;)
The best ways to enjoy autumn in Edinburgh
The most picturesque season is well underway, and there are plenty of ways to spend it in the Scottish capital
With the summer and festival season now a distant memory, you’d be forgiven for thinking the time has come for the city of Edinburgh to go into hibernation. But forget New York, it’s the Scottish capital which is truly the city that never sleeps, and there are plenty of exciting things taking place in Edinburgh to spice up your autumn.
For one thing, the city itself never looks better than at this time of year. The capital’s tree-lined streets and parks are transforming before our eyes into a glorious array of fiery shades, adding even more colour to Edinburgh’s already colourful atmosphere.
Now is the perfect time to get out there and experience all that Edinburgh has to offer, from crisp walks with stunning views to warming up in one of the city’s many celebrated indoor venues. Let’s take a look at just some of the great stuff we’ve got to look forward to this autumn in Edinburgh.
Get lost in a good book at the International Storytelling Festival
The Fringe may be over, but the festivities are far from done. From the 19th – 31st October, you can enjoy performances, workshops, talks and events at the globally celebrated International Storytelling Festival. This is a huge celebration of oral traditions and cultural diversity which brings people from all over the world flocking to the capital. Since 1989, the International Storytelling Festival has been promoting the sense of togetherness felt in the Scottish ceilidh tradition, bringing together stories, anecdotes, music, songs and ballads.
Experience food with a view
Chaophraya is a little taste of Asia in the heart of the Scottish capital, offering delicious Thai cuisine to the people of the city’s New Town. But while the signature Yok Lor vodka cocktail would be enough to drive most people through its doors, Chaophraya has something else to offer; something no one can resist. Unlike most other restaurants, at Chaophraya guests can enjoy a breath-taking fourth-floor view of the iconic Edinburgh Castle and its surrounding skyline. Make sure you book a table in the conservatory and enjoy all the flavours of South-East Asia as the light fades around you.
Light up your autumn with Bonfire Night
One of the first things we think of when we think of autumn is, of course, Bonfire Night. Thankfully for anyone in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh is unrivalled when it comes to celebrating 5th November. Every year, the Edinburgh Meadowbank Sports Centre plays host to all the fun of Guy Fawkes night, including a bonfire and a stunning fireworks display. The half-hour fireworks show begins at 7.20pm, with pre-show entertainment taking place from 6.30pm. But that’s not all, there are plenty of incredible displays taking place all throughout the city and the surrounding districts.
See how the other half lives at Lauriston Castle
October marks your last chance to enjoy a fascinating tour of one of Edinburgh’s most beloved buildings: Lauriston Castle. This beautiful Edwardian home is found along the coast of Silverknowes. You can explore the gardens and all their fall colours for free, or enjoy a guided tour of the amazing interiors, including an array of interesting artefacts left by the castle’s many residents. The castle’s last residents, Mr and Mrs W. R. Reid and Mrs Reid’s brother Mr William Barton, all shared an understanding that they would leave the home, gardens and contents to Trust in the Nation so that people could travel from far and wide to enjoy it. This is a chance to glimpse the true Downton Abbey experience.
Make the most of the cooler weather
Enjoying the autumnal weather is pleasant, refreshing and – above all – free! There’s no doubt that autumn in Edinburgh will feel considerably cooler than it has felt in recent months, but the daylight hours fall to around what they were in May and June throughout October. This will make for some pleasantly hazy long afternoons and evenings, perfect for a bit of retail therapy or making the most of the city’s café culture. Break out the jumpers and scarves and dive head first into this picturesque time of year.
Embrace your inner child at the Museum of Childhood
‘Growing Up With Books’ is a fantastic exhibition taking place at the Museum of Childhood until 9th December. This exhibition includes a huge array of the museum’s archives, ranging from the 18th to the 20th century. The collection will include plenty of familiar children’s characters, along with some surprises. Indulge in your favourite Scottish fairy tale or learn all about an unusual book from 1725 with a startling connection to Bonnie Prince Charlie. You’ll also gain some insight into the many personal stories of past book owners through inscriptions, notes and little additions. Best of all, the exhibition is free to attend, so there’s no reason not to let your inner child out to play.
Indulge in afternoon tea
The Signet Library, located just around the side of St Giles’ Cathedral on the Royal Mile, has a lot to offer its visitors, including the stunning Colonnades. This opulent and glamorous neoclassical tea room is somewhere every tourist and native alike should visit at least once. Although it serves lunch, it is the afternoon tea which truly takes the cake, offering everything from seasonal sandwiches and savouries to sweets and a variety of teas. There’s also an impressive cocktail menu to get familiar with.
Get cultured at the City Art Centre
Since the mid 19th century, Scotland has played a huge role in the history of fine art photography. David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson were significant in helping the medium cement its status in the 1840s, inspiring generation after generation to explore the potential of the humble photograph. This is what the City Art Centre are celebrating with their In Focus: Scottish Photography exhibition, charting the development of the artform in Scotland over the past 300 years. You’ll discover eye-catching and head-scratching works from a range of artists, from Ron O’Donnell and Maud Saulter to Hill and Adamson themselves.
Partake in some picture-perfect walks
Without the clammy heat of the summer or the biting cold of the winter, autumn is the perfect time to revisit some of your favourite Edinburgh walks, and discover some new ones. If you want to keep it fairly central, Princes Street Gardens the Meadows look particularly beautiful at this time of year with all the autumnal colours on display. Alternatively, the Hermitage of Braid is a wonderfully rewarding autumn walk beneath a canopy of trees, located just along the Braid Burn. For the best views however, you can’t beat the climb up Arthur’s Seat and seeing the city in all its glory.
Edinburgh is the perfect place to live at any time of year. If you’re thinking of buying property in the Scottish capital, why not consider Craighouse? Located in tranquil Morningside, these stunning homes bring history and modernity together in perfect harmony.
Discover more about Craighouse by clicking here, or call Quartermile Developments today on 0845 000 25 25.