10 Things to Do in Edinburgh in September
If you are planning to travel to Edinburgh in September, congratulations! You will be visiting the city in a season with a lot of outdoor activities and nature at its best!
Edinburgh, Scotland | ©Katie Johnstone
Although there is always plenty to see and do in Edinburgh, no matter what time of year you visit, the truth is that September is among the ideal months to explore the city.
The particularity is that September in Scotland's capital is a fabulous time to experience the changing nature of autumn without the hustle and bustle of tourists. In addition, you can enjoy food festivals, obstacle courses and traditional horseback riding. Here's everything you need to know and much more.
1. Discover Scotland's nature, history and culture
Yes, I know I'm suggesting you leave Edinburgh, but if you travel to the Scottish capital for enough days there are some places you can't miss and September is the perfect month to do so, as the cold is not yet biting and it is by no means the rainiest month of the year.
There are three excursions I suggest, all full of history, culture and nature.
- Book a trip to the Highlands: just 50 km from Edinburgh are the Arrochar Alps, home of the Scottish Highlands, a place with a magical atmosphere, enveloping and full of charm. There you can visit some of the most famous castles in Scotland such as Douane Castle, Inveraray Castle or Kilchurn Castle.
- Book a tour to Stirling, Loch Lomond and the Kelpies: on this tour you can also visit Stirling Castle, but you will also enjoy the beauty of Loch Lomond and the village of Balloch and you will have the opportunity to discover the historical role of famous characters such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce or Rob Roy.
- Book an Outlander tour: do the names Jamie Fraser or Claire Randall/Fraser ring a bell? If so, don't hesitate for a moment because this tour is for you. In it you will visit many of the places where the TV series was filmed, such as Doune Castle (Leoch Castle in the series), Blackness Castle (Fort William in the fiction) or the village of Culross (Cranesmuir in Outlander).
The three excursions last between 9 and 10 hours, that is to say, you will spend the whole day. Choose the one that best suits your tastes and enjoy!
2. Take advantage of the Open Doors weekend in the city's emblematic buildings
At the end of September, Edinburgh celebrates Open Doors Day, a festival that seeks to celebrate the city' s historical heritage by offering free access to dozens of buildings.
It is well known that Edinburgh is a city rich in historical and cultural heritage, so if you are in the city for these days do not miss the opportunity to enjoy iconic buildings that otherwise would have access prohibited or limited to invitation.
Where it takes place
Literally all over the city. Historically, the buildings that are usually included in the celebration are: Institut Francais D'Ecosse, King's Buildings, Liberton Kirk, National Museum of Scotland, Newhailes House villa, Observatory House,Quaker Meeting House, St Michael and All Saints Church, and many more. The best way to find out more about the program is to visit the official Doors Open Days website.
How to buy tickets
No tickets are necessary, it is a free event and open to both locals and tourists.
3. Attend the Stockbridge Market
A series of markets take place every week in different locations in Edinburgh: Stockbridge, Lieth Market and Grassmarket.
The idea is to bring together a group of small independent traders each week, so you can find products such as handmade pastries, homemade cakes with traditional recipes, smoked meat, organic chocolate, handmade soaps, art and jewelry.
It is an excellent alternative to relax on a Sunday afternoon and enjoy good local food in the center of Edinburgh. The market also abounds with international street food stalls.
Where it is held
Stockbridge Market takes place on Saunders Street from 10am to 4am. Every Sunday. You can get there using different means of transport. The nearest bus stations are Kerr Street and Hamilton Place.
How to buy tickets
You don't need them, it is a market open to the public where most of the locals do their regular shopping.
4. Marvel at the Horseback Marching Parade
In early to mid-September, the traditional Edinburgh Horse Marches take place in the city on a Sunday. It is one of the largest public events in the capital and one of the most anticipated by citizens, especially children, who are very excited.
If you happen to be in town on the day of the celebration, you can't miss it! In addition to the spectators, the event gathers every year about 300 of the best riders in the area; the celebration is joined by bagpipe orchestras and other shows.
Where it takes place
The ride begins on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Following the route along the Royal Mile (main street in the old town), it goes through the city center to end at King Stables Road.
How to buy tickets
Tickets are not required, the event is free and open to the public. Arrive early to secure a good spot and find out the exact time and day by visiting the official Edinburgh Riding the Marches blog.
5. Pretty Muddy Race for Life takes place this month
The cancer charity Cancer Research UK runs a series of events focused on fundraising. Race of Life, Pretty Muddy is one of them. In Edinburgh it takes place in September, usually in the first half of the month.
The event consists of a fun obstacle course in a muddy terrain where participants will have to jump over obstacles, climb ropes, crawl in a mud pit and many other things to reach the finish line. Don't hesitate to attend! In addition to supporting a noble cause, fun and laughter are more than guaranteed.
Where it takes place
Traditionally the race takes place at the Royal Highland Centre, on a 5 kilometer course.
How to buy tickets
Entry to the event costs approximately £20 for an adult ticket and £10 for a child ticket. All the necessary information is posted on the official Race For Life website months before the event.
6. Visit House of Binns on the outskirts of Edinburgh
Take a leisurely autumn stroll around a beautiful stately home on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The House of Binns is a National Trust Scotland historic building. Built by local merchant Thomas Dalyell in 1612, the charming palace served as his family's home for at least 400 years.
During autumn, part of the Palace is covered with **Edinburgh'**s famous autumn red ivy. Nearby you will find a beautiful loch with a promenade to explore; there are also many cafes and restaurants for lunch on the main street on the way to the site.
