Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Edinburgh. The leaves are changing colour, the air is crisp and clean, and the city seems to take on an even more magical quality than it does in summer. Here at The Dunstane Houses we love the longer nights, colder mornings and the carpet of leaves covering the pavements. To celebrate one of our favourite seasons, we have put together our must-see list of the seven best things to do in Edinburgh this autumn.

DOWN IN THE DUNGEON
The Edinburgh Dungeon is a great day out for families or groups of friends, who can explore the city’s dark history. The tour takes you through an underground maze where you will come face to face with gruesome characters and hear spine-tingling stories about their lives in medieval Scotland.

TAKE A WALK
Autumnal walks are one of our favourite things to do when the paths are covered in cold, crisp leaves. Hop on the Number 26 bus to Edinburgh’s hidden gem, Corstorphine Hill. The walk will take you through beautiful woodland, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline and listen to curlews calling their haunting song over the wind-swept hills. Just behind the hotel, take a walk down the stunning Water of Leith all the way to one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods at the Shore.

SEE THE EDINBURGH OF OLD
The Real Mary King’s Close is a fascinating part of Scottish history and offers you a unique opportunity to see the Edinburgh of the 17th century. Meet the residents and walk the streets of Edinburgh as it was during the great plague epidemic of the Black Death. The one-hour guided tour of Mary King’s Close is a great way to celebrate spooky season.

COSY UP IN A PUB
Edinburgh is world-renowned for its hundreds of pubs and bars which boast centuries of history. Many of these have open fires providing you with the perfect place to cosy up on the cooler days with a pint of something local. Teuchters and Whighams in the West End are just a short walk from the hotel and a couple of our favourites.

VISIT YOUR FAVOURITE FILM LOCATIONS
From cult favourites like Trainspotting and Restless Natives to international blockbusters such as the Harry Potter series, many of your favourite films have been shot in Edinburgh. Visit some of these locations or take a tour with Movie Tours Scotland who offer regular trips around several popular film spots. Just ten minutes from The Dunstane Houses on the tram you will find some of the locations used in The Avengers: Infinity War – a must see for any Marvel fan! A walk around Edinburgh’s Old Town is truly like walking around a film set!

HIT THE SHOPS
Edinburgh is a shoppers’ paradise, and with the new St James Quarter you will find a huge number of global brands and independent boutiques all within a short walk of each other. Whether you are looking to start your Christmas shopping early or splurge on yourself, Edinburgh is the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy. While visiting the new shopping centre, make sure to pop up to Bonnie & Wild to sample some delicious Scottish fayre and warm up with a cocktail or two.

SAMHUINN FIRE PARADE
This annual parade marks the transition into winter and is a spectacular procession of fire and light through the city streets. The event celebrates the ancient Celtic festival of Samhuinn, which takes place on 31st October each year and is a dramatic celebration of light over darkness. The route and timings are typically released 48 hours ahead of the event to those who have registered.

There’s truly no better time to visit Edinburgh than in Autumn. Stay at The Dunstane Houses and enjoy free parking, 5-star luxurious rooms, delicious food and drink as well as our renowned Scottish hospitality. If that’s not enough to entice you, those staying before the end of November and booking our Ultimate Dunstane Experience will get a complimentary bottle of gin as well as a complimentary Orkney gin tasting. We look forward to welcoming you this autumn to our The Dunstane Houses.