festival which all take place during March.
Attractive discounts: A solo traveller can pay around USD 1,500 (excluding flights) for a one-week trip to Scotland. But if you plan to visit Scotland in March, there are attractive discounts on hotels and airfares worth taking advantage of.
Fewer people: You get to experience a quieter time during March in Scotland. There are fewer people around at this time of the year as the summer crowd doesn’t arrive until later in the year.
Events in March in Scotland
Numerous music festivals take place in March, ideal for music lovers
Glasgow Film Festival
1st – 12th March 2023, Glasgow
The Glasgow Film Festival attracts visitors from around the globe who come to enjoy over one hundred films at the event. You’ll get to view wonderful works by some of the world’s greatest filmmakers.
Braemar Mountain Festival
2nd – 5th March 2023, Braemar
Lots of activities are on offer at the Braemar Mountain Festival. There are mountain and snow-based skill sessions, interesting talks and workshops as well as films, music, traditional food and ceilidh!
Sporting Dinner
4th March 2023
A great event that’s worth adding to your calendar, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Strathclyde’s event includes special guests Martin O’Neill and Gordon Smith.
Meadows Marathon 5K, 10k, half, full & relay
5th March 2023
Why not help raise money for local, national and international charities by taking part in the Meadows Marathon 5K, 10K, half, full & relay event!
Mother’s Day
19th March
Come and enjoy Mother’s Day, a lovely event held all over the UK on the fourth Sunday in Lent. A celebration that dates back to the 16th Century!
Disney On Ice
22nd – 26th March 2023, OVO Hydro Glasgow
An event not to be missed, Disney on Ice is a fun family event from start to finish!
Europe’s Premier Golf Show
24th – 26th March 2023, Edinburgh Royal Highland Centre
For lovers of golf, this event is a definite must-put on your calendar!
What to Do
If it’s your first visit to Edinburgh, a trip along the Royal Mile is a must! Take a private tour around Edinburgh Castle, a superb fortress that dates back to the 2nd Century!
A brisk walk up to Arthur’s Seat which is Edinburgh’s highest point that offers stunning views of iconic churches and medieval buildings.
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. It’s where you’ll discover superb Art Nouveau architecture. Take a tour around the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum which houses one of Europe’s greatest art collections! Or visit Glasgow Cathedral, the oldest on mainland Scotland dating back to medieval times. This fun-loving city has a lot to see and do!
Take a road trip through the Hebridean Islands where you’ll discover medieval castles and fantastic coastal routes that take you through superb landscapes. There are lots of outdoor activities which include hiking and sea kayaking. There’s a wonderful ‘Seafood Trail’ that features Scotland’s best west coast restaurants! Visit the many distilleries en route which includes the 18th-century Oban Distillery in Oban. Or visit the Isle of Islay, where you’ll discover the many distilleries that produce the best peaty single malts!
Travelling to Scotland in March? Check out these great guides from Dunalastair Hotel Suites
Autumn Island hopping in the Highlands
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit the Highlands with its gorgeous hues. There’s a wealth of things to see and do which includes island hopping in Scotland. Moreover, it’s a great time to visit the Islands in March.
Explore the Wester Ross Coastal Trail
Wester Ross Coastal Trail Scotland provides a wonderful adventure with its breathtaking vistas and landscapes. A stopover at our Luxury Hotel in Scotland will complete the perfect adventure in Scotland in March.
The Ultimate Highlands Family Holiday – Your 7 Day Itinerary
Dunalastair Hotel Suites offers a seven-day itinerary that’s perfect for all of the family. We’ve created the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement for all!
Top 5 Family-Friendly Cycle Routes in Scotland
Cycling in Scotland is a real adventure with everything that the region has to offer. From woodland trails to hill cycling, there’s something for everyone to enjoy when you visit the Highlands in March.
The North Coast 500 – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Ultimate Scottish Road Trip
Once you discover the North Coast 500, you’ll be coming back for more! You’ll get to enjoy the best that Scotland offers in Scotland in March 2023.