Where to?
ROUND-UPS

Autumn in Scotland

Published 18th September 2026

Autumn and Scotland are the perfect match.

Golden forests, Highland mountains, misty lochs - it doesn't get any better.

And with quieter beaches, colourful landscapes and plenty of excuses to retreat somewhere snug, autumn is a brilliant time to visit.

For the cosiest Cairngorms cottages, most romantic Highland cabins and smartest Edinburgh apartments, take a look at our favourite Scottish spaces with autumn availability.

See all our places to stay in Scotland.

See Scotland in autumn colour

Perthshire, the Cairngorms and Loch Lomond - forests, glens and lochs surrounded by changing leaves and glorious autumn colours.
Cairn Valley

Cairn Valley

Aviemore - Inverness-shire

Sleeps 2
Secluded Highland cottage near Aviemore with a spa tub, woodland views and magical wildlife encounters.
The Sheiling

The Sheiling

Abernyte - Perthshire

Sleeps 2
Striking contemporary cabin set high on a hill with stunning views of rural Perthshire, perfect for couples looking for a quiet escape.
Tower O'Ess

Tower O'Ess

Glen Tanar Estate - Aberdeenshire

Sleeps 2
A proud and luxurious gatehouse conversion guarding the Glen Tanar Estate and nestled within the bewitching Scots Pine of Aberdeenshire
The Snug & River Hideaway

The Snug & River Hideaway

Gartness - Stirlingshire

Sleeps 2
Peaceful riverside stone cottage near Loch Lomond offering a private garden hideaway, wonderful wild swimming and cosy fireside living.
Burnside Cottage

Burnside Cottage

Crieff - Perthshire

Sleeps 2
This beautifully stylish eco-cottage in the Perthshire countryside sits in a peaceful hamlet offering couples a relaxing romantic retreat.
Osprey Lodge

Osprey Lodge

Aviemore - Inverness-shire

Sleeps 3
A luxurious, romantic detached wood-clad lodge in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Drumtennant Cottage

Drumtennant Cottage

Dunkeld - Scotland

Sleeps 7
Charming Perthshire cottage with loch views and enclosed garden, perfect for family escapes in Big Tree Country.
Stuckgowan

Stuckgowan

Arrochar - Argyll and Bute

Sleeps 19
Elegant lochside country house on Loch Lomond with a private beach, hot tub and enchanting Highland woodland retreat.

Hide away in a cosy Scottish cabin

Put your feet up by the fire and pour a dram of the good stuff - perfect Scottish cabins for the colder months.
Greengairs Highland Bothies

Greengairs Highland Bothies

Blairgowrie - Perthshire

Cabins sleeping 2+2 kids
Luxurious, five star eco-bothies offering a romantic retreat on the Cateran trail, with private hot tubs, high end-kitchens, and stunning views over the valley.
Mol Bàn

Mol Bàn

Isle of Harris - Eilean Siar

Sleeps 6
Beautiful retreat for six on the Isle of Harris with heart-stopping sea views and a stylish and cosy interior.
Balbinny Brochs

Balbinny Brochs

Forfar - Angus

4 per broch
Two luxury Brochs overlooking the legendary Angus Glens, with a chic, country finish and exclusive spa…
Eagle Brae

Eagle Brae

Beauly - Highland

2-6 per cabin
Luxurious, hand-crafted log cabins nestled in the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands for an eco-friendly escape.
The Black Cabin

The Black Cabin

Oban - Argyll and Bute

Sleeps 2
Modern, stylish cabin tucked away on a private hill overlooking Oban, offering couples a comfy and cosy retreat.
Callie Bothy

Callie Bothy

Elgin - Moray

Sleeps 2
Luxurious cabin with hot tub, fire pit, wood-burner and pizza oven in stunning, remote woodland by a wildlife pond in Moray, Scotland.

Walk Scotland's wild and empty beaches

Vast sandy beaches and wild surf - take a look at these places near Scotland's spectacular coastline.
Portamaggie Cottage

Portamaggie Cottage

Portpatrick - Dumfries and Galloway

Sleeps 2
Traditional stone cottage with hot tub just yards from a beautiful beach on the stunning coastline in Dumfries and Galloway.
Drinkbetween West

Drinkbetween West

Kirkcaldy - Fife

Sleeps 2
Luxury coastal cottage in Fife with sea views, outdoor wood-fired bath and peaceful countryside surroundings.
Sound of Harris - The Other House

Sound of Harris - The Other House

Isle of Harris - Eilean Siar

Sleeps 2
Unique and distinctive accommodation for two people, combining award winning architecture with classic mid-century interior design in the Isle of Harris.
Shingle Lodge

Shingle Lodge

Portpatrick - Stranraer

Sleeps 4
Fab home overlooking a peaceful beach in Dumfries and Galloway, with bright social spaces, modern amenities and superb coastal views.
No.9 Uist

No.9 Uist

Isle of North Uist - Scotland

Sleeps 4
Tranquil longhouse in an isolated spot on the wild Hebridean island of North Uist with a log burner, stunning panoramic views and miles of sea and sky.
Clarsach - Gairloch

