I love an autumn break in Scotland. Every year the Haggis and I book a long weekend away to enjoy a little downtime- it’s one of our favourite times to travel around Scotland.
Autumn in Scotland is utterly fantastic. The cooler temperatures scare away the dreaded Highland midge, making hiking pleasurable again. The crisp air makes it feel so much more satisfying when you warm your belly with a dram at a traditional Scottish pub or coorie in around the fire in a cosy lodge.
And of course, it’s hard to take your eyes off the orange and golden foliage right before the trees shrug their shoulders and cast their summer coat to the floor.
If you’re looking to have an autumn break in Scotland this year, I’ve rounded up five of my favourite autumn escapes that I know you will love.
Table of Contents
When is the best time to plan your autumn break in Scotland?
The optimal time to plan your autumn break in Scotland is from mid-September to mid-October. The tourist season starts to ease by the middle of September and attractions such as castles begin to close in October.
The best time to see the autumn colours is around the end of September to the end of October, with mid-October being the perfect time to immerse yourself in the golden shades of Scotland!
My 5 Favourite Autumn Breaks in Scotland
1. Perth, Perthshire
Perthshire will forever be one of my favourite autumn breaks in Scotland.
The Haggis and I have made several trips to Perthshire during autumn and had a great time.
Perthshire is known for being one of the best regions in Scotland to see the colourful autumn foliage. Some of the best places to experience Scotland’s golden shades near Perth include:
- The Birks of Aberfeldy– which inspired famous Scottish poet Robert Burns
- Kinnoull Hill– a short walk from the centre of Perth
- Scone Palace– located a short distance from Perth, where the ancient Kings of Scotland were once crowned.
There is honestly so much to see and explore in this region, and it offers a little bit of everything for visitors during autumn, including castles, museums, great pubs and outdoor adventures.
Be sure to read my guide on things to do in Perth if you decide to spend some time there.
Where to stay
If you want to base yourself in the city, the Salutation Hotel in the heart of Perth is a traditional and affordable option. This hotel has a fascinating history as one of the oldest hotels in Scotland. Bonnie Prince Charlie once stayed here and planned the Battle of Culloden. Other famous guests include The Beatles!
2. Killin
Last autumn, I spent three blissfully peaceful days in a lodge surrounded by nature in Killin.
Killin is located at the foot of Loch Tay, and is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated villages in Scotland. Nature and history are a stone’s throw away from this quaint and traditional Scottish village.
Life in Scotland podcast episode: The best places to visit in Scotland during autumn
Firstly, you can’t miss the Falls of Dochart which are located in the heart of the village. I also recommend driving the circuit around Loch Tay. Keep your eyes peeled for Scotland’s elusive red squirrels!
If you’re into hiking, head to Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve where you can hike Ben Lawers and Beinn Ghlas, the former being the tenth highest munro in Scotland.
Sròn a’Chlachain is also a beautiful hike offering incredible birds-eye views of Killin and Loch Tay.
Where to stay
I stayed at Killin Highland Lodges which I highly recommend; it’s perfect for a solo trip or for couples.
3. Balerno, Edinburgh
Balerno is a small 13th-century village located on the outskirts of Edinburgh; I first discovered this hidden Scottish gem when I hiked the Scottish National Trail and stayed here.
Balerno is the perfect autumn city break in Scotland: it has plenty of green spaces, has full amenities but still feels peaceful and quiet, and the village centre is delightful.
Make sure you bring your hiking boots as the Pentland Hills Regional Park is located nearby and has walks suitable for all levels.
The Water of Leith walkway also runs through the village, and it’s the perfect place to go for an easy stroll to enjoy the colourful autumn foliage. You can follow the walkway all the way into the city to have a meal, and ride the number 44 bus back to Balerno.
Balerno also has some incredible restaurants. My personal favourites include Carlyle’s and The Balerno Inn. The Grey Horse is also a great traditional Scottish pub.
Balerno is also a fantastic base if you want to explore the centre of Edinburgh. You can spend the day in the city and relax in a more peaceful setting in the evening.
If you want to use Balerno as a base to explore Edinburgh, be sure to check out my guide on how to spend 2 days in Edinburgh before you visit.
Where to stay
I’m a huge fan of JustB City Retreat ever since I stayed there in 2018 and befriended the owners, Karen and Geoff. It’s the perfect nature escape as the bed and breakfast is surrounded by serene woodland. There is a bus stop located outside to make getting to the city centre easy peasy. The Water of Leith walkway is also located just across the road. Karen also makes the best traditional Scottish breakfast you’ll ever taste!
4. Cairngorms National Park
The Cairngorms National Park is one of two national parks in Scotland and one giant playground for nature lovers.
Aviemore is a fantastic place to base yourself if you want to get in some hiking before winter well and truly sets in. Nature is right on Aviemore’s doorstep, including secluded lochs, enchanted woodland forests, and mountain trails for all levels.
Loch an Eilein Castle, a castle in the middle of a loch, is particularly beautiful when it’s framed by the autumn foliage.
For some lovely views across the Cairngorms, you can hike the Corbett Ben Vrackie or the Munro Ben Macdui [Scotland’s second-highest mountain].
Kingussie is also a nice wee town to visit. From here you can visit Ruthven Barracks, an impressive ruin that was built after the Jacobite Rising in 1715 as a way for the English to maintain law and order in the Highlands.
You can also hike through one of Scotland’s most beautiful glens, Glen Feshie, which is a popular filming location and has inspired artists including Sir Edwin Landseer who found inspiration for his famous painting ‘The Monarch of the Glen.’
Where to stay
The eco huts at The Lazy Duck in Nethy Bridge are gorgeous wee lodges surrounded by woodland.
For accommodation in Aviemore, I recommend Dunroamin Lodge or Silverglades Holiday Homes.
For accommodation in Kingussie, I recommend The Osprey Hotel or Sutherlands Guest House.
The Glenmore campsite is also fantastic for camping or campervans (I recommend staying at one of the woodland motorhome sites), and the Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel– which is dog-friendly!
5. Pitlochry
Pitlochry is the perfect place for a long weekend break or short escape in Scotland in autumn.
This charming wee town has some great pubs and restaurants, and the main street is perfect for a stroll and some shopping.
Hettie’s Tea Rooms is a great place for a pot of tea and a sandwich [or something sweet!] and there is a selection of pubs to choose from [or bounce between!].
There are also some lovely nature trails and picturesque bridges in Pitlochry. I recommend going for a walk around Loch Faskally to the village of Killiecrankie to fully experience the autumn colours. When I did this walk I actually ran into a film set shooting scenes for season five of Outlander!
Where to stay
Pitlochry has a fantastic array of luxury accommodation including Fonab Castle Hotel & Spa. I’ve stayed at McKays Hotel which was a good 3-star option in the centre of the town, complete with a traditional bar and restaurant.
SCOTLAND RESOURCES
✨ On a budget? Grab my Scotland Bucket List Planner
✨ Organising a big trip? Grab my Ultimate Scotland Planner
✨ Want to tick off all the must-sees? Grab my Must-See Scotland Essential Travel Planners
✨ Have a question about travelling around Scotland? Join my Facebook groups Scotland Travel Tips and Scotland Travel Tips for Locals
✨ Love podcasts? Listen to my Scotland podcast Life in Scotland
✨ Discover Scotland’s hidden gems: Visit my Scotland website Secrets of Scotland for inspiration
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Jess
Tuesday 21st of December 2021
Where was the first picture taken at the top of the page? it's stunning