This region of Great Britain is beautiful year round but fall in Scotland is truly unforgettable. Whether you are visting the coastline, the Highlands, or anywhere in between, every setting seems to be straight out of a postcard. With so much history, magic and charm, it’s time for you to start planning your trip. Here’s what you need to know about fall in Scotland.
What better place to celebrate Halloween than in Scotland! My all time favorite holiday. Being able to experience creepy forests, spooky castles, and new, delicious candy, is something I will never forget. And quite frankly, I don’t believe Halloween will ever be the same.
I did some research about the differences in Halloween traditions before our visit and came across some things I had never heard of before. But most things we learned once we got here. Luckily, people in Scotland are very friendly, and didn’t even laugh when we asked how to go trick or treating.
And yes…it was a very awkward question to ask.
In Scotland, dressing up and going door to door is called “guising,” and you don’t just knock on the door and say “Trick or treat!” Here, you have to perform a small act. Whoever answers the door will usually ask if you have something prepared. Or they will ask you for one of the following: tell a joke, sing a song, or recite a poem.
We were unaware of this tradition, and I don’t believe we had taught our daughter any jokes before this point. The first time she was asked to tell a joke, we were all caught off guard. Luckily our 4 year old is pretty quick and made everyone laugh. We ended up teaching her a few jokes and absolutely loved watching her make everyone crack up.
Also, there is a noticeable emphasis on healthier snacks, with many homes offering fruit, nuts, and small toys alongside the usual candies. Our daughter’s bag had more stickers and coloring/activity books than it had candy! And the treats that were in there were all healthier options. Good ingredients and low sugar. It was great.
When you walk outside, it just feels like Halloween. The atmosphere in Scottish towns and cities is truly enchanting. Streets are adorned with spooky decorations and carved turnip lanterns or elaborate pumpkin displays. *Carved turnips or “Neep Carving” is something I had read about before coming here, and they are so great! They are easier for kids to carve, and their odd shapes make them all so cute and creepy.
Many towns host Halloween events such as ghost tours, haunted house experiences, and community parties. We found a carved pumpkin scavenger hunt through the town of Milngavie. It was the perfect way to explore the town while our daughter pretty much got to trick or treat through the town.
Make sure you check times and dates before arriving! Most of these events are the weekend before Halloween, or a few days before depending on the day it falls on.
The Samhuinn Fire Festival (or Samhain) in Edinburgh is a world renowned event that includes fire, drumming, and performances to celebrate the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It’s celebrated from sunset on October 31 until sunset on November 1. This is the ultimate Halloween party.
Expect loud and steady drumming, some scary masks, fire breathers, and other performers. You are encouraged to dress up and really lose yourself in the celebration. This is a family friendly event, but some of the costumes or drumming could be scary for smaller children.
The overall atmosphere is one of community and celebration with a touch of the eerie and supernatural that makes Halloween in Scotland a unique experience.
Halloween in Scotland has deep historical and cultural roots, tracing back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to be at its thinnest. This festival involved various rituals to ward off evil spirits, such as lighting bonfires and wearing costumes to disguise oneself from wandering spirits. Many of these traditions have evolved but still influence Halloween celebrations today.
Understanding the history adds an extra layer of depth to the festivities, making you feel more connected to the people and places around you. Do your research on the history of the area you’ll be visiting, and be prepared to see your surroundings with a new perspective.
I’m sure Scotland is beautiful no matter what time of year it is. Personally, I can’t imagine a more picturesque setting than Scotland during autumn. From around the middle of September until the beginning of November is when you will find yourself surrounded by deep yellows, oranges, reds, bronze, and crimson. The weather in September is still warm during the day with cooler nights, and by mid October you will definitely feel the chill in the air. If you are visiting the Highlands, expect some snow during this time!
