Edinburgh in autumn is a city transformed. From rust-red leaves crunching underfoot to the skyline silhouetted against glowing treetops, it’s a time of warmth, reflection and quiet beauty.
As the season turns, this time of year in Scotland’s capital is nothing short of a visual feast. As a cool crispness settles over the city, Edinburgh dons a cloak of fiery hues.
Whether you’re after quiet woodlands, historic ruins framed in ochre, or peaceful waterside reflections, here’s our top suggestions on where to find the best of Edinburgh’s autumnal colours.
Top tip
- Timing is everything: Peak colours usually hit Edinburgh from mid-October to early November. Venture out in the early morning or late afternoon for the most magical golden light.
- Dress for all seasons: Autumn days can flip from sunshine to drizzle in minutes. Layer up and wear waterproof shoes and clothes for the muddy trails.
- Bring a camera: Many of these spots are incredibly photogenic in autumn. Use close-up features to capture leaf textures, or wide angles to show sweeping views.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
A timeless favourite, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – or The Botanics as they are commonly known locally – is a living museum of seasonal splendour.
Wander through groves that seem to glow from within; catch the late afternoon sun filtering through coppery leaves and lose yourself among winding paths that showcase trees from across the world. The Chinese Hillside is especially spectacular at this time of year.
Keep an eye on their What’s On page for upcoming seasonal events, which offer first-hand knowledge on how to discover more of nature in autumn.
Craigmillar Castle Park
Sometimes overlooked in favour of Edinburgh’s other more well-known castle, this historic park feels like a forgotten medieval dream.
The ruins of Craigmillar Castle rise above a sweep of deciduous woodland, where oaks and elms drop their autumn wardrobe in golden drifts. The contrast of weathered stone and blazing foliage is stunning on clear days.
Colinton Dell and The Water of Leith Walkway
Follow the Water of Leith’s meandering course as it snakes through Colinton Dell, where trees arch overhead like a natural cathedral.
The trail is quiet, cool and alive with amber tones. Keep an eye open for the local wildlife, including squirrels, kingfisher and the occasional heron.
Harlaw Reservoir and the Pentland Hills
Just a short bus journey from the city centre, Harlaw Reservoir is a tranquil haven bordered by dense woodland and open moor.
The surrounding Pentland Hills rise gently behind, dusted with golden gorse and heather. It’s the perfect blend of water, woodland and wide open skies.
Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat
Climb the ancient volcanic slopes of Arthur’s Seat to see the city laid out below, cloaked in the warm shades of autumn.
Holyrood Park’s lower slopes, especially around Duddingston Loch, burst into colour this time of year – and trees with shades of gold and russet line the water’s edge. So pretty, you’d think it had been conjured up by an artist.
Dunbar’s Close Garden
Often called a hidden treasure, Dunbar’s Close Garden is located just off the Royal Mile and this 17th century-style garden is a pocket of calm amid the city bustle.
As autumn arrives, ivy creeps across the stone walls in shades of wine red and fallen leaves blanket the neat paths.
Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill
The peaceful Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill nature reserve is a tapestry of changing leaves.
A walk along Braid Burn offers mirrored reflections of yellow and deep red-leaved trees, and the view from Blackford Hill stretches out over the city, punctuated by copper crowns of trees below.
Corstorphine Hill
Less frequented than some of the city’s other famous counterparts, Corstorphine Hill is a quiet gem.
With its twisting paths, old stone walls and mixed woodland, it offers a secluded escape awash with autumn tones. Cameras ready to capture the golden light streaming through the foliage.
Newhailes House and Garden
To the east of the city, Newhailes House and Estate offers stately walks through ancient woodland and formal gardens.
Towering trees turn a buttery yellow and quiet avenues of trees seem to glow as the afternoon light hits.
Cammo Estate
One of Edinburgh’s lesser-known green spaces, Cammo Estate feels like a secret forest from a fairytale.
With its mix of open parkland, ancient woodland and a slightly wild edge, it’s a treasure trove of texture and tone – ideal for quiet walks and serious leaf-peeping.
Whether you’re chasing sunrise light in the hills or finding golden moments in a city courtyard, there’s no better season to fall in love with Edinburgh all over again.
This project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
