best day trips from edinburgh

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The 8 best day trips from Edinburgh

Looking for a rural escape from the city? Here are some of the best day trips from Edinburgh

Edinburgh is top notch, but in its most touristy months, it can be a little, you know, much . So if you’re looking for a day off from the hustle and bustle and the Harry Potter fans, we’ve got good news: there’s loads of great spots nearby for a day trip, and you can reach them all by public transport or a quick drive. 

On our list you’ll find coastal towns, mountainous landscapes, cultural monuments and more, where beach walks, quaint shopping streets and rigorous hiking routes await you. Our top tip? Stop for lunch, and then head back to Edinburgh for a great dinner and pub trip. That’s where the good stuff is, eh? Here are the best day trips from Edinburgh. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Edinburgh   🎨 The best art galleries in Edinburgh 🏰 The best attractions in Edinburgh 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Edinburgh

This guide was updated by Edinburgh-based Arusa Querishi . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .  

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Best day trips and places to visit near Edinburgh

1.  The East Lothian beaches

Edinburgh itself has a beach at Portobello, a suburb with a jolly seaside-resort feel. Beyond the city, however, there are more expansive and equally attractive beaches to be found in East Lothian.

The first bus from the centre to Aberlady takes just under an hour. A few minutes’ walk east of the village, along the A198, you’ll find Aberlady Local Nature Reserve, a haven for birds big and small. Follow the path round to the sands on the north side of Aberlady Bay and there’s beach and headland all the way to Gullane (approximately 5km). This village has a beautiful sweeping beach, some decent places to eat and drink, and a regular bus service to take you back to central Edinburgh. 

2.  Cairngorms National Park

As the largest national park in the British Isles, there's naturally huge amounts to explore within the Cairngorms. But with such a variety of options for activities in the area, choosing one or more highlights can make for the perfect day trip.

Whether you're into skiing, birdwatching, fishing or hiking, you can do it all within this stunning mountain range. But for a more chilled out activity, there are numerous castles and historical sites to check out too, including Balmoral Castle (the Queen's private residence), Braemar Castle and the Highland Folk Museum. And then there's the Dalwhinnie Distillery, currently the highest distillery in the country, where you can get a tour or a masterclass if you so desire.

If you're heading up there with the family, the Aviemore Zip Trek Park, the Landmark Forrest Park and Highland Wildlife Park are just some ways to keep everyone entertained. The drive-through reserve at the Highland Wildlife Park is particularly wonderful for spotting animals like bison, red deer, elk and vicuna.

3.  The Kelpies

If you’re visiting the nearby Falkirk Wheel, you’d do well to stop by at at Helix Park, home to the Kelpies, two monumental sculptures of mythical water horses , each nearly 100ft high. Legend has it kelpies had the strength of 10 horses and could shape-shift into human form – just as the landscapes in these parts have metamorphosed drastically over millennia. They’re made of steel in a nod to both contemporary sculptural trends and traditional artisan techniques. Enormous, glittering and utterly magnificent, the dual artworks have been open to the public since spring 2014, alongside a visitor centre where you can get guided Kelpie tours and explore exhibits relating to their history.

4.  Linlithgow

The main reason tourists flock to Linlithgow is to see the striking ruins of its royal castle. The birthplace of both James V and his daughter Mary, Queen of Scots, Linlithgow Palace echoes with the history of the Stuart dynasty that ruled Scotland from 1371. 

Perched on the shore of the town’s small loch, right next to St Michael’s Church with its distinctive modern steeple, you couldn’t deny it’s in a prime location. There’s been some form of royal palace here since the 12th century, although the current structure was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its heyday as the Stuarts’ primary residence came to an end when James VI became king of Great Britain in 1603 and relocated to London with his court. The building fell into disrepair over the next hundred years; a fire finally put the old place out of its misery in 1746.

Atmospheric and resonant, it’s now cared for by Historic Scotland and, if you catch it on a fine day, its red sandstone comes alive in the sunlight. The High Street is where to find cafés and restaurants, while the town also sits on the Union Canal, perfect for a bucolic saunter. ScotRail trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Linlithgow take around 20 minutes.

5.  Loch Ness

It takes less time than you’d think to get up to the Highlands, so a day trip to Loch Ness is completely doable. You’ll probably know it as home to Nessie, a cryptozoological sea creature whose sightings began in 595 and have continued ever since. There’s more to an excursion to Loch Lomond than monster-spotting, however. Lots of touring companies in Edinburgh will take you there (check out The Hairy Coo, Timberbush Tours or Rabbies). Some pass by Stirling Castle before stopping at Kilmahog – frequented by fairies, we’re told – while others go via Glencoe. Once at Loch Ness, you can cruise its waters, explore nearby Urquhart Castle and take part in whisky tastings. The whole trip will take up a full day (with an early rise), so it’s not for the faint-hearted. And remember to bring layers – this is Scotland, after all.

6.  North Berwick

A small and attractive seaside town, North Berwick has beaches stretching east and west from its harbour, a decent selection of bars and restaurants, small islands immediately offshore and the imposing presence of the Bass Rock, with its gannet colony, around 5km out into the Forth. Standing sentinel over it all is the 187-metre bulk of North Berwick Law directly behind the town, an ancient volcanic plug which affords brilliant views if you make the effort to reach the top.

Nearby you’ll find the Scottish Seabird Centre, which is great for children and birdwatching enthusiasts, and there are also scenic seasonal boat trips, some going all the way to the Isle of May – the last stop before Scandinavia. Put all that together and you have a well-rounded day trip in store; trains take less than 35 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley. 

7.  The Pentlands

It may be a bit cheeky to describe this range of hills as outside Edinburgh, given a chunk of it sits well within the city boundary. All the same, the Pentlands stretch over 30km away to the South West of the capital with a number of peaks over 500 metres – the area was designated the Pentlands Regional Park back in 1984.

Among the hills, you’ll find an artificial ski slope at Hillend (the Midlothian Snowsports Centre), farms, lochs, a military training zone that has live firing exercises and no end of trails to follow. The gentle way to experience the Pentlands is to drive or catch a First bus from the city centre to Flotterstone, walk 1.5km up the minor road to the picturesque Glencorse Reservoir, take in the view, then walk back the way you came, stopping for a drink and some pub grub at the Flotterstone Inn before heading back to the city. The more adventurous might also want to start at Flotterstone but instead embark on a circular walk of 18km taking in some of the hills, including Scald Law, the Pentlands’ highest peak at 579 metres. 

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » Scotland » 15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

Though Edinburgh itself can feel like an escape from big city life, with its cobbled streets and tranquil views – there is in fact an abundance of truly beautiful places on its doorstep that’ll make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a different world.

From irresistibly picturesque coastlines to fairytale castles and all manner of highland dreamscapes, the regions surrounding Edinburgh are ideal for hikers and nature lovers alike.

For some inspiration and information on the best places that can be reached from Edinburgh in the space of a day, read on.

1. Loch Ness and the Highlands

Steeped in mystery and beauty alike, Loch Ness is one of the most popular day trips from Edinburgh and for good reason.

Spend the day hunting for the elusive yet much loved Loch Ness Monster and gaze upon the impossibly serene glassy waters of Glencoe whose sunsets rival those of any tropical beach.

A mere coach trip from Edinburgh, the Highlands can be wandered for an entire day without seeing everything there is to see, not to mention the majestic Urquhart Castle where you can learn some of the region’s history.

2. The Lammermuirs

Forming a natural boundary between Lothian and the Borders, The Lammermuirs are a series of gracefully rolling hills that are a world away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh city.

A veritable dream for landscape photographers, the Lammermuir Hills offer remote, heather covered expanses of nature that are perfect for road trips.

The long straight roads give uninterrupted sweeping views of the beautiful and undulating Scottish landscape that will leave you enchanted.

Though its an ideal spot for a picnic, you can also find the small village of Gifford hiding amongst the hills where you can grab a pub lunch.

3. Stirling

If you liked Edinburgh Castle then you can’t pass up the opportunity to visit the monstrously large and majestic Stirling Castle that has stood tall since Medieval times and successfully withstood a number of Viking attacks.

Surrounded by forest and panoramic views of the hills and mountains of Stirling, the castle is worth a visit but you can also spend the day exploring the vast expanses of highland.

Known as the gateway to the Highlands, Stirling is alive with folkloric tales and history alike, with enough to keep nature lovers and history buffs entertained for an entire day.

4. Borders Train

The train to the Scottish Borders leaves from Edinburgh Waverly and will have you feeling as though you’ve stepped back in time with its gloriously classic steam locomotives that are a sight to behold and even more intriguing to actually ride on.

Soak up the cinematic Scottish landscapes of The Borders and stop at any number of the enchanting spots along the way like Galashiels or Tweedbank.

A true trip to the Scottish heartland, this is one train journey you’re not likely to forget.

5. St Andrews

Home to the oldest University in Scotland and a host of other intriguing attractions, St Andrews is a perfect day-long getaway to a quaint town filled with quaint things.

If the charming array of pubs and local shops don’t keep you busy, then head down to West Sands Beach for a stroll along the iconic coastline where Chariots of Fire was filmed.

You’ll also find an abundance of fine dining in St Andrews so make sure you arrive hungry to enjoy some world-class food in one of the many reputable restaurants.

6. Wemyss Bay

Wemyss Bay is a charmingly tradition village that hails back to Victorian times and it’s easy to see why.

The railway station is the perfect epitome of 19th Century architecture and is in fact one of the most attractive and well preserved railway stations in the country.

With no shortage of sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the West Central Lowlands village is a perfect escape.

For the finishing touch, jump aboard the ferry to the Isle of Bute and explore the port of Rothesay.

The tiny fishing village of St Abbs is about as good as day trips from Edinburgh get, providing you with the ultimate tranquil getaway that is home to some of the most gorgeous coastal views Scotland has to offer.

The heather covered cliffs and headlands are perfect vantage points for some truly spectacular photography too.

Once you’re in St Abbs, you can either go surfing on some word-class waves (but remember to bring a wetsuit!) or simply take in the sea views, sea air and seabirds, all of which are in glorious abundance.

Positively dripping in history that shaped the fate of Scotland, Falkirk is the place that saw the defeat of William Wallace in 1298. Most well known for this event, it attracts history buffs and proud countrymen and women alike.

Marvel at the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotary connector in the entire world and one that links the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal.

Aside from this, allow yourself to be amazed by the biggest equine sculptures on the planet at The Kelpies, or simply enjoy the enviable shopping locations Falkirk has to offer.

9. North Berwick

An unbelievably short 30 minutes from Edinburgh by train is the beautifully picturesque seaside town of North Berwick.

Complete with everything you could want from a canonically Scottish seaside town, revel in walks along the beach enjoying ice-creams, or get in the sea with a paddle board to play in the waves.

As well as the beach, you can visit the iconic bird settlement known as Bass Rock, or for more aviary antics you can drop by the Sea Bird Center too.

As well as all this, North Berwick has got a plethora of coffee spots and excellent eats spread around town.

Home to the iconic and beautiful Rosslyn Chapel, one of the most famous holy sites in Scotland, Roslin is a perfect getaway for those looking to explore an intriguing small town on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

The 15th Century settlement is surrounded by an enchanting glen and has its very own collection of traditional Scottish pubs.

Between the peaceful natural surroundings and mysterious history, Roslin is a worthwhile day trip from Edinburgh that’s easy to get to.

Nestled on the banks of the serene River Tay, the longest river in the country, the town of Perth at one time was the Scottish capital.

Having lost none of its former glory, Perth now boasts sights such as the Scone Palace and the Stone of Destiny, both popular attractions to most visitors.

You’ll also get the chance to explore the breathtakingly intriguing Perth Museum and Art Gallery, hosting artefacts from meteorites to mummies all within the walls of the ornate building complete with pillars and glass ceilings.

For the foodies amongst you, Perth also has the enviable status of being a foodie haven, so make sure you arrive hungry!

12. Windermere

In less than 3 hours you can be in one of the most stunningly gorgeous places in the United Kingdom.

Thanks to Edinburgh’s extraordinarily close proximity to the border of England, it doesn’t take an unreasonably long time to get to Windermere, a town in the beautiful Lake District.

Here you can gaze upon the tranquil expanses of water that fill the largest lake in England, Lake Windermere.

With valleys and vantage points to soak up the panoramic views literally everywhere, you’ll want to spend longer than a day exploring the green and blue dreamscape of Windermere.

13. Burntisland

For a much closer destination that loses none of the charm of somewhere like the Lake District, jump on a train from Edinburgh and in a mere 35 minutes you’ll be on the beaches of Burntisland.

A coastal town with charming pebble beaches and forested coastline, it’s the ideal place to spend the whole day or even just an afternoon given how close it is to the capital.

Full of restaurants and activities like scuba diving, it’s the perfect family destination.

14. Glasgow

Though you’ll be escaping one city for another, there’s absolutely no denying that if you’re spending some time in Edinburgh it’s worth a visit to Scotland’s second most iconic city.

Just over an hour away, the city famous for being the inspiration for the seminal film Trainspotting is home to an irresistibly quirky West End district.

Offering hipster places to eat and a forward thinking fashion and music scene, Glasgow is an exciting place to be.

Boasting impressively large Botanical Gardens and the quiet beauty of Kelvingrove Park, there’s a little something for everyone in the city of Glasgow.

Close to the iconic St Andrews is the even more beautiful tiny coastal town of Elie, adored by visitors, residents and locals alike for its aesthetic charms.

Its golden sand beaches and perfectly preserved 16th Century harbour attract all manner of photographers to catch Elie’s seaside charms.

Another popular attraction is the Elie Lighthouse that simply put, has some of the most captivating views in the country, not to mention that the lighthouse itself is enchanting.

If the mesmerising surroundings on land aren’t enough for you then have a scenic tour on one of the many yachts in the harbour.

The golfing enthusiasts among you will be pleased to know that Elie sports two reputable golf courses and a rich history of golfing action.

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh:

• Loch Ness and the Highlands
• The Lammermuirs
• Borders Train
• North Berwick
• Burntisland

9 wintery day trips from Edinburgh for hardy travelers

Dec 11, 2021 • 7 min read

The Kelpies tower over the Forth and Cyde Canal, a short drive from Edinburgh © Kit Downey Photography / Moment / Getty Images

Edinburgh is perfectly placed for exploring Scotland's southern heartlands. From snooping around ancient palaces to sailing to an uninhabited island to go wildlife-watching, here are the best days out from Edinburgh to tackle this winter, all of them accessible by bus or train.

See the incredible Kelpies at the The Helix

The 30m-tall Kelpies , mythical water-dwelling, horse-like creatures, were created by Scottish artist Andy Scott and are the largest equine sculptures in the world. Surrounding these magnificent silver beasts forged in stainless steel is the Helix , a vast area of parkland featuring 500km of connected paths, a lagoon with canoeing and kayaking, an extension to the Forth & Clyde Canal, a playpark, visitor centre and cafe. While you’re in the area don’t pass up the chance to see the Falkirk Wheel , a feat of 21st century engineering and the only rotating boatlift in the world.

How to get to The Helix:  25 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley to Falkirk High, then 40 minutes by bus 3 to the Helix.

Soak up the atmosphere of Rosslyn Chapel

Just seven miles south of Edinburgh lies the peaceful village of Roslin, home to the late Gothic Rosslyn Chapel , made world-famous by The Da Vinci Code . Often described as "a bible in stone" thanks to its ornate carvings and detailed sculptures, the chapel sits on the fringe of Roslin Glen, a stunning gorge rising from the banks of the North Esk river surrounded by ancient woodland and the ruins of Roslin Castle.

Roslin is also famed for being the birthplace of Dolly, the world’s first cloned sheep, created at Roslin Institute in 1997, and there’s a good gastropub, the Original Rosslyn Inn , for a post-exploring lunch.

How to get to Rosslyn Chapel:  From Edinburgh city centre take the Lothian 37 bus from Princes Street or North Bridge. The journey takes around 45 minutes.

Do Loch Lomond and the Highlands without the crowds

For a one day excursion, Loch Lomond is probably the furthest you’ll get to the Highlands . Given their proximity to Scotland’s biggest cities, the villages of Balloch and Luss get pretty crowded in summer but you'll have it largely to yourself come winter, except over the Christmas to New Year holiday peak. The eastern shore, which is followed by the West Highland Way long-distance footpath, is quieter and offers a better chance to appreciate the loch away from the busy main road. The Loch is central to the wider national park area which is full of forests, hiking trails and cycle paths.

How to get to Loch Lomond : The journey takes two hours by car. To go by public transport, you’ll have to first get the train to Glasgow, then connect to Balloch.

Indulge in some history at Linlithgow Palace

One of the most popular days out from Edinburgh is Linlithgow Palace , the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots (1542) and her father, James V (1512). Now a majestic ruin overlooking an extensive park beside Linlithgow Loch, the royal palace was constructed over two centuries by Stewart kings before eventually being burnt by a great fire in 1746. Explore the palace and grounds, and enjoy the splendid views from Queen Margaret’s Bower to the Forth bridges.

How to get to Linlithgow Palace:  Regular trains run from Edinburgh Waverley to Linlithgow. The Palace is ten minutes walk from the station.

Wander the ramparts of Stirling

Stirling's beautifully preserved Old Town is a treasure trove of historic buildings and cobbled streets. The castle is encircled by the picturesque Back Walk footpath, winding up to the ramparts which have amazing views for miles around. Clearly visible is the brooding Wallace Monument , a strange Victorian Gothic creation honouring the legendary freedom fighter of Braveheart fame.

Nearby is Bannockburn, scene of Robert the Bruce's pivotal triumph over the English in 1314 and a Heritage Centre aims to bring the battle to life. Other worthwhile attractions include the Old Town Jail but you’ll easily spend a few happy hours wandering the Old Town. Below, the retail-oriented modern Stirling doesn't offer the same appeal.

How to get to Stirling: Regular trains leave Edinburgh Waverley and take 40 minutes.

Go wildlife spotting on Inchcolm Island

Known as "the Iona of the east" due to its similarity to the beautiful Hebridean island on the west coast, Inchcolm is just six miles from Edinburgh. Considered the most beautiful of the Firth of Forth islands, it’s famed for its wildlife including seals, puffins, and many other seabirds, a beautiful 12th century abbey that is said to be the best preserved collection of monastic buildings in Scotland, and a fascinating collection of wartime fortifications.

How to get to Inchcolm:  Take the Maid of the Forth ferry, which runs 3 hour boat trips to Inchcolm including 1.5hrs on the island itself. Sailings depart daily from Hawes Pier in South Queensferry. To get to Hawes Pier catch the frequent train from Edinburgh Waverley to Dalmeny station (South Queensferry). The journey takes 15 minutes.

Pop over to Glasgow for a different city experience

Forget the old rivalry between Scotland’s two major cities: no trip to Edinburgh is complete without a visit to Glasgow . Scotland’s biggest city is all about great art, music, style, shopping, and warmth. Marvel at the grand Victorian architecture, go shopping on Buchanan Street, eat out in hipster-ville Finnieston , and visit some of the best museums in Scotland: the magnificent Kelvingrove and the futuristic Transport Museum designed by visionary architect Zaha Hadid. It’s worth staying overnight if time allows to experience some of the city’s famed nightlife and music scene too.

How to get to Glasgow from Edinburgh:  Trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street, every 15 minutes, taking 50 minutes.

Walk, cycle or even swim (if you're really hardy) the East Lothian coast

East Lothian borders Edinburgh to the east and boasts forty miles of stunning coastline, rolling countryside, the Lammermuir Hills, and some of Scotland’s best links golf courses. Walk or cycle a coastal stretch of the John Muir Way , a 134-mile route starting from Dunbar, where the great conservationist was born in 1838. Beach lovers are spoilt for choice with exceptional sandy beaches at Yellowcraig , which looks out to the 1885 lighthouse on Fidra island that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island , Gullane Bents , and Tyninghame, accessed through woodland and perfect for wild camping. The seaside town of North Berwick is a must, with incredible views of the Bass Rock, home of the world’s largest colony of Northern gannets, quirky cafes, shops, and Lobster Shack , selling fresh seafood caught off the boats in the harbour.

How to get to East Lothian: Regular trains from Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick take 33 minutes. Or hire a car and drive down the coast in 30 minutes, exploring the pretty villages and beaches of Gullane, Yellowcraig, and Tyninghame on the way.

Learn more about the incredible Jupiter Artland

An outstanding sculpture park and art gallery set in the 100 acre estate of 17th-century Bonnington House, Jupiter Artland was a finalist for Museum of the Year in 2016 for good reason. The work is of international standing, with site specific pieces by Charles Jencks, Iain Hamilton Finlay, Phillida Barlow, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker, Nathan Coley, and Andy Goldsworthy strewn across the landscape and hidden in the woodlands. A stellar day out, with a fantastic cafe to boot. Unfortunately it's normally closed for a winter rest, you might have to return to Scotland in the Spring to see this incredible site.

How to get to Jupiter Artland:   Catch a  X27 bus. The journey takes 35 minutes. Get off at Coxydene/Jupiter Artland bus stop.

You might also like: A festival for every season: it's always the best time to go to Edinburgh Budget Edinburgh: the best things to do for free in Scotland's capital 17 best things to do in Edinburgh - Scotland's lively capital city

This article was first published Aug 22, 2017 and updated Dec 11, 2021.

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Edinburgh

Day trips from edinburgh.

• Edinburgh to Stirling
• Edinburgh to St. Andrews
• Edinburgh to Linlithgow
• Edinburgh to Drumnadrochit
• Private Day Trips
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

2. Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

3. Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

4. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe and Fort William Tour from Edinburgh

5. Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

6. St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

7. Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

8. Full Day Trip Hadrian's Wall and The Borders from Edinburgh

9. Outlander Locations Tour Including Admissions from Edinburgh

10. Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour

11. Full-Day Trip: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands from Edinburgh

12. Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & The Kingdom of Northumbria from Edinburgh

13. Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

14. Scottish Highland Bike Tour by Manual or E-bike

15. Private Tour of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

16. Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh

17. Full-Day Trip: Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Highlands from Edinburgh

18. West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

19. St Andrews & The Fishing Villages of Fife from Edinburgh

20. Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh

21. Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands with Lunch from Edinburgh

22. The Outlander 1 Day Experience

23. Day Trip to St Andrews and Scottish Coastal Villages

24. 1-Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh

25. Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh

26. Rosslyn Chapel and Scottish Borders Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

27. West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh

28. Hadrian's Wall & The Borders Tour from Edinburgh Incl. Admission

29. Private St Andrews, Dunfermline and Fife Day Tour from Edinburgh

30. Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour Including Admissions from Edinburgh

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6 Great Day Trips From Edinburgh

There's so much to see and do in Scotland's capital, but if you’re looking to escape the city and get off the beaten track, then there are plenty of day trips from Edinburgh. From breathing in the fresh sea breeze in East Lothian to visiting the historic towns of the Scottish Borders, we’ve rounded up a few great day trips from Edinburgh that you can access easily by public transport.  

North Berwick East Lothian

Time from Edinburgh: 30-minute train, 50-minute drive

For those seeking a chance to detox by the sea, get some fresh air and sample local foodie delights, North Berwick is the perfect day trip. 

A 30-minute train journey from Edinburgh through Scottish farmland, once you arrive in North Berwick there’s so much to see and do. It’s a lovely contrast to a busy city break, so make the most of the seaside location and take a long stroll along its sandy beaches. If you’re looking for a more extended walk, visit the ruins of Tantallon Castle, perched dramatically on the surrounding clifftop. Admire the iconic Bass Rock, home to the world's largest colony of northern gannets, or catch a wildlife boat trip from the Scottish Seabird Centre to get a closer look. The town is also full of restaurants, seafood shacks and cafés to sample local produce – try Alandas for delicious ice cream, Steampunk for a warming coffee, Bostock Bakery for a crumbly pastry and, if you’re lucky, sample the morning’s fresh catch at The Lobster Shack in the harbour. 

Melrose Scottish Borders

Melrose Abbey

© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Time from Edinburgh: 50-minute train (to Tweedbank station), 1-hour drive

The Scottish Borders is an area rich in history, culture and endlessly rolling landscapes. It’s easily accessible from both Edinburgh and England, so it makes a great stop off on the journey or as a day trip destination. 

There are plenty of towns to explore in the Scottish Borders, each with their own unique traditions and character. Melrose is conveniently located on a train stop on the Borders Railway, which is a beautiful train journey through the Scottish countryside. Hop off at Tweedbank station and discover the bustling market town, from the romantic ruins of Melrose Abbey to the delicious pastries you need to treat yourself to from Twelve Triangles bakery and coffee shop. For those looking for an outdoor adventure away from the city, the Eildon Hills just outside of Melrose are a great spot for some hillwalking in the fresh air.  

South Queensferry South Queensferry

The Forth Rail Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing

Time from Edinburgh: 20-minute train (to Dalmeny, not Queensferry station!), 30-minute drive

If you’re looking for a quick trip filled with iconic sites, sea views and picturesque surroundings, then South Queensferry is for you!  

The town is made up of a colourful collection of painted houses on twisting cobbled streets, making it the perfect place for a peaceful wander. Pop into the independent shops and eateries to see what the locals have to offer, from artwork at the Harbour Lane Studio to a sweet treat from The Little Bakery. South Queensferry is most famous for its spectacular view of the Firth of Forth and the Forth Bridges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Why not join a boat trip experience for a fun way to learn more about the Firth of Forth? It’ll give you epic views of the bridges and hidden gems, such as Inchcolm Abbey, which sits on an island in the middle of the Firth and was founded by King David I. 

Linlithgow West Lothian

Linlithgow Palace

Time from Edinburgh: 20-minute train, 45-minute drive

Linlithgow is an historic village, only 20 minutes on the train from Edinburgh city centre. It's ideal for those looking for a quick day trip to soak up Scotland’s royal history – the palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V.  

Linlithgow Palace is a must-see for those making the trip to this West Lothian town. Built in 1424 by James I of Scotland, the palace was a royal residence until it was attacked by Oliver Cromwell in 1746. You can explore the Renaissance architecture, delve into its tumultuous history and enjoy the serene surroundings of Linlithgow Loch. The town itself also has lots to discover – make sure you plan a trip to Far From the Madding Crowd, a cosy and award-winning independent bookshop. For a flavour of the countryside, pick up locally grown produce and wholesome treats at Grow Wild. It's a farm shop with groceries from Bonnytoun Farm and is only a 15-minute walk from the end of the loch.

Roslin Midlothian

Rosslyn Chapel

Time from Edinburgh: 45-minute bus journey on the 37 bus, 30-minute drive  

If you’re interested in mystery, intrigue and legend, the Midlothian town of Roslin should definitely be on your list whilst in Edinburgh.  

A quick trip from the city centre, it’s home to the famous Rosslyn Chapel, a familiar site to any fan of The Da Vinci Code. The chapel itself is full of intricate stonemasonry and late-gothic features. You could easily spend hours admiring the craftsmanship and learning more about the many stories and mysteries associated with the site. The chapel sits within the historic surroundings of Roslin Glen, which is full of walks and paths to immerse you in the woodland setting. The River North Esk runs through the valley, bordered by the largest surviving stretch of ancient woodland in Midlothian. See if you can find the picturesque ruins of Rosslyn Castle or be inspired by the wildlife and nature that has engaged the likes of Wordsworth and J.M.W. Turner. 

Dunfermline Fife

Dunfermline Abbey

© Fife Council / Damian Shields

Time from Edinburgh: 35-minute train , 40-minute drive

If a captivating journey across the Forth Bridges and into the Kingdom of Fife appeals to you, then Dunfermline is a great starting point for an adventure into this region of Scotland. 

Dunfermline was made Scotland’s newest city in 2022. It has an ancient past and was once the capital of the country; kings and queens, including Robert the Bruce, are buried in the abbey here. Dunfermline Abbey has roots back to the 11th century and you really get a sense of the significance of the place as you wander through the Romanesque architecture. The town is also the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie, and his influence on the city is easy to see, from the first Carnegie Library to Pittencrieff Park, which he donated to the people of Dunfermline.  If you’re travelling by bike or car, then take a trip along the coast to explore the East Neuk of Fife, an area packed full of hidden gems, quaint fishing villages and stunning sea views. On a sunny day you may even be able to see back to Edinburgh across the Forth! 

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Top 10 most amazing day trips from Edinburgh

There's no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh, from visiting the Royal Mile and the historic Castle to checking out all the quirky shops and cafes in Grassmarket. But if you do fancy a day trip from Edinburgh, it's an easy drive from Scotland's capital to several fascinating spots and attractions. Here are our top ten places to visit near Edinburgh, all of which are less than three hours away by car.

1. St Andrews

Distance from Edinburgh: 51 miles (1.5 hours)

The seaside town of St Andrews just north of Edinburgh is known for its historic university, where Prince William and Kate Middleton famously met and fell in love.

But it's got a whole lot more going for it apart other than royal romance - from a sandy beach and the oldest golf course in the world to cathedral ruins that date back to the 12th century.

What to do in St Andrews

Swing a ball at the oldest golf course in the world

Old Course, the sprawling green space overlooking the North Sea, is generally regarded as the oldest golf course on Earth, with the first recorded game here in the early 15th century.

If you've got a handicap certificate and are happy to cough up £180, you can play a round here yourself; in our view, it's most certainly worth it for the experience - and the bragging rights!

Walk along the beach

You may not think of Scotland as a beach destination, but West Sands Beach - which is only about a 15-minute walk from the town centre - is one of the best parts about a trip to St Andrews, no matter the time of year.

This two-mile-long stretch of soft sand is famously where the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire were filmed, and it's a popular spot for joggers, dog-walkers and families alike.

If you're feeling daring, you can dip your toes in the water - it only gets up to about 14 degrees Celsius in the height of summer! For longer swims, best come prepared with a wetsuit.

Tour the university

Founded in 1413, the University of St Andrews is the third oldest English-speaking university in the world, as well as being one of the most prestigious.

Visitors are free to walk around the grounds and admire the buildings that are so very steeped in history and tradition.

For an extra special sight, head to the quadrangle of St Mary's College on South Street. Here you'll find a thorn tree that was allegedly planted by Mary Queen of Scots herself back in 1565.

Visit the cathedral

At 119 metres long, St Andrews Cathedral was once the largest church to be built in Scotland. All that remains today, however, are the enormous ruins of its priory walls and towers, which loom over the town as a physical reminder of its rich history.

Tickets cost £6 for adults and £4.80 for children between 5 and 15. If you have a Young Scot card , tickets are just £1.

Where to eat

Tailend Restaurant and Fish Bar

Seeing as you're by the seaside, it's only right to indulge in some classic fish 'n' chips. Tailend is a cut above your average chippy, with an atmospheric and stylish seating area in the back. Plus, you can choose to have your fish grill, battered or breaded.

If you'd rather eat al fresco, ask for yours to take away and bring it to the beach.

Northpoint Cafe

This intimate cafe is supposedly where Wills and Kate first met - and it seems pretty much everyone has caught on. If you're visiting St Andrews on a weekend, expect it to be crowded, but it's well worth the wait.

The atmosphere is cosy, and the food is cheap and cheerful. Think creamy hot chocolates, fluffy pancakes, toasted bagels and an all day breakfast deal.

Jannettas Gelateria

In case your sweet tooth hasn't quite been satisfied, you can walk 2 minutes down the road to Jannettas Gelateria for a scoop (or two) of ice cream. There's a huge selection of flavours - over 100 to be exact - so even the pickiest of eaters will leave feeling satisfied.

Parking in St Andrews

There are some free on-street parking spaces in St Andrews, but these tend to fill up quickly. You'll have an easier time finding metered spots, so make sure you bring coins for the machines.

You can also find free parking in the car park near the Petheram Bridge roundabout, and in those along the East and West Sands beaches.

2. Inchcolm Island

Distance from Edinburgh: 19 miles (1 hour)

Sitting in the middle of the Firth of Forth estuary a quarter-mile from the shore is a tiny green island topped with a 12th-century Augustinian abbey.

This is Inchcolm Island, a relic of Scottish history that's perfect for exploring on a day out with kids or friends.

Not only do you get a unique perspective of the iconic three bridges that cross the River Forth, but you'll also have the chance to spot amazing wildlife like seals and puffins.

Take a boat to the island

There are two ferry services and one charter yacht company that provide trips to and from Inchcolm Island.

Both Forth Tours and Maid of the Forth offer three-hour excursions to the island, which include 1.5 hours ashore. You can also opt for the 45-minute guided tour option from Maid of the Forth.

Recorded commentary on the boat will give you an insight into the island's history and what you can see from the deck.

Adult ticket - £15 boat plus £6 landing pass

Child ticket (aged 5 to 15) - £8 plus £3.60 landing pass

Explore Inchcolm Abbey

Founded by King David I in the 12th century, Inchcolm Abbey is one of the best preserved group of monastic buildings in the country.

During both World Wars it was fortified to defend Edinburgh and was home to 500 soldiers, whose mission it was to protect the Royal Navy's base at Rosyth. Today, it's completely uninhabited, except for its resident seals and birds.

Note that Inchcolm Island is closed in the winter season, from beginning of October to the end of March. Parts of the island may also have reduced access during nesting season (March to July).

On board the ship

There are no restaurants on the island itself, but hot and cold drinks as well as light snacks are served aboard the ferry.

If you have kids in tow or tend to get peckish, we'd recommend bringing along some picnic food. There are a few benches scattered all over the Abbey grounds which are perfect for enjoying lunch with a view.

The Wee Restaurant

On your way back to Edinburgh, before you get onto the Firth of Forth bridge, pull off into the town of North Queensferry and head to the Wee Restaurant on Main Street.

This hidden gem has earned a reputation for being the best eatery for miles around, with excellent service to boot. The mussels, Iberico pork and roasted venison in particular have garnered rave reviews from former visitors.

As the name suggests, Wee is small - make a booking in advance to avoid disappointment. And note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Parking near Inchcolm Island

There's plenty of free parking in the harbour where the ferry departs. If you head out on your day trip in summer, we'd advise arriving early to nab a spot.

Distance from Edinburgh: 64 miles (1.5 hours)

With its creative spirit and growing urban development, the coastal city of Dundee is the very definition of an up-and-comer.

Often overlooked in favour of better known Scottish locales like Edinburgh and Glasgow, we can safely say that now is Dundee's moment to shine. Why else would Lonely Planet have included it as one of the best places in Europe to visit in 2018?

Whether you're after history, culture or innovative cuisine, Dundee has got it all. Plus, the city apparently gets more hours of sun than anywhere else in Scotland. The perfect place for a day trip from cloudy Edinburgh!

Visit the new V&A museum

The sparkling new V&A Dundee design museum opened in September 2018, promising to put Dundee on the map as a centre for culture and art. As the first Victoria & Albert project outside of London, this museum has a lot to live up to - and so far, so good.

The building itself is rather breathtaking: an ultra-modern concrete structure jutting out over the water, making for a striking old-meets-new contrast with the neighbouring RSS Discovery ship.

There are only a handful of exhibitions on at present (including a surprisingly fascinating one on ocean liners), but it's still worth having a look around the stunning interior and grabbing a coffee at the cafe.

Climb aboard RRS Discovery at Discovery Point

Right next to the V&A Dundee is the legendary RSS Discovery, the wooden three-masted ship that took Scott and Shackleton to Antarctica more than 100 years ago.

Entry: £11.25

Head to the McManus: museum and art gallery

Dating back to 1867, this distinctive Gothic Revival-style building in the centre of town houses a popular museum and an incredible art collection.

If it's a rainy day or you just feel like getting your culture kick, we highly recommend paying a visit here. Plus, entry is free!

Palais Tea room

This delightful little retro cafe serves up heart-warming dishes like homemade soup and traditional Scottish fruitcake in a cosy setting.

Hot drinks are served in vintage china cups, and the walls are decorated in a twee 50s/60s style. It's the perfect place for a pleasant afternoon tea.

This low-key tapas bar lets you enjoy your food while surrounded by works of art. The food is delicious and light, and the restaurant is a small slice of Spain right in the middle of Dundee.

172 At The Caird

This upscale pub/restaurant serves up light lunches and tasty cocktails in a calm and relaxing setting.

In the summertime, you can sit out on the terrace with beautiful views over the Tay. In the winter, a sparkling Christmas tree and comfortable sofas create a cosy escape from the cold.

Parking in Dundee

There are more than 500 on-street parking spaces in Dundee and around 5,000 spots in car parks around the Inner Ring Road. Most city parking starts at about £2.30 an hour.

Greenmarket Multi-Storey Car Park (DD1 4QB), which is a ten-minute walk from the V&A Dundee, charges £7.30 for 6 hours (Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm), which might be your best bet for a full day trip.

If in doubt, head to YourParkingSpace , where you can search for a spot in Dundee and book it online instantly.

Distance from Edinburgh: 10 miles (30 minutes)

This historic village is a 30-minute drive from central Edinburgh along the A701.

According to legend, the town was founded all the way back in 203 AD by Asterius. In the 14th century, part of the First War of Scottish Independence took place in Roslin. And 100 years later, the splendid Rosslyn Chapel was built.

Roslin has played host to a number of famous figures over the years including William Wordsworth, who reportedly wrote a poem inside the chapel while escaping from a storm.

The poet's sister Dorothy once said of the town: "'I never passed through a more delicious dell than the glen of Rosslyn."

Visit Rosslyn Chapel

If you've ever read The Da Vinci Code, you'll be familiar with Rosslyn Chapel, the 15th-century church where the book's final scene takes place.

Generally regarded as one of the most remarkable buildings in all of Scotland, this majestic place was founded in 1446 by William Sinclair, first Earl of Caithness of the Scoto-Norman Sinclair family.

For a few decades now, theories have arisen that the chapel is associated with the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail - a fact that probably sparked Dan Brown's decision to use it in his bestselling novel.

Come here and see for yourself how many mysterious images and symbols you can spot carved into its walls.

Entry costs £9 for adults and £7 for students. Children can go for free.

Walk through Roslin Glen Country Park

Surrounding the chapel is Roslin Glen Country Park, a verdant green space with many walking paths that wind through the woods.

In the autumn, it's a fantastic place to watch the leaves change colour, and in the summertime it's a beautiful escape into nature.

