Five ways to enjoy autumn in Scotland
Autumn is a fabulous time to visit Scotland – and often full of surprises. You might find yourself tromping out into bright sunshine under crisp, clear skies in the morning, then spend the afternoon curled up in an armchair with a steaming pot of tea looking out of rain-slicked windows.
The good thing? Nothing can surprise us anymore – so we’ve compiled a list of indoor-outdoor experiences to make the most of anything the season can throw at us…
Fall under Perthshire’s autumnal spell
With its rugged landscapes, spectacular summits, tumbling rivers and lushly layered forests, Perthshire in the heart of Scotland offers autumn at its most arresting.
On the outskirts of the historic city of Perth, you’ll find the original crowning place of the kings of Scotland, Scone Palace. This resplendent home is set in 100 acres of woodland gardens, where peacocks strut the lawn (look out for Alexander, their white peacock!) and sheep graze on the surrounding parkland.
Just walking through the grounds is a great day out – especially in autumn as the leaves on the ancient trees put on a show of burnished splendour. But if you want to experience the place at a faster pace, why not sign up for the Sidlaw Ultra, taking place on 30th November? Described as ‘brutal but stunning’ this 69km run takes in not one, but two historic sites, starting in Glamis Castle. Or, if you prefer a gentler approach, Scone Palace will be offering atmospheric candlelit tours starting on 1st December. Visitors will experience the incredible state rooms decorated for Christmas, so it’s a wonderful way to ease into the festive spirit.
If you do intend to experience the natural beauty of Perthshire in autumn, you won’t have to travel far out of the city to enjoy the peaceful natural idyll of Murrayshall Country Estate
To get even further into the local countryside, head up the A9 to Faskally Wood, Pitlochry, to see the Enchanted Forest. There’s still a little time left to book this magical must-do event, which runs until 3rd November. Then, when it’s time to wind down for the night, you can retire to the grandeur of Fonab Castle Hotel and Spa in Pitlochry for a soothing spa stay.
Be starstruck by the Torridon
It’s not just the leaves that are giving us all good reason to look up this season. With the nights getting longer and darker, the opportunities for stargazing are abundant. And there’s nowhere better to gaze out into the cosmos than The Torridon.
Located in the north-west of Scotland, The Torridon is one of the darkest locations on the planet – which means lucky stargazers can enjoy views of thousands of stars.
On Saturday, 30th November, the boutique retreat is holding a Stargazing Dinner. Astronomer Stephen Mackenzie will share his insight into Scotland’s star-spangled skies and the constellations to look out for on a clear night.
This special dinner costs £150 per person, including drinks pairing, and is only available to those staying at The Torridon. To secure your place at the table, email info@thetorridon.com or call directly on 01445 791242.
And if you can’t make this date, The Torridon has other, inspired itinerary suggestions for Lights Off Season.
Satisfy your inner sleuth at Knockinaam Lodge
Cosy adventures indoors are one of the big advantages of the weather turning colder, and where better to hunker down than a romantic Victorian lodge beside Portpatrick?
This November, guests are invited to a weekend break with a twist at Knockinaam Lodge – it’s a murder mystery!
After checking in on the Friday evening, guests will wake up to a hearty breakfast, followed by a ghost tour of Portpatrick to set the spooky tone.
Then, on the Saturday evening, a Cluedo-themed Murder Mystery will unfold with a cast of colourful performers, giving guests the opportunity to interrogate suspects, make outrageous accusations and, hopefully, solve the crime.
To find out more and secure your spot as a sleuth, visit the Knockinaam Lodge website.
Make time for a city break in Edinburgh
With its atmospheric architecture, lively pub scene and endless shopping opportunities, Scotland’s capital is the perfect place to stage your great autumnal escape.
For a city, Auld Reekie has a surprising amount of nature, with sprawling parks and ancient trees around every corner. To enjoy the full splendour of the season, stop by the magnificent Royal Botanic Garden, where you can collect conkers from under its enormous horse chestnut trees or admire the impressive rhododendron collection, all for free. Or, if you prefer to cosy up with a good yarn, the Scottish International Storytelling Festival is running until the end of October – and features workshops, talks and tours to capture your imagination.
When it comes to deciding where to base your stay, you’re spoiled for choice! Prestonfield are offering a luxurious three-night getaway for the price of two in autumn, including Bed and Breakfast and a complimentary bottle of champagne! Fingal have a fabulous shopping break available, including a decadent five-course festive afternoon tea and a £50 voucher for St James’s Quarter to get you started. Then there’s the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, where you can retreat from the crowds and unwind with a treatment in their award-winning spa. Now that’s festive.
Enjoy whisky and tee at Greywalls Hotel
If spending an autumnal morning on the golf course is more your speed, set your sat nav for East Lothian. Known as ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’, this coastal patchwork of villages is known for the highest concentration of championship links courses in the world.
Greywalls Hotel are currently offering a very special Whisky and Tee Getaway to help you enjoy the best of the region. Tee off on the renowned Gullane No. 2 and play a round against the backdrop of the East Lothian coastline. Then, enjoy a dram in the lounge before tucking into a decadent three-course dinner in the Chez Roux restaurant. Just add clubs.
