As autumn’s charm grows, cosy pursuits and spellbinding stories wrap you into their embrace. Hidden secrets whisper from the shadowed corners of Scotland’s oldest and most haunted landmarks, inviting you in for endless adventure. Explore a haunted 19th century jail in the borders or fantastical folklore of fairies in Aberfoyle. Wrap up warm and feed your autumnal aspirations by unveiling Scotland’s rich tapestry of history and legend in the spooky season.
Historic Sites and Captivating Tales
Stay at Corbet Tower Cottage and uncover the eerie occurrences of Jedburgh Castle Jail, the 19th century prison provides intriguing information about its captivating history and ghostly encounters. The castle was demolished in the early 1400s after being fought between Scots and English during the Wars of Scottish Independence, then transformed into a prison in 1823. It’s said to be the most haunted prison in Scotland, still occupied by the prisoners incarcerated there three centuries ago. In keeping with its haunting history, at Halloween decorations are often placed around the jail and museum, and kids can dress up, audio-visual activities provide viewing experiences and a gift shop to purchase a keep’s sake at the end of your trip; not to mention it’s free to enter (if you dare)!
Fantasy and Folklore at the Witch Trail
During your stay at Corbet Tower Cottage, enjoy the view of the hills beyond Kale water, then journey to the Witch Corner at Abbotsford house where spellbinding fun is guaranteed. Adjacent to the beautiful home of Sir Walter Scott, the Witch Corner is a woodland trail inspired by works from Scott’s library. The writer’s fascination with folklore and spirits is reflected in Witch Corner’s enchanting sculptures and designs. The house itself is also a magnificent attraction, with beautiful Scots Baronial architecture which combines gothic revival elements with medieval Scottish castles luring you into the fascinating 19th century design and its engrossing history. An immersive audio tour with the voice of Sir Walter Scott guides you around his house and tells you many intriguing stories of his time there, like his unlikely friendship with Thomas ‘Tam’ Purdie, a man he caught poaching from his land. Whether its old legend or unlikely friendships, Abbotsford house is a day filled with fun and fantasy.
Castle, legends & stargazing comforts
Under 30 minutes away from your cosy wooden comfort, Elfin Lodge, stands Glamis castle. Take guided tours, search the pumpkin patch, scarecrow trail and invest yourself in the castle’s rich history. Known as an inspiration to William Shakespeare for his tragedy Macbeth, the castle has an abundance of Scottish history, like being a brief home to Mary, Queen of Scots and James V. A little bit of digging reveals the details of nine ghosts who are said to have taken residence in the castle, including a suspected witch burnt at the stake, a young servant boy, an Earl and a tongueless woman! Travel home and slide open the doors of Elfin Lodge to a magnificent view of the countryside and search the beauties of the night’s sky with your provided telescope; a benefit to the days getting shorter. Cosy up in the darker hours and tell tales of legends around the wood burning stove before drifting off in luxury.
Fairy tales and woodland walks
The Sidings is the perfect place to call home while you travel 15 minutes away to Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe in Aberfoyle. Rich with stories of folklore and fairies, the trail tells you the legend of Robert Reverend Kirk, a 17th century minister whose body was found after he went missing under mysterious and, some believe, magical circumstances. His works The Secret Commonwealth of Elves, Fauns, Fairies is said to be the reason his soul was taken by the magical creatures after exposing the secrets of their world. On your walk, you’ll pass the graveyard where Kirk was minister and areas guests are encouraged to place coins, ribbons and delight in the carefully crafted sculptures. While Doon Hill and Fairy Knowe is a famous a gateway to the fairy realm, the area is renowned for being an inspiration to artists and poets who first put the wonders of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs on the map in the 1800s. As such, it is the ideal trail for families and children to explore and get lost in the fantastical history.
Take a quick 15-mile trip for an immersive tour around Stirling Old Town Jail, the last Reformed prison built in Victorian Scotland, a mere 15 minutes away from your cottage. Take part in the escape room experience or be led around by ghosts in a guided tour of Stirling’s Old Town.
After your day discovering nature, history and mystery take a moment to reset in The Sidings. Both sofa and the dining table are situated close to the warmth of the wood burning stove, the glass gable adjacent to the dining table opens the room to wonderful views of fields, Ben Lomond and surrounding mountains where you can begin preparing for you next adventure in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
As crispy leaves crunch under your feet and the fresh air hits the tip of your nose, Scotland’s legendary past implores you to discover it. Venture to your heart’s desire then return to your cosy cottage where warmth and tranquillity gently restore you after a day of enchanting exploration. So, book your autumn getaway and take-home unforgettable stories woven from Scotland’s magical past.