If you're making a day of it, bring a picnic and sit by a babbling brook as you enjoy the sounds of bird calls and leaves crunching underfoot.

The chapel visitor centre has a lovely little cafe attached where you can buy hot drinks, light lunches and sweet treats, like delicious shortbread.

If you'd rather bring your own food, the park is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic - just make sure you clean up after yourself!

Parking in Roslin

There's plenty of free parking available near the visitor centre, which it makes it easy to drive down from Edinburgh for a day trip.

Distance from Edinburgh: 26 miles (1 hour)

Sitting in the Forth Valley about 50 minutes northwest of Edinburgh is Falkirk, an oft overlooked Scottish town with an important history and some fascinating futuristic-looking structures.

It's compact and easy to navigate, making it the perfect day trip destination - especially if you've got a thing for modern engineering.

See the Kelpies

By far the most popular Falkirk attraction in recent times is the Kelpies - the largest equine sculptures in the world.

These two humongous 30-metre-high horse heads made of structural steel sit alongside the River Carron within the Helix, a new parkland project just outside the town centre.

Each horse sculpture weighs a jaw-dropping 300 tonnes - the equivalent of about 75 elephants!

The Kelpies are especially spectacular at night, when the sculptures are lit up in a multitude of colours. If you can, time your day trip so that you have a chance to see the Kelpies after nightfall.

You can visit for free, or sign up to the Kelpies guided tour for £7.50 (£6.50 for students). Children go for free.

Marvel at the Falkirk Wheel

Connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, the 35-meter-high Falkirk wheel is a true masterpiece of modern engineering.

It's the only rotating boat lift in the world, and it works by raising boats 24 metres above the water and transferring them between canals.

Get the full experience by booking a boat ride, which takes you up into the wheel itself. You can visit the cafe and gift shop afterwards for a hot drink and some funky souvenirs!

Walk in the footsteps of Outlander's Murtagh at Callendar House

This French chateau-style mansion, which dates back to the 14th century, is situated in Callendar Park, just outside Falkirk town centre.

Throughout the centuries, it has played host to many historical figures including Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and Prince Charles. More recently, it has gained popularity after having been used as a filming location for the TV series Outlander.

Visiting the house is a truly immersive experience, as the guards dress up in Georgian costume, the furniture is all original and the grounds are perfectly landscaped

If you've got children, consider visiting at Christmas time to experience the Christmas Adventure - a super popular interactive event that explores the traditions of Christmas.

Whatever the time of year, it's worth having Afternoon Tea at this magnificent place. Admission is free.

This immensely popular restaurant specialises in upscale takes on classic pub food. The menu features traditional Scottish dishes like haggis and black pudding fritters, as well as some vegetarian options.

Coffee on Wooer

By far the more laidback option, C.O.W. is a quaint and welcoming hidden gem right in the centre of Falkirk town. The service is friendly, the food is delicious and there are vegan and vegetarian choices on the menu as well.

Parking in Falkirk

At the Kelpies - There's a car park along the canal with plenty of spaces. It's just a short walk away from the sculptures. In the off-peak season parking is free, otherwise it's £2 per car with no time limit.

At the Wheel - Parking here is easy and cheap (£3 normally or free during off-peak season).

At Callendar House - You'll find plenty of free parking on the grounds.

6. North Berwick

Distance from Edinburgh: 25 miles (45 minutes)

When it comes to scenic destinations within a short distance from Edinburgh, North Berwick most certainly tops the list.

This seaside town, which is just 45 minutes northeast of the capital city, is chock-a-block with cute cafes and quirky art galleries that make for a fun and activity-filled day trip.

Walk along Seacliff beach

You may be able to see the sea from some vantage points in Edinburgh, but it's a whole different thing to actually feel the sand under your feet.

This peaceful stretch of beach just steps from town is great for romantic walks, solo excursions and family days out. It's dog-friendly, and occasionally you'll see horse riders trotting by, making for a truly idyllic sight.

Visit the Scottish Seabird Centre

Perched at the edge of the harbour in North Berwick, this nature centre is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers and parents looking for ways to entertain their kids.

Here you can control interactive live cameras, check out the local wildlife and watch 3D films about the marine world.

Admission costs £8.95 for adults and £4.95 for children between 3 and 15 years old.

Explore Tantallon Castle

Step back in time with a trip to the 14th-century Tantallon Castle, which is 5km east of North Berwick.

This semi-ruined fortress sits high on a cliff edge overlooking the Firth of Forth. Unsurprisingly, it's a popular filming location and has appeared in numerous productions including Under the Skin, starring Scarlett Johansson.

Be sure to wear warm clothes, as it gets pretty windy up there.

The Lobster Shack

This unassuming seafood shack is in a prime position right at the end of the harbour.

It's a busy and popular place for lunch - and for good reason. There's nothing better than snacking on freshly caught lobster while looking out at the sea.

The lobster isn't exactly cheap, but it's worth it for the whole experience.

Steampunk Coffee

This converted warehouse is a trendy choice for students and coffee lovers. The mismatching chairs and rustic furniture make for a striking contrast against the industrial-style building and big windows, which let in lots of natural light.

Here they proudly serve up delicious single origin coffee and mouth-watering authentic Swedish cinnamon buns, as well as toasted sandwiches, homemade soups and fresh salads.

Parking in North Berwick

In the summertime when there are more visitors, it can be tricky to find parking in North Berwick. Head to the official North Berwick Parking website for information on where to find spaces.

Distance from Edinburgh: 46 miles (1 hour and a quarter)

Glasgow, located on the River Clyde about 50 miles west of Edinburgh, is the largest city in Scotland and one of the most vibrant.

If you're a fan of amazing architecture, you're in luck. Glasgow is full of extravagant buildings, from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to the Clyde Arc bridge and Glasgow Cathedral.

Stroll through Pollok Country Park, walk through George Square and head up to the Gallery of Modern Art to see the Duke of Wellington standing out front.

If you're the shopping type, then Buchanan Street is for you - this is Glasgow's shopping strip.

Take in some culture at Kelvingrove Art Gallery

The newly refurbished Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow is one of the most popular free attractions in the city.

Set in a beautiful Spanish Baroque-style palace along the River Kelvin, the museum houses 22 galleries featuring around 8,000 objects and works of art.

Look out for everything from Ancient Egyptian relics and archaeological finds to viking swords and van Gogh paintings.

Peruse the shops and cafes on Ashton lane

This cobbled back street in Glasgow's West End has become something of an icon of the city.

Similar to Edinburgh's Rose Street, it's a popular area for students and locals, who flock to its quaint bars, classic cinema and highly rated lunch spot, the Ubiquitous Chip.

Even if you don't wander into one of the establishments on the lane, it's worth coming here to snap a photo of the incredibly picturesque street, with its ever-present fairy lights twinkling overhead.

Tour the historic University & Cloisters

The historic University of Glasgow - the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world - is a beautiful collection of more than 100 Gothic revival buildings, many of which are perched on a hill overlooking the city.

Soak up the history and incredible architecture on a tour around the campus. Make sure you include the Cloisters on your visit, which are particularly stunning.

Ubiquitous Chip

This high-end eatery is a veritable symbol of the city. It was opened in 1971 and has been run by the same family ever since.

Expect modern twists on classic dishes, like pork belly with chorizo and roasted squash served on red quinoa. And make sure you save some room for dessert!

Hanoi Bike Shop

For something a little bit different, help yourself to some Vietnamese street food at Hanoi Bike Shop.

With lanterns hanging from the ceiling and bicycles mounted on the walls, it has a cool and relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for a laid-back lunch on your day trip to Glasgow.

Parking in Glasgow

Finding on-street spots in Glasgow can be a bit of a challenge, but it is possible. There's also plenty of off-street parking options available.

Head to the JustPark Glasgow website for real-time information before you go on your trip.

8. Stirling

Distance from Edinburgh: 37 miles (1 hour)

Known as the "Gateway to the Highlands," the riverside market town of Stirling was once the capital of Scotland and an important centre for trade and agriculture.

Today, the main attraction for visitors is the striking Stirling Castle, which looms over the town from its position on Castle Hill.

Visit Stirling Castle

You can't possibly visit Stirling without taking a tour of the magnificent Stirling Castle. This stunning palace, which sits on a craggy volcanic rock, was once the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots.

Despite having been victim to eight sieges over the centuries, the castle is miraculously well preserved, and a fine example of medieval architecture.

Entry costs £15 for adults and £9 for children between 5 and 15 years old. Seniors and unemployed visitors can enter for £12, and children under 5 go for free.

The Unicorn Cafe

For simple but tasty lunch fare in a historic setting, have a meal at the Unicorn Cafe, which is attached to the castle.

There's a nice variety of soups and sandwiches here, as well as freshly made cakes and scones. If the weather's nice, enjoy your lunch in the sun on the rooftop patio.

Napizza Stirling

If you'd like to venture into Stirling town, make your way to Friars Street and nab a table at Napizza Stirling, a favourite local haunt.

The pies here are cooked in a massive pizza oven and you can choose to add as many toppings as you want. BYOB makes it great value for money.

Parking in Stirling

Parking at the castle is allocated on a first come, first served basis - so arrive early if you're visiting in the summer months, as it tends to get busy.

9. Hadrian's Wall

Distance from Edinburgh: 115 miles (2.5 hours)

Two and a half hours southeast of Edinburgh is one of the most important historical landmarks in the country: Hadrian's Wall.

Built by a legion of 5,000 men in the 2nd century AD under the command of Emperor Hadrian, this 84-mile-long fortification marked the northwest frontier of the Roman empire for nearly 300 years.

Today, you can see the wall, visit market towns along the way and marvel at what was no doubt an astounding feat of engineering in its time.

Walk from the Roman Army Museum to Housesteads Fort

Obviously you can't walk the whole wall in a single day, but you can see some of the most interesting sections of it.

We recommend seeing the most intact part of the wall, between the Roman Army Museum and Housesteads Fort, which also happens to be surrounded by the most dramatic and breathtaking landscape.

The entire walk - which is about 9 miles long - should take you about 3 hours one way. You can then either retrace your steps, or hop on the AD122 bus back to your starting point (Walltown).

Blenkinsopp Castle Inn

After your long walk, you'll no doubt be dying for a hearty meal. At Blenkinsopp Castle Inn, which is just a 5-minute drive from the Roman Army Museum, you'll find just that: a menu featuring belly-warming dishes like steak and ale pie, beer-battered cod and chips, and curry of the day.

The restaurant is ultra cosy and decked out with fairy lights in the colder months, so you'll feel right at home. They've also got vegetarian options and a lovely afternoon tea.

Bite Cafe and Gallery

For something a bit different, drive on to Brampton (15 minutes away) and park up at the New Mills Trout Fishing Park.

Here you'll find Bite Cafe - an understated eatery specialising in home-cooked dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Once you're done eating, head upstairs to check out the funky modern art gallery.

Parking at Hadrian's Wall

There's ample free parking just outside the Roman Army Museum.

10. Loch Lomond & Trossachs

Distance from Edinburgh: 68 miles (Just under 2 hours)

This destination is very much worth the drive - especially if you enjoy hiking and spectacular views (who doesn't?)

Loch Lomond itself is massive (about 72-square-kilometres) and surrounded by dozens of little towns and villages.

The best place to head to from Edinburgh is the town of Balloch, which sits at the bottom of the lake. It should take you about 1.5 hours to reach the village from Edinburgh city centre.

Walking & hiking

The principal reason for visiting this incredible national park is, of course, to get out into nature. There are numerous walking, cycling and hiking trails all around the lake ranging in terrain, length and difficulty.

You can start by following the 2.25-mile (2.5km) circular walk through Balloch Country Park, where you'll be treated to lovely views over the Loch. Or for a real challenge, drive an hour north to Ben Lomond and climb 1,000 metres to the top.

For more walking ideas in the area, head to the Walking Highlands website .

If you've got a fishing permit and you're a keen angler, try your luck at Loch Lomond, which has the largest variety of fish in the whole park - everything from salmon and sea trout to roach, chub and dace.

You can base yourself on the banks of the water, or rent a boat from Balmaha Boat Yard or Loch Lomond Boat Hire at Balloch.

Note that some species of fish, such as the powan, are protected, so if you happen to catch one you'll need to return it quickly to the water.

Hop on a water cruise to Luss

This scenic one-hour ride departs from Balloch and passes by the middle islands of Loch Lomand to the ancient village of Luss, which is home to a medieval church and a 6th-century graveyard.

Boats run from May to September, and an adult return ticket costs £19 (£16 for youths aged 12 to 15, and £10.50 for children under 13.)

Coach House Coffee Shop

Visiting this low-key cafe in the village of Luss feels like stepping into a friend's living room. Expect a roaring fire, cosy sofas and a warm welcome from friendly staff.

There's an amazing selection of drool-worthy cakes on the menu, as well as some hearty home made soups and sandwiches.

The Village Rest

After a long cold walk in Scottish weather, there's nothing better than settling down with a hot tea at The Village Rest. This understated dog-friendly eatery has a super cosy atmosphere and excellent service to boot.

Their afternoon menu consists of delicious yet simple dishes like sandwiches and wraps, mac and cheese, steak and mushroom pie and filled baked potatoes just out of the oven.

Parking near Loch Lomond

If you're spending the day in Balloch town, your best bet is to park your car at Balloch Railway station, which costs £3 for the whole day.

Alternatively, you could had to the car park at Balloch Castle County Park, which is free.

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Edinburgh Day Trips: 15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh Scotland

Last updated: May 29, 2024 - Written by Jessica Norah 34 Comments

After four years living in Edinburgh, we’ve put together a guide to our favorite day trips from Edinburgh Scotland. There are so many things you can do and see on a day trip from Edinburgh, which include exploring castles, touring whisky distilleries, teeing off on a famous golf course, exploring historical attractions, birdwatching, hiking in national parks, and visiting filming locations for popular movies and TV shows like Outlander , Harry Potter , and Downton Abbey .

We suggest ideas for 15 different day trips from Edinburgh that cover a range of interests as well as a wide array of regions from the Scottish Borders to Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands. For each day trip from Edinburgh, we provide all the information you need about how to plan your day out, from how to get there to things you can do there. We provide information on traveling by car, bus, train, and as part of a guided day tour.

We lived just south of Edinburgh for four years and have visited all these places a number of times, both by ourselves and on tours. We’ve also explored a lot more of Scotland. So just shout if you have any questions or need further Edinburgh day trip ideas!

Table of Contents:

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh Scotland

If you’ve exhausted all the things to do in Edinburgh , and are looking for more things to do in Scotland, Edinburgh can be a great base for some terrific day trips. You can set off to Scotland’s largest city, learn about Scotch whisky , search for Nessie at Loch Ness , explore a medieval castle, or take in the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands

Here is our list of the 15 best day trips from Edinburgh in no particular order:

Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel, also known as the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, is a 15th century chapel located in the small village of Roslin. It was built for the Sinclair family as a Roman Catholic church, but after the Scottish Reformation it became part of the Scottish Episcopal church. It is still an active church that is privately owned by the Earl of Rosslyn.

The small chapel with its intricate stonework alongside the ruins of Rosslyn Castle have attracted many famous visitors over the centuries including Samuel Johnson, James Boswell, Robert Burns, William Wordsworth, Queen Victoria, and Tom Hanks.

The chapel is considered one of the architectural gems of Scotland. The stone that forms the chapel’s pillars and arches, including the exterior, contains intricate carving work portraying a number of religious and secular symbols and imagery. The most notable feature is the Apprentice’s Pillar, which is a pillar that is covered in intricate carvings and stonework, and was clearly made by a very talented stonemason.

However, today, it is best known for its speculated connection to freemasonry and the Holy Grail as was made famous by Dan Brown’s bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code . In the book, members of the Knights Templar hide the “Holy Grail” in the chapel’s crypt. Since the book and subsequent film starring Tom Hanks, the number of visitors to the chapel have multiplied and a new visitor center was built for the chapel.

There is a fee to visit the chapel. Talks and tours are given regularly by staff each day which are free to take part in. There is also a small cafe and gift shop area. Photography is not allowed inside the chapel.

If the weather is nice, we recommend taking the walking path over to see the ruins of Roslin Castle (part of this is a private residence though so stay beyond their parking area), and then doing a hike on one of the trails in Roslin Glen Country Park.

If you are looking for other things to do in this general area (we live in this part of Scotland), some suggestions are  Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh, Craigmillar Castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh,  Butterfly World  in Lasswade, National Mining Museum in Newtongrange, or hiking in the Pentland Hills .

Or you can also head further south to explore part of the Scottish Borders region which we cover later in the article.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel

It is easy to get to Rosslyn Chapel by car, bus, or day tour.

Rosslyn Chapel is located about a 10 mile (16 km) drive south of Edinburgh, and it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to drive there. There is free parking located at Rosslyn Chapel for visitors.

By Public Transportation

There are regular buses from Edinburgh to Roslin but there is no train station in Roslin. The journey by bus takes about 50 minutes. From the nearest bus stop (Rosslyn Inn), it is about a 3 minute walk to the chapel.

Most of the other attractions mentioned in the area can also be easily reached by bus. The National Mining Museum in Newtongrange can also be reached directly by train from Edinburgh.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel

There are several day tours from Edinburgh that visit Rosslyn Chapel and most tours also visit other attractions as well. This day tour visits Rosslyn Chapel and also visits some attractions in the Scottish Borders, including Melrose Abbey.

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and well worth a visit as it offers a refreshing contrast to the more tourist-oriented Edinburgh. The city is known for its friendly residents who can be a bit hard to understand with their famous Glaswegian accents. The city sits alongside the River Clyde and is only about 45 miles west of Edinburgh.

The city is home to lots of free museums and attractions, a thriving live music scene, beautiful parks, amazing street art, and the best shopping in Scotland. For architecture lovers, there are a large number of buildings in the city designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. There are also breweries and distilleries you can visit and tour within the city.

If you are thinking of taking a day trip to Glasgow from Edinburgh, check out our guide to things to do in Glasgow and our Glasgow street art guide . There’s a lot to do and see in Glasgow, so I’d plan ahead so you can make the most of your day trip. Some of the city’s attractions and tours need to be booked in advance.

There is plenty to keep you busy for a day in central Glasgow, but some attractions outside of central Glasgow, depending on your interests, include Pollock House , House of an Art Lover , and the National Museum of Rural Life .

How to Get from Edinburgh to Glasgow

The easiest ways to get to Glasgow from Edinburgh are by car, bus, or train. You can also get there via plane, taxi, or day tour.

For drivers, Glasgow is about 50 miles west from Edinburgh and the drive normally takes about 1 hour and 10  minutes from the city center. However, it really depends on traffic. We recommend avoiding the morning and afternoon rush hour traffic to save on driving time.

There are two main routes, taking the M8 or taking the M9 and M80. Both roughly take about the same amount of time, but check traffic before setting out as this is often the busiest section of road in Scotland as the routes link the country’s two largest cities.

Train connections are regular between Edinburgh and Glasgow.  Trainline and  ScotRail  are good websites to check for schedules and train tickets.

Bus connections are regular between the two cities. You can check  National Express  for coach connections and prices between the two cities. You can also book a  CityLink shuttle bus  which provides direct service between Edinburgh and central Glasgow.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Glasgow

Glasgow is probably best visited by train or bus from Edinburgh as there are a number of regular connections. However, if you would prefer a tour you might consider this custom private trip to Glasgow with a chauffeur.

St. Andrews, Dundee, & Fife Villages

Fife is both a historical area, often referred to as the Kingdom of Fife , and a council region of Scotland. There are a number of places worth visiting in the area, with the most notable being St. Andrews, Dunfermline, and the fishing villages. Just north of Fife is the city of Dundee which is also well worth a visit.

Dunfermline is known for its long history of royal connections and its large number of well-preserved historical buildings. The most notable is Dunfermline Abbey which was originally built in the 12th century during the reign of David I. The abbey is most notable for its architecture and for being the burial place for 18 members of Scottish royalty. Dunfermline is also the home town of the famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and you can learn more about him at the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum .

St Andrews is located on the northeast coast of Fife. It is well known for the University of St Andrews, one of the oldest universities in the world, the ruins of St. Andrew’s Castle and the  Cathedral of St Andrew , and for being the birthplace of modern golf. It is also the town where Prince William went to university and met Kate Middleton.

St. Andrews offers a number of museums and attractions, the oldest golf course in the world ( Old Course ), and a number of shops and well-rated restaurants. Plenty to keep you busy for a full day. There are also a number of golf courses in and around St. Andrews, so if you want to play a round, be sure to book a tee time in advance.

About 7 miles outside of St. Andrews is also the Secret Bunker , a Cold War nuclear command center and secret bunker that has been opened to the public. Note that it is closed for part of the winter months.

The small historic fishing villages along the Fife coast are a nice places to stop over for a seafood meal and a stroll along the harbor. Many also offer other attractions as well, such as the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther. A few villages to consider are Crail, Anstruther, Elie, and Pittenweem.

Dundee is a coastal city on the Firth of Tay and is best known as a UNESCO city of design and for its museums and maritime attractions which include the RRS Discovery , Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship, and the HMS Frigate Unicorn , a 19th-century Georgian wooden warship. The city’s newest attraction is the V&A Dundee , Scotland’s first ever design museum, which opened in September 2018. The museum is free to visit although there is an extra charge for some temporary exhibitions.

Try to avoid leaving or returning to Edinburgh during rush hours as the traffic in and out of Edinburgh and across the bridges at Queensferry is often slow during these times.

But we do recommend making a quick stop to take in the view of the three bridges crossing the Firth of Forth. The Forth Rail Bridge is an UNESCO designated Victoria era rail bridge that is architecturally significant for being the longest single cantilever bridge span when it was completed in 1890.

How to Get from Edinburgh to St. Andrews

The easiest way to get to St. Andrews from Edinburgh is by car, bus, day tour, or private transfer . Dunfermline and Dundee can be easily reached by train, bus, car, or day tour.

Buses are options to almost all the mentioned locations, but if you want to visit multiple towns in this area in one day, we’d recommend either driving or booking a day tour.

For drivers, Dunfermline is about an 18 mile drive north of Edinburgh and it usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes, St. Andrews is about 50 miles and takes about 1.5 hours, and Dundee is about 60 miles away and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Parking is limited in St. Andrews city center but there are free and paid parking areas as you enter the city. We normally park in the large parking area next to the British Museum of Golf. This parking area is free during the low season but there is a parking charge during busier times of year. It is located just across from the Old Course.

Buses operate from Edinburgh to most of the mentioned cities and towns. A bus to Dunfermline takes about 40 minutes. A bus from Edinburgh to St. Andrews takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. A bus from Edinburgh to Dundee takes about 1.5 hours. You can check  National Express  for coach connections and prices.

Dundee can easily be reached by train from Edinburgh and the train takes between 1 hour and 1.5 hours. Dunfermline can also be reached by train in 30 to 45 minutes. You can check ScotRail and Trainline for schedules and train tickets.

There is currently no operating train station in St. Andrews and the nearest station is located in Leuchars, about 5 miles away. If you want to travel by train from Edinburgh, you’ll need to take a train to Leuchars and then take a bus or taxi to St. Andrews.

For more complicated itineraries, you might want to use Traveline to figure out the best way to get from place to place.

* Note: There are tentative plans to reopen the train station in St. Andrews and provide a direct rail link between Edinburgh and St. Andrews and strengthen rail links throughout Fife. So worth checking if you’re wanting to travel by train.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to St. Andrews

There are several day tours that head up to Fife, most focusing on a visit to historic St. Andrews. We’ve done and enjoyed this day tour which stops at St. Andrews, the historic town of Falkland, and at a couple of the Fife fishing villages.

There is also this full day private tour which includes St. Andrews and a number of other locations along the Fife coast.

Outlander Filming Sites

Outlander is a romantic fantasy drama TV series set in Scotland that was adapted from the best-selling books by American author Diana Gabaldon. The storyline is set in both the 1940’s and the 18th century as Claire Randall is transported back in time to 1743. In the 18th century she meets a Highland warrior named Jamie Fraser and the series mainly centers on their love and relationship amongst tumultuous circumstances.

To be honest, we are not huge fans of the show but we have visited most of the filming locations for Outlander and most are places worth visiting whether you are a fan of the show or not. If you are a fan, we’d recommend considering joining an  Outlander themed tour to enjoy a day out with other fans.

The show is primarily shot at the filming studio near Glasgow, but a number of scenes for Outlander have been shot in filming locations throughout Scotland. Here are some of the better known and more interesting ones that are within a 2 hour drive of Edinburgh. You can choose a handful of these to visit to make a full day trip of it.

• Blackness Castle – A 15th century sea-edge fortress that is shaped like a ship, located about 20 miles (45 minute drive) from Edinburgh. In Outlander , it was used as Fort William and is where Jamie received lashings from Captain Randall and where Jamie rescues Claire from Black Jack.
• Culross – Culross is a picturesque village with a number of historic buildings that are under the care of the National Trust for Scotland . Many scenes for Outlander were filmed here as it was used as Cranesmuir in the show and you’ll also find Claire’s herb garden here. It is located about 25 miles away (45 to 55 minute drive) from Edinburgh.
• Doune Castle – Doune Castle was built around 1400 and was used as the fictional Castle Leoch in Outlander.  However, it is better known for being the primary setting for the majority of the scenes in the film  Monty Python and the Holy Grail . It is located about 45 miles from Edinburgh (1 hour to 1.5 hour drive).
• Falkland – A small historic village located in Perthshire, about a 40 mile (50 to 60 minute drive) from Edinburgh. Its most notable landmark is Falkland Palace which is run by the National Trust and open to the public. Falkland was used as 1940’s Inverness in the show.
• Hopetoun House  – Hopetoun House is a gorgeous 17th century mansion home which featured as the stately home of the Duke of Sandringham in Outlander.  Located about 14 miles from central Edinburgh (30 minute drive). Open seasonally to the public.
• Midhope Castle – Midhope Castle is a tower house (used as Lallybroch in the TV show) that is also on a private section of the Hopetoun Estate and is sometimes accessible to visitors. The building is derelict so you can only see the exterior. Parking pass needed to visit. Open seasonally.
• Linlithgow Palace  – A partially ruined medieval royal residence and the birthplace of King James V and Mary Queen of Scots. It featured as Wentworth Prison in Outlander . It is located about 18 miles drive from Edinburgh (35 to 50 minutes).
• Newhailes House – A 17th-century Palladian villa located about 6 miles (20 minutes drive) from Edinburgh. Scenes were shot here for Outlander of Jamie discussing land grants with Governor Tryon in North Carolina. The house is open seasonally for guided visits and run by the National Trust.

Note that almost all the attractions mentioned charge a fee for entry, and many close during the winter months.

For more Outlander locations, see our detailed guide to all the Outlander filming locations in Scotland .

How to Get from Edinburgh to Outlander Sites

The easiest way is going to be by car or day tour. Although you can get to many of the sites by public transportation it would be difficult to visit more than 2 or 3 locations in one day.

All of the attractions can be visited by car and all are within a 2 hour drive of Edinburgh, and there are several within a 1 hour drive.

Many of the Outlander filming sites can be visited by bus or train from Edinburgh, including Linlithgow Palace, Falkirk, Blackness Castle, and Newhailes House. I’d check Traveline for the best method and route depending on the filming sites of most interest to you.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Outlander Sites

There are several tours from Edinburgh that go to several Outlander sites in one day, most visiting the same filming locations. We’ve done this 1 day tour with Rabbies that includes stops at several Outlander filming locations including Culross, Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, and Linlithgow Palace.

If you’re a super fan, you may consider a longer Outlander tour such as this 4 day tour that visits just about all the major Outlander sites in Scotland, or this shorter 2 day tour option .

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park was designated as Scotland’s first national park in 2002. The large national park includes mountains, forest, lochs (lakes), small villages, and farmland. Loch Lomond is the largest inland body of water by surface area in the UK.

The park is a popular place for hiking, camping, biking, and water sports. It’s particularly well known for hiking and is crossed by two of Scotland’s most popular long distance paths, the West Highland Way and The Three Lochs Way. There are also historic villages, scenic viewpoints, adventure parks, and boat cruises. This is also the land of Scottish outlaw and folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor .

If you are thinking about visiting, check out our travel guide to the top things to do in Loch Lomond to help plan your time here. A great place for a day trip or an overnight trip.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

The easiest way to get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond is by car or day tour, but you can also get there by bus or train. If traveling by public transit, you’ll want to plan carefully to make the most of your time.

Loch Lomond National Park covers a large area, but it is about 80 miles away from Edinburgh. It takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the village of Luss alongside Loch Lomond from Edinburgh.

You can travel by bus or a combination of bus and train to several villages within Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. These include Luss, Balloch, Tarbet, Callander, and Killin. But almost all routes include stops and changes. Travel times vary from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the village.

If traveling by train, a few villages in and around Loch Lomond & the Trossachs are on a train line, such as Balloch and Tarbet. If you get off at Balloch, you can walk to several attractions (Balloch boat pier for loch cruises, aquarium, Birds of Prey centre, Balloch Castle Country Park ). Check ScotRail and Trainline for schedules and train tickets.

For planning journeys by bus or multi-stop journeys, you can use Traveline to figure out the best route.

If you get to Balloch by bus or train, you can join a bus tour there such as this one of the park to explore further afield.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

There are several day tours from Edinburgh that include visits to Loch Lomond, such as this one that visits Stirling Castle, the Kelpies, and Loch Lomond, this one that visits Loch Lomond and 2 whisky distilleries, and this one that visits Loch Lomond as well as three castles.

If you want to do a cruise of Loch Lomond on a day tour, this one visits Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond and includes the option for a 1 hour boat cruise.

Whisky Distillery Tours

Whisky is the drink most associated with Scotland and many visitors want a chance to learn more about it, see how it is made, and taste a few drams. There are lots of places in Edinburgh where you can try Scottish whisky but there are no distilleries currently open to the public in the city. But luckily there are several within a 1 to 2 hour drive of the capital.

There are a number of whisky distilleries within driving distance of Edinburgh that you could visit on a day trip. I’d try to choose one or two based on a particular brand, type (single malt or blended), or taste (e.g., peaty or fruity) of whisky you personally enjoy.

If you are new to Scotch whisky, I’d recommend doing a tour and tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience  or a local history and tasting tour first in Edinburgh, and then that should help you know better about what kind of whisky you enjoy.

Many whisky distillery tours are fairly similar so we’d advise that one or 2 are plenty for most people. You can easily combine a couple into one day. Also if you are traveling with someone who doesn’t enjoy whisky, try to combine the distillery visit with another attraction of interest.

For instance we’ve done this  whisky tasting tour from Edinburgh that stopped at both Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery. I actually opted to visit Doune Castle (located nearby) instead of the Deanston Distillery as the tour gives you flexibility to do as much or as little as you want at the distilleries themselves.

Here is a list to get you started of several distilleries located within a 2-hour drive of Edinburgh:

• Glenkinchie Distillery – This single malt Lowlands distillery is just a 19 mile (31 km) drive from Edinburgh (30 to 40 minute drive) in the town of Tranent. Offers tours and tastings.
• Glengoyne Distillery – A popular whisky distillery located in Dumgoyne, about 55 miles (88 km) from Edinburgh (1.5 hour drive). It has been in continuous operation since its founding in 1833 and makes its unpeaty single malt whisky using slow and traditional methods. Tours and tastings available.
• Deanston Distillery – Deanston Distillery is a popular whisky distillery in Doune situated alongside the River Teith. It is located about 45 miles (72 km) from Edinburgh (1 hour to 1 hour 30 minute drive). It produces single malt whisky and offers tours and tastings.
• Glenturret Distillery – This distillery is located in Crief about 55 miles (88 km) from Edinburgh (1 hour 20 minute to 1 hour 50 minute drive). The Glenturret Distillery produces single malt whiskies and offers tours and tastings. Pre-booking is recommended.
• Aberfeldy Distillery – The Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is located outside Aberfeldy, about 74 miles (119 km) from Edinburgh (1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours drive). It produces single malt whisky and offers tours and tastings.

There are also a few newer distilleries, like Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow, within driving distance but they are relatively new and don’t have their own whiskies yet (should have a 5 year by 2022). Although they do tours of their distilleries and include tastings of other whiskies from around Scotland. So still worth visiting if you don’t mind that they are not producing their own spirits yet.

Most whisky distilleries offer several tours throughout the day and can be booked on arrival, but some do require advanced booking, especially in the low season, so be sure to check ahead. Also special tours and experiences (e.g., masterclasses, food and whisky tours) often need to be booked in advance.

Whiskey distillery visits are great for rainy days as the majority of tours take place indoors and you can get warmed up with a dram. Most of the larger distilleries offer a cafe or restaurant where you can get hot food and drinks. As they say in Scotland, today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky!

It is easy to combine a visit to a distillery to a visit to another attraction in Scotland such as Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle, Falkirk, Glasgow, Doune Castle, or Rosslyn Chapel. Many day tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow include a whisky distillery stop as part of the itinerary.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Whisky Distilleries

The easiest ways to visit a whisky distillery from Edinburgh is by car or day tour, but it is also possible by public transportation. You can also book private transfers such as this one .

All of the whisky distilleries can be reached by car and most have free dedicated parking lots. They range from 30 minutes to 2-hour drives from Edinburgh.

If you are thinking of driving yourself, note the Scottish drinking and driving laws  are very strict, so almost all distilleries offer to-go sample cups for drivers and bikers. If you don’t want to drive, I’d recommend booking a driver or guided tour.

Some whisky distilleries can be reached by bus or train and some are not well-served by public transit. So you’ll want to check on the distilleries you want to visit on Traveline for the best bus or train services. For instance you can visit the Glengoyne Distillery, Deanston Distillery, Aberfeldy Distillery, and Glenturret Distillery by public transit

In most cases, it is likely going to be easier and more time efficient to join a day tour from Edinburgh to visit distilleries than to do it via public transit.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Whisky Distilleries

Several tours from Edinburgh include stops at a whisky distillery. This whisky tour includes stops at two single malt whisky distilleries and a visit to Loch Lomond. This  day tour include a stop at a distillery as well as stops in small villages, scenic viewpoints, and Highland lochs. This day tour includes Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and a stop at one distillery.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park was the second national park established in Scotland and is currently the largest national park in the British Isles. It is most notable for its mountain range, the Cairngorms. It is a popular area for a number of outdoor recreation activities including hiking, boating, climbing, fishing, camping, skiing, and birdwatching.

It is a popular area for families with lots of activities such as the Landmark Forrest Park (amusement park), Highland Wildlife Park (animal park), and Aviemore Zip Trek Park (ziplining park). The Strathspey Railway , which offers steam train rides, is also a popular attraction for people of all ages.

There are a number of castles and historical attractions located within the park that can be visited by the public, including Blair Castle, Braemar Castle, Ruthven Barracks, and Balmoral Castle (Queen’s private residence). There are also museums such as the Highland Folk Museum (large open-air museum) and Grantown Museum .

The park is also home to several whisky distilleries that can be visited including Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, and Speyside. The best known of which is probably Dalwhinnie Distillery .

It is one of the best wildlife and birding areas in Scotland, home to a number of species including red squirrels, capercaillie, osprey, deer, badgers, and the Scottish wildcat. You can take a guided wildlife tour here with Speyside Wildlife  and/or visit the Osprey Centre .

If you are thinking of visiting in winter, we have a guide to visiting the Cairngorms in winter for tips and things to do. The park is the most popular area for winter sports in Scotland and is home to three of Scotland’s five ski resorts. Scotland is the only place in the British Isles with ski resorts and you can read our  guide to skiing in Scotland for more information.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Cairngorms National Park

The best way to get from Edinburgh to the Cairngorms National park is by car, but you can also get here via bus or train. Some towns, such as Aviemore, are well-connected by bus and train from Edinburgh, whereas others, such as Braemar, are not.

It depends where you are driving, but it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the southern part of the park (e.g., Blair Atholl). It is about 130 miles (209 km) from Edinburgh to Aviemore (largest town in park) and the drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

There are bus connections from Edinburgh to several villages and towns within the Cairngorms National Park, including Aviemore, Blair Atholl, and Newtonmore. However, the best connections are primarily to those town and villages in the southern and western areas of the national park.

Train connections are possible to some villages and towns including Aviemore, Dalwhinnie, Blair Atholl, and Newtonmore. Trains can take 2 to 4 hours depending on destination and route.

You can check the bus services and routes online via National Express  and  Stagecoach  (local operator for most services within Cairngorms). Check ScotRail and Trainline for train routes and tickets.

If you are planning to travel around the Cairngorms by public transit, I’d check out  this brochure  (just note it was last updated in 2015) for an idea of the bus, train, and national cycle routes within the park itself.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Cairngorms National Park

We don’t know of any day tours from Edinburgh that only focus on Cairngorms but some do drive through or make a stop or two.

If you want to do a day tour to explore the Cairngorms National Park while in Scotland, we’d recommend taking the train to Inverness or Aberdeen and then booking a day trip from there. Both cities are closer and will allow you to explore this area better.

This day tour from Inverness and this day tour from Aberdeen both explore parts of the Cairngorms National Park.

Loch Ness is a large deep freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands and is the second deepest loch in Scotland. It is best known for the numerous sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, known as “Nessie”. The first such reported sighting of the mysterious sea monster was in 1933.

There are several things to do in and around the loch, and the most popular is to take a cruise on the loch , which range from about 30 minutes to 3 hours. A visit to the picturesque ruined Urquhart Castle can be done as part of a cruise or on its own.

A few other places of interest are the village of Drumnadrochit, the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition , scenic Glen Affric, and a visit to the town of Fort Augustus which is a good place to get a look at the Caledonian Canal. There are also a number of hikes and outdoor activities in this area, and there is even a little beach area near the Dores Inn .

For more information, see our complete guide to visiting Loch Ness , which has details of all the attractions in the area.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

The easiest ways to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness are by day tour or car, but you can also reach Loch Ness by bus or a combination of train and bus.

Although Loch Ness can be done as a day trip from Edinburgh and is a popular place to visit, it is a long way to go for a day trip. So we recommend either doing it as an overnight trip or booking a day tour to avoid having to do so much driving in one day. In winter, the limited amount of daylight hours, means you’ll likely be driving back in the dark.

