An Autumn Family Escape to Edinburgh
There’s something extra magical about Edinburgh in Autumn – golden leaves tumbling down cobbled streets, the smell of roasting coffee drifting from independent cafés, and that unmistakable Scottish charm that wraps around you like a warm scarf. Our family escape to Edinburgh was full of adventures, tasty pastries, and playtime – creating memories we’ll treasure for years to come.
Day 1 – Pastries, Play, and a Grey-Sky View
We started our first morning with flaky pastries from The Milkman, one of my favourite Edinburgh coffee stops. From there, we wandered the old streets – grey skies above, but the city still glowing with character.
The National Museum of Scotland was our main stop for the day, and it didn’t disappoint. There’s so much to explore inside (perfect for little ones), and we couldn’t resist heading up to the rooftop terrace – even under cloudy skies, the views of Edinburgh were incredible.
A quick visit to Greyfriars Bobby followed, though my little boy was slightly disappointed to discover Bobby wasn’t a real dog! Spirits were quickly lifted with a rich hot chocolate from Alandas Gelato, then an afternoon play at George Square Gardens before heading back for a cosy evening.
Day 2 – Water of Leith Wanderings
Day two was all about calm corners of the city. We explored Dean Village, one of the prettiest spots in Edinburgh, and followed the Water of Leith Walkway – the perfect mix of riverside peace and city life. It’s easy to forget you’re just minutes from Princes Street and the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh, with only the sound of the river and the rustle of autumn leaves around you.
Afterwards, we spent a few hours at the Royal Botanic Garden, where the colours of autumn were in full display. My son loved the play park at Inverleith Park just next door – swings, slides, and views of the city skyline to top it all off.
Day 3 – Meadows Moments
We began the day with a stop at The Wee Boulangerie, where the smell of freshly baked croissants filled the air. With warm pastries in hand, we wandered through the nearby streets and soon found ourselves at The Meadows – we just couldn’t walk past without spending some time there. There’s something lovely about this space in autumn – leaves crunching underfoot, students and families all sharing the green heart of the city.
We spent the morning at the play park, where my little boy ran off his energy and made the most of the crisp autumn air. A hot chocolate from Uplands Roast was the perfect way to warm up while watching him play.
Once we finally managed to coax him away from the park, we wandered through a few of the nearby independent shops, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.
In the afternoon, we took a little trip out of the city to Dalkeith Country Park. It was the perfect place for some fresh air and adventure, with wide open spaces, forest walks, and an incredible play area that my son absolutely loved. After a busy morning in the city, it was a wonderful way to balance the day with a bit of countryside calm.
Day 4 – A Day by the Forth
For our final day, we drove out to South Queensferry, a favourite escape from the bustle of the city. Pastries from Dune Bakery started us off (we seem to have a pastry theme going!), then a wander down Harbour Lane, where my son was in his element watching all the boats.
We followed part of the Forth Bridges Trail, though it took us a little longer than planned – there were plenty of boats to admire, and my son insisted on walking for most of it, stopping often to point out his favourites along the way.
We rounded off our trip with lunch at Orocco Pier, overlooking the bridges, before beginning our drive home.
✨ Final Thoughts
Autumn in Edinburgh has such a unique rhythm – slower, softer, full of small joys. From city views to cosy cafés, it’s a wonderful time to explore as a family. If you’re planning a visit, don’t let a little grey weather put you off – pack a warm coat, grab a pastry, and let the city show you its charm.