10 Things to Do in Edinburgh in October
October in Edinburgh is synonymous with film parties, hot chocolate, pumpkins and lots of Halloween decorations. Stick around and discover the best things to do this month in this enchanting city.
Arthur's Seat | ©Yves Alarie
October is undoubtedly one of the best months of the year to enjoy Edinburgh; with the cold of winter just a few weeks away, Halloween celebrations and many other fun events invade the city's spaces. Curious to know what to expect from a trip to the city during this month? Here's all the information you need to know!
But first, how many days are on your travel itinerary? No matter when you visit, there are countless things to see and do in Edinburgh. Take a look at the following itineraries, combine them with the activities below and put together the perfect trip.
1. Attend the Edinburgh Fright Festival
During the last few days of October, usually starting on the 27th, the Edinburgh Horror Festival takes place in the city. During the days it is held, the event combines multiple art forms, such as theatre shows, magic, comedy, screenings of classic horror films and more.
It's one of the most anticipated Halloween events in the city, especially for young audiences, so don't hesitate to join in.
Where it takes place
Various locations including the Banshee Labyrinth, Edinburgh Dungeon and more. For more details on the dates and exact programme of activities it's best to visit the official Edinburgh Horror Fest website where information is published well in advance.
How to buy tickets
On the official festival website you will find all the information you need to buy tickets.
2. Take part in the Halloween Horror Tours
Edinburgh is a city full of mysteries, so Halloween is a celebration they take very seriously. You can join the party in many ways and one of my favourites, apart from a ghost tour of Edinburgh, is their fun and scary tours through castles and haunted houses.
Don't hesitate to join one of them if you find yourself in the city in the days leading up to Halloween.
The Halloween Terror Trail
From the third week of October until Halloween itself, Lauriston Castle hosts a self-directed terror trail. It is one of the most fun family activities to do in Edinburgh during Halloween.
- Location and directions: Lauriston Castle, a little way out of the centre of Edinburgh. You will need to catch the 43 bus from St Andrew's House station, the stop is a 15 minute walk from the castle.
- Price: Free activity
Haunted Halloween Trail
At Newhailes you can enjoy a Haunted Halloween Trail which is generally only available on the 30th and 31st October. The scary walk will take you through the woods surrounding the beautiful Palladian mansion at Newhailes.
- Location and directions: Newhailes Estate, located on the outskirts of Edinburgh you will need to catch the number 30 bus from North Bridge station.
- Price: approximately €6 per participant.
3. Oktoberfest is also celebrated in Edinburgh
The world's most popular beer festival also takes place in the Scottish capital every year. The celebrations are diverse and although the agenda changes every year as new events and activities are added or removed, it usually lasts an average of two weeks.
To keep up to date with the calendar of events, my recommendation is to keep an eye on the official Edinburg Oktoberfest website, which shares the calendar of events taking place in the city.
Where it takes place
Historically the event has been held in various locations: Murrayfield Stadium; Lane 7 bowling alley and bar in St James Quarter; Princes Street Gardens and more.
How to buy tickets
Depending on the venue and activities, entry to the event can be free or for a fee of no more than £10 per person. Minors are not allowed to attend.
4. Warm up with a glass of whisky
If you enjoy this drink and are travelling to Edinburgh in one of its colder months, you can't miss the opportunity to warm up while enjoying the Scotch Whisky Experience.
The city organises a number of tours which include visiting some of the best distilleries and having a tasting of the product while learning about the unique aspects of the making, history and tradition of the famous Scotch whisky.
In the month of October, the experience takes on a different nuance, as the warmth of a good whisky is the perfect way to contrast the cold of the streets which, from the middle of the month onwards, is becoming more and more intense.
5. Admire the autumn ivy on Edinburgh's landmarks
By far one of the best things to do in Edinburgh, and one that you can only do during this season, is to see the city's historic buildings and buildings covered in autumn colours.
Although the autumn season kicks off in September, October is by far the best month to enjoy the autumn colours.
Carlowrie Castle
When it comes to enjoying **Edinburgh'**s red ivy, Carlowrie Castle is a must-see. Although it's on the outskirts of the city (very close to the airport in case you want to stop off on your way into town), it's totally worth a visit. The building is a totally spectacular 19th century mansion.
Liberton Kirk
Liberton Church is another beautiful place to photograph covered in red ivy during autumn and its location is much more accessible. From Edinburgh city centre you can get there by taking the 7 bus from the Elm Row stop; this will take you on a lovely ride of about 25 minutes.
