Scotland Tours in May 2026
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10 best Scotland trips in May 2026
Compiled by
MelissaScotland travel expert at TourRadar
- 2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
- Scotland's Orkney Islands
- Best of Scotland Small Group Tour
- Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days
- 3-Day Lewis, Harris and the Outer Hebrides Small-Group Tour from Inverness
- A Scottish Journey
- Inverness to the Outer Hebrides - 3 days
- 4-Day Islay & the Whisky Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
- Outlander TV Trail - 4 days
- 3-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
2-day Outlander Tour (Small Group)
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“we had a great tour guide with a great sence of humor.”
Susan, traveled in July
Duration 2 days Destinations Edinburgh, Doune, Glencoe, Loch Ness, Inverness, Culloden, Falkland, Culross Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Highland Experience Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 10 spaces left 8 May, 2026 10 spaces left From
- NZ$526
Scotland's Orkney Islands
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was excellent, providing loads of history. The accommodation was comfortable with a staff ready to meet traveller's needs.”
Patricia, traveled in September
Duration 5 days Destinations Inverness, Loch Ness, Thurso, Stromness, Kirkwall Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel May departure dates
12 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$3,795
Best of Scotland Small Group Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The drivers were punctual, friendly, and professional and very helpful. We would highly highly recommend them.”
Hedwig, traveled in September
Duration 8 days Destinations Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Firebird Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates3 May, 2026 10+ spaces left 10 May, 2026 10+ spaces left From
- NZ$7,281
Edinburgh, Hebrides & Highlands - 5 days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The accommodations were very clean and tidy with a good location to town.”
Victoria, traveled in September
Duration 5 days Destinations Edinburgh, Ullapool, Stornoway, Inverness, Loch Ness, Cairngorms National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates4 May, 2026 4 spaces left 11 May, 2026 4 spaces left From $3,415
15% Off- NZ$2,903You save $512
3-Day Lewis, Harris and the Outer Hebrides Small-Group Tour from Inverness
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The equipment clean and without problems, seats comfortable and roomy. Would definitely book again.”
Eduardo, traveled in June
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Ullapool, Isle of Lewis, Stornoway, Isle of Harris, Luskentyre Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Rabbie's Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 6 spaces left 4 May, 2026 6 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$1,170
A Scottish Journey
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a wonderful trip. We wound up in the tail end of Helene, so couldn't visit Iona but had a very nice experience shopping/sightseeing in ToberMorey.”
Mary, traveled in September
Duration 10 days Destinations Edinburgh, St Andrews, Cairngorms National Park, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness, Plockton, Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull, Isle of IonaSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Back-Roads Touring May departure dates
See All Departure Dates2 May, 2026 2 spaces left 7 May, 2026 4 spaces left From $7,509
4% Off- NZ$7,234You save $275
Inverness to the Outer Hebrides - 3 days
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The sites were many and we saw them all. We were not rushed at all.”
Joan, traveled in September
Duration 3 days Destinations Inverness, Ullapool, Lewis, Luskentyre, Stornoway Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 4 spaces left 4 May, 2026 4 spaces left From $1,795
15% Off- NZ$1,526You save $269
4-Day Islay & the Whisky Coast Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh Including Admissions
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The 4-Day Islay and the Whisky Coast Small Group Tour was completely enjoyed.”
Sheldon, traveled in October
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Oban, Kilmartin, Bowmore, Islay Island, Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Lagavulin, Inveraray Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Rabbie's Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 6 spaces left 4 May, 2026 6 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$2,033
Outlander TV Trail - 4 days
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary and overall organization was good. I felt we did a lot more Outlander heavy stuff on day 1 and day 4 which I loved.”
Lisa, traveled in September
Duration 4 days Destinations Edinburgh, Culross, Inverness, Culloden, Loch Ness, Fort William, Glencoe Age Range Ages 18+ Operator On The Go Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates1 May, 2026 4 spaces left 5 May, 2026 4 spaces left From $2,515
15% Off- NZ$2,138You save $377
3-Day Speyside Whisky Trail Small-Group Tour from Edinburgh
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent short overview of the Speyside region with interesting spots to visit along the way.”
