Scotland's top seven 'budget-friendly Easter activities' named by VisitScotland

From chocolate egg trails to peaceful farm getaways, there is something for everyone this April.

The top "budget-friendly" Easter activities in the country have been named by VisitScotland.

As we enter April, the Easter holidays are just around the corner. While there is no shortage of things around Scotland you can get up to with the family, many are pricey and unaffordable for Scots who are on a budget.

On Tuesday, VisitScotland shared a list of the seven best "budget-friendly Easter activities" in Scotland this April. The tourism board rounded up a variety of fun affordable activities across the country that celebrate spring in true Scottish style.

From egg trails and hunts to full-on festivals, there is something for everyone. There is even the opportunity to visit idyllic farms and take part in lambing.

See below for VisitScotland's seven budget-friendly Easter activities. More information can be found on the VisitScotland website.

Easter egg trails

This April, the National Trust for Scotland is again bringing its renowned Easter Egg Trails to historic sites across the country. A mix of outdoor adventure and problem-solving activities, with a chocolatey reward at the end, they offer a great way for families to enjoy the Easter weekend together.

After following the specifically designed route, visitors can choose between Maltesers or Moo Free dairy-free eggs. With each location offering a unique trail, there is plenty of chance to investigate multiple sites and soak up Scotland’s rich heritage along the way.

In Aberdeenshire and Angus particularly, there are various attractions hosting trails: Castle Fraser (April 18–21) Craigievar Castle (April 18—20), House of Dun, Garden and Estate (April 18—21), and Barry Mill (April 18—20). You can book your trail in advance, with each trail sheet costing £5.

Fort Douglas Easter Festival, Dalkeith Country Park

Between April 18 and 21, Fort Douglas at Dalkeith Country Park will be hosting an Easter Festival full of activities for all ages. Among the highlights will be its Zorbing Cannon Ball Run, face painting, scavenger hunts, sweet treats, and even a visit from the Easter Bunny.

Tickets are priced by age, with under 1s going for free. Meanwhile, tickets for toddlers, children between two and four, children between five and 12, and adults are priced at £7.50, £14.50, £15.50, and £6.50 respectively.

Easter Eggsplorer Trails

Throughout the Easter period, Historic Environment Scotland will be inviting visitors of all ages to explore its Easter trails. Historic sites across the country will become the backdrop for an enchanting bird-themed mystery that is fun for the whole family.

The mystery will involve a bird failing to arrive on time to an annual spring celebration. Visitors are invited to journey through some of Scotland's most iconic sites, with each self-guided trail offering the chance to engage with history uncovering stories from the past while solving the mystery of the missing bird.

According to organisers, highlights include Linlithgow Palace in West Lothian, Dryburgh Abbey, and Jedburgh Abbey. Tickets for the former are priced at £10 for adults and £6 for children, while the Scottish Borders experiences cost £7.50 and £4.50 for adults and children respectively.

Outdoor Easter adventures, Aviemore

For those looking to escape into nature and fresh air this Easter, Aviemore is a great option. Rothiemurchus Estate offers picturesque walking trails and opportunities for wildlife spotting, while the Rothiemurchus Farm Shop stocks fresh and local produce.

Visitors can also extend their adventure into a longer break, with Aviemore Youth Hostel popular amongst outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. It is also home to a Scottish Natural Heritage visitor centre, with a Peregrine nestcam and wide range of helpful information about the nearby Craigellachie National Nature Reserve.

Experience the magic of lambing season at Lennox of Lomond

With spring being the best time of the year to connect with nature, there is no better way to celebrate the season than a visit to a farm. Rural adventures give families the opportunity to discover Scotland’s historic farming traditions and interact with adorable animals up close.

Lennox of Lomond, situated on the west shore of Loch Lomond near Luss, will be allowing visitors to learn about the joys of farm life with a lambing experience. Every session offers plenty of fascinating insights about lambing, giving families the opportunity to hold newborn lambs while taking in stunning views of Loch Lomond.

Weekend sessions are available for £21.20 per person. Meanwhile, children under two can attend for free.

Relaxing Easter escape at Jacksons at Jedburgh

For those after an extra-relaxing escape this Easter, Jacksons at Jedburgh offers a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in farm living. Guests can meet Highland cows, enjoy lamb feeding sessions, and explore the farm’s idyllic surroundings.

General admission to the farm is priced at £8 for children and £13 for adults, with a family ticket covering two adults and up to three children available for £36.75. For an even more hands-on experience, there is also an option to add a lamb feeding session to the farm visit for £6 per person.

Those keen to get closer to Scotland’s famous Highland coos can also opt for the special Highland Cow Experience, which allows you to set off on a self-guided walking safari through the fields, with plenty of chances to meet the animals up close. Tickets are £12 per person.

Crafts, trails and festive fun at Shetland Museum

Celebrate the end of the Easter holidays at Shetland Museum & Archives, with a day full of free family fun on April 21. The museum is opening its doors for a special drop-in event designed to entertain and engage visitors of all ages.

Visitors can enjoy creative craft activities, interactive trails through fascinating exhibitions, and plenty of games to captivate curious young minds. For the smallest visitors, a sensory play area will provide gentle exploration and fun tailored especially for them.

This event is free to attend, though donations are encouraged. No booking is necessary.