It is about a 175 mile (281 km) drive to Drumnadrochit from Edinburgh, which can take between 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic. You can get to most places in the Loch Ness area within 4 to 5 hours.

Given the long drive, we’d recommend doing this as an overnight trip from Edinburgh or as a day tour so you don’t have to worry about 7 to 8 hours or more of driving.

By public transportation you can reach Drumnadrochit, Clansman Harbour (one of the places cruises depart), Urquhart Castle, and Fort Augustus. This is possible by bus or via a combination of bus and train. Travel time is 4.5 to 5.5 hours each way, many requiring stops and changes, making this not an ideal way to travel for a day trip.

Different bus services operate here and most journeys require multiple stops so you can use Traveline to plan the best route. Many journeys require you to stop first in Inverness. Check ScotRail and Trainline for train routes and tickets.

If planning to visit as a day trip, we’d strongly recommending booking a day tour instead. Or consider staying overnight in Inverness or surrounds, there are lots of great places to stay in the area.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

There are several companies offering day tours from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, including Rabbie’s Loch Ness tour that also visits scenic Glencoe as well as this day tour option .

A day tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness is a long day with lots of time in a bus, and ideally we’d recommend taking the train to Inverness and doing a tour to Loch Ness from Inverness as it will allow you to see more at a slower pace.

Stirling Castle & Falkirk

Stirling is a city north of Edinburgh that was once a very powerful town in Scotland. Stirling Castle, alongside Edinburgh Castle, was one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland and it dominates the city’s skyline. It was the medieval home for Scottish royalty and it saw many battles and sieges.

Today, Stirling Castle is the most popular visitor attraction in Stirling, and a tour here allows you to learn about its long history, the people who lived here, and see its principal rooms. You may also want to visit the Church of the Holy Rude, a nearby church that was used by royalty staying at Stirling Castle in the medieval period.

Other things to see in or near Stirling is the battle site of the Battle of Bannockburn , which was a famous battle fought between the Scottish and English in 1314 where Robert the Bruce’s army beat the army of King Edward II in what is often referred to as the First War of Scottish Independence. You can learn more at the  Battle of Bannockburn 3D Experience .

Nearby is the National Wallace Monument , a large memorial completed in 1869 to commemorate William Wallace , a Scottish knight and hero, who fought alongside Robert the Bruce. He is the man who was famously portrayed by Mel Gibson in the 1995 film Braveheart . Wallace’s sword is also on display here. You can see the monument from a distance for free (it is 220 feet high!), but there is a fee to visit.

On the way to Stirling, you’ll pass by the town of Falkirk, where you’ll find a number of additional attractions. The Kelpies are 98 feet tall steel horse head sculptures and they are the largest equine sculptures in the world. You can get a glimpse of them from the highway but we recommend stopping to visit them (free to visit, but small fee if you want to climb inside one of them).

Other attractions worth visiting nearby include the Falkirk Wheel (an interesting boat lift connecting 2 canals, can take a short ride) and Callendar House  (grand 19th century mansion with medieval core). For history buffs, the remains of a section of the Antonine Wall (a smaller northern version of Hadrian’s Wall) runs through the grounds of Callendar House.

Yet, another attraction that could be visited as part of a day trip to Stirling is Linlithgow Palace , a partially ruined medieval royal residence and the birthplace of King James V and Mary Queen of Scots. A great piece of history although we had a very confusing time trying to navigate it due to its ruined layout! On a nice day, you may want to walk the path around Linlithgow Loch located below the palace.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Stirling

It is easy to get from Edinburgh to Stirling by train, car, bus, or day tour. It is also possible to reach Falkirk by car, train, bus, or day tour.

Stirling is about a 36-mile (58 km) drive from Edinburgh, and the drive takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. Falkirk is about a 45-minute drive away from Edinburgh. The M9 goes past both cities.

You can reach Stirling bus or train, and the journey takes about 1 hour.

The train between Edinburgh and Falkirk takes about 30 minutes. From here, you would need to take a local bus (check First Bus ) to get closer to most of the city’s visitor attractions. 

You can check the bus services and routes online via  National Express . Check ScotRail and Trainline for train routes and tickets.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Stirling

You can visit some of these sites, most notably Stirling Castle and the Kelpies, via a day tour. This day tour includes a visit to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and the Kelpies.

If you want to see the Falkirk Wheel and explore Callendar House as well, you might consider this private day tour . It includes pick up and drop off from Edinburgh hotels and time spent at the Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel, and Callendar House. See more tour options for Falkirk here .

Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders is the southern region of Scotland that borders England. It is a hilly, bucolic, and largely rural area that was once occupied by the Romans and saw the coming and going of many Scottish and English armies over the centuries. It is the area of Scotland just south of where we live!

We enjoy exploring the Scottish Borders as it is relatively unknown to most tourists and there is a lot of scenery and historical sites in the area. You’ll find historic market towns, Roman sites, ruined grand abbeys, brochs, castles, nature areas, and a network of hiking paths.

Scenic towns that are easy to explore on foot include Jedburgh, Kelso, Melrose, and Peebles. The area is known for its four great ruined medieval abbeys (ruined during the reign of King Henry VIII) at Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose, and Dryburgh. The most famous of which is probably Melrose Abbey which was the first Cistercian abbey in Scotland.

There are also a number of castles, museums, and historical attractions. Castles that are open to the public in the area include Floors Castle ,  Hermitage Castle , and Thirlestane Castle . Museums include the Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Center in Jedburgh, Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum , and the  Coldstream Museum .

Many sites in the Scottish Borders have a relationship with writer Sir Walter Scott who spent much of his childhood living in the area with his aunt and would later make this his home as an adult. For example, you can find a plaque and bust in Kelso (where he went to school and spent many summers with his aunt and uncle), visit the courthouse museum in Selkirk where Scott served as sheriff for almost 30 years, tour his grand house Abbotsford , and see his burial place in Dryburgh Abbey .

If you’d like to hike in the area, you can check out local walking routes here . If you like history you might consider walking a section of the 65 mile Borders Abbeys Way which connects the four abbeys and other attractions as well. The Sir Walter Scott Way also runs through the region.

The Scottish Borders is a large area, so it really depends on what your interests are but it is definitely a region worth exploring if you are looking for a lesser known and less busy destination in Scotland. You can read about the first two day trips we took ourselves to this area to come up with a list of things to do in the Scottish Borders .

You can also combine a visit to the Scottish Borders with a stop at Rosslyn Chapel or a visit across the border to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. Both are covered in detail in other sections of this article.

How to Get from Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders

It is easy to visit the area by car, bus, or day tour. You can also reach the area by train.

You can easily reach the Scottish Borders by car. It takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hour to reach towns in the Scottish Borders. For instance Peebles is 23 miles (37 km), Melrose is 37 miles (59 km), Selkirk is 39 miles (62 km), and Jedburgh is 48 miles (77 km) from Edinburgh.

You can reach most of the towns by bus from Edinburgh which include Melrose, Selkirk, Galashiels, Kelso, and Peebles. Travel times vary widely but most towns can be reached in 1 hour to 2 hours. You can check bus services and routes online via Borders Buses.

In many cases you can save time by taking the train and then getting a bus from Galashiels or Tweedbank. You can reach Galashiels and Tweedbank by train from Edinburgh on the Border Railway. You can book tickets via ScotRail  or  Trainline . From these stations, you can connect by bus to reach most of the other towns in the Scottish Borders or book a taxi.

Galashiels is the largest town in the Scottish Borders and here you’ll find the best transport links and the most services.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Scottish Borders

There are a number of day tours that can give you a taste of the Scottish Borders. This Rabbies tour includes a visit to Rosslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey, this one visits the Scottish Borders with a stop in Jedburgh and Hadrian’s Wall, and this day tour visits Alnwick Castle with a stop in Kelso.

Scottish Seabird Centre

The Scottish Seabird Centre is a charity-run discovery center in North Berwick that runs birdwatching boat trips and also participates in a number of local conservation efforts. The Firth of Forth is an important breeding area and is believed to be used by almost half of all of Europe’s seabirds!

Species that breed here each year include razorbills, Atlantic puffins, Atlantic gannets, Arctic terns, kittiwakes, shags, cormorants, and numerous duck species. Most notably, the world’s largest colony of northern gannets (over 150,000!) nest each year on Bass Rock.

The Discovery Centre is an interactive information and museum center, designed to be family-friendly. From here, you can learn about all the local species and even watch the birds on live cams that are set up on the island and local cliffs. There is also a cafe and gift center here.

The boat tours run from about April to November, and leave from the Scottish Seabird Centre. The boat tours go to or around one or more of the small rocks or islands where the birds nest each Spring and Summer. These include Bass Rock, Lamb, Craigleith, and the Isle of May. Some of the special tours include landings on either Bass Rock or the Isle of May.

If you love birds, especially sea birds, and are visiting in the Spring or Summer, we’d definitely recommend considering a visit here. In addition to birds, you also have the chance to see dolphins, seals, and whales in these waters. There is also a view of the ruined Tantallon Castle.

We’ve visited twice and done two boat tours so far, one RIB boat tour that circled the three islands and one regular boat tour that landed on the Isle of May. Both tours were educational and fun, and we got to see a lot of birds on both trips. You can read about our experiences and tips for visiting the Scottish Seabird Centre  to help plan your own trip. It is best to pre-book the boat tours in advance.

North Berwick is a nice town to wander around and has a number of casual eateries and pubs; we recommend trying the local seafood. Other attractions around North Berwick include Tantallon Castle , a ruined 14th century castle, and the National Museum of Flight . There are also dozens of golf courses along the coast between Edinburgh and North Berwick; just be sure to book a tee time in advance if you want to play.

You can also combine a day trip out to North Berwick with a visit to other attractions such as Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin or Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Scottish Seabird Centre

It is easy to reach North Berwick by car, train, or bus.

It is about a 25 mile (40 km) drive from Edinburgh to North Berwick, which usually takes about 45 to 50 minutes. There is a pay-and-display car park located at the Scottish Seabird Centre or street parking in town.

North Berwick is well connected to Edinburgh by public transit. You can travel by train from Edinburgh to North Berwick by train in about 30 to 40 minutes. You can book tickets via Trainline  or ScotRail .

Or you can take a bus (check schedule online with East Coast Buses ) to North Berwick, which takes about 1 hour.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Scottish Seabird Centre

We are not aware of any day tours that visit the Scottish Seabird Centre or stop in North Berwick, but it is easy to reach North Berwick by public transit. However, you could arrange a private transfer or private tour.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall was a defensive fortification built by the Romans in the northernmost part of the Roman province of Britannia, which is now northern England. It is believed construction on the wall started around 122 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and it was used by the Romans until they left Britain in the early 5th century. It is 73 miles long (80 Roman miles) and runs from Wallsend to the Solway Firth.

Games of Thrones fans will likely know, or be interested to learn, that the Game of Thrones book series written by George RR Martin was inspired by Martin’s visit to Hadrian’s Wall in 1981. He notes that the Wall was the first thing he developed in the books, and you can read more about that in his  2014 interview with Rolling Stone .

Hadrian’s Wall was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and has become a popular tourist attraction. Many people, especially UK residents, do a week-long walk from one end to the other during the summer months. But as a day trip, you can still see a section of the wall and visit one of the forts.

There are hundreds of Hadrian’s Wall and Roman related sites in the area, and if you are really interested in seeing specific things I’d recommend getting a recent guidebook on the wall to help you learn more and choose the best things to visit. But if you are just happy to see a few highlights, we’ll recommend some places that work well as a day trip from Edinburgh below.

You can see stretches of it by car or bus along the Roman Dere Street and then one of the most popular places to get out and see the wall up close is at Steel Rigg. Nearby, Sycamore Gap (easy to spot from the Roman Dere Street) is a scenic spot that was featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

There is a parking area at Steel Rigg which provides a nice view of the wall and you can follow a path along a decently preserved section of the wall. Please don’t sit or walk on the wall as it is a protected monuments and both the wall and the surrounding ground is quite fragile.

An alternative to Steel Rigg is Heddon-on-the-Wall which is another well-preserved stretch of the wall that you can see up close. This gets less visitors than Steel Rigg which is where most of the tour buses and cars stop. There is no dedicated parking here but there is street parking.

Before or after you’ve seen a stretch of the wall, I’d recommend visiting one of the ruined forts and museums along the wall. There were originally at least 14 larger Roman forts built along the wall and you can still see the ruins of many of these today. We’d recommend planning a visit to either Housesteads or Vindolanda . Both have fort ruins and a museum with archaeological finds and information to help you learn more about the sites.

If you want to do a long walk in the area, we’d recommend this 8 mile circular walk around a section of the wall which includes Steel Rigg, Sycamore Gap, Housesteads, and a lake. It takes about 3 hours at a normal pace and starts and ends at the Housesteads Visitor Center. This would make for a great day out for those who want to combine hiking with sightseeing.

A day trip to Hadrian’s Wall could be combined with a short stop at Rosslyn Chapel or to a town in the Scottish Borders such as Melrose or Jedburgh. You might also want to stop at Carter Bar which is the border of Scotland and England for short photo stop. You can read more about our own day trip to Hadrian’s Wall from Edinburgh  for more ideas.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

The easiest ways to reach Hadrian’s Wall are by car, booking a day tour, or booking a private transfer . Public transportation is very limited in this area.

Hadrian’s Wall is about a 100 mile (160 km) drive south of Edinburgh. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the mentioned sites along Hadrian’s Wall by car. The sites are then spread out alongside the wall, but we’d recommend trying to stick to those within 30 to 60 minutes drive of each other.

There is very limited public transportation in this area which is primarily rural and many of the recommended sites are outside of towns. If you want to visit without a car, we’d recommend booking a day tour from Edinburgh.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

There are several day tours from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall, many of which make a stop or two in the Scottish Borders. This day tour (which we’ve done) stops in a Scottish Borders town, Carter Bar, Steel Rigg, and (usually) Vindolanda. If you’d like to combine a trip to Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall, you might consider this tour  although it spends less time at Hadrian’s Wall.

Harry Potter Filming Sites

While much of the Harry Potter books were written in Edinburgh by J.K. Rowling , Edinburgh was never used as a filming location for any of the films. Although you can find several related sites to Harry Potter in Edinburgh .

Hogwarts is of course set in Scotland and there are a number of Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland . You can put together your own list if you already know where you want to go. Just know that there is not too much to see at some of them.

We’ve listed some below for you to consider, but just note most are 3 hours or more drive time from Edinburgh if you head north so this makes for a very long day trip. The closest in terms of driving time is Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England which is a 2-hour drive away.

• Glenfinnan Viaduct – The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line just outside the town of Glenfinnan. It opened for operation in 1901. In Harry Potter, it is the viaduct or bridge that the Hogwarts Express is seen going over in the films.
• The Jacobite Train – This is the steam train run by West Coast Railway used for shots of the Hogwarts Express. The train mainly runs between Fort William and Mallaig. For the full Harry Potter like experience we recommend booking the “First Class Compartment Carriage HP Style” seats. The train operates seasonally, normally April to October.
• Rannoch Moor – Rannoch Moor is a boggy moorland area near Loch Rannoch. This is where the Death Eaters board the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 .
• Steall Falls in Glen Nevis – Steall Falls, Scotland’s second highest waterfall, and surrounding area were used in the background for scenes where Harry fights the dragon in the Triwizard Tournament during Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . You can find hiking information here .
• Alnwick Castle – Located in northern England, the castle exterior and courtyard were used as Hogwarts to shoot several scenes in the first two films, including where the students learn to fly on their broomsticks. The castle offers Harry Potter related activities like broomstick lessons. The castle has also been used as a filming location for Downton Abbey , Transformers: The Last Knight , Elizabeth , and other films. The castle is worth a visit in its own right and there is also an amazing garden located here!
• Glen Coe – Glen Coe is a scenic glen and also the site of a terrible massacre in 1692. In Harry Potter, the area was used in a few films and it is best known as the location for Hagrid’s Hut (although the hut was a film set not a real place). You can view our Glen Coe photography guide .

It is not possible however to visit all of the mentioned filming locations in one day so you’ll need to figure out which ones you are most interested in seeing. You can fit several locations into a day if you head northwest. But Alnwick Castle, for instance, is in the opposite direction (in England) than all the rest.

If you are looking for just one Harry Potter thing to do, I’d probably choose The Jacobite train ride (a fun experience and nice scenery), a visit to Alnwick Castle (iconic castle with broomstick lessons), or a visit to Glen Coe (dramatic landscape and good area for a walk/hike).

For more ideas, see our Harry Potter Scotland guide for a full list of filming locations.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Harry Potter Filming Sites

It is easy to reach the Harry Potter filming sites by car or day tour from Edinburgh, and some can also be visited by bus and/or train.

It takes 1.5 hours to 2 hours to reach Alnwick Castle by car, and the rest of the sites can be reached by driving 3 to 4 hours from Edinburgh.

If you plan to head north towards Fort William and Glen Coe, we’d actually recommend doing this as an overnight trip if you can and perhaps stay overnight in Fort William . Or consider a day tour so you don’t have to do the driving yourself.

Many of the filming locations can be reached by bus and/or train including Fort William (where the steam train departs), Alnwick Castle, Glenfinnan, Rannoch Moor, and Glencoe. Check Traveline for the best routes to each.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Harry Potter Filming Sites

There are day tours that include many of the Harry Potter sites, just note that most focus on Alnwick Castle since it is much closer than the others. For instance, this day tour visits Alnwick Castle, the Scottish Borders, and the Northumberland Coast.

If you are wanting to take the Jacobite Steam Train, I’d check this day trip with train ride as it includes transport to and from Edinburgh, the steam train ride, and views of some Harry Potter filming locations in the Highlands.

If Glen Coe is the top site on your list, you might consider this day tour that includes Glen Coe as well as Loch Ness.

Glen Coe & Scottish Highlands

Glen Coe , or Glencoe, is a glen of volcanic origins in the Scottish Highlands that is well-known for being scenic and atmospheric. It is an area designated as a special scenic area and nature reserve. Most of the glen is owned and conserved by the National Trust of Scotland .

It is also the site of a terrible massacre in 1692, known as the Massacre of Glencoe , where 38 people from the MacDonalds of Glencoe clan were murdered unarmed as they slept by those that had given them shelter. The government initiated massacre was led by a member of the Campbell clan and this has led to a MacDonald and Campbell feud that lasted for generations (in some cases may still exist).

However, most people come to Glen Coe not for its history, but for its scenic beauty. It is a draw for many photographers and has been used as a filming location for a number of movies including Highlander , Rob Roy , Braveheart , and the Harry Potter films. You can view our Glencoe photography guide .

It is a popular place for hiking, climbing, and mountaineering and there are a number of paths and routes within the area. Nearby Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles.

There is a visitor center and exhibition center (fee for non-members) run by the National Trust here which is a great place to stop for information and hiking routes. The National Trust staff sometimes led guided walks or safari tours. There is also the Glencoe Folk Museum which presents local history presented within thatched cottages.

On the way to Glen Coe, you might like to stop and explore a bit of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Glen Coe

The easiest way to get here is by car or day tour. It is possible to get to the village and many areas of Glen Coe by public transit as well.

It is about a 120 mile (193 km) drive from Edinburgh to Glencoe, and the drive takes about 3 hours. Can take longer depending on traffic.

It is possible to travel to Glen Coe by public transit, either by bus or a combo of bus and train. See Traveline to help you plan your journey.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Glen Coe

There are day trips from Edinburgh to Glen Coe, such as this one that visits both Loch Ness and Glencoe, as well as this similar tour .

Castles were built in Scotland from the 11th century to 20th century, and range from tower houses to large fortresses to fairytale palaces. Many are open to the public and are within day tripping distance of Edinburgh.

Castles in Scotland range from almost forgotten about ruins to prime tourist attractions, and you can find them in just about any part of Scotland. I’d take a look at this castle list as it organizes castles by council area in Scotland so you can identify which ones are near where you’d like to go and are worth visiting.

If there is a particular castle you really want to visit, I’d then explore the area around it to find other castles that are open to the public. It is easy to visit 3 to 4 castles in a day trip from Edinburgh if you plan ahead.

There are dozens of castles that are within day tripping distance from Edinburgh, here are some to help get you started (all within a 2.5 hour drive):

• Cragmillar Castle – A ruined castle with parts dating back to the 14th century that was used by Mary Queen of Scots. Only a 20 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Blackness Castle – A 15th castle that is shaped like a ship located on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. Filming location for Outlander . 45 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Thirlestane Castle – A privately owned 16th century castle located in the Scottish Borders that is home to the Maitland family. Located about a 45 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Stirling Castle – A large medieval castle that served as one of the most important fortresses in Scotland for a long period and was used as a residence by Scottish royalty. Lots of resemblance to Edinburgh Castle. About a 1 hour to 1.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Doune Castle   – Castle dating back to about 1400 that became derelict but was significantly restored in the 20th century. Filming location for  Monty Python and the Holy Grail and  Outlander . Located 1 hour to 1.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Alnwick Castle – A picturesque and mighty castle with sections dating back to the 11th century. Located in northern England, it is the seat of the Duke of Northumberland. Filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey . Adjacent to the beautiful Alnwick Garden . Located a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Dunnottar Castle – A dramatically situated ruined medieval fortress along the coast that has a rich history and was a significant place of defense during the Jacobite rebellions. Dunnottar Castle is about a 2 hour to 2.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Balmoral Castle – Castle built for Queen Victoria and now the private home of Queen Elizabeth II. Beautiful grounds and gardens, but only the Castle’s Ballroom and stables are open to the public to tour. Only open to the public during certain times of the year. About a 2.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.

Note that all the castles listed charge an admission fee for visitors. If you plan to visit several castles while in Scotland, you might check out the Scottish Heritage Pass (valid for travel between April to October) which gives you free entry to over 120 National Trust and Historic Scotland sites.

There is also the  Historic Scotland Explorer Pass  which includes entry into over 70 Historic Scotland sites. These passes include entry into lots of castles including Edinburgh Castle, Blackness Castle, Craigmillar Castle, Stirling Castle, and Doune Castle.

You can also join the National Trust for Scotland for free entry into their properties.

Most castles in Scotland have seasonal hours and some close throughout the winter months. So be sure to check head before planning a visit to be sure they’ll be open during your visit.

We’ve visited loads of castles in Scotland, so if you are looking for a castle in a particular area to fit into a day trip or a castle of a particular type, feel free to ask us in the Comments section and we can give you our recommendations.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Castles

Castles in Scotland can be reached by car or day tour, and many can also be reached by bus or train.

The mentioned castles are all within a 20-minute to 2.5 hour drive of Edinburgh.

Most of the mentioned castles can be reached by public transportation. Use Traveline to help you plan your route to specific castles. Just note that it may be hard to visit more than one or two castles on a day trip using public transit.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Castles

Castles are a part of a lot of day tours from Edinburgh. This castle-focused day trip visits several castle as well as Highland lochs and scenery. You can also find day tours that include a particular castle along with other attractions including this one to Stirling Castle and this one to Alnwick Castle .

A Few Tips for Planning Day Trips from Edinburgh

Here are a few tips for planning a day trip from Edinburgh whether you plan to drive, take public transportation, or book a guided day tour.

• It rains a lot in Scotland and can be windy so be sure to take along raingear, warm layers, and practical shoes! Check the weather forecast before setting out. Don’t let bad weather stop you from exploring, just be prepared!
• When planning day trips from Edinburgh, we recommend sticking to places within a 2.5 hour drive or less from the city. Any further and you’ll spend half of your day simply driving and not getting to see as much. Also be sure to take daylight hours into account as you have more limited hours in winter.
• If you are thinking of going to places that are further away, such as the Isle of Skye or northern Scottish Highlands, we strongly recommend an overnight or multi-day trip. If you don’t want to make arrangements, many local tour companies such as Rabbies offer overnight tours from Edinburgh to more far-flung places in both Scotland and England.
• If driving, try to avoid rush hour if leaving or returning to Edinburgh on a weekday. Morning rush hour is normally from about 7:30am to 9:30am (7:30 to 9:30) and afternoon rush hour is normally from 4:00pm to 6:00pm (16:00 to 18:00). You can check road conditions and traffic online at Traffic Scotland .
• New to driving in the UK? Check out our tips for driving in the UK and navigating single track roads .
• We recommend the Traveline website for helping to plan journeys in the UK via public transportation. The site is especially helpful if you are having trouble figuring out which bus to take or how to do a multi-leg journey.
• If planning to do day trips by public bus or coach, know that there are several bus stations in Edinburgh but the buses of most of the bus companies start and end their journeys at the Edinburgh Bus Station  (also known as St. Andrews Bus Station) on Elder Street.
• For bus tickets, you can often purchase them online through sites like National Express or the local service website. But others you will need to purchase in person at the bus station or directly from the driver (cash usually needed).
• We currently have two train stations in central Edinburgh, the main one where most trains arrive and depart is Waverley Station . But there is also the Haymarket Station  which handles a lot of commuter train traffic. Just be sure you know which station you need.
• If you plan to do a lot of travel by bus or train from Edinburgh, we recommend booking your accommodation within walking distance of the train or bus station to make your travels easier.
• If traveling by public bus or train and you want to visit more than one place in the same day, be sure to check the routes and schedules in advance to make the most of your day. Public transit is not that frequent in some areas.
• If you plan to use a taxi or private transfer to get from one place to another, we often use minicabit to compare cab fees. We do have Uber in Scotland (launched in 2015 after we moved here) but it is currently limited to pick-ups in and around Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen only.
• If looking for day tour operators in Edinburgh, we can recommend Edinburgh-based Rabbies . You can also see a wider selection of tours from Edinburgh on GetYourGuide and Viator .
• If doing a day tour, tipping or leaving a small gratuity to your guide and/or driver is appreciated and common, although not necessary, if you enjoyed their services.
• If you plan to visit a number of historical and cultural sites while in Scotland, you might check out the Scottish Heritage Pass (valid for travel between April to October) which gives you free entry to over 120 National Trust and Historic Scotland sites. There is also the  Historic Scotland Explorer Pass  which includes entry into over 70 Historic Scotland sites including Edinburgh Castle, Urquhart Castle, Stirling Castle, Melrose Abbey, and St Andrews Castle.
• Be sure you allow enough time to see all the things you want to do in Edinburgh! We sometimes hear from visitors who did so many day trips, they didn’t get to see much of the city itself. Edinburgh is a cultural hub of Scotland and there is a lot to do here. If you’ve tired out all the top things to do in Edinburgh , you can also check out our list of less known things to do in Edinburgh !
• If you are looking for more Scotland day trip ideas, also check out our guides to day trips from Glasgow  and day trips from Inverness .

So that is our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh! Hopefully it has helped you plan your own Edinburgh day trip.

Planning to do a day trip from Edinburgh but not ready to plan it out yet? PIN this article to Pinterest to read later:

Have you done any day trips from Edinburgh? If so, feel free to tell us about your day trip experience and how you planned it.

If you have a question about planning a day trip from Edinburgh or anything else about visiting Edinburgh, just leave us your question in the Comments section below!

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Steve Post author

May 12, 2023 at 10:51 am

hello there and thank you for this great resource! We’ll have 3 full days in Scotland, based out of Edinburgh. To get as much of the Scottish experience possible, do you think 1 day touring Edinburgh and 2 days doing day trips with a car would be best, or 2 days to tour Edinburgh and only 1 day to devote to a day trip? Thanks

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 16, 2023 at 9:09 am

I don’t think there is any correct answer to this. You could easily find enough in and around Edinburgh to fill three days as you can probably see in some of our other posts on things to do in Edinburgh. But with three days only in Scotland, I’d definitely recommend at least one day on a day trip or tour of some kind, especially if you don’t think you’ll be returning to Scotland.

In terms of which days trips and one or two days really depends on what you are most interested in doing/seeing. What are your main interests after looking over the options? If you think you’ll never return to Scotland, then you might want to do a day trip that goes up to the Scottish Highlands as I would say that is what most people think of in terms of Scottish landscapes (lochs, hills, moors). Many people also want to visit a Scottish distillery (best on a tour so driver can drink) or another castle or two (in addition to Edinburgh Castle).

Hope that helps, and happy to answer more questions as you have them!

Best, Jessica

Rita Shemchuk Post author

April 9, 2023 at 11:59 am

Hello Jessica and Laurence. We are planning a trip to Scotland in the spring 2024. I am enjoying reading your Edinburgh day trip suggestions with travel tips and places not to miss. I stumbled onto your blog doing research for our trip.

We are flying into Edinburgh and staying there 3 days then onto Glasgow 1 day. And then onto to rest of the country. Up north to Inverness and continuing down to Stirling before returning to Edinburgh for departure.

We are planning to get a rental car. Is it worth having the car in Edinburgh? Different travel people are suggesting getting the car in Glasgow as opposed to Edinburgh.

My question to you is this. Should we rent a car at the Edinburgh airport as that’s where we’re going to end up OR after visiting Edinburgh take the train to Glasgow and get the car there for the rest of our journey.

Thanks, Rita Shemchuk

April 10, 2023 at 12:23 pm

I would not recommend renting a car in Edinburgh unless you have a specific need for one (e.g., to get somewhere specific that you can’t get via public transit or walking). Even for some of the day trips, it is usually easier to use public transit or join a day tour.

We lived outside Edinburgh for many years and normally just took the bus into the city as it can be difficult to find parking and you will need to pay to park each day (unless your accommodation offers free parking). If you stay centrally most things are easy to get to on foot or a short bus or taxi ride. So it is can be more expensive and more stressful to have a car.

You can get a bus or train to Glasgow easily and then once you are in Glasgow you can rent a car there. Depending on where you are staying in Glasgow and what you plan to do, you may or may not want a car there. But it is easy to rent a car in Glasgow either on arrival or as you are leaving to head to more rural destinations.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have more questions as you plan your visit to Scotland!

Scott Post author

April 3, 2023 at 11:10 pm

Love your website, it’s been instrumental in helping me plan my trip to Scotland!

I’ve got about 2.5 days in Edinburgh planned with enough time for 2 day trips. I’ve decided to use Rabbies as you recommended. So far I’ve decided on the West Highlands and Castles tour. I’m torn on the last one though and would love some help.

I’m torn between seeing Hadrians Wall, or doing the Alwick Castle + Northumberland Coast and Borders, and also the St. Andrews/Fife fishing villages. The first two are interesting to me to see Northumberland since I’m seeing the West Highlands with the first trip. St. Andrews and the fishing villages are also high on your list so I’m heavily considering that. Thoughts?

April 4, 2023 at 12:43 pm

So glad to hear that our website has been helpful in planning your upcoming trip to Scotland.

Yes, there are so many good day trip possibilities from Edinburgh. I think it is hard to recommend one tour over the other as they are all fairly different. We’ve done all three and I think you’d probably enjoy any of them. I would read through all the descriptions and see what appeals most. What are you most interested in seeing/doing?

Pat Freedman Post author

February 23, 2023 at 3:14 pm

Thanks for this very useful blog. I have been feeling overwhelmed in planning a Scotland trip for me and my husband in September 2023, but your information has helped me get a handle on which day tour to take from Edinburgh–I think we will take the Rabbie’s tour to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and kelpies. Do you think 4 nights will allow enough time to see the main city sights (half-day on arrival, plus 2 full days) and do the day tour (on the third full day)? We plan to rent a car after the last night in order to see more of Scotland, and we will return to Edinburgh for 1 or 2 nights at the end of the trip, so we can do a bit more city sightseeing then.

February 24, 2023 at 2:55 am

So glad that you are finding our travel blog useful in planning your visit to Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland!

Yes, I think that sounds like a very reasonable plan. It of course depends on how much you want to see in Edinburgh, but most people find 2 full days are enough to see most of their must-see places and have some time to walk around and explore. So I think 2.5 days plus some potential time at the end of your trip is a good amount. I would make a list of the places you really want to visit and then allocate how much time you think you’ll need to each and that should help you decide for sure if you are feeling a bit unsure.

I think a day tour to Stirling Castle is a good idea for Day 3 as it will give you a bit of a break from the city and someone else will be doing the driving. Rabbie’s drivers/guides are generally very friendly and good to ask for recommendations for things to do/see.

Since you are planning to visit Stirling Castle and probably also Edinburgh Castle, you may want to check out the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass as it allows to you visit dozens of properties in Scotland and includees those two castles. For example if planning to go up to Loch Ness/Inverness, it includes Urquhart Castle and Fort George. Normally it is worth it if visiting at least 3 included places on your trip. Many of Scotland’s castles and abbeys are included. Some you’ll want to book your timed entry in advance. You can read more about it here .

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland!

Jack Couture Post author

March 29, 2022 at 6:27 am

What a great resource you have put together with so many options! We are have put together a 5 week tour of Europe meandering from a start in Scotland to island hopping in Greece – with many places in between. We will arrive EDI from BOS 4/26 16:00, picking up a car and AirBnB near Edinburgh castle. Taking an evening walking tour of City. Thinking of driving up to St. Andrews area 4/27 after a morning in City. 4/28 we are driving to Connel near Oban by way of Loch Lomand and staying on a farm B&B. 4/29 we are returning to EDI by way of Glasgow for an afternoon flight. What are your thoughts on this plan? What would you recommend we do to make the most of this short stay within the itinerary we have laid out. Is the ride to Fife area the right move? Any thoughts you have on tightening up our plans would be most welcome. We are thinking the ride to the west coast should be rather interesting.

March 29, 2022 at 7:28 am

Glad you are enjoying our travel blog. Nice that you have included Scotland in your Europe tour; however, you do have very little time to spend there. You essentially have about 2.5 days which is about the time we’d recommend spending just in Edinburgh. So I would consider streamlining your itinerary a bit so you have a bit more time at the places you most want to visit.

I am not sure what time you need to return your car and check in for you flight, but I imagine you won’t have too much time on 4/29 if you have an afternoon flight (you’ll need to be there 2 hours before your flight to check-in). The drive from Oban to Edinburgh is at least 3 hours. I’d probably skip Glasgow that day unless something specific you want to see as that will make the drive longer that day and the traffic between Edinburgh and Glasgow can be heavy at times.

With limited time, I would recommend using it to spend at least 1 full day in Edinburgh (unless you’ve been before) rather than doing a day trip to St. Andrews. You’d have very little time in St. Andrews if you just had the afternoon and I’d recommend avoiding the 3 hours of driving unless it is a must-see of course for you.

I’d then use the rest of the time seeing Loch Lomond and then Oban since you are driving all the way there. I’d make sure you have time to explore Oban and the coast. There is a nice harbor to walk around, a castle/museum you can visit, nice walks (Battery Hill nice to walk up for view of town/harbor), a whisky distillery you can tour, boat tours you can take, etc.

Here’s what I’d suggest based on what you want to see/do and amount of time:

4/26 – arrive, check-in, do evening city walking tour, overnight Edinburgh 4/27 – Explore Edinburgh – lots to see/do, overnight Edinburgh 4/28 – pick up car, explore Loch Lomond area, drive to Oban/Connel, overnight Connel 4/29 – explore Oban in morning, drive back to Edinburgh, car drop off, flight out

For the rental car, if you decide that you don’t need it the first 2 days, you might wait to pick it up in the city to avoid the fees/parking for the first 2 nights (unless it is less expensive to pick it up from the airport). Then do drop off at airport on return. You don’t need a car for getting around Edinburgh – most places are within walking distance and public buses (or sightseeing bus) can get you pretty much anywhere else you’d probably want to go.

Anyway, hope those suggestions help. Just let me know if you have further question as you plan your trip to Europe!

Mark T Post author

January 3, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence. What a great article!

We are thinking of visiting for 10 days in mid-March. We don’t mind that the weather may not be ideal, but more concerned that the scenery will not be as green and beautiful as we hope.26

Can you tell me what the scenery is like in mid-March?

January 4, 2020 at 3:29 am

We think Scotland is scenic year-round and I would say it doesn’t change as much as in some other parts of the world. Some wildflowers flowers will already be blooming by March. The issue is as you noted the weather, and a lot of rain and gray skies can really dampen one’s outlook (and ability to see) the scenery. You also have fewer daylight hours than later in the Spring or summer.

That said, a clear winter day with some sunlight is a wonderful time to see Scotland’s scenery and a great thing with traveling in March is that it won’t be very crowded in most places. Just note that some attractions and activities, especially those outside the cities, won’t be operating in March (April to September is the main tourism season).

Photos of Glencoe in winter and Cairngorms in winter for some ideas of scenery – you can see there is still greenery and color even at the height of winter. The snow is just because we are at higher altitudes and you’d rarely see much snow in say Edinburgh even in the middle of winter.

But I would be very prepared for rain in March and make sure to pack your rain gear, coat, and good waterproof shoes so you can enjoy being outside even when the weather is bad.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland.

Dave Murray Post author

October 18, 2019 at 11:38 am

Hello. Great information. Looking for a suggestion. What would be the best for the following. First are there wineries near whisky distilleries. My wife would prefer the wine. The best case scenario would be going somewhere where there are a lot of castles to see on the trip there and back. Even if not stopping at them or maybe one or two. Just to see them. Then the destination have a castle, wine, scotch, etc. Thanks!

October 19, 2019 at 2:18 pm

Grapes don’t really grow well in Scotland and although there are a few fruit/grain wines being produced locally, the couple of wineries that have tried have not been very successful in producing much drinkable wine (you can read that story here ). So for wine, you are better off heading to a wine bar or nice restaurant in Edinburgh 😉

There are however several whisky distilleries within an hour or so of Edinburgh you can visit. Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery are easy to combine into one day. Deanston Distillery is very close to Doune Castle, and Stirling Castle would be an easy stop on the way north to Deanston. So you could head out of Edinburgh, head north to visit Stirling Castle, then stop at Deanston Distillery, then visit Duone Castle, and then end at Glengoyne Distillery before making you way back to Edinburgh. Then perhaps a nice glass of wine when you return for your wife 😉

Hope that helps, and let me know if you have any other questions, Jessica

Rohan Post author

August 28, 2019 at 7:55 pm

Hi, what is second picture on this page (it shows a small castle atop a hill surrounded by ocean)? And how to get there (using public transportation)? Thanks,

August 29, 2019 at 4:09 am

The castle is Dunnottar Castle, located near Stonehaven. It is currently open from 9:00 to 17:30 daily, and there is an admission fee to visit.

