When is the best time to visit Scotland?
Planning a luxury getaway to Scotland?
Whether you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes, exclusive experiences or a unique 5-star hotel in Scotland, each season at the Fife Arms offers something unique. Here’s when to visit Scotland for your perfect stay.
Spring (March – May):
Spring is an ideal time to explore Scotland’s scenic countryside, with longer days and milder weather beginning to appear, making it perfect for a Scottish boutique hotel stay before peak season. There is lot to explore at the Fife Arms, from fly fishing salmon on the River Dee to guided walks around local estates. If you are looking for the best places to golf in Scotland, our Kilted Open is a Texas Scramble style tournament held annually in May. A truly unique experience, spend the weekend on the courses of both Braemar and Balmoral, whilst enjoying the very best hospitality. The wearing of kilts whilst optional, is strongly encouraged!
Summer (June – August):
With nearly 18 hours of daylight, summer is a fantastic time for luxury travel in Scotland. Lose yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the purple heather covered hills and enjoy the perfect family friendly activity in the Scottish Highlands with our Pony Picnics. Our off-road tours led by our Ghillie team are another popular favourite amongst guests of all ages and a perfect way to explore the landscape. During the summer months, Balmoral Castle is also open, and our Bonnie Royal Experience offers hotel guests a truly unique opportunity to tour selected interior rooms within the castle, the Scottish home of the Royal Family.
Autumn (September – November):
Golden landscapes and fewer crowds make autumn a fantastic time for a luxury Scotland holiday. The Braemar Gathering welcomes thousands of visitors and takes place on the first Saturday in September each year. A glorious celebration of Scottish heritage the games have been taking place in its present form since 1832 and feature a range of events including tug o’war, solo piping, tossing the caber and track races. Autumn is also the time for festivals at the Fife Arms. During September we host the Braemar Literary Festival and in November the Fife Arms Festival of Fashion takes place, both cultural celebrations in the heart of the Highalnds.
Winter (December – February):
The colder months are magical in Scotland, making it the perfect season for a luxury winter break. The Fife Arms transforms during the festivities making it the ideal destination for your Christmas trip to Scotland. The hotel is richly adorned with festive decorations, and the smell of fresh pine from our charmingly embellished Nordmann Fir trees fills the halls. There is also plenty of activities to get you into the festive spirit, from the locally hosted Festival de Noel, a 3-day festive programme of community activities in Braemar to our annual Yuletide programme which celebrates Scottish traditions such as the ancient custom of decorating Yule Logs. The Christmas magic often extends to the skies, as The Northern Lights in Scotland can also often be seen from Braemar. Our ‘Hunt for the Dark Skies’ experience is unmissable and the perfect way to spend a winter evening.