November breaks in Scotland

Celebrating is something Scots do well, and if there is one day of the year where you'll hear a lot of noise from us, it's St Andrew's Day.

From the skirl of the bagpipes to the toe-tapping rhythms of a Ceilidh, St Andrew’s Day showcases the very best in Scotland’s music, dance, culture and traditions.   

Every year on 30 November, Scots and visitors join forces to celebrate Scotland's patron saint. Events, festivals and performances are held across the country, but where better to enjoy this special day than in the town named after the apostle himself – St Andrews?   

In the Middle Ages, this delightful University Town on the east coast became an important site for Christian pilgrims. It’s here that the remains of St Andrew are said to have been interred. In fact, you can climb the 156 steps to the top of St Rule’s Tower, which served as a beacon to pilgrims making the voyage across the North Sea to visit the shrine of our patron saint. Today, it continues to draw visitors from around the world, although most make the journey to tee off on the town’s legendary golf courses!  

Known around the world as the 'Home of Golf', St Andrews is a must-visit for lovers of the sport. Step inside the World Golf Museum to uncover its fascinating origins through interactive exhibits and artefacts ranging from trophies to antique golf clubs.  

It has plenty to delight non-golfers too. Steeped in history, wander the cobbled streets around its ancient campus, visit the immaculate green of the hallowed Old Course, and take in the sweeping sands of West Sands Beach.   

After working up an appetite, drop into one of the many characterful cafés or stock up at I.J Mellis Cheesemonger which offers a tantalising array of colourfully named cheeses, from Smoked Gubbeen to Cashel Blue. No visit to St Andrews is complete without tasting the artisanal gelato at Jannettas Gelateria. Here you can sample an equally eclectic range of flavours – try a scoop of the Irn Bru flavoured ice cream. Afterall, alongside whisky, it’s one of Scotland’s favourite drinks.   

Celebrate St Andrew’s Day 

Take an afternoon stroll along West Sands Beach

Autumn is the perfect season for cosy getaways, a stay in a log cabin, and slowing down your travels.

Imagine waking up in a cosy log cabin, surrounded by towering pine trees, crisp Highland air and the golden colours of late autumn. With its peaceful lochs, woodland trails and inviting places to unwind, Aviemore is made for a relaxing November escape.  

Picture yourself stirring in a toasting log cabin, the whispering sound of pine trees, crisp Highland air, and the radiant glow of autumn foliage all around. Experience it all in Aviemore this November. With its tranquil lochs, woodland trails and inviting accommodation, it’s the perfect destination for a late autumn break.   

Nestled in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, this welcoming Highland town is the perfect base for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Lace up your walking boots and explore the shores of Loch Morlich or Loch Insh, where the vibrant woodlands and distant mountains melt into the crystal-clear waters, casting beautiful mirror-like reflections.  Venture into the magnificent Rothiemurchus Estate to wander beneath ancient Caledonian pines, keeping an eye out for scuttling red squirrels and other woodland creatures.   

Or hop on a bike and explore on two wheels. There’s a fantastic array of cycling routes and forest trails to choose from, with plenty of opportunities to pause and soak up the Highland splendour.   

After a busy day outdoors, head back to Aviemore for some proper Highland hospitality. ‘Coorie’ down in the Ryvoan Cafe with a refreshing cup of coffee and scrumptious home bakes, or why not start the day with a hearty Scottish breakfast at Route 7 Cafe and try its famously fluffy pancakes?  

Soothe those stiff muscles with a calming hot stone massage at Macdonald Aviemore Hotel spa. Or simply retreat to your cabin, sink into a bubbling hot tub gaze up at the twinkling night sky.   

Explore the shores of Loch Insh 

Venture south to Galloway to explore the experiences on offer in the Galloway Forest Park.

As the nights draw in, November unveils dazzling skies above Galloway Forest Park. Spanning 300 square miles, it’s one of the best places to witness the majesty of the night sky. In fact, this protected wilderness is a designated International Dark Sky Park, boasting some of the least light polluted night skies in the UK.  

During the day, explore an extensive network of trails on foot or by bike, pausing to take in heart-stopping vistas of shimmering lochs, tranquil glens and mountain peaks. Watch the primal spectacle of red deer stags rutting from the safety of the cosy timber hide at the Red Deer Range or marvel at the balance and agility of Galloway’s wild goat herd as they totter on rocky ridges at the Wild Goat Park. For something a little more vigorous, tackle the trails at 7stanes mountain biking centres Glentrool and Kirroughtree, where everything from adrenaline-pumping singletrack to gentle forest routes offer an adventure for elite bikers and beginners alike.    

But it isn’t until the sun goes down that the park reveals its most extraordinary natural spectacle. Head to spots like Clatteringshaws Loch, Kirroughtree and Glentrool and turn your gaze upward on a clear, moonless night and watch as a myriad of stars come in view. You might even see the faint glow of the silvery Milky Way trailing across the inky darkness.   

Just remember to arrive prepared – wrap up in layers, bring a flask of something hot and a head torch, and settle in for an evening of stargazing.   

Go mountainbiking at Glentrool 

Look up to the stars at Clatteringshaws Loch