Now that summer is officially over and Edinburgh’s dark evenings are beginning to loom, I can already feel the cold weather creeping in. My favourite cure? Getting out of Edinburgh altogether, because who says holidays have to end with summer? Autumn is arguably the best season to escape the city for the day. So before you enter hibernation for the season, here are some of the best autumnal day trips from Edinburgh.
- North Berwick
Easily accessible by train, North Berwick is a must-visit seaside town just 30 minutes outside of Edinburgh. Start with a short hike up a volcanic hill, the North Berwick Law Climb, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery at the top. Or if the word ‘climb’ has already put you off, stick to a stroll along the golden sands of West Bay beach instead.
If you’re feeling particularly brave, take a dip in the sea before defrosting in the Escape Saunas overlooking the coast. If that sounds less like wellness and more like punishment, head straight to Drift, where a hot chocolate and slice of cake make for a much more convincing autumn ritual.
Wander back towards the High Street for a browse around North Berwick’s independent shops, make sure to stop by Nørden for some Nordic gifts and knick-knacks. For a final dose of autumn, finish the day at North Berwick Lodge Gardens and enjoy the array of burnt oranges, reds, and yellows. Ideal for your final spot, or at the very least proof for Instagram that you did actually leave Edinburgh.
- Dunkeld and the Hermitage
When the leaves start to turn, there are few better places to embrace autumn than Perthshire’s ‘Big Tree Country.’ Home to over 200,000 acres of woodland, this is Scotland at its’ autumnal best with its’ forest paths carpeted in burnt orange and gold.
There are countless paths to choose from, but The Hermitage is hard to beat, in my opinion. If you’re driving, park at the National Trust for Scotland and follow the trail beneath towering Douglas firs to find the Black Linn Falls. The best view is from the fairytale-like Ossian’s Hall, and keep your eyes peeled to spot some salmon leaping.
On your way home, make a stop in Dunkeld, a ridiculously cute little town on the banks of the River Tay. Pick up a pastry from ARAN Bakery, or make an evening of it with a pizza and pint overlooking the sunset on the river at The Taybank.
- Crail
For a slower kind of autumn day, head North to Crail, a picture-perfect fishing village with cobbled streets, historic architecture, and stunning sea views. Wander down from the village towards Crail Harbour, enjoying the Dutch-inspired architecture, before stopping at Crail Pottery to browse it’s local hand-thrown ceramics and crafts, and inevitably convince yourself you absolutely need a new mug.
The real highlight, though, is the Crail Harbour Gallery and Tearoom. Tucked up above the harbour, it’s exactly the cosy spot an autumn day trip calls for. If you’re wrapped up warm, grab a seat outside to enjoy the views and listen to the sea. Order the Zucchini and Lime cake, which admittedly sounds questionable, but trust me on this one!
Have a browse in the adjoining gallery and shop before heading home to find local art, crafts, and gifts. Crail’s fresh sea air, ceramics, and cake makes a convincing case for swapping Edinburgh for the East Neuk for the day.
- St Andrews
You don’t need to be a golfer, or a royal fanatic, to justify a day trip to St Andrews. Just over an hour and a half from Edinburgh, the town has pretty much everything you need for a perfect autumn day: cobbled streets, cosy cafes, and independent shops.
If you’re there early enough for breakfast, make Mitchell’s on Market Street your first stop before wandering through the Cathedral ruins. For the best autumn views, climb the 152 steps to the top of St Rule’s Tower. From there, indulge your Kate and William at St Andrews fantasies by walking through the university’s historic quads. Who knows, perhaps your own royal romance is around the corner.
Grab a legendary fudge doughnut from Fisher and Donaldson to enjoy whilst browsing the town’s independent shops. If you’re sticking around for dinner, local seafood is the top recommendation before rounding off the day with a pint at the St Andrews Brewing Co.
Image by Ellie Parkhill for The Student