So there is no direct public transit route from Edinburgh. You have a couple of options if you want to do public transit. You can take a bus or train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, and then catch a bus (X7 and 107) from Aberdeen which stop within a short walking distance of the castle. Or you can take a bus or train to Stonehaven and walk from the village – this is about a 40 minute walk.

Another good option that may be more time efficient, particularly if you want to see more of this region which has limited public transit in some areas, is to take the train (or bus) from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and then take this day tour with Rabbies . It includes a visit to Dunnotar Castle as well as stops at waterfalls, Royal Deeside, and scenery in Cairngorms National Park.

Hope this helps! Jessica

Lorelle Post author

August 11, 2019 at 10:15 pm

Planning a trip May 2020 with a week in Edinburgh & a week in Glasgow. I would like to do the 1 hour boat trip on the Falkirk wheel but can’t find a day tour that includes the boat trip. Any suggestions? We could hire a car. Is it worth taking the boat or is the view from the canal bank more interesting?

August 12, 2019 at 2:59 am

Hi Lorelle,

Yes, both Edinburgh and Glasgow are great cities and both are great bases for day tours around Scotland.

It is great to just learn about the Falkirk Wheel and watch it (without being on it) but it is also fun to be on it as well. So I’d recommend both if you plan to visit. But if you are short on time, you can still read the signs and watch it in action.

Falkirk Wheel is not included on any of the regular bus tours as it is a less known attraction; however, it is possible to still visit it with a tour. Here is the best priced tour I could find which is a private taxi tour and includes the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel, and a visit to Callendar House. You just need to take the train to Falkirk (easy ride from Edinburgh or Glasgow) and they will pick you up there and drop you off after the tour.

You can see more tour options here (most are private).

Hope that helps! Jessica

August 12, 2019 at 6:02 am

Thank you…….wonderful blog. I’m now thinking of hiring a car & visiting the Falkirk wheel on the way to Inverness & then fly to Orkney. Which leads me to another question. Am I better to hire the car in Edinburgh or Glascow? Which city is easier to drive out of? We will try to find accomodation that is very central in both cities.

August 12, 2019 at 6:40 am

If you are just renting the car to leave the city and head to Inverness (and not planning to drive around in the city itself) I think either would be about equal. We personally find it a bit easier to leave/enter Edinburgh by car than Glasgow. But I would just check prices and see where you can get the better deal. The drive to Inverness is about the same distance from both cities; the Falkirk Wheel is a bit closer to Glasgow than Edinburgh.

We don’t really recommend visitors explore either city with a car since you can get around most places by walking, public transit, or short taxi rides. So I’d just pick up the car on your way out to avoid having to find and pay for parking in the cities.

Orkney is a great, especially if you like Neolithic ruins and archaeology. Another option to get from Inverness to Orkney without driving (or flying) is this small group tour from Rabbies. We haven’t done this specific tour but we did meet and chat with the driver on our visit over the summer while on the island. The driver seemed great – the tour includes your ferry passage and it went pretty much everywhere we did on the main island.

Yes, I would definitely choose central accommodation if you can as it makes it easier to explore. We give some area recommendations and some specific hotel recommendations in both our Edinburgh and Glasgow guides that might be helpful. Let us know if you have any questions.

Natalie Post author

March 4, 2019 at 6:40 pm

Hi! I was wondering if you had any recommendations for half-day or afternoon tours from Edinburgh? I arrive in Edinburgh on a Friday morning (around 9:30am) and have the day free before my friend arrives. Since I’ve been here twice already, I was hoping to see something new outside the city but am having trouble finding afternoon tours. Any recommendations for something nearby or even something unusual to do in Edinburgh? I’ve been to Rosslyn Chapel and St. Andrews and we’ll head up to the highlands when my friend arrives. Thanks!

March 4, 2019 at 7:26 pm

Hi Natalie,

No, I am afraid I do not as most leave between 8 and 9, so I think if you are arriving around 9:30 or later, you will miss most day tour departures. You can of course book a private day tour but it would be very costly for one person.

Some ideas:

-Consider taking the bus or train to visit a nearby attraction or two such as Stirling Castle, an Outlander site, or other place of interest. We list info about public transit options for each day trip idea in the article. -If you enjoy hiking, you can spend the day walking or hiking around Edinburgh at places like Arthur’s Seat or along the Water of Leith or head by bus a bit further away like the scenic Pentland Hills. -Consider a day exploring Glasgow if you haven’t been before as it’s an easy bus or train ride away, see our Glasgow guide . -In Edinburgh, we have a guide to less known things to do in Edinburgh -Consider doing a walking tour or two in Edinburgh such as this 3 Hour Food Walking Tour or this bike tour .

Will Flight Post author

February 27, 2019 at 1:00 am

Hi Thanks for a great post! We’re planning a Scotland trip using Edinburgh as a base hand this has given us loads of ideas for things to do! One thing I’d like to mention is the National Museum of Scotland is Amazing, we went last time we were in Edinburgh just after the refurb and it’s amazing! It’s a great alternative if the weather is not up to scratch (as is often the case in Scotland)

February 27, 2019 at 3:37 am

Hi Will, Yes, the National Museum of Scotland is great and has gone even more changes probably since your last visit as they seem to be continually updating the museum. It has become the most visited attraction in the country I think since the changes! Enjoy your trip and let us know if you have any questions about potential day trips from Edinburgh. Best, Jessica

Micki Post author

January 31, 2019 at 11:01 am

This is fantastic! We’re looking at staying Edinburgh for a few days this spring, and this saves me so much work trying to sort out day trips. Thank you! I’m hoping for good weather! 🙂

January 31, 2019 at 11:06 am

Hi Micki, Glad you are finding our post helpful in planning possible day trips from Edinburgh. The weather here in Scotland is unpredictable and tends to vary throughout the day (its hailed, snowed, rained, and had glorious bursts of sunshine today for example!), but just come prepared with layers, waterproof shoes, and a waterproof jacket and you should be fine with whatever the weather throws at you 😉 Let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip! Best, Jessica

Esther Post author

January 27, 2019 at 12:33 am

Oh, I really can’t agree more on this list. Scotland is gorgeous, isn’t it. I think that booking an extra day when in Edinburgh is just the perfect excuse to venture out and see some more of the country.

January 27, 2019 at 4:43 am

Hi Esther, Yes, indeed 🙂 I think that if you have more than 2 days in Edinburgh, it is definitely a good idea to think about taking a day trip from Edinburgh! So many great options. Best, Jessica

Nigel Post author

January 13, 2019 at 8:23 am

Wow, an amazing list of great day trips from Edinburgh – been to many but certainly not all of these. Will keep these handy for weekend trips with the family!

January 13, 2019 at 8:37 am

Hi Nigel, Glad you enjoyed our list of day trips from the capital, and hope you find a few new places on your weekend adventures with your family! Best, Jessica

Stephen Garone Post author

January 9, 2019 at 9:48 am

Rosslyn Chapel was amazing, wasn’t it???

January 9, 2019 at 10:06 am

Hi Stephen, Sounds like you enjoyed your visit to the chapel! We actually live within walking distance of Rosslyn Chapel so have been many many times 😉 It is definitely an amazing chapel and even though it is very small, there is a lot to see with all the carvings and features. The regular talks are also definitely worth taking the time to listen to during a visit. We often stop by to see William, the resident cat. It certainly makes for a good stop on a day trip from Edinburgh or half day trip if you only have time for the chapel. Best, Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

January 9, 2019 at 5:13 am

I absolutely love birds so I think I would love the Scottish Seabird Centre. It’s funny, this post is making me think of my family. My oldest would love the Harry Potter Filming sights, my youngest would be into the castle, and my husband would probably vote to visit the distilleries. Now that I have a new son-in-law, I am including his preferences as well. He would be all over the Outlander sights. I’ve never seen the show, but I’m glad to know I don’t need to be a fan to enjoy the scene!

January 9, 2019 at 7:51 am

Hi Seana, Yes, there is something to suit everyone and lots of choices. Many of the interests can definitely be combined as many of the Outlander sites (and one of the Harry Potter sites) are castles. You definitely don’t need to be an Outlander fan to enjoy many of the sites – Laurence and I did a full day tour of Outlander sites and enjoyed it and went to places we probably would not have done otherwise. The Scottish Seabird Centre is a great day trip from Edinburgh and would highly recommend pre-booking a boat trip there if you plan to visit. Best, Jessica

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The best day trips from Edinburgh

By Olivia Morelli

There are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh , but there’s nothing quite like hopping on a train and exploring beyond the city borders. While the country is in lockdown , these are escapes to plan for the future, to be taken as soon as we’re able. From wooded gorges and castle ruins to craggy beaches and the site of ancient conspiracies, these are the best day trips from Edinburgh .

North Berwick

Best for: freshly caught lobster Distance from Edinburgh: 45-minute drive or 30 minutes by train

This small fishing town has reinvented itself in recent years. Now, North Berwick is a haven for those in need of an escape from the city. Between the pastel-hued houses lining the cobbled streets lie cool coffee shops, boutique clothing stores and cute, bare-brick restaurants, though many still come for the fish – The Lobster Shack on the port serves some of Scotland ’s best grilled lobster, drizzled with garlic and herb butter and served with double-dipped chips. After lunch, walk along the Lothian coast to find empty stretches of beach: Milsey Bay is framed by rocky crags and backed by a parade of Victorian houses, while further north, Broadsands is a sandy cove with many nature trails.

Find out more about North Berwick with our guide to the foodie seaside hub

Best for: scenic hikes Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour and 20 minutes by car or 1 hour 10 minutes by train to Leuchars, the nearest station

This ancient town is best known for its red-brick university, so be prepared to share your day trip with eager Americans and diligent students trudging home from class. Although it's tiny ( St Andrews has only three main streets), the town is awash with must-sees that are actually worth the hype. Northpoint café, strongly touted as the place where Prince William first met Kate Middleton, is the best for a brunch of toasted sandwiches, pancakes and fry-ups. Follow it with a stroll around the ruined castle; it dates back to the 13th century, and King James I and III spent time living in its walls. The crumbling ruins tumble down to a small beach called Castle Sands, a great spot for a picnic on a beautiful (albeit rare) sunny day. Alternatively, go on a scenic hike along the Fife Coastal Path, taking you along the shoreline past empty, white-sand beaches with endless views of the icy North Sea. Finish at the Anstruther Fish Bar for deep-fried Scottish haddock (the batter recipe is a secret), or head inland for a Michelin-starred feast at The Peat Inn.

Best for: craggy shorelines and forest walks Distance from Edinburgh: 40-minute drive or 1 hour 15 minutes by train

Put on the map by Edinburgh chef Tom Kitchin and his wife Michaela with their five-star hotel The Bonnie Badger, Gullane has slowly become a popular weekend destination for those in the know. Although you could easily while away the hours with Loch Fyne oysters and Champagne by the fire in Kitchin’s gastropub , Lothian’s windswept coast is worth exploring, with sandy dunes, craggy shorelines and dense forests. Return to the town to amble through cobbled streets, stopping off to admire the ninth-century village church before settling down for a slice of gooey chocolate-fudge cake and a steaming cuppa at the Goose on the Green.

Best for: gorge exploring and excellent whisky Distance from Edinburgh: 1-and-a-half-hour drive or 2 hours by train

This charming Victorian town just south of the Cairngorms is a nature-packed day trip for city dwellers and a frequent stop-off point for travellers heading into the Highlands . Three miles north of Pitlochry lies the Pass of Killiecrankie, a wooded gorge carved in the depths between Ben Vrackie and Tenandry Hill. Hike along riverside trails to spot fluffy red squirrels, noisy woodpeckers and the occasional otter. For a more curated excursion, head to the Explorers Garden. Split into sections reflecting different continents, the gardens are designed to represent different ecosystems, with beautiful flora and towering sculptures dedicated to botanists including David Douglas and Francis Masson. Round off a day outdoors with a wee dram – Edradour is Scotland’s smallest traditional distillery, dating back to 1825, renowned for its rich, fruity 10-year single-malt whisky.

Best for: Victorian architecture and the UK’s best Indian food Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour by car or 50 minutes by train

Despite being on the opposite side of the country, Glasgow is a surprisingly easy day trip from Edinburgh. Hop on a train to get there in under an hour, and spend the day soaking up the culture in Scotland’s second city, known for its rough-around-the-edges architecture . Wander through the centre to find George Square, where the grand and gleaming marble of the City Chambers is shouldered by frayed Victorian buildings, or head down Argyle Street to find the Kelvingrove museum, a towering baroque structure housing 22 galleries with work from artists such as Dalí, van Gogh and Pissarro. Glasgow is also one of the UK’s best destinations for Indian food – stop by Mother India for rich and creamy curries mopped up with fluffy peshwari naan – as well as being a hotspot for vegan cooking: try the top-rated Hug and Pint. Round off the day with a trip up the Necropolis, a tomb-covered hill in the east, to watch the sunset over the city.

Find out more about the best things to do in Glasgow

Tantallon Castle

Best for: crumbling ruins and spooky caves Distance from Edinburgh: 50-minute drive or 1 hour 30 minutes by bus

One of Scotland’s most impressive castle ruins, Tantallon is a fortress dating back to the 14th century. After years of successfully fending off angry royals, it was besieged by Oliver Cromwell in 1651. Left to deteriorate since, the buckling building is still a formidable example of medieval architecture, teetering on a cliff edge with views across the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock and a towering red sandstone castle wall. Further east, Seacliff is home to the smallest harbour in the UK and a hidden beach with an eerie cavern – discovered in the mid-19th century, St Baldred's Cave is said to have contained evidence of human sacrifices from the Iron Age. Shake off the spooks with a taster tour of award-winning whisky, gin and vodka brewery NB distillery further inland.

Best for: an artistic escape Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour 20 minutes by car or train

Overshadowed by Edinburgh and Glasgow, Dundee is often underestimated as a Scottish destination of note. But it has much to offer, particularly in the arts, and has recently seen a cultural resurgence. In 2018, the opening of the V&A Dundee turned eyes towards the vibrant city. Perched on the River Tay, the building was created by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who recently also designed the New National Stadium for the summer Olympics in Tokyo . Wander through the halls to see exhibitions about influential Glaswegian architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and contemporary fashion designer Mary Quant. And the Dundee Contemporary Arts centre, one of the UK’s leading design schools, often runs craft demonstrations and workshops by prominent creatives. Come evening, the city comes alive with students and budding artists, heading out for an evening of live music from the likes of Scottish legends Franz Ferdinand or Biffy Clyro.

Best for: lush woodland and ancient conspiracies Distance from Edinburgh: 30-minute drive or 1 hour by bus

A short drive from the city, Roslin is a Midlothian village crammed with history – it was embroiled in countless significant events throughout the years. Stroll through the village to find evidence: a battle site during the First War of Scottish Independence in 1303; the Roslin Institute, where Dolly the Sheep was cloned in 1996; and, perhaps most famously, the rumoured final resting place of the Holy Grail. Just outside of town, hidden by trees, 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel is the location where a conspiracy theory popularised in Dan Brown’s book The Da Vinci Code places the elusive relic. Inside, kaleidoscopic light streams through stained-glass windows and intricate stonework is carved into the Gothic walls and ceilings. Ten minutes further up the hill lie the ruins of Rosslyn Castle, perched atop a hill overlooking Roslin Glen, a vast green landscape stretching out to the Pentland Hills – perfect for a long afternoon walk before returning to the village for a pitstop at Dolly’s Tea Room (named after the sheep).

Olivia Morelli

Anna Prendergast

Best for: endless views Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour by car or 45 minutes by train

Like a mini version of Edinburgh , with a medieval Old Town packed with historic architecture and cobbled streets, an ancient castle towering on top of a thickly wooded crag and endless farmland stretching north to the rugged hills, Stirling is known as the Gateway to the Highlands. It is framed by rolling mountains – the shadows of Ben Vorlich and Ben Ledi can be seen from the city. Follow the Old Town’s winding roads and grey-stone architecture leading up to the castle ramparts, with views of the Forth Valley, Ben Lomond, the National Wallace Monument and Robert the Bruce’s Bannockburn battle site. Near the castle, the River House serves decadent roasts, crispy pork belly and fish dishes in a smart setting – ask for a window seat for a floor-to-ceiling panorama across the serene lake, or for something more laid-back try Green Gates, an Indian restaurant inside an impressively renovated Georgian townhouse.

Dean Village

Best for: a quick village escape Distance from Edinburgh: walking distance from the city centre

This quaint village is actually on the outskirts of Edinburgh, but it’s a perfect way to explore beyond the centre. The Water of Leith river flows through the city, originating in the Pentland Hills and flowing into the Firth of Forth. On a Sunday, head to Edinburgh’s Stockbridge neighbourhood to grab a coffee and a snack from the farmers’ market (try the Scotch eggs from Scotch & Co) before beginning the walk along the river towards Dean Village, a fairy-tale pathway with long, heavy hanging branches, keeping your eyes peeled for herons, kingfishers and otters. The path opens up to higgledy-piggledy Victorian cottages stacked on winding alleys lining the water. Stop by Dean Cemetery to explore the churchyard’s sculpture park – graves are topped by decadent monuments dedicated to the dead, including travel writer Isabella Bird and Dr Joseph Bell, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s inspiration for Sherlock Holmes. Continue along the river to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, where work from artists including Max Ernst and Joan Miró as well as René Magritte and Alberto Giacometti are housed in two neoclassical buildings.

Keep scrolling for more pictures of day trips from Edinburgh

Like this? Now read:

10 of the best walks in Scotland

Scenic road trips in Scotland

The best Edinburgh hotels

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20 easy day trips from edinburgh, scotland.

Edinburgh is an incredible city and a great place to base yourself when you visit Scotland. If you’re planning on staying there, but want to venture outside the city and explore more of the nearby country, check out these 20 amazing day trips from Edinburgh.

The Scottish capital city of Edinburgh is an unbelievably beautiful city and offers a snapshot of everything that travelers love about Scotland . Take the Royal Mile, the cobblestone heart of central Edinburgh, as an example. It has the dramatic Edinburgh Castle at one end and Holyrood Palace at the other, with churches, labyrinthine alleys, authentic pubs, and more in between.

Edinburgh is also a UNESCO City of Literature with a long history of famous authors, large city parks, and six hills. Not only can you see the city from several panoramic viewpoints but you can also appreciate the country’s famous natural landscapes right from Scotland’s capital.

But there are also so many amazing day trips from Edinburgh that will allow you to see much more of Scotland and other places in the British Isles. The Loch Ness Monster, the bustling metropolis of Glasgow, picturesque Glen Coe, and charming fishing villages are just a short car or train ride away.

This guide covers all of the best day trips from Edinburgh no matter your interests or travel style based on first-hand experiences with lots of insider tips. No matter which day trips you choose (because you should take more than one!), you’re bound to have an incredible time on your mini Scotland side trip.

If you’re looking for the best neighborhood to stay in, be sure to check out my guide on where to stay in Edinburgh.

• Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews & blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Scotland:

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Our favorite hotels in Scotland

• Castle Hotel : Crossbasket Castle
• Edinburgh Hotel : Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
• Inverness Hotel : Kingsmills Hotel
• Isle of Skye Hotel : Skeabost House

Our favorite tours in Scotland

• Isle of Skye Tour
• Highlands Tour
• Harry Potter Tour in Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Food Tour
• Book a Photoshoot in Scotland use code WANDERLUST for $25 off

Renting a Car in Scotland

If you want to see authentic Scotland, I recommend you drive yourself. If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use:  Rental Cars  and  Expedia Cars.  We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

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Getting Around on your Edinburgh Day Trips

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You can choose to take the train, bus, tour, or rent a car on your day trips from Edinburgh. I’ll lay out each option for you.

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

1. Inverness and Loch Ness

Visiting Loch Ness, one of the largest lochs in Scotland, and searching for the mythical and illusive Loch Ness Monster is high on many people’s bucket lists. But if you look at a map, you’ll see that Loch Ness and Edinburgh are pretty far away.

They are, but visiting Loch Ness on the trail of the Loch Ness Monster is still doable and one of the most exciting and best day trips from Edinburgh. Especially if you take an Edinburgh to Inverness tour so you don’t tire yourself out with driving!

You can also visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness and take a cruise on Loch Ness itself. If you have extra time, head into the city of Inverness (the unofficial capital of the Highlands that sits just north of Loch Ness) and visit Leaky’s Bookshop and Inverness Castle too.

Urquhart Castle is definitely one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland due to its position looming above Loch Ness. You’ll be able to compare Urquhart Castle to Edinburgh Castle when you return to the city.

Explore more in my guide to Inverness.

By Car: Head north on Motorway 9 (M9) and then the main A9 road which takes you all the way to Inverness. You can then drive south on the A82 and the smaller roads around Loch Ness. There are lots of places to park around Loch Ness.

By Train/Bus: Book a direct train on ScotRail or a Megabus service if you are on a budget from Edinburgh to Inverness. Hop on a local Inverness bus service (either N 17 or 917) to Lochend to reach Loch Ness.

By Tour: There are tons of Edinburgh day tours to Loch Ness via great tour companies like Rabbie’s Tours or Haggis Adventures. Take a guided tour that also includes Loch cruises on Loch Ness.

Distance from Edinburgh: 157 miles (approx 3.25 hours)

Taking a day trip to Glasgow from Edinburgh is perfect if you want to experience more city life in Scotland. Glasgow is only a few miles west of Scotland’s capital in Central Scotland (also known as the Central Belt) and it’s very easy to see most of what the city center has to offer on Edinburgh day trips.

Buchanan Street is Glasgow’s main high street and where you’ll find lots of great whisky bars, restaurants, and shops. George Square is close to Buchanan Street and is the home of lots of historic buildings like the Glasgow City Chambers and other beautiful Art Deco, Victorian, and Georgian buildings.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery is a must-visit in Glasgow for history buffs and a great place to take your kids. The Modern Art Gallery is also worth seeing, if only for the infamous orange traffic cone that sits on top of the Duke of Wellington statue outside which has become a symbol of the city. If Kelvingrove Art Gallery seems a little far out of the center, there’s an underground tube system you can use or you could just enjoy taking a long, leisurely stroll through Kelvingrove Park to get there.

By Car: Drive west along Motorway 8 (M8) from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

By Train/Bus: Hop on one of the many direct and fast ScotRail trains from Edinburgh to either Glasgow Central or Glasgow Queen Street station. They are both city center train stations. Or, take a CityLink bus or Megabus service if you are on a budget.

Distance from Edinburgh: 46 miles(approx 1 hour)

3. Glen Coe and The Scottish Highlands

Taking a day trip from Edinburgh to Highlands might seem a little far to go on a one-day tour, but if you cannot explore Scotland without including the Scottish Highlands on your itinerary! If you’re short on time, Scottish Highlands tours from Edinburgh are the perfect compromise.

There are many places to visit in the Scottish Highlands, but you should take a guided tour of Fort William. This is a mountain town at the base of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Scotland. During your journey to Fort William from Edinburgh, you’ll pass through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park as well as the dramatic Glen Coe which is the jewel in the crown of the Scottish Highlands.

Fort William has lots of small hikes (Cow Hill is a great one) if you don’t have enough time to tackle Ben Nevis. If you like craft beer, check out the Black Isle Brewery Bar here.

By Car: Drive northwest along Motorway 9 (M9) until you get to Stirling. Then, take the A84 and the A85 through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park before taking the A82 to Glen Coe and beyond.

By Tour: There are lots of Edinburgh day tours to Glen Coe and surrounding areas. Just some of the tour operators that run these tours are Rabbie’s Tours and Highland Experience.

Distance from Edinburgh: 119 miles (approx 3 hours)

4. Rosslyn Chapel

Looking for Edinburgh day trips that are super close to the city? Visit Rosslyn Chapel, one of the most popular attractions in Midlothian. It’s a great wee (Scottish for little!) trip for Knights Templar history buffs and fans of The Da Vinci Code book and movie.

Yes, Rosslyn Chapel was an important filming location for The Da Vinci Code . But it’s not only its use as a filming location that attracts so many visitors.

Rosslyn Chapel is a 15th-century church that has links to the Knights Templar and also boasts skillful masonry with its ornate columns. There are plenty of secrets hidden within the designs of Rosslyn Chapel which you can find out more about on hourly tours.

When you visit Rosslyn Chapel you are not just seeing a nice church as it’s also located in a picturesque rural part of the county next to the quiet town of Roslin. Check out Roslin Glen Country Park for easy hikes. You can also book day tours from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel if you’d prefer to take an organized trip.

By Car: Drive south from Edinburgh along the A701 road to Roslin where directions to the chapel are well-signposted.

By Bus: Edinburgh’s local bus company, Lothian Buses, have a direct service (N 37) from South Bridge to Roslin that departs every 30 minutes. There are other services with connections but this is the easiest and quickest option.

Distance from Edinburgh: 7.5 miles (approx 20 minutes)

5. Outlander Filming Sites

Admit it, the spark that fed the flames of your desire to explore Scotland was from watching the hit TV Outlander , right? Don’t worry! You’re far from alone which is why there are so many tours from Edinburgh, Scotland to places that appeared as filming locations in the series.

Some of the historic villages and locations you can visit on a guided tour are the small village of Culross (Cranesmuir), the historic town of Falkland (1940s Inverness), and historic buildings like Blackness Castle (Fort William) and Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison). Linlithgow is a Royal Palace where Mary, Queen of Scots was born so it’s a fantastic place to visit on a day tour for history buffs too.

Let’s not forget Midhope Castle either, the charming estate that stands in for Lallybroch!

By Car: Drive to Midhope Castle, then Blackness Castle, then Linlithgow Palace, then Culross, then Falkland before driving across the Forth Road Bridge back to Edinburgh in a loop. If you want to visit Doune Castle too, you can drive there in between Linlithgow and Culross.

Visiting these places, without Doune Castle, is an approximate 113-mile trip which will take around 3 hours in total to drive.

By Tour: Considering the popularity of the show, lots of tour companies offer Outlander day tours from Edinburgh. Rabbie’s Tours, Timberbush Tours, and Haggis Adventures are just some of your options.

6. North Berwick

One of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train is to North Berwick, a charming town in East Lothian by the sea.

North Berwick is home to the Scottish Seabird Centre and Bass Rock which is an important breeding island off the coast with a lighthouse and castle. If you love animals and bird spotting then taking a boat trip out to this island is a can’t-miss. Be warned that the smell of the smell can be pretty overwhelming! Bass Rock is white for a reason.

Other popular attractions to see in North Berwick on a day tour include the ruined 14th-century Tantallon Castle, climbing The Law Hill with panoramic views across the coast, and strolling along Milsey Bay Beach. Bostock Bakery is a great place to visit in North Berwick for delicious, homemade pastries. You won’t regret ordering their banana nut muffin.

By Car: Drive south along the main A1 road towards England before turning left onto a local road to North Berwick.

By Train/Bus: ScotRail trains depart from Edinburgh to North Berwick around every 30 minutes. Or, you can take a local X5 bus service to North Berwick and buy tickets from the driver.

Distance from Edinburgh: 28 miles (approx 1 hour)

7. Stirling Castle and Falkirk

While Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular and visited historical sites in the country, Stirling Castle is also an important monument in Scottish history. This 12th-century former palace has lots of links to William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and the ongoing fight for Scottish independence.

The position of Stirling Castle between the Highlands and the Lowlands meant the Scots fought many of their most important battles here. You can also see across the city to the Wallace Monument from the top of Stirling Castle too. If you’re driving, you can easily tag on a trip to Wallace Monument from Stirling Castle which history buffs (and Braveheart fans) will enjoy visiting.

One of the most popular attractions in this area is Falkirk or, more specifically, The Kelpies which are just outside of the city. These are 100 ft/30 meter-tall steel mythical horses that are fun to visit to break up long Edinburgh day trips.

By Car: Head north along Motorway 90 (M90) and then Motorway 9 (M9) where you can easily turn off to explore Falkirk or The Kelpies near Falkirk. Continue along the M9 to Stirling and Stirling Castle.

By Train: The Kelpies at Falkirk are right off the motorway, so it’s better to travel by car if you want to see those. Falkirk and Stirling both have train stations on the same ScotRail train line from Edinburgh, so it’s easy to explore one or both on the same day.

Distance from Edinburgh: 40 miles (approx 1.25 hours)

8. St. Andrews

Famous for being the place where Prince William met his future wife and the birthplace of modern golf courses, St. Andrews is one of the most popular of all the Edinburgh day trips. It’s a beautiful town with lots of historic buildings, cute cafes, independent stores, and lots of other things to do.

One of the most popular attractions in St. Andrews is the Old Course, one of the oldest golf courses in the world if not the oldest. If you love playing golf then hire a set of clubs and practice your swing! Some other historical sites include St. Andrews Castle and St. Andrews Cathedral. St. Andrews Castle offers beautiful views across the sea.

By Car: Head north along Motorway M90 (M90) across the Forth Road Bridge and then the A92 from Edinburgh to St. Andrews.

By Bus: There isn’t a train station in St. Andrews, so the easiest and most direct type of public transport to take from Edinburgh to St. Andrews is a bus. You can take the X59 direct service from Edinburgh and it’s surprisingly cheap.

If you’d really prefer to take the train, there are ScotRail and LNER services from Edinburgh to Leuchars where you can take the N 42, 97, or 99 services to St. Andrews.

Distance from Edinburgh: 53 miles (approx 1.5 hours)

9. St. Abbs and Berwick-Upon-Tweed

It’s very possible to take a day tour to England from Edinburgh, especially if you visit the coastal town of Berwick-Upon-Tweed. This town is so close to the border, it’s changed hands between the Scottish and English multiple times over the centuries. Don’t miss the historical attractions of the Old Bridge and Berwick Town Walls.

If you’re driving to Berwick-Upon-Tweed, take a short detour to the small village of St Abbs en route in East Lothian. Not only is it one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Scotland, but it also appeared as New Asgaard in the Marvel movies.

By Car: You can drive south along the A1 straight from Edinburgh to Berwick-Upon-Tweed. St Abbs is a short detour left down a narrow country road.

By Train/Bus: Visiting At Abbs as well as Berwick-Upon-Tweed via public transport on day trips is tricky but doable. Many fast train services (LNER, Transpennine, and Cross Country) pass through Berwick-Upon-Tweed between Edinburgh and London so there are plenty of direct services.

To also visit St Abbs, take the 253 bus service from Berwick-Upon-Tweed. This service only leaves once every two hours, however, so you might need to skip it if it doesn’t fit your itinerary.

Distance from Edinburgh: 56 miles (approx 1.25 hours)

10. Hadrian’s Wall

For history buffs, there’s nothing much more exciting than visiting Roman ruins. The Emporer Hadrian built an 84-mile, coast-to-coast wall in 122 AD to protect Britannia from the ‘savages’ in Caledonia. Though less than 10% of the wall still exists, you can still visit many historical attractions along the wall like forts and turrets.

When taking a day tour from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall, some of the closest attractions include Chesters Roman Fort, Housesteads Roman Fort, and Sycamore Gap.

By Car: Drive south from Edinburgh along the A68 main road before turning right onto the Military Road. Chester’s Roman Fort is the first fort on Hadrian’s Wall you’ll reach, then Housesteads, and then Sycamore Gap.

Though there are some public transport options to explore parts of Hadrian’s Wall on Edinburgh day trips, it would involve taking at least two trains and a bus. There are so many easier day tours from Edinburgh via public transport you can take instead.

Distance from Edinburgh: 100 miles (approx 2.5 hours)

11. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

There are two national parks in Scotland: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the Cairngorms National Park. The first national park is a little north of Glasgow, so it’s close and easy to take tours from Edinburgh to this park.

Loch Lomond is the largest loch in Scotland by surface area (Loch Ness is the largest by volume) and it’s surrounded by beautiful hills, mountain towns, and hikes. Thousands of people hike the West Highland Way trail from Milngavie to Fort William, which runs alongside Loch Lomond, every year.

While in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, you could hop on one of the many loch cruises that depart from Balloch. Or, hike up Conic Hill which will reward you with stunning views across Loch Lomond on a clear day.

By Car: Drive northwest from Edinburgh along Motorway 90 (M90), then the M9 before heading west along the main A811 road all the way to Balloch.

By Train: There aren’t any direct train services between Edinburgh and Balloch, but it’s still a straightforward journey as you can change trains at Glasgow Queen Street Station.

Distance from Edinburgh: 66 miles (approx 1.5 hours)

12. Queensferry

Arguably the quickest day tour you can take from Edinburgh is to Queensferry. North and South Queensferry are two former fishing villages that bookend the Forth Bridge across the Firth of Forth. This brick-red Victorian bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely magnificent to see in person.

Walk along the high street in South Queensferry and stop off at The Ferry Tap, a quaint traditional pub, or The Little Parlour for some delicious ice cream. Take a boat trip to appreciate the Forth Bridge from different angles and learn more about the construction.

By Car: Head north of Edinburgh along Queensferry Road, then the A90 main road, and then B924.

By Train/Bus: Lothian buses, Edinburgh’s city bus network, depart from Edinburgh to Queensferry every 40 minutes. Take the N 43 bus from St Andrew’s House bus stop near Calton Hill.

Distance from Edinburgh: 11 miles (approx 30 minutes)

13. Scottish Borders

Outside of the national parks, taking a day tour of the Scottish Borders will allow you to see more of rural Scotland outside of the Scottish Highlands. Some beautiful towns to visit in the Scottish Borders include Melrose, Dryburgh, and Jedburgh.

All three of these villages have centuries-old abbeys that will fascinate history buffs as well as traditional Scottish pubs and old-world cobblestone lanes. The famous Scottish author Sir Walter Scott loved the Scottish borders so much, there is a viewpoint named after him and he is buried in Dryburgh Abbey.

By Car: Drive south along the A68 main road to Lauder before turning right onto the A6091 from Edinburgh to Melrose. Visit Sir Walter Scott View, then Dryburgh, and finally Jedburgh before following the A68 road back up north.

By Train/Bus: Take a ScotRail service to Galashiels which is a gateway town to the Scottish Borders. From there, you can take local Border buses to Melrose, Jedburgh, and Dryburgh.

Distance from Edinburgh: 37.5 miles (approx 1 hour)

Now, I’m partial to Dundee. This is where I lived with my grandma as a little girl. One of the most underrated cities in Scotland, Dundee is experiencing something of a revival after the demise of its shipbuilding industry. It’s a thriving university town with more things to do and places to visit than you might think.

The only Victoria & Albert Museum outside of London opened in Dundee in 2018 and is packed with local and national exhibits that will fascinate history buffs. Right next to the V&A Museum is the Discovery Point and RRS Discovery exhibit. This ship transported explorers, Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott, on an Antarctic expedition way back in 1901. It’s a great place to take your kids.

By Car: Drive north along Motorway 90 (M90) before taking the A92 the rest of the way from Edinburgh to Dundee.

By Train: ScotRail train services depart from Edinburgh to Dundee every 30 minutes. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can take these Edinburgh day trips to Dundee via a Megabus service which departs every 90 minutes.

Distance from Edinburgh: 60 miles (approx 1.25 hours)

15. Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park isn’t just Scotland’s largest national park, but it’s also the home of Balmoral Castle. This was formerly the Queen’s private residence (now the King’s!) and was rumored to be her favorite estate.

Although this is one of the few incredible historical buildings in Scotland you can’t visit, luckily there is plenty more to explore in Scotland’s largest national park. From the main town of Aviemore, you can take hikes or even go skiing during the winter months. Some of the most popular circular trails are Loch an Eilein and Carrbridge and Docharn.

If you’re lucky, you might spot some of Scotland’s rarest and most endangered species like the Scottish wildcat, red squirrel, or golden eagle. Failing that, you’ll see miles and miles of heather-laded hills in summer which should make up for the lack of sightings!

By Car: Drive north along Motorway 90 (M90) towards Perth before taking the A9 main road the rest of the way to Aviemore from Edinburgh.

By Bus: There are no trains that will take you all the way from Edinburgh to Aviemore, but there are plenty of direct Megabus services.

Distance from Edinburgh: 128 miles (approx 3 hours)

16. Doune Castle

You’ve no doubt seen Doune Castle before without knowing it as this castle is one of the most prolific filming locations in Scotland. It’s appeared as a filming location in Monty Python and the Holy Grail , the TV show Outlander , and even in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones.

Aside from its appearance on screen in Holy Grail and the others, Doune Castle is also one of the most important historic buildings in Scottish history. Built during the 14th century, this castle was a royal retreat and hunting lodge for tons of Scottish monarchs including Mary, Queen of Scots.

The village of Doune also has lots of great antique shops and isn’t far from Deanston Distillery where you can sample some great Scottish whisky.

By Car: Drive north along Motorway 9 (M9) before turning left onto the B824 main road from Edinburgh to Doune. The castle is just outside of the town near the River Teith and is well signposted.

By Train/Bus: Hop on one of the main direct ScotRail services to Stirling from Edinburgh. Then, take the N 59 bus from the bus stop outside Stirling Station to Doune.

Distance from Edinburgh: 44 miles (approx 1 hour)

17. The Fife Coast

Just north of Edinburgh is the historic county of Fife which is known for its adorable fishing villages and first-rate seafood and fish and chip shops. Though it’s not on the coast, you should include the new city of Dunfermline in your Fife Coast day tour itinerary. It’s an up-and-coming town and also where you’ll find the ruins of a Royal Palace and the burial place of Robert the Bruce in Dunfermline Abbey.

Other places to visit include the coastal town of Burntisland and Anstruther. Burntisland has a beautiful old harbor and lighthouse, while the Anstruther Fish Bar is legendary amongst locals.

By Car: Drive north across the Forth Road Bridge along Motorway 90 (M90) to Dunfermline. Your GPS will want you to drive a different route, but take the scenic A921 main road along the coast to Burntisland and Anstruther. Stop at any of the historic villages or towns en route that looks pretty!

By Train/Bus: There are plenty of ScotRail train services to Dunfermline or Burntisland from Edinburgh. You can also reach Anstruther by taking the X60 service from Princes Street in Edinburgh to Leven Bus Station and taking the connecting service (N 95) to Anstruther.

