Autumn in Edinburgh is when the city is at it’s magical peak. The oranges and browns and deep reds that fill the city give it an extra layer of cosiness. The streets become darker a little earlier and the glow from the lights in the windows just finishes off that dark academia aesthetic that Pinterest craves.
It’s no secret I love Autumn, It’s just the perfect season, the golden hour of the year, and by far the one Edinburgh suits the most in my opinion. I know we are into November but the city still in full autumn mode, so here are some last minute spots for you to see it:
The best time to visit for the Autumn?
Autumn begins mid September but the real magic hour of the season hits right before he end of October flowing into November.
Here are my favourite spots for those glorious autumnal spots to fill your camera roll with.
Princes Street Gardens
Is Autumn in Edinburgh complete without views of the castle framed with rowan tree’s? I think not. Walking the gardens and sitting by the fountain with the castle backdrop will always feel a wee bit magical. The colours of autumn just add to the moment and you can get lost here for hours, just watching the world go by.
National Museum Rooftop
Views over Greyfriars Kirkyard and of the castle, another gorgeous autumnal view of the city is to be had from the rooftop of the museum. You can see the castle sit proudly onto of it’s volcanic hill, and all the way to Fife if you get a clear day. It really is one of the best views of Edinburgh.
Scott Monument
Surrounded by tree’s, dark buildings and gothic staircases, the Scott Monument is one of those spots that scream autumn. The biggest monument in the world dedicated to a writer (Sir Walter Scott) the Scott Monument sits proudly in the middle of Princes Street Gardens. It can be viewed from numerous places around the city and never fails to impress, no matter the season to be honest.
Edinburgh Castle
The castle itself doesn’t have too much of an autumnal feel, but the view over the city certainly does. Much like the view from the museum rooftop you get a beautiful view of the rooftops and trees that spill out over the city. All the different shades of tree’s that compliment the old buildings. It’s worth a stop.
Greyfriars Kirkyard
To be honest, the Flodden Wall leading to ‘Hogwarts’ looks good in all weathers but the added layer autumn brings is my favourite. Has a little magical feel when you are wandering around looking at the names that inspired the Harry Potter stories. Walk a little further around and you’ll catch a glimpse of the castle too.
The Meadows
Not only beautiful for its blossoms in the spring, its a beautiful walk in the autumn, rows of oranges and reds fill the paths that lead you to town. Grab a hot chocolate on the way or just wander the meadows it’s self and sit a while.
It’s more well known for it’s blossoms in the spring, but is well worth the stop in the autumn. You can visit the bookshop round the corner and get a hot chocolate to keep you cosy.
St Cuthberts Parish
One of my favourite spots, the stairs leading from Princes Street down the parish cemetery is the perfect spot all on its own, stairs covered in orange leaves with a view of the castle through the overhanging branches. Walk a little further down and you are greeted with the castle in full view with hints of the rowan tree’s.
Calton Hill
It can be a bit of a walk up the hill, but it is SO worth it. You get a gorgeous view of Princes Street and Arthurs Seat, and quite a lot of the city from the top. There’s nothing quite like sitting watching the city go by from the top of the hill with a good coffee and a scarf to keep cosy. The golden sun set over the town that fades to nothing but the street lights below.
Liberton Kirk
One that is often over looked because its not in the immediate city centre, but it’s not that far, a 5 minute drive or so. Red and green foliage cascades down the buildling, and in October it goes completely red. It’s like something out of a fairytale or a cinematic movie scene. I suggest taking a book and sitting for a while, soaking it all in.
