Things to Do Near Inverness This October
October is a beautiful time to visit the Scottish Highlands. The trees are turning shades of gold, red and amber, the air is crisp, and the spectacular scenery surrounding Coul House Hotel takes on a whole new character.
Located in the peaceful village of Contin, around 25 minutes north of Inverness, Coul House makes a wonderful base for an autumn Highland break – whether you’re looking for beautiful walks, great food, live entertainment or something a little different.
If you’re planning an October escape, here are a few events taking place nearby throughout the month.
🎻 Strings of Rock by Candlelight – Inverness
Friday 16 October 2026 | 6pm
For something atmospheric and a little different, Strings of Rock by Candlelight comes to the beautiful Inverness Town House in October.
A live string ensemble will perform orchestral interpretations of classic rock favourites, all beneath the glow of hundreds of candles.
The performance begins at 6pm and lasts approximately one hour, making it a lovely addition to an autumn evening in Inverness.
Find out more and book Strings of Rock by Candlelight
🔥 Full Moon Fire Walk – Daviot Steading
Sunday 25 October 2026 | 2pm
For the more adventurous, the Full Moon Fire Walk at Daviot Steading offers a very different way to spend an October afternoon.
Participants will take part in a motivational experience before walking barefoot across glowing embers, while raising funds for charity.
There’s also plenty happening for those who would rather keep their shoes firmly on, making it an unusual addition to an October break in the Highlands.
Find out more about the Full Moon Fire Walk
🕯️ Inverness: The Dark Side Halloween Walking Tour
29 October – 1 November 2026
As October draws to a close, discover a darker side of the Highland capital with the Inverness Dark Side Halloween Walking Tour.
This atmospheric 1½-hour evening walk delves into some of the city’s more gruesome history and mysterious folklore, from public executions and bloody castle sieges to the Brahan Seer and tales from Highland folklore.
Tours leave from Market Brae Steps at 6.30pm and 8.30pm and are suitable for ages 16+.
Tickets are £15 per person and advance booking is recommended.
Find out more and book the Inverness Dark Side Walking Tour
🎧 KIMMIC Halloween Special at Botanic House
Saturday 31 October 2026 | 9pm
If you’d prefer to finish October on the dance floor, Scottish electronic duo KIMMIC return to the Highlands for a Halloween Special at The Botanic House in Inverness.
Taking place from 9pm, this 18+ event offers a rather more energetic way to round off an autumn escape to the Highlands.
Find out more about KIMMIC at The Botanic House
🍂 Autumn Days at Coul House
Of course, some of the best October experiences don’t require an event ticket at all.
The countryside surrounding Coul House is particularly beautiful at this time of year. Take an autumn walk through the woodland, visit nearby Rogie Falls, explore the wider Highlands or simply enjoy a leisurely drive through spectacular autumn scenery.
Then return to Coul House, settle into one of our cosy lounges and enjoy a drink by the fire before an evening of delicious food and warm Highland hospitality.
🧚 Look Out for Our Own Fairies & Scaries…
You don’t even need to leave Coul House to discover a little autumn magic.
Take a wander through our beautiful gardens and you might find rather more than you expect…
The gardens at Coul House have been created and lovingly tended by our incredibly hard-working local gardener, Ana Ross, over the last ten years. They’re a beautiful place to meander and explore, filled with seasonal flowers, ancient trees and plenty of unexpected surprises.
And if you look carefully as you explore, you may even discover some of our resident fairies and scaries hiding along the way.
Look and ye shall find…
Stay Three Nights and Pay for Two This October
There’s an even better reason to make October your time to escape to the Highlands.
With our October 3 for 2 Offer, book two nights dinner, bed and breakfast and enjoy a third night bed and breakfast free.
With three nights to enjoy, there’s plenty of time to experience the autumn colours, explore the local area, enjoy some of October’s events around Inverness, hunt for fairies and scaries in our gardens – and still have time to simply relax at Coul House.
Event information is correct at the time of publication. We recommend checking directly with individual event organisers for the latest times, ticket availability and details before travelling
