
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.
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.

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.
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.
Scotland offers endless fun, from ancient castles to beautiful parks. Haven’s Craig Tara and Seton Sands holiday parks put you near many top attractions, ensuring a fantastic family experience. Let's take you through the best things to do in Scotland with
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.
Scotland's 2026 events calendar is packed, featuring the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a spectacular Ayr air show, and festive highlights — all within easy reach of Craig Tara and Seton Sands.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.