Distance from Edinburgh: 50 miles (approx 1.5 hours)

18. Harry Potter Bridge and Steam Train

Are you a fan of the Harry Potter movies? Whilst you can take a guided tour around Edinburgh of several places that inspired the Harry Potter books, you’ll have to venture further afield to visit filming locations. Luckily, there are plenty of Harry Potter Scotland tours from Edinburgh that you can take.

Most tours include a visit to Fort William where you can hop on the Jacobite Steam Train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The steam train is a dead ringer for the Hogwarts Express and Glenfinnan Viaduct is the bridge that appeared in no less than three Harry Potter movies, most notably in Chamber of Secrets.

If you’re into Harry Potter, be sure to read my guide to Harry Potter London !

By Car: Drive north along Motorway 90 (M90) to Perth and then take the A9 main road along the border of the Cairngorms National Park. Then, head west on the A86 main road to Fort William from Edinburgh.

By Train/Bus: You can take the 900 Megabus service to Glasgow and change to the 916 CityLink service straight to Fort William. There are ScotRail train services to Fort William from Edinburgh that change at Glasgow Queen Street but these are far less frequent.

By Tour: Edinburgh day tours to the Harry Potter Bridge are, by far, the best option. You don’t have to worry about missing the train or booking any tickets yourself! Plus, it’s quite a long distance to cover and could be very tiring.

Haggis Adventures and Highland Explorer Tours from Edinburgh are both great options.

Distance from Edinburgh: 147 miles (approx 3.25 hours)

19. Alnwick Castle

Speaking of Harry Potter, how would you like to take a short trip across the English border and see a movie location?! Alnwick Castle is located in Northeast England and appeared as Hogwarts in Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets . If you’re also a fan of Downton Abbey , Alnwick Castle appears in the 2014 Christmas special.

While at Alnwick Castle, you can take Quidditch lessons (the muggle equivalent of Quidditch) and visit the poison garden in Alnwick Park. Alnwick is a charming town with a huge second-hand bookshop called Barter Books and lots of antique stores.

By Car: Drive along the main A1 road from Edinburgh before turning right just before you hit the village on the B634 road. Easy peasy!

By Train: Take an LNER or Cross Country train service from Edinburgh to Alnmouth which is very close to Alnwick. Then, hop on an X18 bus from the Curly Lane bus stop to Alnwick Bus Station.

Distance from Edinburgh: 86.5 miles (approx 2 hours)

20. Whisky Distillery Tours

Scotland has so many world-class Scottish whisky distilleries. Plus, most of them are in rural locations outside of the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. The best way to visit a few different distilleries in one day is to take a whisky tour.

Some of the best distilleries near Edinburgh that you could include in your whiskey tour are Kingsbarns Distillery, Glenkinchie Distillery, Deanston Distillery (near Doune), Glenturret Distillery, Tullibardine Distillery, and Holyrood Distillery.

I don’t personally drink, but if you do, whisky is a quintessentially Scottish experience.

Unless one person in your travel group is happy to be a designated driver, these types of Scotland day trips from Edinburgh are much better on a tour! Then everyone gets to sample as much whisky as they (responsibly) can.

Rabbie’s Tours and Absolute Escapes both run whisky tours from Edinburgh to distilleries like Deanston Distillery and Glengoyne Distillery.

Taking day trips from Edinburgh and getting around via public transport in Scotland is a lot easier if you have a contactless credit card. You buy local city bus tickets (for example, in the Scottish Borders or from Edinburgh to Roslin) from the driver as you board with a tap of your card. They often don’t give change so it’s much preferable to paying with cash.

You should buy train tickets and intercity bus tickets (for example, CityLink and Megabus services) in advance. There are lots of ticket machines at Edinburgh Waverley Station (Edinburgh’s main train station) and Edinburgh Buchanan Bus Station (Edinburgh’s main bus station).

Trainline is the best app for train travel in the UK. You can buy electronic tickets and follow your route via this app. Intercity bus tickets are available from the bus company’s website.

Day Trips From Edinburgh FAQs

Absolutely! Glasgow is one of the best day trips from Edinburgh for several reasons.

First, Glasgow is super close to Edinburgh and is between a 30 to 40-minute train or car ride away. Second, it’s the antithesis of Edinburgh’s old world and medieval charm. Glasgow is much more cosmopolitan with more live music venues, bars, shopping, and entertainment options.

Unfortunately, taking a day trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye isn’t feasible. It’s a 227-mile/365 km drive which means it’s a 10-hour round trip.

However, if you have the time then there are plenty of amazing multi-day tours from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye. That will allow you to take more hikes like the Quiraing Circuit, and the Old Man of Storr, and visit distilleries like Talisker.

Whether you’re seeking mythical creatures at Loch Ness, great cocktail bars in Glasgow, or history at Doune or Blackness Castle, this guide to day trips from the Scottish capital has you covered.

These are the best day trips from Edinburgh, Scotland no matter your interests, how close you want to stay to the city, or whether you want to drive or take a train. Your Scottish vacation will be all the richer for discovering what else this magical country has to offer beyond Edinburgh’s borders.

Wanderlust Crew

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20 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh You will Love

Seen the Edinburgh Castle from many different angles and strolled a zillion times along the Royal Mile? If you have experienced all the amazing things to do in Edinburgh , it’s worth taking a day trip to uncover some of the surrounding hidden gems of Scotland .

Just outside the city’s borders, more travel adventures await, all within a few hours of Arthur’s Seat , Victoria Street and Dean Village .

Bustling cities, sleepy coastal villages , secluded seaside towns high on charm and seafood, and century-old historic castles and ruins – are all just a short drive away from Edinburgh.

No matter if you are a frequent visitor or a resident, we recommend adding a few day trips to your Edinburgh itinerary . So, hop on a train or into your car, and go on an epic adventure around Scotland.

Day Trips Less Than One Hour from Edinburgh

The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is one of the easiest day trips from Edinburgh. The city is renowned for its various avant-garde museums , friendly locals, shopping opportunities, colourful street arts and buzzing nightlife.

There are loads of fun and cultural things to do in Glasgow in a day for every traveller.

No visit to Glasgow is complete without a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. From ancient Egyptian artefacts to Renaissance art, Kelvingrove houses a vast collection of 8000 objects within its 22 galleries.

Next, visit the historic Glasgow Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Mungo – the patron saint of Glasgow. It is the oldest and only surviving medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland.

Riverside Museum is another unmissable attraction in the city. It has an impressive collection of 3,000 objects, reflecting the rich industrial legacy of Glasgow. Also, visit the nearby Tall Ship Glenlee.

Also, watch out for the beautiful street murals around the city. Before heading back to Edinburgh from your day trip, don’t forget to check out Glasgow’s diverse food scene.

How to Get to Glasgow: There are frequent bus and train services from Edinburgh. It takes around an hour and a half by bus and about 45 minutes by train.

2. Stirling

From the battleground of William Wallace’s victory against the English army to being the home of one of the oldest castles in Scotland , there are loads of awesome  things to do in Stirling  – a myriad of fascinating history waiting to be explored. 

Sitting proudly over a volcanic crag, Stirling Castle is one of the most-visited castles in Scotland. It was the primary Scottish royal residence before the Act of Union with England.

From the castle esplanade, you will get a stunning panoramic view of the city, Forth River, Ochil Hills and National Wallace Monument.

Wallace Monument is another must-visit landmark in Scotland. It commemorates Sir William Wallace – one of the greatest national heroes of Scotland. Once here, you can climb the 246-step spiral staircase to reach the top of the monument. The views are well worth the effort! Also, there are exhibitions showcasing historical artefacts and busts of several famous Scottish personalities.

Other attractions in Stirling include The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, the Battle of Bannockburn Experience, Old Stirling Bridge and Cambuskenneth Abbey.

How to Reach: You simply need to take the train from Edinburgh Waverley. It will take you to Stirling in about 50 minutes.

3. North Berwick, East Lothian

Sandy beaches, abundance of wildlife, scenic boat tours, dramatic rock formations, the smell of fresh fish & chips, golf courses and a clifftop ruined castle – this seaside town has all the ingredients for an ideal day trip from Edinburgh.

Make your way to the Scottish Seabird Centre near the beautiful North Berwick Harbour. They operate various boat trips to the local islands and give you the opportunity to see the wildlife of this area up close.

You can visit the famous Bass Rock, a tiny island on the Firth of Forth and home to the largest gannet colony in the world. Tours run from late March to early October.

North Berwick has two extensive sandy beaches. Weather permitting, you can sunbathe, picnic or explore the rock pools. Also, you can sample some delicious local seafood at Lobster Shack.

If you are up for a little hike, climb the North Berwick Law. You will get an uninterrupted view of the coast, Bass Rock, Arthur’s Seat , Edinburgh and the Pentlands.

Lastly, don’t forget to visit the Tantallon Castle, a 14th-century ruined fortress located on the outskirts of North Berwick.

How to Reach: Train from Edinburgh Waverley only takes 30 minutes to get to North Berwick.

4. South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island

Situated on the shore of the Firth of Forth, South Queensferry is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Edinburgh. The cobbled streets of this picturesque coastal town are lined with colourful houses, cosy cafes, bakeries, restaurants, traditional pubs and shops.

One of the main tourist attractions of South Queensferry is the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 for its extraordinary engineering and design. When it was completed in 1890, this rail bridge was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world.

Many sightseeing tour companies offer guided boat tours of the three Forth Bridges. You might spot seals, puffins, and various species of marine wildlife.

We will highly recommend taking a boat tour to the island of Inchcolm as well. There, you will find the historic Inchcolm Abbey. It was founded in the 12th century by Augustinian monks and is called ‘Iona of the East’.

You can visit South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island in half a day. But if you are staying longer, you might add the nearby Hopetoun House and Midhope Castle to your travel itinerary.

How to Reach: Hop on the local Lothian Bus service 43 from Princes Street. Also, there are regular train services from Edinburgh Waverley to Dalmeny, which take only 15 minutes.

5. Linlithgow and Falkirk

Linlithgow is a Royal Burgh located only half an hour’s drive away from Edinburgh. Tourists visit this historic town on a day trip to explore the ruins of Linlithgow Palace.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the palace served as one of the main residences of Scottish monarchs. Mary, Queen of Scots was born here in 1542. After your visit to the Linlithgow Palace, take a stroll around the scenic Linlithgow Loch.

Not too far from Linlithgow, Falkirk is home to two of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions – The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel.

Residing inside Helix Park, The Kelpies are two gigantic, metal horse-head sculptures. They are the largest equine sculptures in the world and depict the mythical creature from Scottish folklore known as Kelpie. Also, they are a homage to the horse-powered industrial heritage of this area.

The Falkirk Wheel is another feat of Scottish engineering. It is the first and only rotating boat lift in the world. It connects the Forth and Clyde Canals with the Union Canal. You can take a boat ride to experience it.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh to Linlithgow take about 25 minutes. Linlithgow and Falkirk are well-connected by regular bus and train services.

6. Pentland Hills Regional Park

If you are visiting Edinburgh in summer and feel the need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, we highly recommend hopping on a bus and heading down to the Pentland Hills Regional Park. You simply can’t beat a day out in nature.

If you have climbed Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat , you would have noticed a range of hills to the south of Edinburgh. These are the Pentland Hills. It is a perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities like walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing.

There are 100km of waymarked routes around the park that are suitable for both experienced and novice hikers.

We loved the hike to Allermuir Hill. It starts from the snowsports centre at Hillend and takes around 2.5-3.5 hours. From here, you will get a sweeping view over Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, the Fife coastline and the countryside.

Scald Law is the highest point of the Pentland Hills. The hike to Scald Law starts from Flotterstone and takes about 5-6 hours.

How to Reach: There are various access points to enter the Pentlands. You can catch Lothian bus service 4 to reach Hillend. Alternatively, you can ride bus service 101, 101A and 102 to Flotterstone.

7. Roslin, Midlothian

This idyllic place is very close to Edinburgh and makes a great day trip choice.

The small village of Roslin is home to the historic Rosslyn Chapel, one of the most prominent religious sites in Scotland. The chapel appeared in Dan Brown’s famous mystery thriller novel, The Da Vinci Code and later in the movie starring Tom Hanks.

Rosslyn Chapel was founded in the mid-15th century by Sir William St Clair. The interior of this chapel is stunning. You can admire the intricate stonework and mysterious symbolism of the walls. The dramatic ornate carvings of angels, knights, gargoyles and green men make this place mysterious. There are many myths and legends associated with Rosslyn Chapel.

After exploring the chapel, take a short stroll to visit Roslin Castle. Perched over a steep-sided wooded valley overlooking the River North Esk, this ruined castle was founded in the early 14th century by the aristocratic Sinclair family.

There are various walking trails around Roslin Glen. From Roslin Castle, you can follow the signposted pathway to the gunpowder mills, reminiscent of this area’s industrial past. Also, this woodland is a haven for diverse wildlife.

How to Reach: Jump on Lothian Bus service 37 from Edinburgh city centre.

Day Trips Between One to Two Hours from Edinburgh

8. loch lomond and the trossachs national park.

Loch Lomond is one of the best places to visit in Scotland and is not too far from Edinburgh for a day trip. It is the largest freshwater lake by surface in Britain and an outstanding place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Start your adventure from Balloch, a beautiful village on the shore of Loch Lomond. Take a wee wander around the beautiful gardens of Balloch Castle Country Park. One of the best ways to admire the lake and the surrounding landscapes is by boat cruise. Several companies operate tours from Balloch.

Another nearby tourist attraction is the tiny village of Luss . Located on the west bank of Loch Lomond, Luss is famous for its neatly lined quaint cottages, well-maintained gardens and breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Lomond. During summer, you can take a dip in the lake.

There are many hiking trails around this area. Avid walkers might consider climbing the mighty Ben Lomond. Alternatively, we recommend hiking to Conic Hill from Balmaha.

Before heading back to Edinburgh, if you have time, make your way to the historic town of Inveraray .

How to Reach: There is no direct train. So, you will have to change trains at Glasgow Queen Street Station. It takes only 50 minutes from there to reach Balloch.

9. St Abbs, Scottish Borders

If you fancy visiting someplace offbeat for a day out in nature, St Abbs is the place for you. It takes about an hour to drive here from Edinburgh.

St Abbs is a small fishing village on the Berwickshire Coast in the Scottish Borders. There are plenty of things to do in St Abbs for all travellers.

Recently, the movie Avengers: Endgame was filmed in this fishing village. It also appeared in the Harry Styles music video, Adore You.

Nature lovers will love a scenic hike around the St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve. It takes approx an hour to reach the beautiful St Abbs Head Lighthouse. The view of the village and the coastline is absolutely stunning.

From May to July, thousands of seabirds nest here. Watch out for guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, shags, herring gulls and fulmars. Also, peel your eyes out for dolphins and porpoises.

Meander around the tiny harbour of the village. Boat tours depart from here. Pop inside the Ebbcarrs Cafe to try out their delicious crab sandwich and Cullen Skink.

How to Reach: Take the train from Edinburgh towards Berwick-upon-Tweed. It takes about 40 minutes to reach Berwick. From there, catch the local 235 bus towards St Abbs.

10. Culross & Dunfermline, Fife

Culross is one of the prettiest villages in Scotland . Wandering through the narrow cobbled street makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. This coastal village has appeared in the popular TV series, Outlander.

Culross, combined with Dunfermline, makes a wonderful day trip choice from Edinburgh. It is perfect for all history and nature lovers.

One of the main tourist attractions of Culross is the bright-yellow-coloured Culross Palace. It was founded in the 17th century by a wealthy merchant. You can take a tour of the palace. For a lovely panoramic view, climb to the top of the palace garden. Also, check out the ruins of Culross Abbey.

Dunfermline is the newest city in Scotland. Dunfermline Abbey and Palace is a must-visit. Many notable Scottish kings and prominent historical figures are buried here. It is the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s great warrior king.

Later, you can visit the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum close to the abbey.

How to Reach: You can catch a bus or train from Edinburgh to get to Dunfermline. Trains only take 38 minutes. From Dunfermline, Stagecoach operates buses 8 and 8A to Culross.

Referred to as the ‘City of Discovery’, this city on the bank of the Firth of Tay is famous for its industrial and maritime heritage. In 2014, Dundee was declared the UK’s first-ever UNESCO City of Design. Dundee is the perfect destination for spending a day outside of Edinburgh.

Start your Dundee adventure with a visit to the V&A Dundee . Opened in 2018, this is the first design museum in Scotland, and entry is free. They host various galleries and exhibitions showcasing Scottish creativity. Adjacent to the museum is the RRS Discovery, a Dundee-built steamship used in Antarctic expeditions.

The McManus Art Gallery & Museum is a must-visit for all art lovers visiting the city. The stunning Gothic Revival-style building houses a great display of paintings, sculptures and artefacts.

If you have time, visit the nearby Glamis Castle, unarguably one of the prettiest castles in Scotland . Located just 12 miles from Dundee, it is the childhood home of The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret. 

How to Reach: The easiest way to get to Dundee is by train. Direct trains leave regularly from Edinburgh and take about an hour and a half. Also, there are bus services run by Megabus and Ember Bus.

12. St Andrews, Fife

World-famous golf courses, vast sandy beaches, a ruined medieval cathedral, and dramatic coastal views make this lovely university town a top day trip choice from Edinburgh.

The dramatic ruin of St Andrews Cathedral is a must-see tourist attraction in St Andrews . Built in the 12th century, it was the largest church in Scotland and was once an important religious site.

The cathedral museum has a great collection of Pictish carvings, medieval stoneworks and sculptures. Climb St Rule’s Tower to get a stunning view over to the city and the surrounding areas of Fife.

The Old Course in St Andrews Links is one of the most iconic places in the world for all golf lovers. Frequently referred to as the home of golf, it is one of the oldest golf courses in the world. Golf has been played here since the 15th century. It is open to the public. So, you can book a spot here too.

Take a stroll around the extensive West Sands Beach. It was featured in the movie, Chariots of Fire. Before saying goodbye to this seaside town, taste the delicious ice cream from Jannettas Gelateria.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh to Leuchars take around an hour and a quarter. There are frequent local bus services from there that will take you to St Andrews in nearly 10 minutes.

13. Melrose, Scottish Borders

Often overlooked by tourists, Scottish Borders is a fantastic place to spend a day away from Edinburgh and enjoy the Scottish countryside. Also, this area of Scotland has some of the most beautiful ruined abbeys in the UK.

Melrose is one of the most picturesque towns in the Scottish Borders and the home of the historic Melrose Abbey. It was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks on the orders of King David I. Several Scottish royalties are buried here. Most famously, Melrose Abbey is the final resting place of the heart of the legendary Scottish warrior, Robert the Bruce.

Next, stroll around the beautiful Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden. If you are here in summer, pop inside the Priorwood to see the blooming apple orchard.

Outdoor enthusiasts would love a hike to the nearby Eildon Hill. It takes around 3-4 hours to complete the circuit. The stunning view over Melrose and the surrounding landscapes are well worth the effort.

A five-minute drive from Melrose will bring you to Abbotsford House, the ancestral home of Sir Walter Scott, a renowned Scottish writer.

How to reach Melrose: Trains leaving from Edinburgh take about an hour to reach Tweedbank. From there, local bus services 67 and 68 take only 11 minutes to get to Melrose town centre.

14. The Fishing Villages of Fife and the Isle of May

Without a doubt, Fife has some of the prettiest seaside villages in Scotland . You can definitely visit some of these charming fishing villages on your day trip from Edinburgh. They sit on the famous Fife Coastal Path, a long-distance walking route.

Anstruther is the largest fishing port of East Neuk. Take a wander around the pretty streets and the busy harbour. This seaside settlement is famous for its fresh seafood. Try the traditional fish and chips at the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar.

From Anstruther, you can take a boat trip to explore the Isle of May. This tiny island in the middle of the Firth of Forth is home to numerous species of seabirds and wildlife. If you are visiting between April and August, the sight of cute little puffins will melt your heart.

The pretty fishing village of Crail lies about 4 miles walk along the coastline from Anstruther. Pop by Lobster Hut for some freshly caught lobsters and crabs.

Another stunning traditional fishing village in East Neuk is St Monans. Around the cosy harbour huddle a charming blend of whitewashed and colourful houses. Don’t miss to visit the photogenic St Monans Windmill and St Monans Parish Church.

How to Reach: It takes around an hour and a half to drive to Anstruther from Edinburgh. Also, you can catch Stagecoach bus X60 from the city centre.

15. Pitlochry, Perthshire

Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, Pitlochry is a charming little town in Perthshire. Dramatic vistas, extensive woodlands, scenic lochs and several hiking trails make this Victorian town a must-visit for day-trippers from Edinburgh.

We love travelling to Pitlochry in autumn when the leaves change colours, and the whole area looks absolutely spectacular.

Pitlochry is a nature lovers’ hotspot. Take a gentle stroll along the River Tummel to visit the salmon ladder and the atmospheric Loch Faskally. You can continue to follow the riverside path to Killiecrankie. Avid hikers will enjoy a walk to Ben Vrackie. From the summit, you will enjoy a spectacular view over Pitlochry and the surrounding mountains of Perthshire.

Catch a local bus from the town centre to visit the nearby Queens View. This iconic viewpoint is named after Queen Victoria, who visited this place in 1866 and fell in love with the sweeping view.

No visit to Scotland is complete without a tour of a distillery. Luckily, there are two distilleries in Pitlochry – Blair Athol Distillery and Edradour Distillery. They offer different guided tours and tasting sessions.

How to Reach: Direct trains from Edinburgh take around an hour and fifty minutes.

16. Newcastle

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, usually known as Newcastle, is considered the unofficial capital of North East England. From magnificent architecture to vibrant nightlife – there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Newcastle . If you love city breaks, this day trip from Edinburgh is perfect for you.

Ramble around Grainger Town, the historic heart of Newcastle. The area is named after Richard Grainger, who reshaped Newcastle in a neoclassical style in the 19th century.

Next, make your way to Newcastle Castle, a 12th-century Norman fortress the city is named after. Take a tour to explore the chambers, dungeons and the prison.

Newcastle is the city of seven bridges. The iconic Tyne Bridge is the most famous of them. Constructed in 1928, it connects Newcastle with its neighbouring town, Gateshead.

Ramble along the Newcastle Quayside to enjoy stunning views of the Seven Bridges. This area on the River Tyne is brimming with various trendy restaurants, cosy cafes and gastro pubs.

Take a short bus ride to see the stunning sculpture of the Angel of the North by Antony Gormley.

How to Reach from Edinburgh: Trains from Waverley will bring you to Newcastle in about an hour and a half.

17. Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh, Northumberland

Now, we know what you must be thinking – why on earth would you go on a holiday to Scotland and then a day trip to England?

Well, with a driving time of less than two hours and well-connected public transport, it’s probably not the craziest idea.

Dramatic castles, miles of sandy beaches, fresh seafood, plenty of wildlife, and rich heritage, make Northumberland a popular day trip choice for tourists visiting Edinburgh.

The most famous attraction in this area is Alnwick Castle. It is the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK. This magnificent fortress is one of the filming locations of the Harry Potter movies. Also, it appeared in the British TV series Downton Abbey.

Castle lovers and history buffs will be delighted to visit the Bamburgh Castle. The earliest surviving part of this legendary fortress dates from the 12th century. Also, from here, you will get an awe-inspiring view of the nearby Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland’s coastline, Lindisfarne Castle and Farne Islands.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh takes almost an hour to get to Alnmouth. From there, the local bus takes about 12 minutes to reach the Alnwick bus station. Local bus services are operated by Arriva and Travelsure.

The cathedral city of Durham is another city in England that you can visit on a day trip from the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh. There are tons of amazing things to do in Durham .

Durham Cathedral is the main attraction in the city. It was built in the late 11th century to house the relics of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Also, it is another Harry Potter film location in the UK.

In 1986, Durham Cathedral, alongside Durham Castle, received the UNESCO World Heritage site status.

Durham Castle was built in 1072 and has served as the official residence of the Prince Bishop of Durham. You can take a guided tour to learn the history of this castle.

River Wear flows through the heart of this historic city. Walk along the riverside path for a stunning view of the Cathedral and other important city buildings.

Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, is only 22 minutes drive from Durham.

How to Reach: CrossCountry and LNER operate train services from Edinburgh Waverley to Durham, and it takes only one hour and forty-five minutes.

Day Trips over Two Hours from Edinburgh

Truth be told, York is a long day trip from Edinburgh. If you’re short on time, spending a day in York will surely give you a good sense of this medieval city. It takes around two and a half hours of train journey to get here from Edinburgh.

York is an ancient city with over two thousand years of riveting history. Also, it is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the UK.

A visit to the York Minister should be on top of your York travel itinerary. This Gothic masterpiece was founded in the 7th century and has been a centre for Christianity.

A short walk from the Minister will bring you to The Shambles. This cobbled street is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. Also, like Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Shambles is believed to be one of the inspirations behind Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series.

York is a walled city. You can walk the 2 miles circular route of the city wall to discover this city’s past.

Later, pop inside Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms for an opulent afternoon tea experience.

How to Reach: LNER and CrossCountry run frequent train services for York from Edinburgh. It is advisable to book your tickets well in advance.

20. Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. It is heaven for outdoor lovers.

A day trip to the Cairngorms from Edinburgh is certainly doable, especially on long summer days. Although the journey time is long, the train route is very scenic. If you are travelling by car, don’t miss a visit to the pretty village of Braemar .

From Edinburgh Waverley, take a train to Aviemore, the main town of the Cairngorms. There are plenty of cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops here. Also, the historic Strathspey Steam Railway leaves from here.

You can catch a local bus service to visit Loch Morlich, a beautiful freshwater loch with a sandy beach. Loch Morlich is a great place to enjoy various water sports. Also, you can admire the stunning backdrop of the majestic Cairngorms mountains.

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd Centre is within walking distance from Loch Morlich. You can take a guided walk to visit UK’s only wild reindeer herd.

Next, take a funicular train ride by Cairngorm Mountain Railway to get a breathtaking panoramic view from 1,097m above sea level.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh Waverley take around two hours and fifty minutes to reach Aviemore train station. Local bus services are operated by Stagecoach.

Map of the Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

Here is a map of all the amazing day trip choices mentioned in this article. Click on the link to save the Google map on your phone. Moreover, you can use the map offline.

We hope this guide to the best places to visit on a day trip from Edinburgh has inspired you!

From picturesque fishing villages to buzzing cities – there is everything for all travellers. So, definitely add a few of them to your next adventure in Edinburgh.

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13 Awesome Day Trips From Edinburgh By Train Or Bus

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Scotland | 0

Discover the best day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus, all reachable in three hours or less!

While Edinburgh is an amazing city (one of my favourites!) with so much to see and do, it’s also perfectly placed to explore some of Scotland’s unmissable destinations.

Better still? You can reach them by public transport – no car necessary. It’s more eco-friendly too!

Taking a day trip from Edinburgh is relatively easy as the city has well-connected transport links to its surrounding regions. Plus, not driving gives you more opportunities to relax and enjoy the view. 

To put this guide together, I’ve enlisted the help of other travellers and local experts to share their favourite day trips.

From coastal villages to epic castles, gorgeous beach hikes and city escapes, here are the best day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus! 

Editor’s tip: I’ve made sure to keep these day trips from Edinburgh under three hours to make them achievable. I’ve also a few day tours if you want to go even further. 

The best day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus at a glance 

• North Berwick
• St. Andrews 
• Falkirk 
• Stonehaven 
• St. Abbs 
• Stirling 
• Aberdeen 
• Inchcolm Abbey 
• Dunnottar Castle 
• Roslin 

Map of the best Edinburgh day trips

1. north berwick.

By Hannah Henderson from Lifestyle Travel

Highlights: beaches | Tantallon Castle | seabirds | Bass Rock | North Berwick town 

North Berwick is a gorgeous little beachside town, only 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh.   Located in East Lothian, it offers a long white sand beach, and many things to do on a day trip.

The long beach is perfect for a picnic on a sunny day, or a beach walk on a blustery one.  At the west end of the beach, there is a tidal swimming pool, perfect for the little ones to paddle. 

Beyond, is the Scottish Seabird Centre – where you can learn about the birds that make their home along this coastline, and on the nearby Bass Rock.

The town centre of North Berwick is just a few streets, but they are packed with craft and gift stores, old-fashioned sweet shops, traditional Scottish pubs, and the prerequisite fish and chip shop. 

North Berwick is great for golf lovers, with two golf clubs near town.

For history buffs, a short 20-minute bus ride will take you to Tantallon Castle ruins, with its magnificent vantage point on the hilltop above the wild East Lothian coastline.

Top tip : Don’t miss a boat trip out to Bass Rock to see the impressive Gannet colony.  You can enquire about tours at the Scottish Seabird Centre. 

Getting there: Take the regular ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to North Berwick. Enjoy coastal views from the train.  

Recommended North Berwick day trip: Experience East Lothian and North Berwick on a gin and whisky tasting tour departing from Edinburgh. This small group eco-certified tour takes you to NB Distillery before stopping at North Berwick for lunch and a wander. Then it’s Glenkinchie Distillery for whisky!

2. St. Andrews 

By Stefanie from Open Road Odysseys 

Highlights: St. Andrews University | birthplace of golf | medieval town | St. Andrews Cathedral 

St. Andrews is a wonderful destination to explore whether you are taking a day trip from Edinburgh or a road trip through Scotland .

While it may be famous for being the birthplace of golf, there is so much more to this medieval town.

History buffs will enjoy exploring St. Andrews Cathedral. Take your time wandering the grounds and museum, and don’t forget to ascend St Rule’s Tower for an amazing view of the town and sea.

While not as structurally impressive as the cathedral, St. Andrews Castle holds a ton of history and unique features, including the siege mine and “bottle dungeon.”

The views out to the ocean and along the beach are also quite lovely.

If you are a fan of the British royal family, take a stroll through St. Andrews University, which is where Prince William and Kate met.

And for all the golf lovers, there’s the British Golf Museum and 10 golf courses for every budget and experience.

The Old Course, the most iconic and oldest in the world, is open to the public and is a must for any golfer.

Top tip: St. Andrews is very compact and once you arrive, you can easily get anywhere you’d like on foot.

Getting there: St. Andrews is two hours away from Edinburgh by bus. Take the X59 from Princes Street to the town.

Recommended one-day tours from Edinburgh: Want to keep things simple? One of the best day trips from Edinburgh to St Andrews you can do is a day tour. This small group day tour takes you to St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife, including the Forth Bridge and Falkland Palace! 

3. Falkirk 

By Mark Randall

Highlights: The Kelpies | The Falkirk Wheel 

Falkirk is a town that’s easy to bypass if you’re travelling between Edinburgh and Glasgow, but if you get off the train, you’ll find a rather pleasant town with two modern architectural masterpieces.

The Falkirk Wheel (take the 6/6A/7/8) was opened in 2002 to re-link two canals (Forth & Clyde, and Union) and replace a 24-metre flight of canal locks that had been missing for 70 years.

The result is the world’s only rotational Boat Lift but is so precisely balanced that it only takes the power of four kettles to move it!

Helix Park is an area of reclaimed land that’s now a Country Park containing walks, canals and The Kelpies, a pair of 30-metre-high metal horses’ heads that erupt from the ground by the M9 – amazing by day, spectacular when illuminated at night.

The iconic Kelpies are one of the best places to visit less than one hour from Edinburgh! 

Getting there: Take one of the regular trains from Edinburgh Waverley (about 30 minutes): Falkirk Grahamston is nearer to the town centre than Falkirk High, but both stations are served by the same buses you need (Routes 6/6A/7/8/F14 – FirstBus provides a helpful Area map, so remember to add PlusBus to your rail ticket).

Recommended day tour: Tick off several day trips from Edinburgh at once on this affordable small-group tour. You’ll visit the Kelpies, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, then it’s onwards to Stirling Castle! T his eco-certified tour is very popular and tends to sell out fast. 

By Steven Neish from Finding A Neish 

Highlights: V&A Dundee | Heather Street Food | Dundee Contemporary Arts Gallery | Sidlaw Hills 

Worth it for the bridge crossings alone, train travel from Edinburgh to Dundee takes as little as seventy minutes and spans two of Scotland’s most spectacular rivers: the Forth and the Tay. 

With visitors alighting straight into the city’s billion-pound waterfront development, star attraction V&A Dundee, old favourite RRS Discovery and new installation Tay Whale are all visible from the station. 

Foodies can commence their culinary tour immediately at Heather Street Food on the esplanade before working their way up Perth Road. 

Culture vultures can meet comic strip icons, Desperate Dan, Minnie the Minx and Oor Wullie en route to McManus Galleries and Dundee Contemporary Arts. 

More active travellers can scale the Law for panoramic views of the city, estuary and Sidlaw Hills or hire a bike from the Cycle Hub and pedal into Angus, Perthshire or back over the Tay to Fife. 

Scotland’s sunniest city, Dundee is also one of its most illuminating – with many discoveries to be made.

Top Tip: Travel one stop further to Broughty Ferry, Dundee’s historic seaside suburb complete with a beach, castle and local nature reserve. Grab an ice cream from Visocchi’s, browse the boutiques and perhaps even spot a dolphin from the shore.

Getting there: The quickest way to get there is the ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Dundee. 

5. Stonehaven 

By Sarah Moir from Sarah’s Sojourns 

Highlights: Dunnottar Castle | harbour boardwalk | Tolbooth Museum | The Bay Fish and Chips | birthplace of the deep-fried Mars bar

Famous for its Hogmanay Fireball celebration, the small Scottish town of Stonehaven has lots to offer visitors the whole year round.

. There are hourly trains from Edinburgh and it takes two hours to get there, making it one of the best day trips from Edinburgh without a car.

The must-see attraction for Stonehaven is Dunnottar Castle, which can be reached by a beautiful walk from the harbour. The route is signposted and offers stunning views of the cliffs and passes the War Memorial. 

Another highly recommended walk is along the boardwalk at the harbour to see the collection of metal sculptures by a mystery artist whose identity was only revealed in 2020.

The Tolbooth Museum showcases the history of Stonehaven and is completely free to enter.

For foodies, The Bay Fish and Chips is an award-winning takeaway and cannot be missed, which can then be followed up by a visit to Aunt Betty’s next door for their brilliant ice cream.

In the centre of town is The Carron which is famous for being the birthplace of the Deep Fried Mars Bar.

During the summer months, there is a heated open-air swimming pool, located next to a playpark, making it a great day trip from Edinburgh by public transport for families.

Top tip: Order online for The Bay to avoid huge queues!

Getting there: Take the ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley Station two hours up the east coast to Stonehaven. 

Editor’s tip: The easiest way to travel around Scotland without a car is with small group tours. Check out this guide to the best eco-certified tours ranging from one day to a week.

6. St. Abbs 

By Mohana from Two Together 

Highlights: Coastal views and sea life | National Nature Reserve | cliff walks

St. Abbs in the Scottish Borders is known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, seabird colonies, and charming fishing village. 

Start your visit with a 4-mile walk around St. Abbs Head National Nature Reserve that takes you up around the cliffs, the lighthouse, and Mire Loch. 

In spring and summer, the landscape is dotted with wildflowers and you can bring a hamper for a picnic on the windy cliffs! 

St. Abbs is a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts: Over 50,000 seabirds including guillemots and puffins call these cliffs home. You can spot seal pups in the coves during the breeding season. 

The spot is a hit with divers too who are drawn to the rich marine life and fantastic underwater scenery. 

Post walk, explore the village and harbour. Stop by Jill Watson’s memorial to the fishermen who lost their lives off the coast of Berwickshire in a storm in 1881.

End the trip with hot chocolate and crab sandwiches at Ebb Carr’s cafe.

Top tip : Wear good walking shoes as the walking trails can get muddy after a rain shower. You can also continue along the Berwickshire Coastal Path, south to Eyemouth or north to Cockburnspath.

Getting there: From Edinburgh, ride the train to Berwick-upon-Tweed, then the Borders bus 235 to St. Abbs, and you will be there in two hours!

Read More: 12 BEST Day Hikes In Scotland You Need To E xperience

7. Stirling 

By Lucy from Lucy Lives Here

Highlights: Stirling Castle | The Wallace Monument | historic old town 

If you love Scottish history then you’ll love Stirling.  

Sometimes described as a ‘little Edinburgh’, Stirling has cobbled streets, a castle, historic monuments, and genuinely more Scottish history than you can shake a stick at.  

If you’re visiting for the day then your first stop has to be Stirling Castle.

It was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots and has so many points of interest inside – the royal palace, kitchens, chapel royal, and humongous great hall, the biggest in Scotland. 

The Wallace Monument is a short bus ride away – climb the 246 steps and see William Wallace’s real-life sword before emerging at the top. The views are unreal!

Continuing the history theme, the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre is also located nearby. 

Top tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Stirling is a compact city and you can pretty much walk everywhere.

But it does have some steep hills – particularly in the historic old town near the castle. If you’re travelling from Edinburgh you’ll be well versed in that already!

Getting there: How do you get to Stirling from Edinburgh? A return ticket on the train to Stirling costs around £10.80 and takes 45 minutes.

The bus takes around an hour and a half and will cost roughly £11.20. Both the train station and bus station are right in the centre of town.

Recommended day tour: If you want to see as much of Scotland as possible in a day, this small group tour takes you to Stirling Castle, Ben Nevis, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Perthshire and includes lunch at Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness. It’s an action-packed eco-certified tour and again, it’s likely to sell out.  

8. Aberdeen 

By Mary King from Bucket List Places 

Highlights: Beach and city | dolphins | fresh seafood | Aberdeen Maritime Museum | Union Terrace Gardens 

Aberdeen is a port city in the Scottish Highlands, notable for its unique granite architecture, fascinating museums, and charming historical districts.

Aberdeen is one of the best day trips from Edinburgh because visitors can enjoy the bustling harbour (home to urban dolphins!) and taste the freshest seafood.

From the Aberdeen Train Station, it is a short walk to many of the city’s highlights. History lovers will love learning about the city’s development at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, or head to the Tolbooth Museum which focuses on local history and is hosted in a 17th-century jail. 

One of the best things to see is the Union Terrace Gardens, a park dating to Victorian times.