Rothesay Terrace
In the West End, specifically on the corner of Terrace Rothesay, there is a beautiful ivy-covered four-storey residential building that turns a bright and beautiful red colour every year in autumn.
6. Head to Princes Street Gardens to photograph autumn in Edinburgh
The beautiful and spacious Princes Street Gardens are arguably the best place in all of central Edinburgh to enjoy the greenery and beautiful autumn colours.
As well as the chance to enjoy the greenery, the park is home to attractions such as the Scott Monument, the Gardener's Hut and the Floral Clock, which becomes especially beautiful at this time of year.
If you want to do a section of autumn photos in Edinburgh, this is the perfect place. The trees along Princes Street turn the characteristic reddish-orange colour, creating beautiful backdrops for pictures of Edinburgh Castle.
Be sure to visit the famous 'lone red tree' just below the Castle on Castell Hill near the West End.
7. Experience autumn evenings at Five Sisters Zoo
In the last days of October, usually from the 22nd, the local zoo Five Sisters Zoo holds its Autumn Nights. If you're visiting Edinburgh with children, you won't want to miss this beautiful celebration.
It involves the transformation of the zoo's facilities into a giant park of lights. Large areas of the park are adorned with coloured lights complemented by water effects and music. The animal enclosures are softly and discreetly illuminated so as not to disturb the creatures, but to allow visitors to observe them.
In addition to all this fun, there are bonfires to enjoy toasted marshmallows, stalls to buy hot drinks and other snacks.
Where it takes place
The light park is open to the public Thursday through Sunday; until mid-November. Five Sister Zoo is located on the outskirts of the city and the best way to get there is to take the Scotrail train from Edinburgh city centre and get off at West Calder station. From here take the 276 LothianCountry bus which will drop you off just 5 minutes walk from the zoo entrance.
How to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased directly from the Five Sister Zoo website from the beginning of October.
8. Samhuinn Fire Festival - Fire and Acrobats Show
The Samhuinn Fire Festival is an open-air, parade-style arts festival held every year on Halloween night in Calton Hill. You can enjoy talented performers and acrobats performing impressive feats and fire dances to the beat of drums and impressive costumes.
The event is organised by the Beltane Fire Society as a way of marking the change of season and passing on the Celtic New Year celebrations to younger audiences. If you're in Edinburgh for Halloween night it's not to be missed.
Where it takes place
The event takes place at the top of Calton Hill. Located right next to the Old Town, access to this area of the city is very easy. There are two bus stops just 5 minutes away: Leopold Place and St Andrew's House.
How to buy tickets
The celebration starts after 7pm; the ticket price for an adult ticket is approximately £10, although tickets can be purchased online in advance at a cheaper price. You can find more information on the official website.
9. Attend the International Storytelling Festival
In mid to late October a multi-day event takes place in Edinburgh focusing on the traditional art of storytelling. In addition to entertaining, the aim is to preserve the tradition of storytelling and pass it on to younger generations.
Because of this, the event brings together talented native storytellers from Scotland and around the world, and is often accompanied by live musicians and even sign language translators, making for a more intimate and inclusive atmosphere.
It's one of the most anticipated celebrations for locals, so children and adults alike have a great time during the Storytellers Festival.
Where it takes place
This event is a traditional festival which dates back to 1939 and since 2006 has been held every year at the Scottish Storytelling Centre on the High Street, not far from Edinburgh Castle.
How to buy tickets
Tickets for the performances can cost around £20 for an adult ticket and can be purchased directly from the official SISF (Scottish International Storytelling Festival) website. It is wise to check the website before your trip to find out about the programme of events, dates and performers.
10. Meet Craige Farm's beautiful pumpkin patch
With the arrival of autumn in Edinburgh, the pumpkin season begins and Craige Farm offers a peaceful and fun place to enjoy this wholesome family activity.
The picking season starts in mid-September and officially ends on Halloween, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the experience.
On site you'll find a lovely market of organic and artisan produce, many originating from the farm itself and other local producers.
Where it takes place
You'll need to make your way to the farm on the outskirts of the city. If you take the 43 bus from St Andrew's House station in Edinburgh city centre, the nearest stop is about 15 minutes' walk away.
How to buy tickets
Bookings can be made directly through the official Craigie'sFarm website.