Clarsach - Gairloch

Gairloch - Highlands

Sleeps 6
Sleek and spacious contemporary Highlands cottage, with three double bedrooms, enviable views and modern amenities.
Arrowdale Holiday Cottage

Arrowdale Holiday Cottage

Gairloch - Ross-shire

Sleeps 6
Gorgeous, architect-designed home in Ross-shire offering up a peaceful seaside setting with private beach access and incredible views.
The Lighthouse - Gairloch

The Lighthouse - Gairloch

Gairloch - Wester Ross

Sleeps 7
Enjoy having your own private haven in the spectacular Scottish Highlands at The Lighthouse in Gairloch.
9 Achnacloich

9 Achnacloich

Isle of Skye - Scottish Highlands

Sleeps 6
Renovated croft house on the Isle of Skye boasting breath-taking sea and mountain views.
Mayar Bhan

Mayar Bhan

Achnasheen - Ross-shire

Sleeps 6
A fabulous holiday home with stunning sea views and beautiful private grounds, situated in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands.

Wake up beside a loch

Early morning mist on the water, coffee on the beach - stays beside Scottish lochs are just made for autumn.
Slochd

Slochd

Oban - Argyll

2 per suite
Luxury minimalist apartments overlooking Loch Creran with boutique interiors, private hot tubs and breathtaking Highland views.
Rhuroin

Rhuroin

Shieldaig - Ross-shire

2+1 kid
This marvellous home in the Highlands overlooks the sea and offers warm, calming interiors in a wonderfully peaceful setting.
Innis-a-Chro Croft Cottages

Innis-a-Chro Croft Cottages

Kyle of Lochalsh - Ross-shire

4 per cottage
Two stunning cottages in the glorious Scottish Highlands, with legendary views over the Munro Mountains…
Darach

Darach

Pitlochry - Perthshire

Sleeps 4
Charming and homely stay amidst stunning greenery on the edge of a picturesque loch, with beautiful decor and a private lochside beach.
The Old Manse

The Old Manse

Inverness - Inverness-Shire

Sleeps 12
A grand Scottish Highlands property, sleeping up to 12 guests in luxury and style, with views over the magnificent Loch Ness.
Cooks Cottage

Cooks Cottage

Pitlochry - Perthshire

Sleeps 6
Beautiful cottage with mountains of rural charm offers a relaxing and peaceful stay on the edge of Loch Rannoch in rural Perthshire.
Three Lochs View

Three Lochs View

Kyle of Lochalsh - Highland

Sleeps 2
Luxurious and modern one bed cottage with stunning views, hot tub, gas stove and walk in rain shower in the heart of Lochalsh & Skye, Scotland.

Spend a weekend in the city

Cosy pubs and restaurants with their lights twinkling, shops, castles and museums to explore - we love an autumnal Edinburgh break.
The Peaceful Cabin

The Peaceful Cabin

Edinburgh - Edinburgh & The Lothians

Sleeps 2
Timber riverside tiny-house in the Dell in Edinburgh, with hot tub, wood burning stove and the occasional passing deer.
The Merchants House

The Merchants House

Edinburgh - Scotland

Sleeps 4
A sophisticated Georgian apartment on a quiet, leafy street just a short stroll from Edinburgh’s central city streets
The Wee Sisters Boatel

The Wee Sisters Boatel

Edinburgh - Scotland

Sleeps 6
Cute and quirky canal barge, luxuriously kitted-out, moored close to the centre of historical Edinburgh.
The Old Millhouse

The Old Millhouse

Dalkeith - Midlothian

12 + 3 children
An historic, country house with exclusive, five-star luxuries; set in a peaceful sanctuary just a few miles from Edinburgh…
Drylaw House

Drylaw House

Edinburgh - Scotland

Sleeps 24
Host the ultimate group get-together at this stately, Grade 1 listed Georgian manor, with room for 24 and just two miles from Edinburgh centre.
Is autumn a good time to visit Scotland?

It's the perfect season. Scotland offers stunning autumnal landscapes with golden forests, misty lochs, and the dramatic Highlands. It's an ideal time to explore nature trails, enjoy seasonal festivals, and experience the vibrant culture.

Where is the best place to visit in Scotland in autumn?

There are loads of lovely places, but people particularly love Perthshire for woodland colour, the Cairngorms for mountain scenery/walking, the Highlands for wilderness and Edinburgh for an autumn city break.

Are there any special events or festivals in Scotland during autumn?

Yes, Scotland hosts several events such as the Enchanted Forest light show in Pitlochry, Samhuinn Fire Festival in Edinburgh, as well as whisky, pumpkin and storytelling festivals. These give you the chance to immerse yourself in Scottish culture amidst breathtaking backdrops.

What wildlife can you see in Scotland in the autumn?

Autumn is prime time for spotting red deer stags during rutting season and witnessing migratory birds. Our rural Coolstays locations offer easy access to nature reserves where you can observe local wildlife.

What should I pack for an autumn trip to Scotland?

Pack layers to accommodate cool mornings and warmer afternoons. Waterproof gear is essential due to unpredictable weather. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring both urban areas and countryside paths.