Discover the many varieties of flowers, statues, and trees, and see if you can catch one of the events or outdoor concerts commonly held there. 

Even more outdoor fun can be found at Aberdeen Beach , covered in golden sand. Though swimming is not for the faint of heart, you can rent a wetsuit to paddleboard or surf in the summer.

Getting there: Many daily trains depart from Edinburgh Waverley Station and arrive in Aberdeen within about 2.5 hours. An insider tip is to take the train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen on a Friday, when trains are least crowded, and avoid the busiest day, Sunday.

9. Inchcolm Abbey 

By Nat Took from Natpacker 

Highlights: 12th-century monasteries | Scottish island | wildlife and WWII defences | views towards Edinburgh 

Inchcolm Abbey is a ruin found on an island of the same name, in the Firth of Forth. These stunning ruins are easily accessible from Edinburgh and make a great day trip.

To reach these ruins, take a boat from Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, two companies offer this service.

Both companies do a cruise around the Firth of Forth, going under the three bridges with a commentary about the area. Stopping off at the island is an additional extra to the cruise, but well worth it. Passengers get 1.5 hours on the island to explore.

Founded by King David I, the Inchcolm Abbey dates back to the 12th century, and is the best-preserved group of monasteries in Scotland. 

The island not only has the ruins, but also a wealth of birdlife, seals, World War II defences, and incredible views towards Edinburgh. 

The dramatic location and history make this an incredible place to visit. It’s even possible to get married here! Once on the island, explore the ruins and head out to at least one of the ends of the island, both of which offer great views. 

Heading out to the west side of the island, the path goes through a tunnel and other remains from WW2.

Top Tip: Climb to the top of the tower at the ruins for views across the island.

Getting there: To get to Hawes Pier, simply take the train from Waverly to Dalmeny (which runs regularly) and takes just 15 minutes. From Dalmeny station, it is a short walk (under 10 mins) to the pier.

10. Glasgow

By Moumita & Sankha from Chasing the Long Road

Highlights: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum | Glasgow Cathedral | Necropolis | Glasgow Mural Trail 

Located on the River Clyde, Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and one of the best day-trip options from Edinburgh. 

Known as the cultural capital of Scotland, there are lots of historical and cultural things to do in Glasgow.  

The city offers many free tourist attractions, world-class museums, stunning architecture, vibrant street arts and a buzzing music scene. From history aficionados to culinary experts – Glasgow has something for everyone.

One of the main tourist attractions in Glasgow is the iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

You will find an extensive collection of 8000 objects within its 22 galleries – from famous Renaissance art to a remarkable collection of natural history artefacts. 

Next, visit the historic Glasgow Cathedral – the oldest building in the city.

It is dedicated to Saint Mungo – the patron saint of Glasgow. Take a stroll to the adjacent Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery offering a beautiful panoramic view of the city skyline. 

Top Tip: Glasgow is famous for its many colourful street art murals by local artists around the city centre. Follow the Glasgow mural trail to admire these impressive artworks.

Getting there: Glasgow is very well-connected with Edinburgh by train and bus services. It takes nearly an hour by train and an hour and a half by bus.

11. Dunnottar Castle 

By Ashleigh from Ashleigh’s Atlas

Highlights: Dunnottar Castle | coastal views and hiking 

If you’re looking for the best day trips from Edinburgh, make sure you go to Dunnottar Castle.

Dunnottar Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland. The castle is only a ruin, but the surrounding landscape is so beautiful.

The castle sits on a small island in the sea, with dramatic cliffs surrounding it. It also inspired the castle in the Disney film Brave. There are no other castles like it in Scotland.

It’s reasonably popular, but not as busy or touristy as Edinburgh Castle.

Most of the castle is in ruins but there are some buildings to explore. The best part is just appreciating the beautiful location. It’s best for castle lovers, history lovers and nature lovers.

Getting there: To get there by train: Take the train from Edinburgh to Stonehaven (2 hours). Then walk along the beautiful cliff walk from Stonehaven to the castle (40 minutes). 

If you don’t want to do the walk, take a train from Edinburgh to Montrose (1 hour 45 mins), then swap to the bus to the Dunnottar Junction (40 mins).

To get there by bus: The bus is slower than the train. Take the bus from Edinburgh to Dundee (1 and a half hours), then swap to the bus from Dundee to Dunnottar Junction (2 hours).

Travel Must: Whatever you do, make sure you have travel insurance before your trip to Scotland. Take it from me, you’re better safe than sorry! I use Battleface. It offers good coverage at an affordable rate!

12. Linlithgow 

By Clazz from An Orcadian Abroad

Highlights: Linlithgow Palace | loch walks | historic town 

Just twenty minutes by train from the centre of Edinburgh sits the small, relatively unassuming town of Linlithgow. 

Although it’s on the main rail line between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Linlithgow is often overlooked as a day trip from Edinburgh, in favour of nearby Falkirk or Stirling.

The town is most famous for its landmark attraction, Linlithgow Palace, most notable for being the birthplace of Mary Queen Of Scots.

As well as being able to explore the ruins of the palace, one of the best things to do is view it from the outside with a leisurely walk around the loch it sits on. 

A peaceful way to while away any sunny day, the loop around the loch is exceptionally pretty, with an abundance of birds on the water, as well as small fishing boats floating through the loch.

The quaint town centre itself offers a strip of fantastic local shops, cafés and pubs, as well as some interesting local history (look out for the statue of the dog), providing everything you need for a great day out from Edinburgh.

Whether it’s history or nature that you’re interested in, Linlithgow offers the perfect mix of both.

Getting there: Linlithgow is just a short 17-minute train ride away from Edinburgh Waverley!

By Jonny from In Faraway Lands

Highlights: Rosslyn Chapel | Roslin Castle | Scottish village | nature walks | excellent tea room 

Roslin is one of the easiest day trips from Edinburgh without a car and is also one of the best as it’s only around a one-hour bus journey from the centre of Edinburgh to reach it.

It is a quaint Scottish village filled with history and a gorgeous glen to explore and it is best suited for those who love history as it’s a very historical place with its main claim to fame being Rosslyn Chapel. 

The chapel dates back to 1446 and is an excellent example of Gothic architecture in Scotland.

There have been many rumours based around the chapel connecting it to the Holy Grail although none of it has been proven. Still, it makes for some mystery while there!

Nearby is the Roslin Castle which is partially in ruins but still makes for one of the best castles in Scotland to visit. It also dates to the same period as the chapel.

Although Roslin is known for its history, one top tip is to go to the Roslin Glen where you can meander through a thick forest filled with brooks babbling away that makes a good escape from city life.

Roslin itself is a lovely little Scottish village to have a wander around and for a good lunch break in between everything head to Dolly’s Tea Room where you can have a tea/coffee break along with sandwiches and cakes.

Top tip: Tickets for Rosslyn Chapel need to be booked online in advance. These cost £9.50 for a 90-minute slot so make sure you get there for the time that you booked as they cannot be refunded or exchanged for another time slot. Some time slots include a talk with a guide.

Check the website for more information. 

Getting there: Roslin is just under an hour outside of Edinburgh. The easiest way to get there is the number 37 bus from Princes Street (stop PJ) to the Original Rosslyn Hotel. 

Recommended day tour from Edinburgh: Explore further south of Edinburgh with this top-rated eco-certified tour of Rosslyn Chapel, the village of Melrose in the Scottish Borders with its Border Abbey that houses the heart of Robert the Bruce. It’s another popular tour! 

Final thoughts on the best day trips from Edinburgh without a car

With so many easy day trips from Edinburgh by bus or train, you definitely won’t be missing out if you don’t have your own car. 

There are plenty of amazing places to see, castles to explore, epic views and Scottish culture all under three hours from the capital. 

The best thing is no matter which day trip you choose, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience and learn something new along the way. 

Planning a trip to Scotland? Check out these articles!

• How To Travel To Scotland: Everything You Need To Know
• Complete Scotland Packing List: What To Wear For Every Season
• The BEST Train from London to Edinburgh in 2024 (Review)
• I Review The Caledonian Sleeper Train From London To Fort William

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About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

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Last Updated on 25/05/2024

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Day Trips From Edinburgh

The 10 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh

Because Scotland's capital is right in the heart of things, you can find a lot to see and do near Edinburgh: wonderful scenery and outdoor adventures, lochs and forests, castles, scenic wonders, literary landmarks, and equally exciting cities. These 10 day trip destinations are among our favorites.

Loch Lomond: A Gentle Entry to the Highlands

Ferne Arfin

Loch Lomond is the biggest body of freshwater in Britain and a family-friendly destination. Balloch, on the southern end of the loch, is less than 70 miles from Edinburgh. Easy cycle and walking paths start at this village, and island-hopping cruises depart from there.

Getting There: Take the low road, as the song suggests, to the "bonny, bonny banks of Loch Lomond." Take the M8 out of Edinburgh and through Glasgow, after which you will need to follow the signs along the Clyde (A814 to A82). Stay on the A82 to Balloch, which is well signposted. The trip takes about an hour and a half.

Travel Tip: Balloch Castle and Country Park , a 19th-century baronial estate, comes with gardens and woodlands, and offers terrific views of the loch.

Glasgow: Find Scotland's Edgier, Younger Vibe

theasis/Getty Images 

Glasglow is full of attractions. It has a brilliant new science center ; one of the best transport museums we've ever visited; and the Kelvingrove , a huge purpose-built museum with a little bit of everything, from skeletons of prehistoric critters to Salvatore Dali's "Christ of St John of the Cross." Plus, there are several art galleries to pop into, a terrific dining scene, and good, affordable shopping all over the place.

Getting There: Hop on a train at Edinburgh's Waverley Station and you'll be at Glasgow Queen Street station in about an hour. Trains leave every 15 to 20 minutes all day long and off-peak roundtrip tickets are under 15 pounds.

Travel Tip: While you're in Glasgow, visit the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre , an almost impossible-to-describe work of mechanical and robotic fantasies that is one of the city's recent runaway successes.

Ben Cruachan: An Adventure in a Hollow Mountain

DerekMcDougall/Getty Images 

Loch Awe, at the base of mountain Ben Cruachan, is sometimes smooth as a mirror, while at other times it's wild and choppy. That's because Ben Cruachan conceals a huge hydroelectric plant within a hollowed-out vast chamber. When power is needed, water collected in a lake at the top of the mountain runs down through turbines in Ben Cruachan and into Loch Awe. Don wellies and a rain slicker and take a Cruachan bus tour into the turbine hall. There are also trails up the mountain to the reservoir at the top.

Getting There: It's 106 miles to get to Ben Cruachan, near Dalmally. If you're not hopping on a bus tour, make your way down the motorways to Stirling. Then, take the A84 and A85 the rest of the way.

Travel Tip: Go early and then take your time returning via the A85, enjoying the scenery of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park along the way.

Oban: Scotland's Seaside Resort and Seafood Capital

VWB Photos/Getty Images

On the west coast of Argyll is Oban, a lovely, seaside fishing village that sits on a small bay facing the Isle of Mull. Ruined castles are within reach, and the top of the town offers great views across the Western Isles. Hop on a boat for a short excursion around Oban Harbour; Argyll Sea Tours offer one-hour trips to the nearby seal colonies as well as two-hour trips further afield to visit sea porpoises and sea eagles. Oban bills itself as Scotland's seafood capital and their North Atlantic seafood is worth a try.

Getting There: It takes up to three hours to travel the 122 miles by car via the M90 and the A85—but it's a pretty journey well worth your time.

Travel Tip: Oban has a train station, but don't even bother. The trains are all local services and can take between seven and 10 hours. It's possible to cut the time down to four hours by changing at Queen Street in Glasgow—but that becomes a rushed and stressful way to do a day trip. Several tour companies include lunch in Oban in their West Highland excursions. Check Go Scotland Tours .

Stirling Castle: An Ageless Symbol of Scottish Resistance

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

If you watched Braveheart, you may remember William Wallace declaring "They canna take our FREEDOM!" before leading his men into battle. The battle was for Stirling Bridge, below the castle. This 12th century fortress became a Renaissance royal palace and a symbol of Scottish resistance for centuries. Here, you'll find military and regimental museums, royal tapestries, the Great Kitchens, and a Great Hall built for James IV of Scotland (later James I of England). In the vaults and undercrofts, interactive exhibits and activities are designed to intrigue younger family members. This castle makes a good day trip excursion for families with younger children, but it has enough to entertain visitors of all ages.

Getting There: It's just under 40 miles from Edinburgh, taking less than an hour to get there on the M9. Or take ScotRail toward Dunblane from Edinburgh Waverley. The train ride is about an hour, followed by a 15-minute walk to the castle. You can find off-peak, roundtrip tickets under 10 pounds.

Travel Tip: While you're at Stirling don't miss the monuments for two of Scotland's greatest heroes. The monument to Robert the Bruce is within the castle walls while the statue of William Wallace is about two miles away on foot. If you do walk, you'll have a chance to cross the River Forth on Old Stirling Bridge. And find out why Stirling is one of Scotland's top 10 castles to visit .

St Andrews: The Home of Golf

The birthplace of golf, there are seven public links courses at St Andrews, run by a trust that protects these historic greens. In all, there are more than 700 acres of links courses and another 222 acres of the Castle Course. Even if you don't plan to play, you can take a guided walking tour of the Old Course—where the game of golf was first played 600 years ago—or explore a family trail.

Everyone from age 3 and up can have a go at the St Andrews Ladies Putting Club (also known as the Himalayas). The three-pound greens fee also covers equipment hire.

Getting There: It's a two-hour bus trip from Edinburgh bus station via the X59 bus route. Or take the 53-mile road trip, heading across the Firth of Forth at Queensferry on the M90 and then traveling east on the A92.

Travel Tip: The West Sands beach, parallel to the Jubilee Course, is where the famous opening sequence of the film "Chariots of Fire" was shot.

Dundee: UNESCO City of Design

 Iain Masterton/Getty Images

Northeast of Edinburgh, Scotland's fourth largest city has turned its history of whaling, textile manufacturing, and Antarctic exploration into a series of fascinating visitor attractions. Visit a jute mill to learn the stories of the workers, or stand on the deck of the Dundee-built ship that Captains Scott and Shackleton sailed on their first voyage to Antarctica. The first branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum outside of London has joined the Royal Research Ship Discovery on the city's waterfront. It all makes for a great day—or two or three—out.

Getting There: It's just a 64-mile drive; first take the M90 and then the A90.

Travel Tip: Don't overlook the McManus Gallery, where art, archaeology, and anthropology are well presented.

The Falkirk Wheel: Ride a Ferris Wheel for Boats

 Brian Fairbrother/LatitudeStock/Getty Images

The Falkirk Wheel is the world's first—and only—rotating boat lift (it's like a ferris wheel that carries boats instead of people). The wheel was built to reconnect the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal. You can board a special vessel built just for visitors to take a ride on it yourself. In good weather, you can also have fun in the Visitor Centre's Splash Zone, where canoeing, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboarding, and bumper boats are available.

Getting There: It's just 23 miles from Edinburgh on the M9 to Junction 8. Or take a local train from Edinburgh to Falkirk Grahamston, Camelon, or Falkirk High Station and then taxi to the wheel.

Travel Tip: Hire a bicycle from the Visitor Centre for the five-mile ride to the Kelpies, a pair of horse head sculptures nearly 100 feet tall; they're the world's largest equine statues.

Abbotsford House: Where Sir Walter Scott Invented the Myths of Scotland

 Michelle Kelley/Getty Images

They say Sir Walter Scott almost singlehandedly invented Scotland as we know it. His novels, epic poems, essays, and non-fiction books—including "Ivanhoe," "Waverley," "Rob Roy," and "The Lady of the Lake"—created the romantic mythology of the Scottish clans. It was through his deductions that the Honours of Scotland—the Scottish crown jewels—were discovered hidden in a chest.

Scott's home, Abbotsford, is a remarkable fantasy castle full of the writer's treasures, tartans, gardens, and books. It was recently refurbished, and the beautiful walled gardens were restored as well.

Getting There: Abbotsford House is 41 miles southeast of Edinburgh, on the A7 between the towns of Melrose and Galashiels. Trains from Edinburgh Waverley Station take an hour to get to Tweedbank Station, which is roughly a mile from Abbotsford. During the summer and fall, a special mini-bus runs from the station to the house.

Travel Tip: While you are nearby, visit Melrose Abbey, where the heart of Robert the Bruce is said to be buried in a lead casket.

New Lanark: A Utopian Experiment at a 19th-Century Mill Village

When 19th-century Utopian idealist Robert Owen took over his family's successful textile mill and village, he implemented radical ideas of benevolent paternalism that were way ahead of their time. Decent housing, education, and working conditions—plus overall cultural improvement—were all part of his model industrial village. Now placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, New Lanark is described as "a milestone in social and industrial history" with lasting influence. The mill continued in operation into the 1960s. Today it is a residential and small business site that welcomes visitors to its museums, model school, and workshops.

Getting There: The easiest way to get there is by car. It's 35 miles and about an hour's drive via the A70 or the M8, southwest of Edinburgh.

Travel Tip: The only waterfalls on the River Clyde form part of a circular walk that starts near the far end of New Lanark Village. The three-mile walk, The Falls of Clyde at New Lanark, passes an impressive group of falls, the tallest being 84 feet. Check the website for maps and details the waterfall walk.

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Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park: The Complete Guide

The 12 Best Road Trips in Scotland

The 14 Best Day Trips from Rome

10 Great Reasons to Visit the United Kingdom

Glencoe: Planning Your Trip

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Plan Your UK Trip

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St. Andrews, Scotland: The Complete Guide

10 of the best day trips from Edinburgh (without a car)

Posted on Last updated: February 15, 2024

Ten great day trips from Edinburgh without a car – from historic castles and legendary chapels to beaches, lochs and islands full of seabirds – all of which you can visit by public transport or on a tour.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Edinburgh is a fantastic city, packed with history, culture and beautiful scenery. But if you fancy a change, it’s also within easy reach of some great day trip destinations. Within a few hours you could be spotting street art in Glasgow, watching seabirds on Inchcolm Island, exploring mysterious Rosslyn Chapel or taking a boat trip on Loch Lomond.

Train and bus connections mean you don’t need a car either. So here’s our pick of 10 of the top day trips from Edinburgh, with details of how to visit each place independently by public transport as well as tour options if you don’t want to do-it-yourself.

Map of day trips from Edinburgh

1. Rosslyn Chapel

The ornate Collegiate Church of St Matthew – better known as Rosslyn Chapel – was the brainchild of 15th-century nobleman William St Clair of Orkney. Inspired by his travels in France, he created his own take on a Gothic chapel, employing an army of expert craftsmen who spent 40 years covering every surface with intricate stone carvings.

Look out for carved flowers, stars, angels, Biblical figures and Green Men. But do they have a hidden meaning? Myths and legends surround Rosslyn Chapel, from possible links to the Knights Templar or Masons to it being the site of the Holy Grail.

No one knows for sure, but author Dan Brown stirred up more speculation when he set his book The Da Vinci Code in the chapel – Tom Hanks and Audrey Tatou also filmed in its crypt for the movie version. Grail or not, Rosslyn Chapel is well worth a visit, and make sure to take a walk through the leafy woodland of Roslin Glen with its ruined castle.

Go independent

Rosslyn Chapel is around seven miles south of Edinburgh. The two are connected by the Lothian Buses number 37 bus, which takes around 45 minutes from Princes Street to Roslin village (the nearest stop to the chapel is at the Original Rosslyn Hotel). The chapel gets busy so it’s recommended to pre-book a timed 90-minute time slot in advance.

Take a tour

There are also several day tours which combine a visit to Rosslyn Chapel with other attractions in the area – one also visits the Scottish Borders and Melrose Abbey * and another has stops at Stirling Castle and Dunfermline Abbey .*

2. South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island

South Queensferry sits on the shore of the Forth of Firth, looking out over the Forth Bridges – including the iconic red railway bridge which was built by over 4500 men between 1883 and 1890 (and legend has it it’s been painted constantly ever since).

You can take a boat trip from South Queensferry which sails underneath the three Forth bridges and out to the tiny island of Inchcolm. Some trips just sail by the island but it’s worth choosing one which stops off at this peaceful wildlife haven. It’s a habitat for seabirds like puffins and fulmars and you often see seals and porpoises offshore.

The well-preserved ruins of medieval Inchcolm Abbey have 13th-century frescoes and a bell tower you can climb for views across the island. There’s also a hermit’s cell where King Alexander I is said to have sheltered after getting shipwrecked, and the remains of fortifications and ammunition tunnels from Inchcolm’s days as a wartime garrison.

Unless you’ve got your own boat, the only way to get to Inchcolm is on a tour. Both Maid of the Forth * and Forth Tours run 3-hour tours to the island which give you 1.5 hours ashore. Services run April–October and depart from Hawes Pier in South Queensferry.

To get to South Queensferry you can take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Dalmeny station in about 15 minutes, then it’s a short walk to the pier. Or it’s around 40 minutes on the Lothian Country 43 bus from Princes Street to South Queensferry.

3. North Berwick

The pretty seaside town of North Berwick is just half an hour from Edinburgh, and when the sun’s shining on its golden sand and blue sea it’s easy to forget you’re in Scotland. There are art galleries and quirky gift shops to browse. Take a walk along the beach or head to the harbour to pick up a fresh half lobster and chips from the Lobster Shack.

This area is an important breeding area for bird species like razorbills, terns and guillemots – especially Bass Rock which has the largest gannet colony in the world. The Scottish Seabird Centre charity in North Berwick has a Discovery Centre where you can find out about local species, watch them live on bird cams and take guided boat trips.

You can also visit Tantallon Castle, a vast 14th-century castle perched on a cliff edge looking out over Bass Rock. It’s surrounded by an imposing 50-foot-high curtain wall which helped it survive three sieges until it was finally left in ruins by Oliver Cromwell.

You can take a direct train from Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick. Trains normally run around once every hour and the journey takes 30 minutes. Tantallon Castle is around 10 minutes outside of North Berwick on the Eves Coaches 120 bus.

There aren’t any day tours from Edinburgh to North Berwick but it’s easy to get there by train. Then if you want to get a closer look at the birds or spot other wildlife like seals, dolphins and whales, the Seabird Centre runs several boat trips to Bass Rock and the Isle of May on board either a RIB or a catamaran (normally from April–September).

4. Stirling

Stirling was once the capital of Scotland , sharing the job with Edinburgh until the early 1600s. Today it’s best known for its castle, which like Edinburgh’s towers over the city from the top of a volcanic rock. Stirling Castle is one of the largest castles in Scotland, a fortress palace built to control the point where the Highlands met the Lowlands.

It was a favourite of Stuart monarchs, and the Royal Palace has been restored to its 16th-century glory with reproductions of the carved oak Stirling Heads and hand-woven tapestries. There’s also James IV’s Great Hall, the castle kitchens and Queen Anne Gardens.

Beyond the castle you can also visit Stirling Old Bridge, a medieval stone bridge built on the site of an older wooden one where William Wallace’s forces trapped the English army during 1297’s Battle of Stirling Bridge, killing thousands when the bridge collapsed. And the 67-metre-tall National Wallace Monument is only a couple of miles out of the city.

Direct trains from Edinburgh Waverley station to Stirling normally run around every 30 minutes and take just under an hour.

You can visit Stirling Castle as part of a day tour which also includes the Falkirk Kelpies, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs *, or with Rosslyn Chapel and Dunfermline Abbey .*

Set between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the town of Falkirk is home to two popular day trip attractions. First is the Kelpies at Helix Park, the world’s largest horse sculptures at 30 metres high, surrounded by parkland alongside the Forth and Clyde Canal.

These giant stainless steel sculptures weigh more than 300 tons and are inspired by the working Clydesdale horses who helped build Scotland, taking their name from malevolent shape-shifting water spirits with the strength of 10 horses. You can get up close to them or book a guided tour if you want to go inside and see how they were built.

Or further along the canal to the west is the Falkirk Wheel. This strange-looking 35-metre high metal structure is the only rotating boat lift in the world, an impressive almost sculptural piece of engineering built to connect the Union and Forth and Clyde canals. You can try it out on a boat trip or watch it in action from the visitor centre.

It’s around 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley to Falkirk High/Grahamston stations. Falkirk is connected to the Kelpies and the Wheel by bus – but unfortunately they’re in different directions so you’ll need to backtrack to Falkirk to do both.

To get to the Wheel it’s a 15-minute journey on the First 6 or 7 buses (which stop near both Falkirk High and Grahamston stations). Or for the Kelpies, take the First 2 bus (which stops near Grahamston station) for 10 minutes to Grangemouth then it’s a 13-minute walk.

You can also walk to either along a stretch of the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath – it’s 2.5 miles from the centre of Falkirk to the Wheel or just over 2 miles to the Kelpies.

There is a private day trip * from Edinburgh to Falkirk which visits the Wheel, Kelpies and Callendar House, and also includes a stop at Stirling Castle. Or you can visit the Kelpies (but not the Wheel) as part of a day tour * to Loch Lomond and Stirling.

There’s a longstanding rivalry between nearby neighbours Edinburgh and Glasgow , with Glasgow seen as cooler, more creative and less touristy. But why pick one when you can visit both, as Glasgow makes an easy day trip from Edinburgh.

There’s a lot to see in Glasgow so choose a few highlights. For museum lovers there’s the grand red sandstone Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or modern Riverside transport museum. Art lovers can follow the Mural Trail for some of Glasgow’s best street art or see Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s work at the Lighthouse and Willow Tea Rooms.

You can also admire the beautiful Gothic-style University of Glasgow buildings, relax in Kelvingrove Park or take a walk through the atmospheric hilltop Necropolis. Then head to Finnieston or Merchant City for great places to eat and drink.

Read more: A weekend in Glasgow: 2-day Glasgow itinerary

Trains run several times an hour between Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Central and Queen Street stations, taking 50–90 minutes depending on how many stops they make. There’s also the CityLink 900 bus between the two which takes 1 hour 25 minutes.

Glasgow is so easy to get to from Edinburgh that there’s no need to take a tour. But when you get there you can learn more about the city with a guided walking tour, either covering Glasgow city centre’s history and culture * or its street art .*

7. St Andrews

Picturesque St Andrews lies on the coast of Fife north of Edinburgh. The university is at the heart of the city – take a walk around St Mary’s and St Salvator’s Quads to soak up the atmosphere, and if you’re visiting on a Sunday you can experience one of its quirky traditions as a procession of red-gowned students walk along the pier at noon.

Explore the ruins of the castle, set on a clifftop with a network of underground tunnels. Climb to the top of the St Rules tower at St Andrews’ medieval cathedral for a bird’s eye view over the city. Or take a walk along its miles of sandy beaches.

St Andrews is also the home of golf, and if you’ve got the right handicap (and book well in advance) you can play a round on the Old Course – otherwise you can pose for a photo on the Swilcan Bridge and have a drink at the Jigger Inn, the course’s unofficial 19th hole.

Read more: A weekend in St Andrews: 2-day St Andrews itinerary

There’s no train station in St Andrews itself, but you can take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to nearby Leuchars which takes around an hour. From Leuchars there are frequent Stagecoach 99 buses into St Andrews which only take 10 minutes.

You can also take a full-day tour * to St Andrews, which also includes stops in the Fife fishing village of Anstruther and historic Falkland with its Stuart palace.

8. Pitlochry

The Victorian town of Pitlochry has a beautiful setting alongside the River Tummel and surrounded by the Perthshire Hills. It’s been a popular place to visit since Queen Victoria’s doctor proclaimed that the air in Pitlochry was good for her health.

Today people come to hike in the surrounding countryside, with a wide selection of walks nearby including the 6-mile hike to the top of Ben Vrackie and the easier 3-mile Craigower climb. There are also river walks past the town’s hydroelectric dam, where you can watch fish on the salmon ladder built to help them climb upstream past the dam.

You can also watch a play at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Or do a whisky tour and tasting at the Blair Athol Distillery on the edge of the town. It’s one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and has been making whisky in Pitlochry since 1798.

Pitlochry is around two hours by train from Edinburgh Waverley.

Several tours of the Highlands include a brief stop in Pitlochry, or this Highland Lochs, Glens and Whisky * tour includes around an hour in Pitlochry as well as stopping in Dunkeld, The Hermitage and for a tasting at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery.

9. Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is the largest lake in mainland Britain, and along with the woodland glens of the Trossachs it forms Scotland’s first National Park. The loch lies on the fault line which divides the Highlands from the Lowlands, and its landscapes change from rolling hills and woodland in the south to dramatic narrow gorges and mountains in the north.

Take a cruise around the loch from either of the main centres on the lake – Balloch and Tarbet. Or use the waterbus to visit the charming lochside village of Luss, made famous as a filming location for Scottish TV show Take the High Road.

You can also explore the loch’s ‘bonny banks’ on foot or by bike. There are plenty of walking routes, from the short 2-mile walk to Balloch Castle to the West Highland Way long-distance hiking path. And the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path is a flat 17-mile route running between Balloch and Tarbet (or it’s 8 miles if you only want to go as far as Luss).

You can take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to either Balloch or Arrochar and Tarbet. There are frequent trains to Balloch which take around 2 hours (changing in Glasgow). Or it’s 2.5 hours to Arrochar and Tarbet, and although trains run a lot less often it’s a really scenic journey along a stretch of the West Highland Line from Glasgow.

You can visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs on a day tour * which also includes stops at the Kelpies in Falkirk and Stirling Castle.

10. Loch Ness

The last of our day trips from Edinburgh is a long one, but if you don’t mind spending a lot of time travelling it is possible to visit Loch Ness in a day, though I’d advise staying at least one night if you can. Loch Ness is a Scottish icon, and where Loch Lomond is the largest lake by area, Loch Ness is the largest by volume at up to 240 metres deep.

The main gateways to Loch Ness are Inverness at the north and Fort Augustus at the south. Once you get there you can take a boat trip to explore the loch and look for its resident monster. A 1933 sighting started the hunt for the Loch Ness Monster, but despite over 1000 sightings and a series of underwater expeditions nothing has ever been found.

You can find out more about Loch Ness and the monster at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in Drumnadrochit, as well as visiting the lochside ruins of 13th-century Urquhart Castle and the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre in Fort Augustus.

Read more: 12 great things to do in Loch Ness

To reach Loch Ness by public transport from Edinburgh you’d need to take a train to Inverness (3.5 hours), then the Citylink 919 bus runs to Drumnadrochit, Urquhart Castle and Fort Augustus. There are only a few buses a day though so you’d need to plan your schedule carefully – staying overnight in Inverness makes things a lot easier.

There’s also a day trip * to Loch Ness available which takes 12.5 hours and includes Urquhart Castle, an optional boat trip and stops in Glencoe and Pitlochry.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Edinburgh?*

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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh [by car + public transport]

There is no shortage of things to do and see in Edinburgh, however, perhaps you’re looking for an escape from the city and are interested in some short day trip outings. There are many blogs that recommend day trips to the Highlands from the capital and although possible, we personally feel that  you won’t be doing this beautiful part of Scotland justice and will end up spending in excess of 6 hours in the car. You can, of course, join an organised tour where you’ll at least be able to take in the stunning surroundings from the comfort of your seat.

>> If you’re travelling with kids, make sure you check out our guide to FAMILY day trips from Edinburgh! <<

Our Edinburgh day trip guide covers outings that take between 30 minutes to 1hr 20mins – a very comfortable and easy round day trip. So read on if you’d like some inspiration for day trips from Edinburgh by car and public transport. Nature, wildlife, history, art – we’ve got you covered!

We’ve created a table of contents so you can jump straight to the day trip that interests you and we’ve also provided detailed information on how to get to the various places by car and public transport.

Map of Day trips from Edinburgh

We’ve pinpointed all the suggested day outings on the map below. Hopefully this will help you plan your Edinburgh day trips!

The Kelpies & The Helix Park (from 45 minutes)

These two large sculptures are amazing! You can see them from the motorway (yes, slightly distracting when you’re driving along at full speed) and we strongly recommend that you take the time to look at them more closely. We recently ticked them off our own Scottish Bucket List and were blown away by these majestic sculptures.

The Kelpies, located at the Helix Park, stand at around 30 meters in height and weigh over 300 tonnes. They’re inspired by the mythological water spirit that is said to inhabit the Scottish lochs. You can join a 30 minute guided tour and get *inside* these impressive sculptures! There are plenty of other activities available at the Helix Park including an Adventure Zone play park and Splash Play area.

→  The Kelpies & the Helix Park website

How to get to the Kelpies from Edinburgh:

• The easiest way to reach the Kelpies is by car! It takes approximately 45 minutes to drive from Edinburgh. Click here for driving instructions. There are two car parks (Helix car park and Kelpies car park), however, parking spaces do fill up quickly and it is therefore recommended to either arrive early or alternatively, park at Falkirk stadium and walk through the Helix Park to reach the Kelpies.
• We recommend that you catch the train to Falkirk High Street (you can buy tickets online here ) and then pick up an uber or a taxi (this is by far the easiest option!). The train journey only takes around 25 minutes and it’s then a short car journey away. Otherwise, you will need to pick up the First bus number 2 (check the First bus route planner here ) at Slammanan Road (2 min walk from the train station) heading for Bo’ness. Get off the bus at Falkirk Road opposite Falkirk Stadium (keep an eye out for the pink bus stop) and you can then enter the Helix Park side entrance and enjoy a leisurely 20 minute walk to the Kelpies.
• Another option is to pick up the First bus number 28 to Falkirk/Alloa from the same bus stop as above and get off at Glensburgh Road before Kerse Bridge, Grangemouth. It will then take you approximately 10 minutes to walk along the canal to reach the Kelpies.
• This is by far the longest journey option… Catch the First bus no X9, 38 or 38A to Falkirk Bus Station – the journey takes approx 1hr 25mins . Next catch the bus to Grangemouth and get off at Dalgrain Road. You will then have a 10 minute walk the Kelpies. Total journey time is approximately 2hrs . Check the first bus journey planner here .

The Falkirk Wheel (from 45 minutes)

Located approximately 23 miles from Edinburgh, the Falkirk Wheel is an impressive piece of engineering that connects the Union Canal with the Forth & Clyde Canal. This rotating boat lift was launched back in 2002 and perfectly demonstrates the Archimedes principle! You can book onto a boat tour and experience the boat lift first hand or stay on dry land to enjoy the many activities available onsite including peddle boats, waterzorbing, canoeing, Segway safaris, stand-up paddle boarding and more. You could easily combine a visit to the Kelpies with a trip to the Falkirk Wheel as it’s just a short 10 minute drive away.

→  Falkirk Wheel Website

How to get to the Falkirk Wheel from Edinburgh:

• Falkirk Wheel is approximately 60 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh – click here for driving instructions. There is a car park at the Wheel which costs £3.50.
• It’s an easy  25 minute train journey  from Edinburgh to Falkirk. Catch the train at either Waverley train station or Haymarket (in the West end) and get off at Falkirk High train station – you can buy tickets  online here . Once you’ve reached Falkirk, you can either jump in a taxi or catch the bus 6/6a/6b. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even join the John Muir Way  and walk 2.5 miles from Falkirk High to the Wheel.
• You can reach Falkirk Wheel by bus, however, it’s a long 2 hour journey and you might therefore prefer to opt for the train + local bus combo. Catch the First Scotland East bus number X38 (heading towards Stirling) and get off at St Andrews Church on Upper Newmarket Street in Falkirk. Next, catch the First Scotland East bus no 6 to Falkirk Wheel.  Check the journey planner here .

Aberdour (from 30 minutes)

Aberdour is a quaint little village across the water in Fife, a short scenic half hour train ride from Edinburgh Waverley train station. It has shot to fame since featuring in the famous series Outlander. So for any Claire and Jamie fans out there, be sure to include a trip to Aberdour Castle on your itinerary. The Castle featured as Sainte Anne de Beaupré monastery in the series. We also highly recommend a trip to Aberdour Beach and you can even join Fife coastal trail from there.

→  Aberdour Castle & Gardens Website

How to get to Aberdour from Edinburgh:

• Aberdour can be reached by car in 40 minutes . Click here for driving instructions.
• It’s an easy 30 minute train ride from Edinburgh and our favourite option for reaching the pretty coastal town of Aberdour. Catch the train at either Waverley train station or Haymarket (in the West end) – you can buy tickets  online here .
• Catch the bus number X57 from Edinburgh bus station. The bus takes around 1hr 15 mins to reach Aberdour train station. Check the journey planner here .

South Queensferry (from 30 minutes)

For the trainspotters amongst you, head to the pretty coastal town of South Queensferry. You can’t a better view of the iconic Forth Railway Bridge! This famous red metallic structure towers above the South Queensferry skyline. The Forth Bridge, built over 125 years ago, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an incredible feat of engineering.

This small town to the West of Edinburgh will charm you with its small lanes, cafés restaurants, shops and friendly locals – it’s the perfect destination for a day trip from Edinburgh. If you’re looking for history and wildlife, then jump aboard the Maid of the Forth  or Forth Boats  for a great outing to nearby Inchcolm Island.

How to get to South Queensferry from Edinburgh:

• South Queensferry is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh. Click here for driving instructions.
• It’s an easy  15 minute train journey  from Edinburgh to Dalmeny. Catch the train at either Waverley train station or Haymarket (in the West end) – you can buy tickets  online here . Once you’ve reached Dalmeny train station, it’s then a pleasant 15 minute walk to South Queensferry.
• Catch a Lothian Country bus no 43 from Edinburgh ( click here to check the various stops ) and get off at The Loan. The journey takes around 40 minutes .

Inchcolm Island & Abbey (from 30 minutes)

Imagine a peaceful picturesque tiny island with an incredible history and an ancient abbey, just a short trip from the centre of Edinburgh. This is Inchcolm Island, this is ‘Iona of the East’. Oh and it’s even mentioned in Shakespeare’s Macbeth!

Take a leisurely boat trip from South Queensferry to reach the island and enjoy an afternoon visiting the 12 th century Abbey. Construction of the historic Inchcolm Abbey was started under the orders of King David I.

In more recent times the island has also played its part in the 1 st and 2 nd World Wars. Due to its location in the Firth of Forth it was ideally placed as a defensive HQ. At this time, many war ships were anchored between the Forth Rail Bridge and Inchcolm Island. Wartime constructions include anti-submarine booms, secret tunnels, heavy gun emplacements and an engine house used to generate electricity.

