D iscover Scotland through the seasons in 2022 and everything this beautiful country has to offer. From breathtaking landscapes, peaceful glens, Highland games and whisky galore; you won’t want to miss exploring this spectacular location.

As the seasons change and this stunning country comes to life, there’s an abundance of activities and sights for you to enjoy. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite things to do throughout the year, making your short break in Scotland as memorable as possible.

While you explore, why not rest your head for the night in some of our hand-picked hotels, offering great little added extras to make your Scottish getaway truly special, from dinner included to a lazy late-checkout.

Begin planning your 2022 journey and see what Scotland has in store for you…

With over 400 Scottish gardens, woodlands and plant nurseries, Scotland offers the perfect place to see beautiful flowers blooming. Each year, ‘ Discover Scottish Gardens ’ (external link) organise a variety of events and shows for you to enjoy. Explore some of the various flower shows throughout the country and enjoy their breathtaking seasonal garden displays...

Scottish Snowdrop Festival (Dates: 25th January - 11th March 2022)

The Scottish Snowdrop Festival (external link) floral extravaganza blooms over a wide variety of gardens across Scotland and offers the perfect opportunity to walk among the picturesque snowdrops that push through the winter landscapes to signify the beginning of spring.

Here are just a few gardens around Scotland showcasing these breathtaking flowers and joining in the festival:

• Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
• Ardkinglas Estate Woodland Garden
• Attadale Gardens

Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:

The Dunollie Hotel (approx. 26 minute drive from Attadale Gardens)

The Bonham Hotel (approx. a 10 minute drive from Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh)

The Arrochar Hotel (approx. a 19 minute drive from Ardkinglas Estate Woodland Garden)

Scottish Daffodil Festival (dates: 9th - 10th April 2022)

Held at Backhouse Rossie Estate (external link) , discover stunning daffodil displays filled with some of the original first daffodils created from the Wordsworth style Narcissus. Boasting over 20,000 daffodils including beautifully scented, heritage Wordsworth style and modern varieties all around the gardens, you can enjoy this beautiful display celebrating the arrival of spring.

Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:

The Carnoustie Hotel (approx. 30 miles away from Backhouse Rossie Estate)

Excite your taste buds with an exquisite Scotch whisky during Scotland’s Whisky Month (external link) . Renowned for its vast range of well-known and unique blends of malt whiskies, Scotland has been expertly distilling this much-loved drink for hundreds of years.

Boasting over 130 distilleries across the country, Scotland proudly takes the spot as the greatest concentration of whisky production in the world. Why not try this tempting drink for yourself with a trip to one of these must-visit distilleries:

• Oban Distillery
• Loch Lomond Distillery
• Glasgow Distillery

Nearby hotels we think you’ll love:

The Great Western Hotel (approx. a 5 minute walk from Oban Distillery)

The Arrochar Hotel (approx. a 30 minute drive from Loch Lomond Distillery)

Glasgow Argyle Hotel | Signature Collection by Best Western (approx. a 15 minute drive from Glasgow Distillery)

Enjoy a night of music, dancing and military precision as you watch the impressive and world-renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo come to life (external link). This unique display is hosted annually at the stunning Edinburgh Castle Esplanade and promises a night you will never forget.

A ‘military tattoo’ is a performance of music or display of armed forces. The ‘Tattoo’ takes its name from the phrase ‘Doe den tap toe’ (meaning ‘turn off the taps’), a throwback to when drums and pipes rang out through the streets, signifying time for the kegs to stop flowing and soldiers to head back to their barracks.

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo now brings together almost 1,000 musicians, pipers, drummers, singers and dancers to perform, boasting an impressive display.

As the seasons change to picturesque autumn days, Scotland bursts into colour. There’s no better time to explore Faskally Forest, home to the captivating Enchanted Forest light festival (external link).

During the day, wander around this beautiful forest and discover peaceful woodland trails surrounded by crisp autumn leaves. In the evening, watch the trees come to life in a spectacular award-winning light show. Enjoy dazzling visuals and innovative designs against a backdrop of an original music score, the perfect accompaniment for your woodland walk.

Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:

The Pitlochry Hydro Hotel (approx. a 5 minute drive from Faskally Forest)

As one of Scotland’s wildlife ‘Big Five’, these beloved creatures bask in and around Scotland’s waters. Two species of seal are known in Scotland: the grey seal and the smaller, endangered harbour seal. Although these adorable mammals can often be spotted throughout the year, the autumn months are a key season for seals as food is in high supply, perfect for storing up fat for the harsh winter months.

See if you can spot the local seal colony with a tour around Oban! Home to a variety of wildlife, you will be guided by the knowledgeable skipper on a fascinating one hour boat trip with Argyll Sea Tours (external link), from Oban round the north end of Kerrera to visit the seals on their private island.

Nearby hotel we think you’ll love:

The Great Western Hotel (approx. a 3 minute walk from Argyll Sea Tours)