House of Binns is a 40-minute drive from the center of Edinburgh. If you go by public transport, I recommend the high speed train to Linlithgow, the journey will take just over an hour.
How to buy tickets
The adult entrance ticket is around 12,50 € per person and if you want to tour the interior of the house you must request a private tour on the website of the National Trust Scotland. The parks and gardens are open to the public from 09h to 17h.
7. Photo tour to capture the autumn ivy on Edinburgh's landmarks
One of the best things about visiting the city in autumn is being able to watch the transition from green leaves to magical, warm autumn colors; September is the perfect month for this.
Many of the city's buildings and beautiful castles are tucked in the autumnal red ivy and I encourage you to get to know some of them and take amazing fall photos. Here are my favorites.
Carlowrie Castle
This Scottish baronial style building is one of the few domestic constructions made by David Rhind. Every autumn, the green ivy that covers the façade turns a fabulous deep red. Come to the castle located on the outskirts of Edinburgh to enjoy the beautiful spectacle and take some good pictures.
Liberton Kirk
In a much more accessible location, but just as beautiful, you will find Liberton Kirk and the autumn ivy. It is a church located south of the city of Edinburgh so if you decide to visit it go prepared to take the best pictures.
West End
The Georgian architecture of the West End is tinged with lovely colors during the autumn season. The doors of the houses are adorned with beautiful autumn wreaths whose famous arrangements, made for the occasion, are really expensive.
8. Try chocolate with marshmallows or other seasonal hot drinks
As you will soon realize, as soon as the summer heat in Edinburgh recedes and the temperatures start to drop, the cafes and food stalls in the city fill up with delicious alternatives that will help you warm up quickly. Here are some alternatives to consider during your walks around the city.
The Marshmallow Lady
One of the favorite options enjoyed by Edinburghers of all ages are the giant marshmallows at The Marshmallow Lady. The main attraction is the giant-sized gourmet toasted marshmallow with which they garnish your drink. You can enjoy it on the premises or you can order it to go.
- Hours: Closed Monday through Thursday when they are dedicated to the preparation of the marshmallows. Open from Friday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
Have a Pumpkin Spice Latte
The pumpkin spice latte is without a doubt a classic of the fall season. If you enjoy it too, my recommendation is that during your walk around Edinburgh you skip the Starbucks and opt for one of the traditional coffee shops to try this delicious seasonal drink.
9. Visit the pumpkin patch at Craigie Farm
If you are visiting Edinburgh with children, you can't miss the experience of getting to know Craige's Pumpkin Farm. The pumpkin season in Edinburgh will only be available from mid-September until Halloween, with the last weeks of September being the best time to enjoy it without too many people around.
Book at least a half day of fun at the farm where you will have the opportunity to explore pumpkin fields, pick your own and participate in fun games for kids. The farm also has an organic grocery store and a café-restaurant where you can take a lunch break.
Craig's Farm is located just outside Edinburgh, about 30 minutes by car. You can get there by public transport by taking the 43 bus from St Andrew's House station in central Edinburgh.
How to buy tickets
Reservations for the different activities are made directly on the officialCraigie's Farm website
.
10. September, the best month to go on a ghost tour of Edinburgh
Everyone knows that Edinburgh is a haunted city full of mysteries. Over the years, its streets have witnessed all kinds of atrocities: murders, war crimes, witch burnings and much more. You can't leave the city without first taking part in the spooky (and fun) ghost tours that take place in the city and unravel some of the most intriguing mysteries of its people.
September is one of the best months to carry out this type of experience, as with the pleasant temperatures you will be able to walk the streets without getting too hot or too cold.
In Edinburgh you will find many different alternatives, such as tickets for a tour of haunted crypts and cemeteries or a place on the ghost bus,so I recommend you take a few minutes to choose the one that best suits your budget and level of courage!
What is the weather like in Edinburgh in September?
In September the weather in Edinburgh starts to get cooler, although temperatures are still not too cold.
Highs can reach up to 17 ºC and lows do not usually drop below 8 ºC. In addition, in this month the cloudiness is increasing, being more than half of the days cloudy.
Regarding the rains, although September is not the rainiest month in Edinburgh, these are becoming more frequent. Therefore, thinking of plans to shelter from the rain, such as a visit to Edinburgh Castle, is an excellent idea for those times when the bad weather is raging.
What to pack
My advice is to make room in your suitcase for several items of warm clothing. A smart option can be to dress in layers. So, during the day you can take a T-shirt and a coat and, as the night falls, add a sweater between the two items.
On the other hand, do not forget to include rain gear, such as an umbrella and a raincoat and comfortable shoes, because in Edinburgh you will be walking quite a lot. However, if you get tired of walking and want to continue enjoying the city in a comfortable and warm way, a top option is to take a tour on the tourist bus. It never fails!
Are there a lot of tourists in Edinburgh in September?
Edinburgh is a city that is not characterized by a too seasonal tourism, although the highest peaks occur in the summer months mainly due to the weather, less extreme than during the winter, and all the cultural activities that are organized in this beautiful city during the months of July and August.
Therefore, in September the influx of tourists in Edinburgh decreases a little compared to the previous month, although it is still a very interesting month to visit the city due and you are likely to meet many other tourists.
Edinburgh prices in summer
Since the high season takes place during the summer months, Edinburgh prices in September drop slightly, so you will be able to find slightly cheaper flights and accommodation.
However, Edinburgh is not exactly known for being a cheap city, especially when it comes to eating in restaurants, so you will have to estimate a sufficient budget if you really want to enjoy your trip.