→  Inchcolm Abbey Website

Getting there: catch the Maid of the Forth or Forth Boats from Hawes Pier in South Queensferry. See above on how to reach South Queensferry.

Glasgow (from 45 minutes)

Visitors often overlook Glasgow in favour of Scotland’s capital, however, this hip, vibrant city is definitely worth a visit and is an easy day trip from Edinburgh (a short 45 minute train ride).  Known as the world’s friendliest city, Glasgow is famous for its welcoming locals, its stunning architecture, world-class visitor attractions, shopping and lively nightlife.

>> Are you travelling to Glasgow with kids? Head here for our top 10 things to do with kids in Glasgow ! <<

It’s home to many fantastic museums and art galleries including the Riverside Museum, the Science Museum, the People’s Palace, the Burrell Collection not to mention Glasgow’s flagship museum, Kelvingrove in Glasgow’s West End . The museum houses famous works of art including Dali’s iconic Christ of St John of the Cross.

How to get from Edinburgh to Glasgow:

• Glasgow is approximately 60 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh. Click here for driving instructions.
• The journey can take as little as 45 minute s from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street station (there are 2 train stations in Glasgow – Central & Queen Street). You can catch the train either at either Waverley train station or Haymarket (in the West end) – you can buy tickets  online here .
• You can catch the Megabus ( book ahead for some great prices ) which leaves from Edinburgh bus station or the Citylink 900 which runs every 15 minutes 24 hours a day. Citylink bus makes several stops within Edinburgh (Edinburgh North St David Street, the bus station, Haymarket train station, Edinburgh zoo) and you can even pick it up at Edinburgh airport if you’ve landed in the capital and are heading onwards to Glasgow. The journey takes around 1hr 20 minutes by bus depending on the time of day.

Jupiter Artland (from 30 minutes)

Jupiter Artland is located on the outskirts of Edinburgh (technically in West Lothian), however, it’s well worth the detour if you have the time and transport. It’s a contemporary park showcasing art installations, a woodland art trail, grass sculptures and more. There’s also a lovely teashop if you need to refuel at any point. If you’re on a budget, head there on a Monday for ‘‘pay what you want Mondays’ and note that it’s only open from May to September.

→  Jupiter Artland Website

How to get from Edinburgh to Jupiter Artland:

• Jupiter Artland is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh. Click here for driving instructions.
• Catch the 20 minute train to Kirknewton – you can buy tickets  online here . Then you can either hop in a taxi or walk half an hour to reach the park.
• Catch the X27 Lothian Country bus heading towards Whitburn and get off at Coxydene. The bus journey takes around 40 minutes . You’ll then have a short 2 minute walk to the park. Check the Lothian bus app for times and to locate a suitable bus stop in Edinburgh.

Roslynn Chapel in Roslin (from 30 minutes)

Most people are aware of the existence of this famous chapel , following its starring role in the movie ‘The Da Vinci Code’. However, it’s much more impressive away from the silver screen, where you can touch and feel the history. The first foundation stones were cut in 15 th century on a small hill in the village of Roslin, 10 miles from Edinburgh.

Make no mistake this a building that stirs the soul. Over the years many people have tried to unlock the mysteries of the symbolism within. There are some that believe that this beautiful ornate chapel has connections with the Knights of the Templar and even that the Holy Grail is hidden here. While others believe that the chapel is a stargate to another world, perhaps one way of explaining its unearthly beauty.

The exterior is impressive, but you can see why there is so much passion for this place when you step inside. It’s hard to comprehend the amount of time and skill that was required to create the carving of the ‘Apprentice Pillar’ let alone the fantastic geometric ceiling patterns. Legend has it that the apprentice stone mason made such a good job of the pillar, that the chief mason became jealous enough to kill him!

Whether you believe in aliens or the Holy Grail, visiting this stunning chapel should not be missed… the experience is nothing short of jaw dropping!

→  Rosslyn Chapel Website

How to get to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh:

• Rosslyn Chapel is approximately a 30 minute drive south from Edinburgh city centre. Click here for driving instructions. There is free parking at the chapel. Driving to the chapel is the easiest and quickest way to get there.
• Catch the train from Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket train station to Eskbank (journey takes approx. 18 mins ). Then either pick up a taxi or catch the East Coast Bus no 140 which runs approximately every half hour from the main road, near the Tesco store. The bus journey to Roslin will take around 30 minutes . Check here for times and tickets.
• Catch the Edinburgh Lothian bus no 37 (direction Pennycuick/Deanburn) from Princes Street (other stops available, download the Lothian bus app to check times and bus stops ). The journey will take around 50 mins . Get off the bus at the Original Rosslyn hotel and enjoy the short 2 minute walk to the chapel.

Linlithgow Palace (from 20 minutes)

Now in ruins, this incredible 15 th Century palace was once Scotland’s answer to Buckingham Palace. King James I, III, V, VI called it home and Mary Queen of Scots was born here. While officially the last resident moved out in 1648, watch out for the ghost of Mary of Guise (Mary Queen of Scots’ mother).

To get some idea of just how bling this building was in its heyday, check out the ornate orders of chivalry above the arch at the gate house You won’t be disappointed by the intricate nature of the carvings, lavishly coated with gold, royal blue and deep red.

A visit to what remains of the great hall sets the scene of what life must have been like for those within these Royal walls. Given the scale of the room, it’s easy to imagine the sumptuous banquets that must have taken place here. It is perhaps no coincidence that Karl Lagerfeld chose this location for Chanel’s 10 th Metiers d’art show in 2012.

All this makes it hard to believe that once Scotland’s monarchs moved to England in 1603, the buildings were rarely used and were eventually destroyed by fire 1746. Beautiful parkland surrounds the Palace complete with a large lake. It is here that the music festival ‘Party at the Palace’ has taken place in more recent years, but it’s also perfect for a picnic.

The palace ruins and grounds are now maintained by Historic Scotland and it’s open to the public all year round.

→  Linlithgow Palace Website

How to get to Linlithgow Palace from Edinburgh:

• Linlithgow Palace is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh and there is sufficient car parking space next to the Palace.
• It’s an easy 18 minute train journey from Edinburgh. Catch the train at either Waverley train station or Haymarket (in the West end) – you can buy tickets online here . Once you’ve reached Linlithgow train station, it’s then a short 5 minute walk to the Palace. This is the easiest and quickest option if you’re travelling by public transport.
• Catch the First bus number 38 or X2 from Princes Street and get off in Linlithgow’s High Street (this bus takes between 1h and 1h20 ). Check the journey planner here . You will then have a short walk to reach the Palace.

Stirling Castle [from 60 mins]

From one Palace to another… presenting you with Stirling Castle, home to the likes of Mary Queen of Scots, King James V, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce. It’s one of Scotland’s largest castles and was home to many of Scotland’s monarchy over the course of 1000 years. Highlights include the Royal Palace, the Great Hall, the Stirling Heads and the Chapel Royal and is a serious contender to Edinburgh Castle !

Located on Castle Hill, it can easily be reached on foot from the town centre (warning – steep climb!) or by car. Check our post on visiting Stirling Castle for full details. Read below to find out how to make this easy day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling Castle.

→  Stirling Castle Website

How to get to Stirling Castle from Edinburgh:

• Stirling Castle is approximately 60 minutes drive from Edinburgh and there is a car park on the Castle Esplanade, however, it does fill up quickly. Click here for driving directions from Edinburgh to Stirling Castle.
• Catch the train from either Waverley (centre) or Haymarket train station (west end) – you can buy tickets online here . The train journey takes around 40-45 minutes . It’s then a 15 minute walk up to the castle – the last part is pretty steep! You can of course, also jump in a taxi for the last stretch.
• Catch the Scottish City Link bus from Edinburgh bus station or Haymarket train station (or even opposite Edinburgh zoo or the airport). The journey takes around 1hr 25mins – check the online timetable here . You will then need to walk from the bus station to the castle – this takes an additional 15 minutes – or take a taxi. Click here for directions .
• Catch the Megabus from Edinburgh bus station. The company operates up to 6 services per day and the journey takes around 1hr 20mins . Click here for timetables and tickets. You will then need to walk from the bus station to the castle – this takes around 15 minutes – or take a taxi. Click here for directions .

North Berwick (from 30 – 40 minutes)

The exclusive Royal of Burgh of North Berwick is a quaint little seaside town 25 miles from Edinburgh and is a great day trip option from the Scottish capital. It can easily be reached by train in about half an hour or by car 40 minutes.

In the centre, there is an eclectic mix of sprawling Victorian villas (many are now B&Bs) and traditional fisherman’s cottages. There is always plenty of activity in the 12 th century harbour, although most of the fishing boats have been replaced by pleasure craft these days.

Find your perfect spot on one of the two lovely sandy beaches, grab an ice cream from the amazing award winning Alandas Gelateria and get blown away by the view, hopefully not the wind. From the beach, there is a great vista of the coastline including the dramatic island of Bass Rock.

There is also great choice of small independent shops for gifts, together with excellent cafes and restaurants. One of our favourite places to sample the local seafood is the Lobster Shack take away at the harbour.

How to get to North Berwick from Edinburgh:

• You can reach North Berwick by car in about 45 minutes from Edinburgh. Click here for driving instructions. 
• Getting to North Berwick by train is by far the best option. It’s a very pleasant half hour train journey from Waverley train station. Click here for tickets and timetable . The train station is just a short walk from the town centre and the beach.
• Catch either the X5 or 124 East Coast bus from Princes Street (other Edinburgh stops available – check here ). The bus journey takes between 1hr and 1hr 25mins . Get off at St Baldred’s church and then walk a further 800 meters to reach the town centre.

East Lothian beaches (from 50 minutes)

If you fancy blowing away the cobwebs and getting a good dose of sea air then jump in the car and head out towards the beaches in East Lothian! This is one of our favourite day trips from Edinburgh. We’ve already mentioned the fabulous beach at North Berwick but why not check out a few more in the area. Our favourites are Gullane Bents, Yellowcraigs, Seacliff and Aberlady beach. The easiest way to reach the beaches is by car and you could easily cover a few in the same day. Click here for more information on things to visit in East Lothian.

St Andrews (from 1hr 20 mins)

St Andrews – the home of golf – is an attractive seaside town on the Fife coast of Scotland. There is of course more to this town than its famous Old Course golf course! The place is steeped in history – the University for a start is the oldest university in Scotland and was founded before America was even discovered. It’s also where Prince William met Kate and it’s rumoured that 1 in 10 students meet their future spouse there.

The scenic castle is worth a visit with its infamous bottle dungeon and counter-mine defense system. Don’t miss the Cathedral and if you’re feeling particularly energetic, climb the many steps up St Rule’s Tower to get a great panoramic view of the town and the surrounding landscape.

>> Check our full guide here of things to do in St Andrews! <<

You’ll mostly bump into golfers and students – after all students make up one third of the population during term time! There are two main beaches to choose from – the large expansive sands at West Sands and the smaller, bay-like beach at East Sands. And if you decide that a day is not enough, then check out our St Andrews accommodation guide out .

How to get to St Andrews from Edinburgh:

• You can reach St Andrews by car in about 1hr 20 mins from Edinburgh. Click here for driving instructions.  
• If you prefer to travel by train, you will need to catch the train to Leuchars ( journey is 1hr ) and then a short 12 minute bus or taxi ride to the town as there is no train station in St Andrews. Check the scotrail website for times and tickets .
• Catch the X59 from Edinburgh bus station, click here for timetable . The bus journey takes approximately 2 hours .

The Pentland Hills (from 35 mins)

Whether you’re a walker, a runner, a hiker or a mountain biker, the Pentland Hills are the perfect destination for you. A world away from the crowds of the Royal Mile, this range of hills to the west of the city makes for the perfect day trip from Edinburgh. There are around 100km of marked trails with walking circuits starting from as little as 3.5kms. You’ll also be rewarded with some stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh and the Lothians.

There are a number of entry points, however, our favourite is Flotterston as it’s easy to park there and you can round off your day with a refreshment at the Flotterstom Inn!

Getting there: We recommend you click on the Pentland Hills’ website to decide which trail you’re going to do and then either drive there or jump on a bus. Download this very useful guide to find out which bus to catch to the various entry points. It also provides you with the names of the various walks.

Glenkinchie Distillery (from 35 minutes)

If you are visiting Edinburgh and fancy a wee dram, then what better place than a real-life working distillery. Founded in 1837, Glenkinchie features in the prestigious ‘Classic Malts Selection’ and has won best lowland single malt back in 2013, so you are in good hands.

The distillery is conveniently located only 15 miles from the city in beautiful East Lothian, so no Highland road trip required. To make it even easier to sample some of the amber nectar at source, there is a small luxury shuttle bus run by the distillery. It will pick you up in the centre of town twice a day, 7 days a week.

Okay, so you have arrived in whisky heaven, what next? Well, you will be presented with a choice of 4 tours which increase with price, plus there is a brilliant exhibition which features a model distillery.

There is something for everyone. The basic tour comes in at around £10, while the range topping ‘Managers Tour’ will set you back £150. But this option does take 2 hours and gives you chance to taste all 6 whiskys that this small distillery produces.

The good news is that even the basic tour gives you a chance to sample your very own ‘angels share’  (aged 12 years), in the form of a complimentary glass of what you came for.

→  Glenkinchie Distillery Website

Getting there: you can either drive there in approximately 35 minutes or alternatively – a much better option – is to book a seat on the distillery’s very own shuttle bus which will pick you up from Edinburgh city centre. You will need to buy a combined transport + entrance ticket by calling ahead (tel: 01875 342 012) to book onto this service.

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train

Personally, I absolutely love travelling by train so I thought I’d highlight some of the top places that you can reach from Edinburgh by train. They’re all short train journeys away – between 20 and 45 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley train station. You’ll find all the information you need about the destinations and how to get there above.

• North Berwick
• South Queensferry (Dalmeny)
• Aberdour 

Final Words

We hope you enjoyed our round up of suggested day trips out of Edinburgh! If you’re travelling with children then be sure to check out our guide on day trips from Edinburgh with kids . We’ve made that post more specific to families and have showcased the best family-friendly outings including more beaches, parks and child-friendly activities.

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15 Unforgettable Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read  full disclosure  for more information.

There are so many incredible day trips from Edinburgh by Train. In fact, one of the easiest ways to get around Scotland is by using the train that goes throughout the country, and it can get you to some pretty cool places!

Whether you’re looking for Edinburgh day trips by train to places in the great outdoors or you’d rather hit up a small coastal town, this list has got you covered.

While I was studying abroad in Dublin, I took a trip to Scotland, and trust me when I say I love the ease of traveling the UK by train. It’s just not like that here in the United States!

Each section includes precisely how to get there, the distance, and some fun things to do in the place. Read on to learn all about the best day trips from Edinburgh by train!

Table of Contents

At a Glance: Edinburgh Train Day Trips

Are you in a rush? Here are the best day trips from Edinburgh by train and how long it takes to get there. Where will you go?

Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train

St. andrews.

🚆 Distance: 1 hour 45 minutes

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the Scotrail towards Dundee from Edinburgh Waverley Station and get off at Leuchars. Then, take the 94A towards St Andrews and get off at the St Andrews bus station from the station.

First up is one of the best Edinburgh day trips by train, St. Andrews! It only takes slightly less than two hours to get there from Edinburgh, and the drive is pretty scenic along the way, making it the perfect way to spend a day.

Plus, St Andrews is one of the best places to visit in Scotland .

As a coastal city in Scotland, St Andrews is a beautiful location known for its history and excellent golf courses. In fact, it’s even home to a museum dedicated to golfing called the British Golf Museum!

Many people know St Andrews because it’s also home to the University of St Andrews, one of Scotland’s universities dating back to the 1400s. The university itself features gorgeous architecture and outdoor spaces worth exploring.

Other fun things to check out while visiting St Andrews include the St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews Castle, and even the St Andrews Aquarium.

If you want to make your trip an overnight trip, consider staying at Five Pilmour Place . With mid-range pricing and lots of amenities, this is one of the most popular places to stay in St Andrews!

Plus, the rooms are cozy, and it’s a short walk to the Old Course and St Andrews Castle.

🚂 Book your ticket to St Andrews here! 🚂

🗺️ How to Get There: Hop on the ScotRail towards Aberdeen from Edinburgh Waverley. Get off at Dundee!

Another of the best day trips by train from Edinburgh is Dundee, a harbor town on the eastern coast of Scotland with a population of over 150,000. It is home to prominent universities, world-class golf courses, and eclectic art galleries.

There are many things to do in Dundee, Scotland. It has an impressive selection of museums, art galleries, and cafes that are great for the whole family.

The town also offers plenty of shopping opportunities on the High Street with many independent shops to explore.

For a fun, educational (yet also free) time, head to the V&A Museum in Dundee . The entrance is free, and there are always fun art exhibits inside, like the one in the image above.

Often, there are also paid exhibits that circle around a specific topic. I was lucky enough to attend one about video games in 2019!

Other fun things to do in Dundee include visiting the McManus Art Gallery & Museum, Dundee Contemporary Arts, or Verdant Works.

An excellent place to stay in Dundee is the Hotel Indigo Dundee . Average nightly costs are under $100, and it’s in a reasonably central location! There are great amenities like parking, air conditioning, and an on-site restaurant.

🚂 Book your ticket to Dundee here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 4 hours

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the ScotRail towards Dundee from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Perth. Then, switch to the ScotRail towards Inverness and get off at Inverness. From there, you’ll have to rent a car, go on a tour, or use a local bus to get to Loch Ness.

One of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train is Loch Ness! Many people who visit Scotland want to see the famed Loch Ness Monster, which is said to be right at Loch Ness.

While there is no definitive proof that this creature exists, there are many claims of sightings and even photos of it.

Most people visit Urquhart Castle , right at Loch Ness, when visiting. It is said that the castle was the first place the monster was seen back in 565 AD.

Today, visitors can take a boat ride out on the loch or hike around the hillsides to try to catch a glimpse of it!

Many tour operators offer tours of the area and local shops where tourists can purchase souvenirs and gifts, so you can easily make your trip to Loch Ness longer if needed.

If you’re looking to stay in the area by Loch Ness, consider spending the night at The Lovat Loch Ness in Fort Augustus. This four-star hotel is usually around $100 per night, so it is super affordable for the value that you get.

The rooms are chic, and there’s free breakfast, plus two restaurants right on site.

🚂 Book your ticket to Loch Ness here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 30 minutes

🗺️ How to Get There: Head to Edinburgh Waverley station and hop on the Scotrail towards Dunblane. Get off on Falkirk Grahamston and enjoy your trip!

Falkirk is a town in Scotland with lots of things to do, plus it’s right on the water. There are many shops and restaurants and different pubs. The people are amicable and always helpful if you need directions or help finding anything.

This gorgeous Scottish town is also perfect for walking or hiking because there are beautiful parks with walking trails that go through them. It’s a great way to spend some time if you’re looking for a getaway from Edinburgh!

Some of the best attractions in Falkirk include the Falkirk Wheel, Callendar House, and the Kelpies. If you’re traveling with children, check out Wonder World Soft Play and Sky High Trampolining!

To spend a longer time in Falkirk, book a night at the Orchard Hotel . It’s only a short walk from the Falkirk Grahamston Station and is kid-friendly! Plus, there is complimentary breakfast and wifi.

🚂 Book your ticket to Falkirk here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 20 minutes

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the ScotRail from Edinburgh Waverley towards Glasgow Queen Street and get off at Linlithgow.

Linlithgow is one of the top day trips by train from Edinburgh! It might be a small town with a population of about 8,000, but it has many things to do for locals and tourists alike.

The most popular place to visit is the Linlithgow Palace , where Mary Queen of Scots lived before becoming Queen of England.

The palace is now a museum and visitor center that takes guests to explore the storied past of this country’s history! Any history fan will love it.

In addition to checking out the palace, other great things to do in Linlithgow include learning at the Linlithgow Museum, seeing the deer at Beecraigs Country Park, and biking along the Union Canal.

By far, the best place to stay in Linlithgow is the West Port Hotel ! With prices generally under $100 per night, this modern hotel has free breakfast and ample room sizes. Plus, there’s even a gastropub. What’s not to like?

🚂 Book your ticket to Linlithgrow here! 🚂

Newcastle Upon Tyne

🚆 Distance: 1.5 hours

🗺️ How to Get There: Hop on the train at Edinburgh Waverley and take the LNER towards London Kings Cross, but get off at Newcastle.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the largest city in North East England, located on the River Tyne. It’s one of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train! Newcastle hosts a myriad of things to do, from museums and concerts to shopping districts and sporting events.

The best way to see Newcastle is by foot, as it has many beautiful landmarks that are impossible to miss. One of these attractions is the Tyne Bridge, which was built in 1928 after World War I had ended.

This is one of the top landmarks in the city, and it’s impossible to miss because it stretches across the river.

While you should see the Tyne Bridge, there are also other great attractions, like the Living Museum of the North, the Angel of the North, and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.

Be sure to book a night’s stay at the Royal Station Hotel if you plan on spending more than a day in Newcastle! This hotel is inside a Victorian building but features modern hotel rooms. Plus, there’s an indoor pool, great dining at a restaurant, and even a spa.

🚂 Book your ticket to Newcastle here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 25 minutes

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the Transpennine Express towards Newcastle from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Dunbar.

For one of the great train trips from Edinburgh, Scotland, head to Dunbar.

Dunbar is a small coastal village in the East Lothian region of Scotland. The town has many things to do for visitors and locals alike, such as hiking, exploring, and birdwatching.

There are also plenty of eating options available, making it the perfect place to visit for foodies.

When visiting Dunbar, consider stopping at some of the town’s best attractions, like John Muir’s Birthplace, The Fishermen’s Monument, and the Ruins of Tantallon Castle. For some great views, consider also stopping by John Muir Country Park.

To elongate your stay in Dunbar instead of heading back to Edinburgh, book a night’s stay at the Royal Mackintosh Hotel . This 3-star hotel has lavish rooms and even has a great restaurant that features wood pieces from an old historic ship.

🚂 Book your ticket to Dunbar here! 🚂

Loch Lomond

🚆 Distance: 3 hours

🗺️ How to Get There: Getting to Loch Lomond by train is no easy feat, but it is possible. Start by taking the ScotRail towards Dunblane from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Larbert. Then, take the Scotrail towards Glasgow Queen Street and get off at Glasgow Queen Street. After, hop back on the ScotRail, but take the one towards Balloch and get off at Balloch. Finally, take the 305 bus towards Luss from Craiglomond Gardens and get off at the Visitor Center Car Park!

Loch Lomond is one of the nicest day trips from Edinburgh to the highlands!

Scotland’s Loch Lomond is a lake located in the Central Highlands of Scotland and is one of the largest freshwater lochs in Great Britain.

It is nestled between the towns of Balloch and Drymen and will genuinely take your breath away, especially if you’re looking for incredible natural landscapes in Scotland.

In addition to exploring Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, there are many other great things to do in the area. For instance, you can visit the SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium, take a ride on the Maid of the Loch, and more.

To fully enjoy the beauty of Loch Lomond, consider staying in the area right at the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel . This 4-star hotel is moderately priced and is inside an old eighteenth-century building.

It features tons of terrific amenities, including a bar, prime location, and even air conditioning.

🚂 Book your ticket to Balloch here! 🚂

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the ScotRail towards Helensburgh Central from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Livingston North.

One of the best train routes from Edinburgh is to Livingston. With stunning mountain views and historical places such as The Livingston Manor House and Middle Hill, you’ll find plenty to see in the area.

The Scottish city of Livingston is a great place to visit, with tons of fun things to do, like exploring the Livingston Skate Park, the Almond Valley Heritage Trust, and even the Five Sisters Zoo.

If you’re in the mood to explore some of Scotland’s stunning natural beauty, take a walk along part of the Water of Leith or partake in a guided kayaking trip along the River Almond.

As one of the best day trips by train from Edinburgh, there’s much to do here!

To make your trip to Livingston longer, consider booking a stay at the 3-star Mercure Livingston Hotel , right near some of the best places to visit in the area. Plus, there’s free wifi, an indoor pool, and air conditioning available to all guests.

🚂 Book your ticket to Livingston here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 2 hours

🗺️ How to Get There: To get to Arbroath from Edinburgh, take the ScotRail towards Aberdeen from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Arbroath.

Arbroath is located close to Aberdeen at the mouth of the North Sea and offers a variety of things for travelers to do during their stay. It’s one of the best Edinburgh day trips by train and has a pretty scenic ride along the way!

This town offers many scenic spots, like the Arbroath Cliffs, which will truly take your breath away. The town has many attractions for visitors, like Arbroath Abbey, which was founded in 1160. Nearby is Alford Garden, with its ancient tree yews and labyrinths.

Other great attractions in the area include the Signal Tower Museum, the Arbroath to Auchmithie Coastal Path, and the West Links Park.

A great, affordable place to stay in town is the Townhouse Hotel . It’s less than $100 per night and has free wifi, air conditioning, and even a restaurant. Plus, it’s a quick walk to get to the North Sea, so it’s incredibly central.

🚂 Book your ticket to Arbroath here! 🚂

Cairngorms National Park

🚆 Distance: 4-5 hours

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the ScotRail toward Aberdeen from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Aberdeen. Then, take a bus to get to the part of the park that you’d most like to visit.

One of the best day trips from Edinburgh to the highlands is Cairngorms National Park. It’s a bit more challenging to get there, but it’s well worth it.

If you can swing it, it’s even better if, once you make it out there, you can rent a car so you can visit places like Craigievar Castle and Balmoral Castle in the area.

The Cairngorms National Park consists of the mountains of the Cairngorm Range. The Crown Estate owns much of this area and manages it for outdoor recreation, wildlife, and agriculture.

The park is perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and nature photographers who want to capture these moments in time before they change. Many people even say that it’s one of the best places for hiking in the whole of the United Kingdom!

To spend more time near the park, book a stay at the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore. This 3-star hotel is super nice inside and has great traditional Scottish decor. Plus, it’s top-rated, has an excellent restaurant, and is near public transportation.

🚂 Book your ticket to Aberdeen here! 🚂

🗺️ How to Get There: Ride the ScotRail towards Inverness from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Pitlochry.

One of the best places to visit by train near Edinburgh is the small town of Pitlochry. The town sits at the base of Mount Blair near Scotland’s largest lake, Loch Rannoch.

Pitlochry is often referred to as the “gateway to the Highlands.” The town has a population of just over 3,500.

Pitlochry is also home to the stately home of Blair Castle, where it is possible to take guided tours of the estate, which was once the residence of Queen Elizabeth II’s mother. With so many things to do, you will never be bored!

Other fun places to visit include the Blair Athol Distillery, Loch Faskally, and the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Center.

The Atholl Villa Guest House is the perfect place to stay if you want to extend your trip to Pitlochry. This 4-star hotel is a fantastic bed and breakfast with home-cooked breakfast in the morning and free wifi. Plus, prices are relatively affordable per night.

🚂 Book your ticket to Pitlochry here! 🚂

North Berwick

🗺️ How to Get There: To get to North Berwick from Edinburgh, take the ScotRail towards North Berwick from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at North Berwick.

North Berwick is a town in Scotland that can be found on the country’s northeast coast. It’s a popular destination for tourists because it offers many different attractions within a small area.

Visitors will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy renowned golf courses, play a round of tennis, or take a stroll through the beaches and coastal forests that border this seaside town.

There are also a variety of surf spots along the coastline where visitors can go to get some great waves during all seasons.

If you’re looking for a sleepy town in the United Kingdom with plenty of history, North Berwick is the perfect destination. There are also family-friendly activities like bowling, indoor rock climbing, or visiting beautiful gardens.

Don’t forget to stop by the nearby castles too, Tantallon Castle and Dirleton Castle & Gardens!

For a great place to stay, consider booking a night at the No 12 Hotel & Bistro . This 3-star hotel is slightly more expensive than other recommendations on this list, but overall, North Berwick accommodations are a bit pricier.

The hotel is close to Dirleton Castle & Gardens, Tantallon Castle, and the Scottish Seabird Center.

🚂 Book your ticket to North Berwick here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 50 minutes

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the ScotRail towards Glasgow Queen Streed from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Glasgow Queen Street! This is a quick, easy ride through Scotland.

If you’re looking for one of the more popular train trips from Edinburgh, Scotland, head to Glasgow! It’s the largest city in Scotland and is considered to be one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world.

The city is famous for its rich history, amazing shops and attractions, art and culture, as well as its popular music scene. Glasgow’s buzzing population of 1.3 million people means you’ll never run out of things to do!

Textile mills, shipbuilding, railroads, and coal miners mark Glasgow’s history. Glasgow is also home to many amazing museums like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, and The People’s Palace.

Extend your stay in this lovely city by booking a night or two at the Radisson Blue Hotel ! This is the most popular place to stay in Glasgow by far.

It’s centrally located and has a restaurant, great breakfast, and even a pool. Plus, the rooms are a great size, considering the hotel is in a city.

🚂 Book your ticket to Glasgow here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 40 minutes

🗺️ How to Get There: If you want to head to Stirling, take the ScotRail towards Dunblane from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at the Stirling stop.

Last but not least is another of the great train routes from Edinburgh, Stirling! It is a historic and scenic city in Scotland. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure with friends, there are plenty of things to do in this Scottish city.

Some of the best attractions in Stirling include the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, the National Wallace Monument, and the Stirling Old Town Jail.

Of course, the star of the show is the Stirling Castle, which overlooks the town and is impossible to miss.

For an incredible experience, book a night at the Golden Lion Hotel while visiting Stirling.

The hotel has been welcoming guests for over 200 years and has tons of great amenities. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops right next to the hotel to enjoy during your stay.

🚂 Book your ticket to Stirling here! 🚂

Final Thoughts: Edinburgh Train Day Trips

This post was all about the best day trips from Edinburgh by train. What location would you love to take a day trip to?

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KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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ZigZagonEarth

Plan unforgettable road trips!

10 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh (Scotland) – by car or tours

Last updated on November 21, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Planning your trip to Scotland and wondering what could be the best day trips from Edinburgh for you? Below is my selection of the top 10 best destinations to see within a day. Plus, I share the options to join organized tours or complete the day trip by car depending on if you want to drive or not. Time to plan!

Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Scotland:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Scotland: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Seal spotting on Loch Linnhe from Fort William

My favorite excursion from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan and Glencoe

My favorite places to stay:

• Edinburgh: see best rated hotels – e.g. Balmoral Hotel
• Glencoe: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Glencoe House Hotel
• Portree: see best rated hotels – e.g. The Cuillin Hills Hotel
• Inverness: see best rated hotels – e.g. Kingsmills Hotel

Exploring Scotland with the best day trips from Edinburgh

For those who do not want to go on a road trip and change base every night, staying in  Edinburgh  is a great option.  There is  much to see in the city  and a wide variety of options for one day tours from Edinburgh with scenery, architecture, history and tasty whisky. You can find ideas for your accommodation in Edinburgh at the end of this article or see here the best rated accommodations .

Best day trips from Edinburgh Scotland – Short answer

If you don’t want to read the whole article, I think the best tours from Edinburgh you could enjoy are:

• Glencoe and the Highlands – the scenery is breathtaking! See small group tour option
• The Scottish Borders – a long history to admire in the ruins of these magnificent abbeys See small group tour option
• The West Highlands with one of my favorite Scottish Castles: Inveraray See small group tour option
• Stirling Castle and the Trossachs (with lochs and mountains) See small group tour option
• Queen’s View over Loch Tummel and Whisky tasting See small group tour option
• Exploring Glasgow – historical buildings, modern architecture and street art Easy to reach by train + hop-on hop-off bus
• St Andrews, for a classic See small group tour option
• The castles of the Lothians – not far and impressive Easy drive from Edinburgh
• Whisky Distilleries – don’t drive! See small group tour option
• Day trip to England with TV and Movie locations See group tour option

Find out photos and tips later in the article.

Map – where to go on a day trip from Edinburgh by car or by tour

And to get you oriented, below is a map with the 8 best areas:

Need to rent a car in Scotland?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a  compact car  for the single-lane roads
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

Answers to FAQs

How is driving about doing road trips – day trips from edinburgh by car.

Below you will see the 10 options with information to complete the day trips by car with

• time on the road
• best stops 

If you are worried about driving in Scotland, check out my article with videos and practical info .

Can you visit the Isle of Skye on a day trip from Edinburgh?

No. Sadly, the Isle of Skye is not one of them because it is too far away for only one day (4h30 drive to the Skye Bridge). But, if you have several days, head to my article about choosing your Isle of Skye tour .

Organized Tour Options

If you do not want to drive and (have to find parking in the city every evening), organized excursions from Edinburgh are a great option. When I book tours, I mostly use GetYourGuide (or Viator if I don’t find what I want) because I get many firsthand reviews from people who have really done the tour (no fake reviews like on TripAdvisor). 

Day trips from Edinburgh by train

If you don’t want to drive or join a group, your other option is the train. There are some famous train rides in Scotland, especially the Jacobite steam train. However, most of them would require more than a day of travel. If you have just a day, you can go to nearby towns by train. It is much harder to see nature highlights by train.

• Stirling, to see its castle
• Saint Andrews (train to Luechers + bus)

#1 – Glencoe & Highlands – day trip from Edinburgh to the Highlands

Type: Nature

• Drive by Stirling Castle and in the Trossachs National Park
• Small and larger lochs of all shapes and atmosphere
• Stunning valley of Glen Coe – With the famous mountain of Buachaille Etive Mor, the Three Sisters Ridge, the Meeting of the 3 waters falls and so much more…

Self-drive Information

Time on Road: 6h

• On route, you will drive past the Stirling Castle on M9 and the Trossachs National Park on A85
• Once you enter the Glencoe protected area, you can stop along A82 for some amazing views – check my article about the best stops along the road
• At Glencoe, turn right onto B863 to tour the magnificent Loch Leven surrounded by high peaks, one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland
• You can return via the same road with different perspective driving the other way around, or you can drive a little longer and return via A82 along Loch Lomond.

Want to stay overnight?

You can stay in the Glencoe town or further in the mountain in Kinlochleven. This way you can enjoy some hikes in the area. Check out the accommodations in the area .

Organized Tour Option

There are many day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands. Many drive through Glencoe. However, they don’t tour Loch Leven but continue on to other Highlands destinations. You will spend a lot of time on the road, but you will see a lot of the beautiful Scottish Highland landscapes.

I picked a tour clockwise for you because I think the views are better.

All of them are Loch Ness Tours from Edinburgh – They combine Glencoe with the famous Loch Ness and driving through the Cairngorm National Park. The day will be long, but you will see so much beauty!!!! And will you see Nessie the monster?

Small group tour (less than 16 people) – Long Drives

Check out program and prices

#2 – The Scottish Borders

Type: Architecture/History

• Old Abbeys that were powerful in this region close to the border with England
• Beautiful views of the Lowlands countryside with rolling hills

Time on Road: 3h30

On a very different style, you can head South to discover the ruins of several magnificent Abbeys which used to be very powerful in running the Scottish Borders.

• Make your way South on A68
• Visit Melrose Abbey and climb to the top of the remaining tower to find the pig
• Head to the Walter Scott viewpoint over the beautiful region
• History lovers will particularly appreciate the ruins of the Dryburgh Abbey nearby
• Then head to the magnificent double arch Jedburgh Abbey (personally my favorite) and imagine how life was in this magnificent structure
• (And if you are not yet tired of Abbeys, you can head to a last one in Kelso.)

Organized Tours Option

Get Your Guide does not have a tour with Jedburgh Abbey. But you can hop on this small group day tour from Edinburgh to Melrose Abbey and the very beautiful Rosslyn Chapel (and you don’t have to be a Da Vinci Code of Holy Grail myth fan to enjoy the tour).A great combination of history and countryside

Small group tour (less than 16 people)

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

#3 – West Highlands & Inveraray – beautiful road trip from Edinburgh

Type: Nature/Architecture

• Drive past Stirling
• Discover the Scenery of the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond
• Enjoy the view at ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ stop
• Explore the Fairy tale castle of Inveraray with its green wall, magical park (in the old trees area) and arms display.
• Admire the typical Highlands scenery of Loch Awe with the ruins of Kilchurn Castle

Time on Road:5h

This tour has a little bit of everything of Scotland – It could be Scotland in Miniature… Highlands, ruins, castles, lochs…

• Head North West on M9 towards Stirling – drive past the Stirling Castle – no time to visit if you want to see the rest
• Enter the Trossachs National Park on A85 and enjoy its beautiful scenery
• Continue on A85 towards Loch Awe to discover the ruins of Kilchurn castle in that typical Highland scenery: the ruins are in the middle of the loch surrounded with high summits
• Drive on A819 towards Inveraray. Explore the town and visit the Green Fairytale Castle of Inveraray
• Head back towards Edinburgh on A83 through Glen Croe and enjoy the view at the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ viewpoint and then A82 along Loch Lomond
• Finish with a little bit of Motorway on M8
• Compare rental prices on  Rentalcars.Com

A similar program is offered on a small group excursion from Edinburgh to the West Highlands including a visit to the Inveraray Castle.

Small group tour (less than 16 people) – Long drives

#4 – Stirling Castle & The Trossachs

• Visit of the impressive medieval fortress of Stirling
• Tour of the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond
• Loch Katrine and its historical steamboat (self-drive only)

Time on Road: 4H30

On this Edinburgh Day Trip, you can enjoy one of the most impressive castles in Scotland and discover the weekend nature gateway of the Scottish people.

• Take M9 to Stirling and visit the Stirling Castle on top of the hill
• Head North on A84 towards the Trossachs National Park
• Stop at Loch Katrine and consider a cruise on the historical steamboat
• Continue in the Trossachs on A85 and then A82. Stop for a short walk to the enchanting Falls of Falloch
• Head South and enjoy the shores of Loch Lomond . If you did not cruise Loch Katrine, you can do so on Loch Lomond from the town of Tarbet.

Most organized day tours from Edinburgh focus on Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle. Loch Katrine and the Falls of Falloch are not included. But they already cover a lot, and you will learn plenty about Scottish history thanks to your guide.

