Escape to Stirling This Autumn & Winter: A Grown-Up Getaway at Powis House Estate
- James M
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
We know it's still summer, but your minds might just be turning to planning your Autumn getaways - we're here to help.
As the crowds thin, the leaves turn gold, and the fires crackle to life, Scotland reveals one of its best-kept secrets: autumn and winter are the most magical seasons to visit.
Whether you’re a couple looking to escape the city, empty nesters enjoying your newfound freedom, or a small group of friends craving calm and culture, Powis House Estate near Stirling offers the perfect base for a luxurious, soul-restoring 3- to 4-day break in the heart of Scotland. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Why Stirling in the Off-Season?
Tucked between Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands, Stirling is rich in history and surrounded by some of the most beautiful and accessible scenery in Scotland. In autumn and winter, it’s quieter, more affordable, and utterly breathtaking.
This is the land of Braveheart, Robert the Bruce, and kings and queens who ruled from Stirling Castle — all wrapped in the seasonal magic of glowing foliage, misty hills, and crisp air.
And from September to December, it’s still very much alive with local events, dramatic landscapes, and world-class dining.
Your Perfect Autumn/Winter Itinerary – Based at Powis House
Day 1: Arrive, Unwind & Soak It In
Arrive at Powis House Estate, a 10-acre private estate just 10 minutes from Stirling.
Check into your private cottage, light the log fire, and take in views of 300-year-old oak and sequoia trees dressed in autumn colour.
Enjoy a soak in the private hot tub, followed by a cosy evening cooking together in the large, fully equipped kitchen.
Optional: stargaze from the deck with a dram of local whisky.
Day 2: Culture, Castles & Cromlix
Start your morning with a brisk walk around the estate or a hike up the Ochil Hills to the Dumyat, right on your doorstep.
Visit Stirling Castle and the nearby Wallace Monument, followed by lunch in Stirling’s charming old town.
In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic 20-minute drive for afternoon tea or fine dining at Cromlix, the elegant country house hotel owned by Andy Murray (cromlix.com).
Return to Powis for a hot tub soak and fireside reading.
Day 3: The Trossachs or Gleneagles Day Trip
Option A – Into the Wild:
Head into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park (40 min drive).
Take a scenic walk through The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre or hike Ben A’an for panoramic autumn views.
Grab lunch in Callander, a charming village known for antiques and tearooms.
Option B – Refined Relaxation:
Book a round of golf at Gleneagles (45 min) — a world-renowned luxury estate and course.
Or indulge in a spa treatment or afternoon champagne lunch at the Gleneagles hotel.
Evening: Return to your warm, glowing cottage at Powis. Cook in, or head out to Stirling for a quiet dinner at The Allan Park, a local favourite.
Day 4: Edinburgh, Glasgow or Fishing the Forth
Head into Edinburgh (55 mins) or Glasgow (40 mins) for a festive day of museums, shopping, and city energy.
Or: for a peaceful final morning, try salmon or trout fishing on the River Teith or River Forth — both nearby and popular with autumn anglers.
Wrap up your trip with a walk around the gardens, or if December, visit Stirling Winter Festival or a Christmas market before heading home.
Why Stay at Powis House?
Two charming cottages with log fires, fully stocked kitchens, and private entrances.
Hot tub (East Cottage) and private gardens with views of the Ochil Hills.
A deep sense of privacy and calm – yet close to everything.
Fast WiFi, firewood, curated local tips, and our personal hospitality.
Easy access by train or car from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or beyond.
Seasonal Highlights Not to Miss
🍁 September & October – Trossachs trees at their most colourful, misty sunrise walks, peaceful hikes.🍂 November – Cosy pubs, early darkness perfect for stargazing, and quiet cities with fewer tourists.🎄 December – Edinburgh’s Christmas market, Hogmanay in Stirling, winter walks, fireside suppers, and possibly even a dusting of snow.
Ready to Get Away From It All?
Autumn and winter in Scotland aren’t just “off-season.” They’re slow season — the perfect time to pause, reconnect, and indulge. Stirling is your gateway. And Powis House? Your home while you do it.
Visit www.powishouseestate.com/stay to check availability and start planning your autumn or winter escape.
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