Autumnal things to do in Edinburgh

A family listening to an audio guide handset next to Britannia's Bell and binnacle.

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Edinburgh. As the summer crowds disperse and cooler temperatures settle in, the golden light of the season makes the changing leaves glow. Whether you're visiting with family during the school half-term or escaping for a weekend getaway, here are some of our favourite things to do in Edinburgh this Autumn.

Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
Enjoy a crisp Autumn day picking the perfect pumpkin. Head to Craigie’s Farm in South Queensferry for their Pumpkin Festival, where you can hunt for your ideal pumpkin, navigate a bale maze, and snap a seasonal selfie at one of their many photo spots. At Balgone Estate in East Lothian, visitors can choose from 27 different pumpkin varieties, explore a 2km haunted trail around the lake, and warm up with a toasted marshmallow from the Crooked Cauldron.

A man picking up a cream coloured pum[kin. There are many other pumpkins on the ground.

The Royal Yacht Britannia
Step aboard Queen Elizabeth II’s former Royal Yacht and explore life on board for the Royal Family and crew. Discover five decks with a free audio guide, available in over 30 languages, including a children’s English version, BSL/ASL tablets, and Braille script. The tour is highly accessible with lifts and ramps throughout. Don’t forget to count the cuddly corgis across the tour and spot Clarence the Corgi and his friends, who are dressed in their cosy Autumn outfits, hidden around the Yacht. Stop by the Royal Deck Tearoom for decadent slices of cake, hot chocolates, and ice cream from the onboard Galley.

A family of four sitting at a tale in the Tearoom aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith.

Enjoy the Autumnal Scenery
Explore the stunning autumnal scenery throughout the city and beyond. Admire the iconic Edinburgh Castle framed by golden leaves from Princes Street Gardens or stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to take in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. Take a journey outside of the city centre to Cammo Estate, where you can wander through lush woodland or walk by the canal pond and wetlands. Keep an eye out for wildlife including badgers, foxes, kingfishers and herons. Roslin Glen, just south of Edinburgh, offers peaceful woodland walks, autumn colours, and views of nearby historic Rosslyn Chapel. For a more adventurous escape, head to the Pentland Hills, just 10 miles from the city centre, and hike through rolling landscapes with panoramic views tinted by the colours of the season.

A ruin of a building amongst autumnal foliage in Edinburgh

Visit a Cosy Café
For a cosy seasonal treat, explore Edinburgh’s independent cafés offering the best seasonal drinks and sweet treats. Escape the chill at Black Medicine, where you can tuck into a secluded corner with a warm drink. At Books N’ Cup, settle in with a good book and choose from a wide range of teas, coffees, matcha lattes, or an indulgent Nutella hot chocolate, perfectly paired with cakes, pastries or toasties. Love Crumbs is known for their delicious baked goods and quirky mismatched plates and cups; grab a seat by the window and watch the world go by. For those looking to take a stroll in the crisp Autumn air, visit Uplands Roast on the Meadows for their famous hot chocolate topped with roasted marshmallows and chocolate flakes.

Events at Fingal Hotel
Come aboard Fingal Hotel in Leith, once a former Northern Lighthouse Board tender, and discover a unique series of Autumn events. Enjoy a serene, beautifully curated afternoon tea experience with a Japanese twist at The Art of Japanese Tea, led by Urasenke Tea Master Mio Shudo, who will share the graceful traditions of the tea ceremony. Celebrate Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson with a dark and thrilling evening inspired by Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, featuring theatrical cocktails and a sumptuous four-course dinner in the dramatic Ballroom. For the ultimate seasonal indulgence, visit The Lighthouse Restaurant for a delicious five-course afternoon tea crafted with Autumn flavours.

A woman wearing a Japanese Kimono is kneeling on a red carpet with tea making items in front of her aboard Fingal in the Port of Leith.

With a plethora of exciting things to do and see, Autumn is the perfect time to create lasting memories and discover Edinburgh’s beauty and charm.

If you are visiting Edinburgh in a different season, you may enjoy reading our other blogs; Top family things to do in Edinburgh this summer, A sunny day guide to Edinburgh, and Cherry blossom season in Edinburgh. 


Photo copyright: 
Helen Pugh
Latasha Millette
VisitScotland

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