Many people may not think to travel during the colder seasons but some places in the UK are more enticing during the autumn and are worth a visit at least once.
Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh has been named one of the “best places for an autumn city break” by The Times and is the only British place to make the list.
They wrote: “Edinburgh’s snug restaurants, historic hotels and warming whiskies only get better in the cooler months.
“Hike around this sloping city of quirky alleys, a waterfront port and towering castle walls in jumper-and-jeans weather, allowing time to reach its blustery natural viewpoint, Arthur’s Seat.”
What makes Edinburgh such an incredible place to visit in October is that in summer the city is packed with crowds due to the Fringe Festival, but now there are far fewer tourists making it the perfect time to book a staycation.
Travelling fees and accommodation are also much more likely to be cheaper in autumn now fewer visitors are flocking to Edinburgh for anyone looking to travel on a budget.
Edinburgh has also been named “the most beautiful and the most walkable city in the world” according to Time Out as there is always something remarkable happening in in the city at this time of year.
Why visit Edinburgh in autumn?
Edinburgh is a very atmospheric city due to its medieval architecture but it is also a fantastic place in autumn for anyone wanting the perfect spot to see changing leaves and relax in nature.
Princes Street Garden in the middle of the city is a great place for an autumn picnic at many sights such as Edinburgh Castle and the gothic Scott Monument can be seen from the park.
There are many scenic places such as the tranquil Dean Village and the famous Arthur’s Seat, but visitors should also consider Dr Neil’s Garden, a hidden gem known as Edinburgh’s Secret Garden.
Make sure to bring a camera with you as there will be plenty of photography opportunities in this gorgeous city, but some of the best spots to snap a photo which visitors may not know about are the Lauriston Castle Gardens, Camo Estate and Blackford Hill.
Anyone who loves Halloween will enjoy visiting Edinburgh it is known as one of the most haunted cities in the world where there are plenty of ghost tours and other spooky events at this time of year.
One fun Halloween event later on on the 19th and 20th of October is the Leith Witchcraft Market where traders will gather to sell handmade items, local produce and there will even be fortune telling for anyone who enjoys seasonal shopping.
However, anyone visiting Edinburgh in autumn should be aware that Samhuinn Fire Festival, will take place on the 31st of October where there will be a parade but also theatre, fire dancing and even acrobatic shows.
Samhuinn is a Celtic harvest festival and is a unique way to celebrate Halloween for anyone who has not experienced this lively holiday, but be aware you will need a ticket to go tp the event near Arthur’s Seat.
The weather in Edinburgh is usually quite rainy no matter the time of year but this means the city has plenty of places to stay warm on a cold day as there are a number of museums, art galleries, bookstores and fun trinket shops to explore.
There are also lots of cosy cafes and coffee shops, and one of the best places to visit is Mary’s Milk Bar near Edinburgh’s Castle where you can get a hot chocolate float topped with whatever flavour of gelato you fancy.
However, if you are planning on visiting Edinburgh then it is best to start planning your trip now as the tourist season will begin to pick back up again as soon as the Christmas season rolls around in late November.