The 10 best things to do in Edinburgh in the autumn - as chosen by us
Kevin Quinn
·6-min read
Evening News editor Rhoda Morrison recommends going pumpkin picking this autumn. She said: "I know it's an obvious one, but one of my favourite afternoons of the whole year is my annual trip to the pumpkin patch. It's been a tradition in our house for several years now, and usually involves a pumpkin spiced latte for the way there, and a change of shoes for the drive back. I love wrapping up warm, pushing the wheelbarrow and picking out the best pumpkins to carve. And more recently, watching my wee nephews pick out their favourite pumpkin has just made it even more fun. The fun usually continues into the next day with a pumpkin carving competition. I've already got my tickets booked for next month, and I can't wait." (Photo: LISA FERGUSON)
With the nights ‘fair drawing in’ as we head into autumn, we’ve taken a look at what we think are the best things to do in Edinburgh during the season.
Whether it’s going for a nice coffee after an autumnal walk, grabbing a few pints after the Fringe madness, or picking a pumpkin for Halloween, we’ve recommended our favourite things to do in Edinburgh in the autumn.
Evening News trainee reporter Neil Johnstone recommends a game of conkers in the autumn. He said: "I love it when conkers start landing on the ground and it’s something that always takes me back to my childhood. I remember my grandad teaching me to leave them in vinegar overnight so they harden up and become more durable. Now I teach my daughter the same tactic - a bit like a weird Werther's original advert." (Photo: Ian Georgeson)
An autumnal walk by the Shore in Leith was recommended by Evening News reporter Jolene Campbell. She said: "Me and my daughter go and sit at the Shore and dangle our legs over the edge. She gets an ice cream no matter how cold it is outside, and I get my favourite, an extra hot coconut mocha. In what has become an autumn tradition, we throw leaves into the Water of Leith making a wish with each one. This started as something we did for my birthday in October and has become a favourite family activity." (Photo: Stock)
Evening News lifestyle editor Gary Flockhart likes to visit the city's coffee shops in the autumn. He said: "I'm a huge fan of flavoured lattes such as gingerbread, cinnamon and pumpkin spice - and autumn is the time when coffee shops start to sell these. It's nice on the weekends to go for a walk into town and get out of the chilly air by diving into a coffee shop for a flavoured latte - ideally with a slice of cake and a good book. Some of my favourite places to go are Black Medicine Coffee Co on Nicolson Street, Artisan Roast on Broughton Street (pictured) and The Milkman on Cockburn Street.
Reporter Kevin Quinn loves a walk around the Old Town in the autumn. He said: "While the Old Town is a great place to visit all year round, I just find the light and bleaker weather suits the old dark buildings that make up the area in and around the High Street. Particularly in the evening as the sun comes down, when the Old Town just looks picture perfect in my opinion. You can grab a piece of history with a visit to Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, Mary King’s Close or have some fun at Camera Obscura. And there are lots of great pubs and restaurants in the area for a wee pit stop." (Photo: Stock)
Reporter Jolene Campbell loves a trip up Arthur's Seat in the autumn months. She said: "Autumn is by far my favourite time of year. On a clear, cold day I love to wrap up warm, fill a flask with tea and head up Arthur’s Seat. I’m a photography geek so in my element here, with the stunning views. Somehow I never seem to go the same route up. Once I catch my breath I sit at the top taking in the skyline all the way out to the Forth. If it’s not too mobbed, I like to sit a while and enjoy reading my book before heading down and getting a few more photos at St Margaret’s Loch and all the gorgeous colours in the gardens behind Holyrood Palace." (Photo: HEMEDIA)
With the pubs now free of Fringe visitors again, lifestyle editor Gary Flockhart loves to grab a pint in the autumn. He said: "Edinburgh looks stunning in the autumn. The city is back to normal after the madness of the Fringe and it's a time when many locals feel they can take back their city. For me, that means returning to some of my favourite bars in the city centre and being able to enjoy a bit more peace and quiet with my pint. My favourite places include The Waverley, Mortal Kocktail and The Star Bar - all of which were rammed during August." (Photo: Lisa Ferguson)
Trainee reporter Neil Johnstone likes to use the autumn time to catch up with odd jobs around the house. He said: "At the risk of sounding like the most boring person under the sun, I genuinely enjoy finally getting round to sorting stuff that I’ve been putting off for months. It usually starts by looking out a warmer jacket when the colder months begin and from there I’ll end up sorting out the two cupboards in our flat that get filled with junk during the year. Normally a full day job, but it provides months worth of satisfaction." (Photo: Neil Hanna)
Editor Rhoda Morrison loves to grab a hot chocolate at the Meadows during the autumn. She said: "This one is very specific, but no walk in The Meadows over autumn and winter is complete without a hot chocolate from Uplands Roast. The coffee stand, which is located in The Meadows near the University of Edinburgh library, looks like any other from a glance but it is home to the best hot chocolate I've tasted. It's topped with a chocolate stick, toasted marshmallow, mini marshmallows and cinnamon and is the perfect thing to warm up a crispy walk through the park. At Christmas time, they do a festive version and sell Christmas trees too - but maybe it's too early to talk about that!" (Photo: Stock)
Evening News reporter Kevin Quinn enjoys an autumn walk, in particular at Colinton Dell, where the colourful Colinton Tunnel pictured above cuts through. He said: "Edinburgh is a great city for taking an autumn stroll. There are so many places to go, including the Meadows, down the Shore or even up Arthur’s Seat if you’re feeling up to it, but my favourite place to go for a walk in Edinburgh during the autumn months is Colinton Dell. Whether that’s sticking to the main path or veering off into the various nooks and crannies, there is so much to see while having a nice relaxing, peaceful wander. Perfect for your mental health." (Photo: Neil Hanna)
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