Best Christmas markets and attractions near Scotland
Scotland offers top festive experiences near Haven's Craig Tara and Seton Sands parks, from Edinburgh's Winter Festival to indoor markets and light trails.
Things to do in Scotland
With Haven holiday parks on the east and west coast of Scotland, we’ve got both sides of the stunning country covered. Stay at either Craig Tara Holiday Park close to Ayr, or Seton Sands Holiday Village near Edinburgh and look forward to an array of exciting experiences. We’ve rounded up our list of places to visit and things to do in Scotland here, so you can make the most of your time away with the family.
What are the 14 best things to do in Edinburgh? (Video)
Edinburgh is one of Britain's most rewarding cities to explore, offering 14 fantastic things to see and do. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the Scottish capital delivers memorable experiences for every kind of visitor.
What are the best things to do in Scotland with kids?
Scotland delivers family fun at every age, from farm parks and soft play centres for toddlers to castle tours and safari adventures for older children. Haven's Craig Tara and Seton Sands parks put you within easy reach of top attractions.
What restaurants in Edinburgh are dog-friendly?
Edinburgh has seven brilliant dog-friendly restaurants, from Scran & Scallie in Stockbridge to King's Wark in Leith, each offering water, treats and a relaxed dining experience.
What’s on in Scotland 2027?
Scotland delivers an iconic 2027 events calendar from Edinburgh’s world-famous Fringe and Military Tattoo to massive air shows, all situated near Haven’s Craig Tara and Seton Sands holiday parks.
What are the best walks in East Lothian?
East Lothian offers eight outstanding walks to suit every ability. Highlights include the 1.5-mile Dirleton Castle and Yellowcraig Beach stroll for beginners and the challenging 13-mile John Muir Way coastal route for seasoned hikers.
What are the best things to do in East Lothian?
East Lothian offers a superb mix of things to do, from free open-air museums and Glenkinchie Distillery tours to wildlife-rich beaches, the Scottish Seabird Centre, and the dramatic clifftop ruins of Tantallon Castle.
What are the 7 best restaurants in East Lothian?
East Lothian boasts an impressive dining scene within easy reach of Seton Sands. Highlights range from Michelin-starred Scottish cooking at The Bonnie Badger to authentic Italian at Osteria and fresh coastal seafood at The Creel.
What are the best things to do in Glasgow?
Glasgow packs in world-class museums, Charles Rennie Mackintosh architecture, vibrant street markets, and beautiful parks. Just an hour from Craig Tara, Scotland's largest city offers far more than a single day can cover.
What are the 10 best walks near Ayr?
The Ayrshire countryside around Craig Tara offers ten excellent walks, ranging from an easy 2-mile coastal stroll to Greenan Castle to the 10-mile Ayr to Troon coastal path, with most routes welcoming dogs.
What castles can you visit near Ayr?
Several impressive castles sit within easy reach of Craig Tara near Ayr, from Culzean's grand National Trust estate to atmospheric cliff-top ruins like Dunure and Greenan. Most belonged to the Kennedy clan and span centuries of Scottish history.
What are the 5 best swimming pools near Ayr?
The best swimming pools near Ayr span Scotland's largest water park at Craig Tara through to private children's coaching at Mungo's Well. All five options sit within nine miles of the park, suiting families, fitness swimmers, and beginners.
What are the best things to do in Ayr?
Ayr offers outdoor adventure, cultural gems, and family attractions. Four miles from Craig Tara Holiday Park, highlights include Culzean Castle, Heads of Ayr Farm Park, the Electric Brae, and a lively seafront.
What are the 9 best restaurants in Ayr?
Ayr boasts over 100 restaurants and cafés, with standout options spanning Scottish classics, Thai, Indian tapas, and vegan cuisine. Just four miles from Craig Tara, highlights include The Fox and Willow, At Home Thai, and award-winning 73 Idiots.
What are the best things to do in Kilmarnock?
Kilmarnock packs history, culture, and outdoor adventure into Ayrshire's largest town. Explore Dean Castle's free 14th-century grounds, browse the Dick Institute's acclaimed galleries, catch a show at the Palace Theatre, or walk the 13-stop Heritage Walk.
What are the 10 best restaurants in Kilmarnock?
Kilmarnock serves up a fantastic range of dining options, from award-winning fine dining at The Glasshouse to classic Scottish chippies, spanning Italian, Chinese, Indian, and Mexican cuisines — all within 36 minutes of Craig Tara.
What are the best wild swimming spots near Edinburgh?
Edinburgh and its surroundings offer superb wild swimming, from sandy beaches at Portobello and Cramond to tranquil Pentland Hills reservoirs. Eight accessible spots lie within 20 miles of Seton Sands, suiting swimmers of all confidence levels.
What are the best walking & hiking trails in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh's ten best walking trails span everything from an easy 0.8-mile stroll around Calton Hill to the challenging 12-mile Water of Leith Walkway. Routes like Arthur's Seat, Dean Village, and the Pentland Hills cater to every fitness level.
What are the 15 best castles to visit near Edinburgh?
The Edinburgh area boasts 15 impressive castles within roughly an hour's drive of Seton Sands, ranging from Cromwell-besieged ruins like Dirleton and Hailes to fully intact landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and Linlithgow Palace.
What are the 14 best things to do in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh offers 14 unmissable experiences, from royal landmarks like Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle to dog-friendly hotspots, world-class galleries, and the legendary August Fringe Festival, all within easy reach of Seton Sands.
What are the 7 best restaurants in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh's food scene spans Michelin-listed dining at The Spence, vegetarian cooking at Henderson's, Makars' gourmet mash and Cannonball's whisky-cream haggis, across varying budgets.
What are the 12 best things to do in Musselburgh?
Musselburgh packs in history, sport, nature and culture. Visit one of the world's oldest golf courses, a Victorian pub, a Palladian mansion, scenic riverside walks and a lively arts venue — all within easy reach of Seton Sands.
What are the 9 best restaurants in Musselburgh?
Musselburgh's nine best restaurants span Italian, Nepalese, South American, Thai and Scottish cuisine, including Dal Patino's pasta and East Coast's fish and chips, all near Seton Sands.
Which dog-friendly beaches in Scotland should you visit?
Scotland has superb dog-friendly beaches open year-round. From Belhaven's wild dunes and Seton Sands' dedicated dog exercise area to Seamill's Ayrshire Coastal Path and Saltcoats' sandy shores, there's a perfect stretch for every pooch and their owner.
What are the best places to visit in Scotland?
Scotland offers remarkable destinations, from Edinburgh's castle and Royal Mile to Glasgow's arts scene. Coastal Ayr, East Lothian and Musselburgh add history, while Kilmarnock offers heritage and parkland.
What are the 18 best beaches in Scotland?
Scotland's 18 best beaches range from Ayr's seaside town and Edinburgh's Portobello to remote Machrihanish, plus East Lothian's coastlines and Fife's Silver Sands cove.