5 ways to embrace Autumn at The House in the Hill

There is something rather special about autumn in the Scottish Borders. The hills begin to turn golden at the farm, the mornings feel crisp and fresh, and there is suddenly every excuse to slow down, light the ceiling-hung fire and settle in for a cosy evening.

At The House in the Hill, autumn is a season best enjoyed at your own pace. Whether you want to wrap up and head out into the countryside or make the most of a luxurious night in, here are five ways to embrace autumn during your stay.

1. Warm up with a sauna experience in the Scottish Borders

Few things feel better on a crisp autumn day than warming up in a sauna surrounded by the peaceful Scottish Borders countryside. And we are lucky enough to have two fantastic, independent saunas, both within driving distance from The House in the Hill.

Cedar Hus offers Nordic-inspired sauna experiences in beautiful rural settings around the Borders, providing the perfect opportunity to switch off, slow down and reconnect with nature. For something extra special, we may also be able to arrange for Cedar Hus’s mobile sauna to be brought to The House in the Hill for part, or all, of your stay, depending on their availability. Please get in touch if this is something you'd be interested in arranging!

If you are looking for another cosy wellness experience, Whitehill Sauna is also a wonderful option to consider during your time in the Borders. It's around 40 minutes from The House in the Hill and as they start to increase their availability over the coming months, it's well worth checking if they have any dates available that align with your stay.

2. Pull on your boots and explore the woodland walks around Jedburgh

Autumn is arguably one of the best times of year to explore the Scottish Borders on foot. The changing colours, crunch of leaves underfoot and fresh country air make even a simple walk feel like an adventure.

There are plenty of beautiful routes around Jedburgh, but here are two to add to your autumn itinerary:

The Jed Water and Riverside Walk

For a gentler walk, explore one of the routes around the Jed Water and enjoy the mix of riverside scenery, woodland and the historic surroundings of Jedburgh. It is a great choice for an unhurried morning or afternoon, particularly when the trees are beginning to show their autumn colours.

Dere Street

For those who would like to venture a little further, why not explore a section of Dere Street, the ancient Roman road which passes through the local area and right by The House in the Hill? The route offers a wonderful way to experience the surrounding landscape while imagining the generations of travellers who have passed this way before.

The Scottish Borders Council’s Paths Around Jedburgh guide includes a range of routes, from shorter woodland and riverside strolls to longer walks through the countryside, so there is something to suit every pace. Just remember your boots and waterproofs! We can never guarantee the weather in our corner of the world but we can guarantee that when you return to The House in the Hill, the drying room will be ready for your outoor gear so that you can slip into your robe and wander out to the hot tub.

3. Book a massage for the ultimate cosy night in

If your idea of an autumn escape involves doing as little as possible, we completely understand.

For the ultimate cosy night in, book a massage during your stay with the Borders Massage Collective. This new collective of therapists offer a range of massages and premium treatments, including those suitable for expectant mothers, that allows you to create a spa-like experience surrounded by the luxury and comfort of The House in the Hill. After a treatment, you can simply relax, put on your favourite cosy clothes and settle in for the evening.

Light the fire, pour yourself a drink and enjoy the simple luxury of having nowhere else to be. With underfloor heating, a ceiling-hung log burner, books and games, and a wood-fired hot tub waiting outside, The House in the Hill is made for those slow autumn evenings when the weather outside only makes being indoors feel even better.

4. Embrace the weather with a Highland Cow tour at Jacksons at Jedburgh

Let’s face it: autumn weather in Scotland can be unpredictable. But rather than waiting for a perfectly sunny day, why not embrace it?

Head to Jacksons at Jedburgh for a Highland Cow Experience and get up close to one of Scotland’s most iconic animals. The experience includes a scenic trailer ride around their family farm before you meet the Highland cows, take photographs and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A little wind, a few raindrops and some muddy boots are all part of the experience.

Booking a farm visit is a brilliant way to get out into the fresh Borders air and make some memories during your stay, if you're interested in finding a few more, check out a recent blog post of ours here.

Whichever you choose, afterwards you can head back to The House in the Hill, warm up and enjoy the satisfaction of having properly embraced the great outdoors.

5. Enjoy a seasonal feast from Fizz Cooks

Sometimes the best way to embrace autumn is to stay in and sample the delicious seasonal produce on your doorstep...

For a truly relaxing evening at The House in the Hill, order a seasonal menu from Fizz Cooks, a talented local chef who can help make your stay feel even more special. Think seasonal flavours, comforting dishes and more time to spend enjoying the company of the people you came away with. Fizz also supplies the delicious seasonal jam included at The House in the Hill, giving you a little taste of the Borders to enjoy with your breakfast during your stay.

Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply want to avoid cooking for the evening, a seasonal meal is the perfect excuse to slow down, gather around the table and enjoy a proper autumn night in.

Can you think of better ways to embrace autumn whilst at The House in the Hill?

From crisp woodland walks and Highland cow encounters to saunas, massages and seasonal food, autumn is the perfect time to experience the slower side of the Scottish Borders. And at the end of every adventure, The House in the Hill is waiting.

Return to the warmth of the log burner, soak beneath the Dark Sky in the wood-fired hot tub, or simply curl up with a book and enjoy the views across the surrounding hills. Because sometimes, embracing autumn is about getting outside and making the most of every kind of weather. And sometimes, it is about coming back inside and getting cosy.

Ready for your autumn escape? Book your stay at The House in the Hill and discover the Scottish Borders at their most colourful, cosy and unforgettable.