With far less crowds, autumn is the best time for hiking, wildlife spotting, exploring castles, and visiting the numerous lochs throughout the country (we searched for Nessie and are pretty confident we’ll find her next time!). You will also find some of the most comforting and hearty meals in restaurants. Fall is the perfect time to embrace traditional Scottish cuisine. There’s nothing like a big bowl of aromatic stew while watching the rain out of a restaurant window.
Nothing could have prepared me for the colors we were about to witness. I grew up on the east coast, and I’ve seen some seriously vivid fall colors, but it doesn’t even come close to the color show that Scotland puts on. The brightest reds, yellows, and oranges as far as the eye can see. Driving into the Highlands and seeing these colors dusted with snow felt like we were dreaming. I’m sure any time of the year would be a good time to visit Scotland, but if you can make it work, we highly recommend going during the Fall. If you get the chance to visit during this time, here are the places you definitely have to see:
One of the best things to do in Scotland in October is to go for a drive. Or better yet, have someone drive you around. The changing colors and dramatic scenery is best when stared at.
Scotland’s natural beauty is best experienced through its numerous hiking trails and parks, which are especially enchanting in the fall. Want to get to know Scotland? Go outside. Simple as that. There’s so much to do and so much to see. Here is just a small taste of the things you could do:
This could be a never ending list. The most important thing about visiting Scotland in the fall is to make sure you get outside! The beauty of this place is surreal. Calming yet exciting. Always ask your hotel or stay host for recommendations for things to do in the area! They’ll know better than anyone.
Fall in Scotland is a time for lively festivals and events that celebrate the season’s charm. These gatherings offer a great opportunity to experience Scottish culture and traditions while also enjoying the beauty of autumn. Here are some must-visit events:
These events provide a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Scottish culture and enjoy the unique charm of the fall season.
Scotland’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes have made it a favorite backdrop in popular media, captivating audiences worldwide through iconic productions like “Outlander”, “Harry Potter”, and “Braveheart.” I knew I always wanted to visit Scotland, but watching Outlander solidified my need to go!
Visiting the real-life locations featured in these stories, such as the hauntingly beautiful Culloden Battlefield and the mystical Craigh na Dun, made us feel like we were in the show. These sites bring the drama, the heroic tales, and romance to life, making them a must-visit destination for any fan.
By exploring these locations, you can immerse yourself in Scotland’s storied past, all while soaking in the views. Look into themed tours of your favorite movies or shows! They are very common in the area.
Watch your kids fall in love with the colors in Scotland. Our daughter is definitely a beachy summer girl, and she fell in love with the color and fall vibes here. Pretty much everywhere you go in Scotland is child friendly. You’ll find loads of indoor and outdoor playgrounds, pumpkin patches, and pretty much every restaurant has a kids menu. Let your child carve a turnip and join in on the local fall festivities! Here are just a few things families can do during the fall in Scotland:
No matter where you plan on visiting in Scotland, you will have no trouble finding something for the whole family to enjoy. The best way we kept our family entertained here was by going outside. You’ll never know what you’ll see. Oh, and it’s free.
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It’s a vast, wild, and magical country just waiting to be explored. Feel like you’re forging your own path, your own way, when you’re just simply hiking through the Highlands. Get lost here and find yourself in the process.
To make the most of your fall visit to Scotland, follow these few simple tips to ensure a great stay.
Scotland is a place our family felt very safe exploring. Even if you show up a little under prepared, you are sure to find multiple charity or thrift shops in town filled with gently used and great priced clothing perfect for the season.
For more fall activities in Scotland click here!
Visiting Scotland in the fall is truly a magical experience. From the crisp air to colorful foliage and heartwarming Halloween customs that enchanted our daughter, every moment was unforgettable. Go explore an ancient castle, enjoy being together or being alone, and explore a new culture and change yourself.
I hope our tips and experiences inspire you to start planning your next adventure. And I hope you have the best time of your life! I’d love to hear all of your most memorable stories from traveling to Scotland during this time of year, especially your Halloween stories!
Happy Travels!
