Longing to escape to the wilderness or discover a vibrant city break? Scotland offers both, making it the perfect destination to extend the season with an end-of-summer getaway or an action-packed September weekend. With warmer temperatures often lasting through to October, it's a chance to beat the crowds and choose between the rugged tranquility of the countryside or the buzz of historic cities. Whether seeking a restful recharge before Christmas or a last break to unwind after the summer holidays, inspiration for an autumn visit starts here:

Why Glasgow's the Place to Be This Autumn

In 2025, Glasgow marks it's 850th birthday, a milestone worth celebrating with a visit. For more than eight centuries, the city has evolved into a cultural powerhouse, renowned for its architectural beauty, warm hospitality, and creative spirit. Its status as an UNESCO City of Music offer's countless concerts each week, street markets and lively events to behold. Visitors can also choose from many museums and visitor attractions to explore such as the Gallery of Modern Art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and The Burrell Collection.  

Glasgow is made even more colourful by the ever-growing presence of greenery, such as Glasgow Green, Pollok Country Park, Glasgow Botanic Gardens and more.  Visitors can have the best of both worlds; a lively and bustling city break and an escape into nature, all in one trip to Glasgow.

For the Foodies...

Glasgow's culinary scene continues to innovate, with an array of new openings complementing its Michelin-starred restaurants and reputation as one of the most vegan and vegetarian friendly cities worldwide. Check out the cities latest foodie and cultural additions below:

• *NEW: Scran + Roadie Hospitality - The much-loved spot at the Barras has moved to a bigger venue at Jocelyn Square at the Saltmarket. The huge venue features sleek New-York design with views of Glasgow Green. Watch the meticulous preparation of fresh pizza, baked goods, all day brunches and signature coffees through their new open plan kitchen – and try their latest menu addition New York-style pizza by the slice, aka the Roadie. Now open (June 2025).

 

• *NEW: The Story Coffee - Serving specialty coffee in Glasgow and aiming to be a place for community. Located in Bridgeton, open Mon-Fri. Now open (June 2025).

 

• *NEW: Lupo - A new Italian food stall open in the West End. Offering light lunch options including: Panuozzo, a freshly baked pizza sandwich. Open every day except Tuesday. Now open (June 2025)

 

• *NEW: Tutankhamun Exhibition - Step into Ancient Egypt as the award-winning exhibition comes to Glasgow SEC for 14 weeks from Thursday 24 July – Sunday 26 October 2025. The immersive exhibition combines VR, a world premiere hologram and 360-degree projections. Now open (July 2025).

 

• *NEW: Smug Mural Art Display - Smug's latest mural is set to be complete at the end of July, located at the Social Hub in the Merchant City. The mural tilted 'Make Time For What Matters' was commissioned by the hotel and joins the other murals on the beloved street art trail.

 

• *NEW: Trust by Modou - Chef Modu Diagne is preparing to open his second restaurant in Glasgow. Located in Finnieston, the new restaurant follows on from the success of 111 by Modu, formerly 111 by Nico. Offering guests a 5 course tasting menu for £30. The cuisine is set to change regularly and feature local produce and bold flavours. Now open (July 2025).

 

• *NEW: Dishoom - The award-winning Indian restaurant opens a second eatery in Scotland, on Nelson Mandela Place, Glasgow. Coming August 2025.

 

• *NEW: Si Si Rooftop Bar Social Hub - The Social Hub rooftop bar opens at the beginning of August, serving Mexican- American inspired sharing plates, craft cocktails and panoramic views of the city. Coming August 2025.

 

Looking ahead to Glasgow 2026:

• Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games - Official site for the XXIII Commonwealth Games, running Thursday 23 July – Sunday 2 August 2026.

 

• Glasgow International 2026 - Glasgow International, Scotland's biennial festival of contemporary art, taking place from Friday 5 – Sunday 21 June 2026. Building on the success of the 10th edition of the festival in 2024, Glasgow International 2026 will feature new projects commissioned and delivered by Glasgow International, leading arts organisations in the city, artist-led initiatives and independent arts organisers.

 

• The Royal National Mòd - will take place in Glasgow from Friday 9 – Saturday 17 October 2026, bringing Scotland's premier Gaelic cultural celebration to the city, the event features prestigious competitions, performances, and activities for all ages. Glasgow's strong ties to Gaelic language, music, and community have made it a hub for talented traditional musicians, singers, and speakers who enrich its vibrant cultural scene.

Find out more about the city of Glasgow:

• Glasgow - Short Holidays & Weekend City Breaks | VisitScotland
• Places to Eat & Drink - Visit Glasgow

Take the path less travelled

Scotland was made for walking. From long-distance trails and coastal paths to city strolls and fairy-filled forests, every step reveals a new story. As autumn colours take hold and the air turns crisp, walking is one of the best ways to experience Scotland's landscapes, wildlife, and rich history.

