9 Unmissable Things to Do in Scotland in October

Find incredible things to do in Scotland in October. From going stargazing or Northern Lights hunting to enjoying the wildlife spotting, there are plenty of great ways to connect with nature this season. Get your endorphins pumping on an envigorating walk filled with autumn colours or relax your mind with calm vibes at a book festival, the choice is yours!

  1. Stargazing and dark skies Scotland

    Caerlaverock Castle with dark skies visible beyond

    © Visit South West Scotland / Ben Bush

    The October nights grow longer and the skies brighten with astronomical beauties so you have the best chance to spot your favourite constellations! Check out the Galloway Forest Park in the south of Scotland. It was the UK’s first dark sky park, and has some of the darkest skies in all of Europe. Or why not visit the Isle of Rum in the Inner Hebrides? It has just been named Scotland's first International Dark Sky Sanctuary - the second in Europe and one of only 20 others around the globe!

  2. Go Northern Lights spotting Scotland

    Northern Lights at Gairloch

    © Four Seasons Campers / Peter Sandground

    If you’re lucky enough and conditions are favourable, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights this October. This spectacular sight can be spotted from a variety of locations including Orkney, Shetland, the Cairngorms and Aberdeenshire, and even as far south as Edinburgh and beyond. So why not camp out under the stars with friends or family, and see if you can catch this amazing natural light display?

    Did you know that 2024 is considered a great year for aurora-spotting opportunities? During solar maximum, which we are experiencing this year, frequency of solar storms increases, leading to a stronger peak of solar activities. Make sure you don't miss this phenomenal natural wonder - a memory that will last a lifetime!

  3. Discover cosy autumn hideaways Scotland

    Glenshee Glamping

    © VisitScotland / Kate Abbey

    As the days get shorter and the evenings get cooler, Scotland’s lodges and cabins are the ideal setting for a weekend getaway filled with cosy nights in. You can switch off, light a fire, toast some marshmallows, enjoy a glass of bubbly in a hot tub, and snuggle up with your favourite film in one of the beautiful places to stay on offer.

    A weekend in Scotland is a truly relaxing escape from your daily routine and you can guarantee that you’ll return refreshed and rejuvenated. You could also combine your cosy nights in with a spot of stargazing or an autumnal walk to blow away the cobwebs.

  4. Enjoy autumn colours on a walk Scotland

    De ruïnes van Roslin Castle in Roslin Glen, Midlothian

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    See the leaves change to their beautiful autumn colours before drifting down to the ground, to be crunched under foot. Scotland has some incredible forest walks for you to try. Head to Perthshire - known as Big Tree Country - for lots of forests and rivers, or book a trip to Aberdeenshire to admire castles against the backdrop of shifting autumn colours.

    If you're looking to embrace the elements, head out to the coast and watch the power of nature as the waves come crashing in across the sands and up against our cliffs.

     

  5. Enjoy wildlife encounters Scotland

    Red deer stags locking antlers during the rutting season.

    © Neil McIntyre

    October brings a whole host of wildlife for you to see. The echoing sound of the geese can be heard for miles, signifying the presence of autumn. While taking a stroll along the coastline of Shetland you may be accompanied by several seal pups as they make their first movements along the shore. Further inland, striking red deer can also be spotted galivanting among the trees and plains.

  6. Discover seasonal produce Scotland

    Pumpkins at Arnprior Farm

    There are a wide variety of delicious in-season foods to try when visiting Scotland in October from sweet, juicy apples, to pears, plums and oysters.

    Lamb is also the most tender in autumn months, making it the perfect chance to slow down and savour the tastes of a Scottish Sunday roast with friends and family.

  7. Experience Halloween at its origins Scotland

    Halloween at Traquair House

    © traquairhouse

    October is of course the month of Halloween, and what better place to be spooked than Scotland with its haunting history!

    Halloween events in 2024 include the Samhain Fire Festival at Calton Hill in Edinburgh and Paisley Halloween Festival, west of Glasgow.

  8. Enjoy quieter time visiting attractions Scotland

    Scone Palace

    © Perth and Kinross Council / Fred Murray

    One of the joys of visiting in October is that you can enjoy a more relaxing, laidback experience, with our more popular attractions being a bit quieter.

    Take your time to really engage with the history and culture at a variety of attractions, from Royal Yacht Britannia to Scone Palace. Take a trip around Scotland's Castle Trail or take the train up around the Highlands.

  9. Take in an autumn festival Scotland

    Armchair Books, Edinburgh

    For all the bookworms out there, there are plenty of book festivals to get involved in, including Wigtown Book Festival (27 September - 6 October), Portobello Book Festival (4 - 6 October 2024), Scottish International Storytelling Festival (18- 31 October 2024) and the Orkney Storytelling Festival (24 - 27 October 2024).

    Mòd An Òbain 2024 is also a great event to get to know Scottish and Gaelic culture, with a packed programme of events, music, Highland dance, drama, sport and literature taking place from 11-19 October.

Andere dingen die je misschien leuk vindt

Bekijk onze laatste reistips

Meld je aan voor onze nieuwsbrief en ontvang unieke bezienswaardigheden, leuke reisideeën en aanbiedingen voor bezoekers.

Op de nieuwsbrief abonneren