Easter egg hunts, family shows, castle trails and spring festivals — Scotland's Easter break, all in one place.
Easter is Scotland's first big family programming spike of the year. The two-week Easter break triggers egg hunts at every National Trust for Scotland property, family theatre at every major venue, and the country's biggest spring festivals — Edinburgh Science Festival, the beginnings of the outdoor season and the resumption of open-air trails at castles and wildlife parks.
This page collects every Easter-tagged event currently listed with Nearby Events, plus the Easter school-holiday programming that runs alongside.
No Easter events currently listed. Check back from February for the full Easter programme.
The National Trust for Scotland runs Cadbury Easter egg hunts at over 20 properties across the country during Easter weekend and the following school holiday. Look for hunts at Culzean, Falkland Palace, Crathes Castle, Pollok House and Brodie Castle. Historic Environment Scotland runs equivalent trails at Stirling, Edinburgh and Urquhart castles.
Edinburgh Science Festival (Easter fortnight) is the anchor event — dozens of family workshops, talks and hands-on activities across the city. Aye Write! (Glasgow) sometimes runs alongside Easter depending on the year. Family theatre programmes run at every major venue — the Traverse, Tramway and Dundee Rep all schedule family strands around the school break.
Scottish schools break for approximately two weeks around Easter Sunday. Exact dates vary by council and by year — check with your local authority.
Most Cadbury Easter egg hunts at National Trust for Scotland properties are included with property admission, with a small extra charge for the chocolate. Community-run hunts are typically free.
Egg hunts at castles and NTS properties are the big draw. Cathedrals run Easter services and family concerts. See the live listings below for what's on this year.