• *NEW: Tweed Valley Words Trail - Celebrate Scotland's literary heritage on this new trail through the Scottish Borders. Discover tales of love, war, and folklore inspired by the landscape, from Walter Scott and Robert Burns to the Wordsworths and Buchans.
• The Speyside Way - Trace the River Spey from the Moray Firth to the Cairngorms, through one of Scotland's most scenic regions. This route winds past rugged hills, ancient forests, and distilleries steeped in tradition, blending natural beauty with rich whisky heritage.
• West Island Way, Isle of Bute - Scotland's first island-based long-distance trail crosses moorland, forest and shoreline, offering sweeping seascapes and the chance to see red deer, seabirds and basking sharks. A refreshing mix of nature and solitude just a short ferry ride from the mainland.
• Fife Pilgrim Way - Scotland's answer to the Camino de Santiago, launched in 2019, this trail leads from North Queensferry to St Andrews, tracing medieval pilgrimage routes through historic sites like Dunfermline Abbey. Collect stamps with the Fife Pilgrim Way Passport as a unique memento to document the journey.
• Galloway Faerie Trail, Castle Douglas - Perfect for younger families, this woodland trail brings folklore to life with fairy houses, hidden clues, and mythical surprises. Set in the scenic countryside near Castle Douglas, this trail offers a magical day out whatever the season.
  
  
• City Trails - Explore the Glasgow City Centre Mural Trail with vibrant artworks by local and international artists. In Inverness, stroll the scenic River Ness islands. In Dundee, follow the Global Trail to uncover the city's surprising international connections from Antarctic exploration to Japanese Gardens. And in Aberdeen, discover a different side to the city with Invisible Cities, alternative walking tours led by guides who share unique, personal insights into its hidden corners and untold stories.

Must-see festivals & events

As summer draws to a close, Scotland comes alive with a different type of energy. Autumn brings a vibrant calendar of events across the country, from literary festivals to culinary celebrations and immersive outdoor experiences.

• Orkney Food Festival, Kirkwall – 21 - 25 September 2025
   Celebrate Orkney's local produce with family-friendly fun, cooking demos, tastings, and food trails. Set in the scenic harbour town of Kirkwall, this free event is a delicious way to enjoy autumn with warm island hospitality.
• Wigtown Book Festival, Wigtown – 26 September - 5 October 2025
  Scotland's National Book Town hosts over 200 events, including author talks, workshops, and children's programmes. Enjoy a ten-day literary celebration featuring major names like Michael Morpurgo and Irvine Welsh.
• Shetland Wool Week, across Shetland – 28 September - 4 October 2025
  Discover Shetland's rich knitting heritage with exhibitions, classes, and island-wide events. Celebrate Fair Isle craftsmanship, local wool producers, and the vibrant community of makers across the isles.
• Scottish International Storytelling Festival, Edinburgh – 22 October - 1 November 2025
  Now in its 36th year, the world's largest storytelling celebration returns under the theme Lights of the North. Inspired by Nordic folklore, myths and legends, the programme brings together storytellers from Scotland, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Iceland. Expect family-friendly sessions, performances, workshops and events spanning cultures and traditions.
• The Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry – 2 October - 2 November 2025
  Wander through a magical light and sound show in Faskally Wood. This immersive, award-winning experience transforms the autumn forest into a dreamlike spectacle. Wheelchair and pram accessible. Early booking recommended.

Bring the Journey to Life

Whether planning the next trip or simply seeking inspiration, the VisitScotland PR team shares top tips to spark wanderlust:

• Watch: Seabird Webcams
  Tune into live footage from the Scottish Seabird Centre and witness puffins, kittiwakes, and the world's largest Northern gannet colony in action. Best viewed during the late summer breeding season before the birds migrate south.
• Listen: The Love Scotland Podcast
  Presented by journalist Jackie Bird MBE, the National Trust for Scotland's podcast brings Scotland's stories to life. Journey to the Isle of Canna, uncover wartime tales, and explore the truth behind Macbeth in the 2025 season, which is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
• Try: A Taste of Scotland

Step into a Skye kitchen with the Café Cùil Cookbook. Created by chef Clare Coghill, this collection celebrates Highland produce with inventive flair—think tattie scone tacos, whisky bisque, and Bloody Mairi cocktails - served with a side of Hebridean warmth.

Ends

For more information on a holiday in Scotland go to: www.visitscotland.com

For more information and images, please contact:

travelpr@visitscotland.com

Notes to Editors 

• Follow us on twitter: @visitscotnews         
• VisitScotland is Scotland's national tourism organisation. Its purpose is to deliver a strategic and coordinated approach to supporting the rebuilding of the visitor economy in a responsible way, to ensure tourism thrives.     

• The organisation's work will help deliver the Scottish Government's National Strategy for Economic Transformation, and Scotland Outlook 2030, the national tourism strategy, which details the vision of Scotland being the world leader in 21st century tourism.       
• This is delivered through three strategic pillars: Building a responsible destination brand, investing in Scotland's tourism and events communities and facilitating collaboration and embracing change in support of a fairer, more responsible and inclusive visitor economy.      
• Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, spending by tourists in Scotland generated around £11 billion of economic activity in the wider Scottish supply chain and contributed around £6 billion to Scottish GDP (in basic prices).        
• VisitScotland is a leader in responsible tourism, making Scotland a better place for people to live and visit. We are proud signatories of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency.       
• For VisitScotland's press releases go to https://toolkit.visitscotland.org, tourism statistics and frequently asked questions go to http://www.visitscotland.org/         
• For holiday information on Scotland go to www.visitscotland.com         

PLEASE NOTE        

This copy was correct at the time of going to press. VisitScotland cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information and accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation.  All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or other damage caused by the reliance on the information contained herewith, or in the event of any company, individual or firm ceasing to trade, is hereby excluded.