Judith, traveled in May
Duration 3 days Destinations Edinburgh, Braemar, Grantown-on-Spey, Aberlour, Craigellachie, Elgin, Dalwhinnie, Pitlochry, Dunkeld Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Rabbie's Tours May departure dates
See All Departure Dates6 May, 2026 6 spaces left 11 May, 2026 6 spaces left From
15% Off- NZ$1,216
What people love about Scotland Tours in May
- 5 Day Skye & Highland Fling
It was GREAT!! It was a big experience with many very nice people and a fantastic guide :) Thank you!!!
- 3 Day Isle of Skye
Ruth was awesome!!! I had an absolutly amazing time! Could not have chosen a better guide! The trip itself was also very cool! I loved the mystique and lore of Scotland - next time I would like to do more - maybe a 5 day tour.
- Orkney & The Far North
Mark was great, sorry I cannot provide a last name. An exceptional person really. Lots of commentary and we got the feeling that we were actually developing a friendship. He knows a lot about Scottish history and culture and it is clear that he is a big fan of it all. Great jokes too!
What our customers ask about Scotland Tours in May 2026
What locations in Scotland are best to visit in May?
May brings excellent conditions to visit key Scottish destinations including the Isle of Skye Orkney Islands and the Scottish Highlands. The Trossachs National Park near Edinburgh comes alive with spring flowers while sites like Eilean Donan Castle and Culloden Battlefield offer quieter visiting conditions. The weather tends to be mild making it good for exploring coastal areas. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "May was perfect for visiting the Highlands - the mountains were still snow-capped but the valleys were green and full of wildflowers."
How crowded are popular tourist sites in Scotland during May?
Tourist numbers in May remain moderate before the summer rush begins. Major attractions like Edinburgh Castle and Loch Ness can be explored without large crowds while secluded spots like the Orkney Islands and Isle of Harris maintain their peaceful atmosphere. Accommodations such as the Kirkwall Hotel in Orkney and The Royal Hotel in Ullapool typically have good room availability. One TourRadar traveler mentioned: "May was perfect timing - we could enjoy all the sites without the summer crowds."
What historical sites and castles are best to visit in Scotland during May?
Spring conditions make May an excellent time to explore Scotland's historic landmarks. Key sites include Eilean Donan Castle Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness and Dunrobin Castle in Sutherland. The Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns take on a special character during spring. Visitors can base themselves at the Nevis Bank Inn in Fort William or the Leonardo Hotel in Inverness for easy access. As one TourRadar traveler shared "Visiting the castles in May was perfect - comfortable temperatures for exploring and beautiful spring gardens in bloom."
What are the best hiking and outdoor activities in Scotland during May?
The mild May weather creates good conditions for hiking in Glen Affric the Quiraing on Isle of Skye and the Cairngorms National Park. Spring flowers emerge along trails like the Trotternish Peninsula which leads to the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock waterfall. Convenient bases for hikers include the Balmacara Hotel near Skye and the Pine Guest House in Inverness. A TourRadar traveler noted "The May weather was perfect for hiking - we saw incredible wildflowers along the trails and the views were crystal clear."
What special events and festivals can I experience in Scotland during May?
May marks the start of Scotland's festival season highlighted by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in the Highlands. The Highland Games begin with events like the Gordon Castle Highland Games in Fochabers showcasing traditional Scottish culture. Several historic hotels serve as convenient bases including the Columba Hotel in Inverness and the Royal Hotel in Stornoway. One TourRadar traveler noted "the timing was perfect to experience authentic Highland traditions and local celebrations."
Are the Scottish islands accessible in May?
Regular ferry services connect mainland Scotland to islands like Skye Orkney and the Outer Hebrides during May. Sea conditions tend to be calmer than winter making travel more reliable. Convenient mainland bases include the Pentland Hotel in Thurso and The Royal Hotel in Ullapool. A TourRadar traveler commented: "The May ferry crossings were smooth and the connections worked perfectly."