#5 – Queen’s View and Whisky

Type: Nature/Culture

• Enjoy one of the best views in Scotland at the Queen’s view
• Taste famous Scottish whisky and learn the process of making it

Time on Road: 5h

On this day tour from Edinburgh, you will discover what is considered one of the best views in Scotland, admire beautiful scenery and learn more about whisky. But don’t drive and drink!

• Head North towards Perth and Pitlorchy on A9
• Head towards the beginning of Loch Tummel to enjoy the famous Queen’s view
• Head South towards the shores of Loch Tay and enjoy
• Stop at Killin to see the famous Falls of Dochart
• Join A85 and drive along Loch Earn. Enjoy the magnificent view from the East tip at St Fillans
• Stop at Crieff to discover the Famous Grouse Experience distillery. A bit touristy but the visit is quite enjoyable and accessible to whisky novices.

This organized tour does covers the beautiful Queen’s View and more in the Perthshire including: the village of Pitlorchy, Loch Tay and the Dewar’s World of Whisky.

#6 – Glasgow – best day trip from Edinburgh by train

Type: City/Culture

Time: 2h train return

Head to Glasgow with a short train ride: 51 min every 15 minutes 

Once in this vibrant town you can discover the many sights:

• The Glasgow Cathedral and its lower church
• The beautiful Garden of the People’s Palace
• And the very impressive Glasgow University
• Check out my article about spending one day in Glasgow

Once in Glasgow the easiest way to hit all the major sights in to take a hop-on hop-off bus.

Save on your Hop-on Hop-off ticket

#7 – St Andrews – short day trip from Edinburgh

Type: Golf/History

• Forth Road Bridge – Famous suspension bridge for trains – 1.5 miles in length
• Historical town of Saint Andrews with the ruins of the cathedral and the oldest university in Scotland
• History of Golf

Time on Road: 3h

If you enjoy golf and history then this is the perfect day trip from Edinburgh for you.

• Head North and cross the water on the Forth Road Bridge – stop around to admire the iconic suspension railway bridge called Forth Bridge
• Head East to the historical town of St Andrews – Absorb the atmosphere, enjoy the bay and visit the ruins of the once huge cathedral

Sit down and relax on this one-day trip from Edinburgh – Let them guide you to St Andrews and learn more about golf history and the oldest university of Scotland. And discover small fishing villages which have been settlements for hundreds of years.

#8 – Lothians – Dirleton and Tantallon Castles – easy drive from Edinburgh

Type: History/Architecture

Time on Road: 2h 

If you are looking for a quieter day with less driving, head East to visit 2 castles of the Lothians and discover their history.

• Take the A1 out of Edinburgh towards the East Coast
• First stop at Dirleton Castle . Part of its structure is still standing from the 13th century. It has many rooms to explore so kids really enjoy it
• Next head to the coast and discover the very impressive Tantallon Castle . Take the time to explore every staircase. Enjoy the views of the cliffs and towards the island of Bass Rock

#9 – Whisky Distilleries

Type: Culture

For those who enjoy whisky, the best region is Speyside. However, Aberlour is a 3h30 drive away from Edinburgh, so not really manageable in the day tour.

Don’t drink and drive!

However, you can still discover the distillery world with this organized day tour from Edinburgh that takes you to 2 distilleries with a side of beautiful Loch Lomond.

#10 – England excursion (+TV/Movie locations)

Type: Nature/ Architecture

Time on Road: 4h 

If you are fan of Downtown Abbey or Harry Potter or simply enjoy a beautiful castle, you can head South, cross the Scottish Border and visit the Castle of Anlwick.

• Drive South on A1, cross the in-country border between Scotland and England
• Stop at the beautiful Holy Island, only accessible at low tide
• Head to the ‘Windsor of the North’, the Anlwick Castle which has been featured in Downtown Abbey and Harry Potter

This exact program is offered as an organized tour from Edinburgh city center:

Accommodations for your Edinburgh base

Before you discover all the amazing one-day Trips from Edinburgh I have picked for you, you first need to find a great base in the city.

Best locations to be able to discover the city on foot are situated in the Old Town or around Princes Street. This way you are close to everything.

Below is my selection of fantastic accommodations in Edinburgh:

• First price – Best rated hostel is the High Street Hostel located in the old town – Check out photos and availability
• MID-RANGE – The Inn Place will offer you good comfort with a great location in the old town – Check out photos and availability
• APART HOTEL – The Princes Street Suites are close to everything but more modern than the old town. A great combination – Check out photos and availability
• LUXURY and HISTORY – Since 1902, the Balmoral Hotel welcomes guests in Edinburgh – Check photos and availability
• LUXURY and BEST VIEWS – The Waldorf Astoria The Caledonian offers rooms with an unobstructed view of the Castle and the old town. Amazing to wake up to see it – Check photos and availability

Want to choose yourself? Here you go:

• Check out the best rated hotels in Edinburgh
• or Check out the best rated apartments in Edinburgh

However, if you want to see more of Scotland, I really recommend a road trip.Check out my travel guides to help you plan your itinerary :

Plan your dream trip to Scotland with my guides!

• 15 easy-to-plan maps
• 170+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates 
• Useful planning tips
• 170+ large photos 

• 8 easy-to-plan maps
• 60+ pre-selected locations
• 115+ large photos 

And keep track of your own trip!

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Reader Interactions

February 14, 2020 at 5:24 AM

Hii Claire,

We are planning to visit UK this September with a stop in Edinburgh (its a must isnt it), im travelling with my wife, 1 y.o infant and my mom..

We would love to do beautiful but relaxing day tours to the nearby places.. is it possible to do that?

Thanks heaps.

Reza Soebagio

February 14, 2020 at 3:45 PM

Hi Reza, I am not sure what is relaxing for you… For less intense program over a day, then organized group tours are not your best options. You should rent a car or use public transportation and just pick one place. For example, you can just go to the charming town of Stirling for the day and enjoy the views from the Castle. or You can just drive to the lowlands and visit Melrose and Jedburgh Abbeys. The Highlands will automatically mean more driving, so not so relaxing. I wish you a wonderful trip Claire

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18 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands & More

By: Author Ana Bras

Posted on Published: February 28, 2023  - Last updated: January 17, 2024

There may be affiliate links throughout the content you're about to read. When you purchase from my links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which helps me provide even more awesome content for you :)

Today’s the day when you’ll discover all about the best day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands, day trips by train, by bus, and some of the most beautiful places in Scotland – all in one go.

If you have been around for a while, you know that I am absolutely and irrevocably in love with Scotland.

I have actually written a few guides for The Working Line about the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh , along with super instagrammable cafes in Edinburgh you really won’t want to miss. This is something that I enjoy doing, it’s like writing my own love letters to Scotland, and honestly, it leaves space for me to constantly learn something new about this country.

So why not expand your horizons and hold dear to that calling we all embrace in Scotland, and dive into what’s waiting for you to explore?

I promise ye feel like a new person when you get to know all the beautiful lochs and hills set just a few hours away from Edinburgh, those that unveil lovely legends, history and of course, all kinds of beautiful photo shots.

Edinburgh itself is a beautiful capital with lots of quiet places and green scenery, perfect spots for you to hide from the hustle of the city center.

With that said, one must not deny that Edinburgh’s surroundings are also some of the most beautiful natural places in the world, and it might just expand yer horizon a wee bit more.

So, whether you take a tour bus, hop on a train or drive yourself, come meet with me the best day trips from Edinburgh. Don’t forget to pack that camera of yours – you will thank me later!

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Take a bus tour to the famous Loch Ness!

One of the best ways to meet Scotland hassle-free is to hop on a tour bus. The buses usually departs from Lawnmarket, Edinburgh early in the morning and arrive in the evening.

I personally loved one of the top-rated best bus tours in Scotland: the Hairy Coo bus tour.

You have lots of itineraries and various tours to pick from, but the Loch Ness tour was and still is a must if you’re new to the Highlands.

You’ve probably heard about Loch Ness before, haven’t you?

Loch Ness is the home to the famous legend of the sea monster Ness (or my favourite term because she ain’t no monster – Nessie). 

It is located in a cute, very small and picturesque town called Fort Augustus and makes for one of the best and most famous day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands.

Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch situated southwest of Inverness, which took its name from the River Ness that flows from the northern end.

You can take a boat tour and cross the river while learning all there is to know about Nessie, and even try to spot her for a wee picture.

Paying a visit to Loch Ness is also one of the best day trips from Edinburgh in winter, and you will understand why when you’re there, whether the river is frozen or not.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Rome

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Glencoe

My absolute favourite… Glencoe. It’s just one of the best day trips from Edinburgh, and one of the most beautiful places in Scotland for anyone who wishes to be at one with nature.

Have you ever been fortunate enough to visit a place and without even knowing it, you feel in absolute peace, comfortable and quiet like there is nothing between you and the serene landscape? 

Well, Glencoe was my heaven on Earth, my own very favourite place in this world. It is a village in western Scotland which lies in Glencoe Valley, in the Scottish Highlands.

This art piece of land is known for its stunning mountains and waterfalls. For the more adventurous ones, you can climb trails such as Buachaille Etive Mor and Bidean nam Bian.

At the village, you will find the Glencoe Folk museum with 18th-century cottages and displays on the local heritage, and the Glencoe massacre of 1692. In this dreamy destination, you will most likely also see red deer and golden eagles.

Tip: If you wish to stay in the nearby area make sure to check out the magnificent Glencoe Inn, it’s a cosy rustic and rather luxurious hotel where you can enjoy a good glass of wine and a warm bath looking at this breathtaking view. 

Read: The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in London

Best Places to Visit near Edinburgh in Winter: Fife

Is it winter and you really feel like escaping the hustle that is Edinburgh during Christmas , or the preparations for Hogmanay?

Then a visit to Fife is perfect for you – it is quite literally on the outskirts of Edinburgh and can be a super vibrant destination to visit. They have plenty of activities for you to be entertained, for starters.

You can book a distillery tour and then, with a good pair of walking boots, come and enjoy the scenic walk to wake up those muscles of yours. You will feel quite warm afterwards.

You can enjoy the parks and coastal areas in Fife if you’re not into that much of an adventure; the views are incredible !

As for you hikers out there, you can go hiking on the Lomond Hills, and take the trails of the forest nearby.

Between golf activities and lots of good food with a stunning white background, you will have plenty to do for a fun day trip from Edinburgh in winter.

You can spot snow-speckled hills and frosty forests that give you that dreamy enchanting landscape. And since Fife is also surrounded by a coastline, you have the opportunity to witness a beautiful sunset at the end of a well-spent day in the city.

This is one of those ‘bring your camera’ moments, and there is no denying how stunning it looks on pictures!

Read: The Most Colorful Places in London

Best Day trips from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct

Most of us grew up watching and reading the Harry Potter saga, and for me, it always goes back to that magical moment where we can spot wee Harry all excited to go to Hogwarts for the first time.

There is this specific part where you can see the Hogwarts express crossing a beautiful circular viaduct in an enchanting land.

Well, the world-famous spot is nonetheless than Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Smaller than it appears on the screens, but as magical as one could expect!

The Glanfinnan Viaduct is a beautiful place to show your photography skills.

If you go at a certain time of the year, you might even spot the train passing by – make sure to film or take as many pictures as you can before you miss the train!

You have different viewpoints to capture the most stunning pictures, however, one of the most famous ones is closer to the viaduct, where you can see the train above you.

This railway viaduct built between 1897-1901 is located on the west Highland line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire.

Situated at the top of Loch Schiel in the west Scottish Highlands, the viaduct overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument and the water of Loch Shiel.

This is one of the most instagrammable places in Scotland, and dare I say, in the whole world due to its role in the famous saga. So don’t forget your wand and marvelous robes; this one is going to be a bumpy ride!

Read: The Most Colorful Cities in the World

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: North Berwick

One of the best day trips from Edinburgh is to North Berwick, just a short 30-minute ride by train from the Scottish capital.

This picturesque seaside town is a former royal burgh in East Lothian, Scotland, and situated on the South Shore of the Firth of Forth.

There, you will be able to enjoy some walks alongside the sea, maybe surf or paddle in those waves, and why not visit Bass Rock, an iconic bird settlement in the region?

Bass Rock, or simply Bass, is a beautiful island in the outer part of the Firth of Forth, in the east of Scotland, and if you enjoy bird watching, you’ll find it’s a really lovely spot.

In there, and especially if you take a cruise tour, you will spot Puffins, Guillemots, Kittiwakes and Gannets. You might also find Eiders, various Gulls, Shags, Cormorants, Fulmars & Grey Seals!

In North Berwick, you will also find many cute coffee shops as well as really local places to eat and shop.

Small town feels, wide nature surrounding you – this is definitely one of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train.

Read: The Most Colorful Cities in Europe

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Perth

Perth is a lovely city located beside the serene river Tay, the longest river in Scotland, and was once was considered the Scottish capital.

This city still blooms in its former glory with really popular attractions, and totally instagrammable sights.

There is a lot to se, like The Fergusson Gallery, set in a former circular water tower, the Black Watch Museum, and the Perth Museum & Art Gallery.

The Scone Palace and the Stone of Destiny are also wonderful attractions.

For the ones that don’t know, the Scone Stone or Stone of Destiny (Lia Fail in Gaelic) is referred to in England as the Coronation Stone. It’s a block of red sandstone that has been used for centuries in the coronation of monarchs. A must-see.

This less-than-two-hour train ride is a lovely way to explore another one of the most beautiful cities near Edinburgh and spend a really lovely day!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Rome

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Linlithgow

Ah, Linlithgow – the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots! 

In less than half an hour from Waverley, Edinburgh, you can reach Linlithgow, in West Lothian.

This pleasant town is rich in history, since the ruins of the Linlithgow Palace are the birthplace of the only queen Scotland has ever had.

The palace also used to be one of the principal residences of the monarchs back in the 15th and 16th centuries, and is a spot you really can’t miss.

Linlithgowshire offers visitors wonderful events, shopping, beautiful relaxing sights and a vast dining variety for you to pick from.

If you like architecture, pay a visit to the ruins of the Palace, and check out the old port, too. It connects Edinburgh with Falkirk and the Forth Clyde Canal, and dates back to 1822.

You can take a boat trip on the Union Canal at the Linlithgow Canal centre which is also a museum and tea room – and really forget all about the city life!

Read: The Best Day Trips from Rome

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Callander

Oh, Callander, the beautiful gateway to the Highlands. 

Here is something I once heard from one of the tour guides I met in Scotland when visiting Callander.

Do you want to know the best place for a date ? It’s called a Calendar .

Scottish people and their humor, am I right?

Callander is a small town in the council area of Stirling, Scotland, and situated on the River Teith. 

The town is located in the historic county of Perthshire and it is considered to be the very gate to the Highlands.

Even though there are no actual gates, you can feel in the air this is really the place that divides the Lowlands and the magnificent Scottish Highlands.

A very small town where you can spot the beautiful mountains on the horizon whilst walking alongside the river. At Callander, you will also see cute swans and ducks, and in the summer, you might even be able to enjoy a picnic there.

This place is a tourist attraction for many people going or coming from the Scottish Highlands.

During the winter months, you will be able to see the frozen mountains as a killer background for your pictures. Just because of that, I believe Callander is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: The Kelpies

If you’re looking for one of the best spots for your day trips from Edinburgh, make sure to pass by the majestic Kelpies.

The Kelpies are situated in The Helix, a new parkland project built to connect sixteen communities in the Falkirk Council Area.

The 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures can be found between Falkirk and Grangemouth, standing next to a new extension to the Forth and Clyde Canal – and they mix street art with rich history.

In Scottish folklore, a Kelpie is angerous shape-shifting water creature that can appear on land as a horse.

It appears to its human victims as a grey or white horse, entices them to ride on their back then carries them down to an underwater grave.

You can visit the Kelpies free of charge at any time of the day throughout the year, since the area has been designed to give access to all, which means everyone can come and see them up close.

The Kelpies are one of the most instagrammable places in Scotland, and personally, I think they are stunning during the night with all the lights and colors coming from the sculptures.

Read: The Cutest Pink Cafes in London

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Pitlochry

Pitlochry is a town in the Perthshire and Kinross council area of Scotland.

Located close to the river Tummel, Pitlochry is known for the dam and fish ladder, which offers the most incredible views, and if you come at the right time of the year, you’ll witness the opening celebrations of salmon season!

There are plenty of castles turned into hotels in the area, if you’ve ever wanted to live the royal life too – the picture above is actually a hotel!

In Pitlochry, you’ll also check out the Festival theatre; it is considered one of the best venues in Scotland, if not Britain.

One of the most glorious battles in Jacobite history took place at Killiecrankie Gorge, and you can learn more about this place, the battle, the wildlife, and the geology of the area in the Pitlochry visitor center.

Then, you can take a short walk and spot breathtaking green scenery at the falls beneath the Soldier’s Leap.

With mountain Ben Vrackie as a background, this town will make you want to return to the Highlands again and again – it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland, and utterly mesmerizing.

Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Stirling

Just 60km from the Scottish capital, there is yet another one the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland: Stirling.

It might not be a big city, but this small town in central Scotland is surrounded by farmland, medieval buildings , and must-see spots, especially the majestic Stirling Castle.

The castle sits atop a volcanic rock in the centre of the town. The views are stunning, and inside the castle, you’ll be able to check out the armory along with other exhibitions. 

On another note, and since I told you about the most iconic cemeteries in London some time ago, the Holy Rude Cemetery is another place to visit in Stirling, as it is oh-so-peaceful and beautiful.

The Wallace Monument, the Pentland Hills, restaurants, medieval buildings, as well as the former prison Tolbooth are all other amazing places to visit in Stirling.

Really, really – a day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling which has got to be on your bucket list!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

If you have the heart of an adventurous being , and are up for a hiking day away from the capital, then the Trossachs National Park might might very well be one of the best day trips from Edinburgh for you.

This spot is relatively close to The Kelpies, so if you wish to see the beautiful horse-head statues, now is your time!

Established in 2002 as one of the recognized National Parks in Scotland by none other than the Scottish Parliament, Trossachs National Park is centered around Loch Lomond.

That means that while you’re hiking, you’ll be able to take in some of the most beautiful natural places in the world!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Windermere, England

In two hours or so from the capital, you will find another one of the best places to visit just outside of Scotland: Windermere, a beautiful English town.

Windermere is a good spot if you’re looking into the best day trips from Edinburgh by train.

Situated between both countries, Wintermere is part of the lake Windermere district, and the lake is considered the largest natural lake in England.

There are a lot of beautiful places to explore in the surroundings, and you’ll get panoramic views just outside of town.

If you prefer to stay in the village, there are lots of places to park your car for those who want to go on a wee road trip from Edinburgh, lovely cafes with scrumptious cakes, and lively kolsie pubs.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Istanbul

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: The Scottish borders

The Scottish borders are located in an area to the south and east of Edinburgh, and separate Scotland and England.

This is a particularly close trip from Edinburgh, and shouldn’t take you long before you arrive and are able to get to exploring.

You might think there’s not much to do… and you’d be oh-so-wrong.

Even though it’s a border, it has lots of things to see, such as castles and chapels.

You have the Rosslyn Chapel, located in the village of Roslin in Scotland, to start with. This 15-Century chapel was featured in the famous Da Vinci Code, and is so very instagrammable.

Then, you can continue your way down to Hadrian’s Wall, already located in England.

Hadrian’s Wall is filled with ancient history, since it dates back in 122 AD. It was built as a fortification for the Roman province in Britannia and named after the reigning emperor at the time – Hadrian.

Beautiful places to visit between Scotland and England – you can visit two countries in a matter of a few hours, how crazy is that?

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Milan

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: St. Andrews, the Kingdom of Fife

We already talked about Fife at the beginning of this guide, a beautiful town located on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Well, St. Andrews is located in the Kingdom of Fife, and is a small town on Scotland’s east coast, just north of Edinburgh.

The town is famous for many things, including the largest golf complex in Europe!

It’s also known for its stunning seaside walking path, its fishing culture, its ruins and museum… and is home to the oldest university in Scotland.

The University of St. Andrews was built in 1413, and to this day, it is a must-see in town.

Plus, there is a strong student population who lives in the area, so St. Andrews does have this youthful spirit – just one of the best day trips from Edinburgh for architecture and history lovers !

Read: The Best Places to Write in London

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Glasgow

Well, of course. Glasgow.

When you’re in Edinburgh, you can also take a one-day trip to its vibrant neighbor Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland.

It is a port city built on the River Clyde, in Scotland’s Western Lowlands, and it’s known for its culture, art, and magnificent venues.

The Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture give a rich heritage to the city, and some of the home institutions include none other than the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland.

You can find all great things to do in the city, from places to go with friends, to tours, services, activities, and grand theatres, among many others!

All of this and just a short ride from the Scottish capital…

I do believe that taking day trips from Edinburgh to Glasgow by train is more elegant, although they might not be as quick as a bus.

But if the point is to relax, why not enjoy the scenery and let the excitement build up as you approach the city?

Read: The Best Cafes in London Bridge

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Ayrshire

Ayrshire is a historic county in southwest Scotland which features lovely sandy shores and blends in the beauty of countryside life.

Located on the shore of the Firth of Clyde, Ayrshire is known to be the birthplace of the famous poet Robert Burns and Robert the Bruce.

There is a lot to do and see if you decide to stick through Ayrshire and Arran.

Along with the poet’s famous attractions, you can learn about the Vikings who travelled through the same shores you’re walking on, for starters.

The beautiful coastal area is perfect to see a unique sunset and really break away from trouble and city life.

And, in the South Region, you also get to witness the scenic rugged hills of Dumfries and Galloway, also known as the Galloway hills.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Inverness

Inverness is one of the most popular day trips from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands.

The vast region combines an absolutely picturesque combo of hills, lochs, castles, cliffs, hairy coos (cattle) and so much more… and forms the beautiful north of Scotland – the famous  Highlands .

The Highlands are where you can find the Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Fort Augustus, and for our last day trip in this guide – Inverness.

The city is considered to be the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and it has been voted several times as one of the happiest places to live in Scotland.

It’s the largest city in the highlands, and may seem rather small, but it is full of treasures.

Pay a visit to the 19th-century cathedral, the old High church from the 18th century, and the Victorian market where they sell lots of clothing, crafts and food.

You’ll see, you’ll feel like you’re traveling through a magical portal when visiting Inverness – it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland overall!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Dubai

With the beautiful Inverness ends our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands and other stunning cities in Scotland.

Whether by car, train or bus, you really have a lot to explore in Scotland and its surroundings. 

Thankfully, due to Edinburgh’s perfect location, you will find that it is quite easy to hop on a train and visit most of the places you can recognize from TV shows, movies, or might have even spotted on Instagram!

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Ana, also known as Travel with anA is a moody photographer, writer & videographer. A Portuguese lass with a genuine and profound love for Scotland, she is a storyteller & a content creator: ‘I aim to create memories and seek stories waiting to be told’.

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14 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train (+ tips to make the most of your journey)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: February 5, 2024

Discover the best day trips from Edinburgh by train with logistics, practical tips and information to help plan your excursion.

If you are based in Edinburgh for a few days or more you may be considering adding a day trip or two to your itinerary. In this article, we cover the best day trips from Edinburgh by train ( click here for the best day tours from Edinburgh ).

We have included details of various train routes from Edinburgh with possible stops along the way (you may wish to spend the day in one of these destinations) plus details of the duration, ticket costs and what to see along the route plus tips to make the most of the trip once you arrive at your chosen destination.

Travel Scotland by train with our 14 day best of Scotland by rail itinerary. Includes logistics, what to see and do plus practical tips to make the most of your Scottish rail adventure.

Edinburgh to Aberdeen via Dundee (North East Scotland)

Edinburgh to inverness (north east coast scotland) via aberdeen or perth, pitlochry & aviemore.

• Edinburgh to Glasgow via Falkirk (West Lowlands)

Edinburgh to Stirling via Linlithgow & Falkirk (Central Scotland)

Edinburgh to leuchars (for st andrews golf course) (north east scotland), edinburgh to dundee via aberdour (north east scotland), edinburgh to tweedbank (borders railway) (scottish borders), uk travel planning podcast.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Like the idea of a day trip from Edinburgh but are considering booking a private driver tour guide to take all the stress out of your day and provide memories that will last a lifetime? We recommend Edinburgh Black Cab Tours for the best private driver-guided day (& multi-day) trips from Edinburgh – destinations include – Glencoe – The Isle of Skye – Glenfinnan – Old Man of Storr – Culloden – Quiraing – Fairy Pools – Fairy Glen – Kilt Rock – Talisker Distillery – Pitlochry – The Kelpies – Doune Castle – Stirling Castle – Wallace Monument – Loch Lomond – Glen Etive – Loch Ness – Urquhart Castle – Fort Augustus – Click here for more information about their multiple award-winning private tours.

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train

🕙 2 hours 30 mins to 3 hours in each direction depending on the selected service (some trains stop at every station).

🚂 Multiple daily trains.

➡️ Direct service, no changes.

💷 Approx. cheapest ticket (28/11/22) £60 return booked on the day. Advance tickets from £13 for a single journey. Click for prices on the trainline.com

What to see along the route

• Try to sit on the right side of the train as the train heads north for the best sea views en-route.  If you have booked seats and the train has spare seats move to a better seat.  Alternatively request a seat on the right-hand side when you reserve your seats.
• The best sea views are between Edinburgh and Dundee .
• Forth Rail Bridge over the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry is the famous World Heritage-listed cantilever bridge completed in December 1889.  Train passes over the bridge around 12 mins into the journey.
• Tay Bridge on the approach to Dundee Station gives fantastic views of the Firth of Tay.  The famous bridge opened in 1887.
• Between Stonehaven and Montrose the railway passes over beautiful clifftops with further views of the North Sea.

Things to do and see in the port city of Aberdeen

The granite city’s top attractions include:

• Maritime Museum
• Footdee fishing village
• Scottish whisky tours
• Castle tours
• Aberdeen is located around 1 h 15 mins from the Royal residency of Balmoral.

🕙 The Aberdeen route takes the longest at around 5 hrs each way or via Perth around 3 hours 30 mins – 4 hrs.

🚂 Choice of train routes to take, either via Aberdeen on the coastal route or through the central areas via Perth, Pitlochry and Aviemore.

➡️ Each route has multiple daily train options with changes or more direct services depending on your chosen route. 

✅ Why not make a circular trip and go one way and return the other?

💷 Approx. cheapest ticket found (28/11/22) £18 for each single journey. Return tickets are available but buying single journey tickets can be a cheaper option.  For forward planning the available “Advance ticket” option is often a good buy.  

What to see along the routes

Route via Aberdeen to Inverness

• A beautiful and scenic route section that cuts through the Aberdeenshire countryside towards the county of Moray in Scotland’s North East.
• From the mainline train station in Keith (approx. 65 mins from Aberdeen) an option is to break up the journey in ‘whisky country’ and catch the steam or diesel train service ( see timetables ) from Keith Town station to Dufftown.
• Keith Town station is about 20 mins walk from the mainline station in Keith.
• The line takes you over the Glenfiddich viaduct and to the Glenfiddich distillery. Not to mention stunning scenery along the way.
• Take a whisky tour around the Worlds Malt Whisky Capital.  Including the Glenfiddich distillery and visitor centre close to Dufftown station.

Route via Perth, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl & Aviemore

• In Perth visit the Black Watch Castle and Museum, Kinnoull Hill and nearby the Scone Palace.
• Approx.1 h 45 mins from Edinburgh. Historic town on the River Tummel.
• Visit the dam and fish ladder, nearby Blair Athol Distillery, Edradour Distillery, falls of Bruar and Blair Castle and Gardens and the Queen’s view and visitor centre.
• Located in the Cairngorms national park. Famous for beautiful lochs and walks and also for skiing and winter sports.
• Cairngorm Brewery
• Strathspey Railway (steam trains from Perth to Broomhill, 92 miles and takes around 1 h 45 mins) if you want a leisurely excursion, try an afternoon tea too.

Things to do and see in Inverness

• Inverness is the largest city in the Scottish Highlands and is where the River Ness joins the Moray Firth.
• See the 19 th Century cathedral, indoor Victorian market, Inverness Castle, Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, botanic gardens, and the famous Leakeys bookshop. Take a 2-hour walk circuit walk along the River Ness and Ness islands.
• Loch Ness and Castle Urquhart
• Culloden battlefield.
• Clava Carins – Bronze Age Cairn.
• Fort George- Artillery fortification.
• Further away – the Kyle train line to the Kyle of Lochalsh and the island of Skye. 

Read – Inverness Travel Guide | Best Day trips from Inverness

Edinburgh to Glasgow via Falkirk (West Lowlands )

🕙 Takes between 50 mins and 1 h 30 mins in each direction depending on the selected service and route, some trains stop at more stations than others – Multiple daily trains. Direct service, no changes.

💷 Approx. cheapest ticket (at date) £17 in each direction or return booked on the day £28. Advance or Anytime tickets available.

➡️ Two principal stations in Glasgow are Queen Street and Central. Both stations are in the centre of Glasgow.

• Between the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the train line travels along the central belt of Scotland.
• The Kelpies , the 30-metre-high equine sculptures in Helix Park. They are visible from the train on the right-hand side from Edinburgh.  Located a short taxi ride away from the train station at Falkirk.
• Also close by is the Falkirk Wheel, the rotating boat lift in Tamfourhill connecting the Forth and Clyde canals with the Union Canal.

Things to do and see in Glasgow

Glasgow is famous for its Victorian and art-nouveau architecture and is a cultural hub for Scottish opera, ballet and national theatre. 

Things to do and see in Glasgow include

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
• Riverside Transport Museum
• City centre mural trail
• The Charles Rennie Mackintosh House
• Glasgow Cathedral with Necropolis cemetery next door
• The Botanic Gardens
• City centre shops around Buchanan Street
• Pollok Park on the outskirts of the city is a good place to see herds of highland cattle.

Read – Glasgow Travel Guide

🕙 Takes around 1 hr in each direction depending on the selected service – Multiple daily trains. Direct service is available, no need to change unless preferred.

💷 Approx. cheapest ticket (at date) £18 return. No Advance ticket savings were noted. 

• In Linlithgow – (20 mins from Edinburgh) Historic West Lothian town, the palace remains of the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and James V.
• In Falkirk (Grahamston) – As above for the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel.

Things to do and see in Stirling

Stirling train station is located in the city centre. Stirling is quite hilly to walk around so be prepared!

Things to do and see in Stirling include:

• Medieval Stirling Castle
• The National Wallace Monument (that commemorates the 13 Century hero William Wallace) – from the top you can see the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge
• Battle of Bannockburn Experience
• Deanston Distillery
• The Old Town Jail
• Close to the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre.
• 1 hour from Loch Lomond

🚂 Leuchars is on the same train line as Edinburgh Waverley to Dundee and Aberdeen.

⛳️ Closest train station to the famous St Andrews golf course, the home of golf.

🕙 Takes 55 minutes to 1 h 15 mins in each direction depending on the selected service – Multiple daily trains. Direct service, no changes.

💷 Approx. cheapest ticket (at date) £20 return booked on the day. Cheapest single ticket approx. £9.

Forth Rail Bridge over the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry is the famous UNESCO World Heritage-listed cantilever bridge completed in December 1889. 

The train passes over around 12 mins into the journey.

What to do and see in Leuchars (St Andrews)

• In Leuchars  –  St Andrews Castle, St Andrews Aquarium and West Sands beach.
• In St Andrews  – Approx. 15 mins by bus from Leuchars train station to travel the 5 miles to the iconic golf club and its famous golf courses. 
• Read our St Andrews Travel Guide

🚂 On the same train line as the Edinburgh Waverley to Aberdeen service.

🕙 Takes 1 h 10 mins to 1 h 30 mins in each direction depending on selected service – Multiple daily trains. Direct service, no changes.

💷 Approx. cheapest ticket (at date) £31 return booked on the day. Cheapest single ticket approx. £11.

• As per Aberdeen details above for best seat views.
• Forth Rail Bridge over the Firth of Forth at South Queensferry is the famous World Heritage listed cantilever bridge completed in December 1889.  Train passes over around 12mins into the journey.
• Aberdour – Consider breaking the journey with a stop at Aberdour, 33 mins from Edinburgh for a walk around the Fife Coastal trail and see the Hawcraig Cliffs and woodlands to Starley Burn and take in the stunning waterfalls.

Things to do and see in Dundee

Dundee is a coastal city located on the Firth of Tay estuary.

Things to see in Dundee include

• The two nautical museums of Captain Scotts Antarctic ship RRS Discovery and the 19th-century warship HM Frigate Unicorn
• The V&A Dundee. 

📍 Tweedbank is a village located southeast of Galashiels on the Scottish Borders.

🕙 Takes around 1 hr in each direction depending on the selected service – Multiple daily trains. Direct service, no changes.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Midlothian countryside en route.

What to do and see in and around Tweedbank

• Abbotsford House – 2km outside Tweedbank was once the home of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. An impressive mansion house with lovely gardens.
• Melrose Abbey – 15mins bus ride to the historic part ruins St Mary’s Abbey famous for its architecture and the interred heart of Robert the Bruce.
• Other must – sees – Leaderfoot Viaduct and Dryburgh Abbey.

More resources to help plan your visit to Scotland

• Guide to Scottish regions
• 19 Beautiful Places to visit in Scotland
• 7 Popular Scottish drinks to sample when you visit
• Guide to the Caledonian Sleeper
• Best day trips from Glasgow by train
• Things to do in Edinburgh

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Edinburgh

Day trips from edinburgh.

• Edinburgh to Stirling
• Edinburgh to St. Andrews
• Edinburgh to Linlithgow
• Edinburgh to Drumnadrochit
• Private Day Trips
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Glencoe and Pitlochry Tour

2. Loch Ness and Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise from Edinburgh

3. Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

4. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe and Fort William Tour from Edinburgh

5. Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

6. St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

7. Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness and Glencoe Day Trip from Edinburgh

8. Outlander Locations Tour Including Admissions from Edinburgh

9. Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour

10. Full-Day Trip: Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands from Edinburgh

11. Full-Day Trip: Glenfinnan Viaduct & The Highlands from Edinburgh

12. Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & The Kingdom of Northumbria from Edinburgh

13. Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh

14. Scottish Highland Bike Tour by Manual or E-bike

15. Private Tour of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

16. Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Tour from Edinburgh

17. West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

18. St Andrews & The Fishing Villages of Fife from Edinburgh

19. Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands Day Trip from Edinburgh

20. Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands with Lunch from Edinburgh

21. Day Trip to St Andrews and Scottish Coastal Villages

22. The Outlander 1 Day Experience

23. 1-Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh

24. Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh

25. Rosslyn Chapel and Scottish Borders Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

26. West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles from Edinburgh

27. Hadrian's Wall & The Borders Tour from Edinburgh Incl. Admission

28. Private St Andrews, Dunfermline and Fife Day Tour from Edinburgh

29. Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour Including Admissions from Edinburgh

30. Loch Ness and the Highlands Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

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Homeless people in Scotland pushed out to make room for Taylor Swift fans attending her Eras Tour

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Homeless people in Edinburgh, Scotland, are reportedly being pushed out of the city in order to make room for the massive influx of tourists expected to travel there for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in June.

Shelter Scotland  informed the BBC Wednesday that several homeless people the charity supports were moved via taxi to Glasgow, Aberdeen and Newcastle to free up accommodations. The latter cities are more than two hours away from their original stays in Edinburgh.

Homeless people who reportedly were offered temporary housing at hotels were moved out because there was a “severe shortage in accommodation caused by the concert.”

Shelter Scotland called it “a blatant injustice” for those affected to be “in direct competition” with tourists.

The charity’s director Alison Watson added, “Our frontline services are already seeing people in need of a bed tonight being told their only option is to leave of the city.

“A family going through the trauma of homelessness in Edinburgh should not have to move miles from their job, school, and community to find emergency accommodation.”

Per the BBC, Edinburgh City Council denied moving homeless people who were already staying at the temporary accommodations. It appears, though, that those waiting for a new spot were affected.

Housing convenor Councillor Jane Meagher said in a statement, “We’re aware of the situation and are working with the affected households to find appropriate, alternative accommodation.”

Page Six has reached out to Swift’s rep for comment but did not immediately hear back.

The pop superstar, 34, is currently in Madrid, where she performed in front of pals Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds on Wednesday night.

She wrapped up her last show in the Spanish capital Thursday and is then heading to Lyon, France, for the next stop of the international leg of her Eras Tour. Her first show in Edinburgh is scheduled for June 7.

Several Swifties from all over the world are reportedly flying into Europe for her concerts there because tickets are allegedly cheaper than in their home countries.

The Associated Press reported earlier this month that Americans bought 20 percent of the tickets for the “Wildest Dreams” singer’s four sold-out shows in Paris .

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Want celebrity news as it breaks? Hooked on Housewives?

About 10,000 US concertgoers reportedly also bought tickets for her Eras Tour shows in Stockholm .

Melanie Fish, an Expedia spokesperson and travel expert, said at the time that fans realized, “‘Wait a minute, I can either spend $1,500 to go see my favorite artist in Miami, or I can take that $1,500 and buy a concert ticket, a round-trip plane ticket, and three nights in a hotel room.'”

It’s unclear whether Americans are part of the many tourists expected to attend the Edinburgh shows.

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The 12 Best Hotels in Edinburgh

W hether you’re keen to experience warm Scottish hospitality, storybook castles or haggis (perhaps a bit of all three?), Edinburgh is a requisite stop on any Scotland itinerary . Located an hour’s train ride from Glasgow, this compact treasure of a city brims with culture, architecture and cuisine. It’s home to a fairytale hilltop castle that holds the crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny, as well as the atmospheric Old Town with cobbled lanes, stores selling tartan kilts and lively pubs. The accommodations enchant travelers in equal measure, with a mix of historic grand dames and captivating newcomers. 

Planning a trip to Edinburgh? Scroll on for the best hotels in the Scottish capital.

The Balmoral

A stately grand dame dating back to 1902, The Balmoral, part of the Rocco Forte Hotels group, is an iconic landmark and one of the finest examples of Scottish luxury in the country. More than just a place to stay, it’s an experience that encompasses rare whisky, spa treatments and afternoon tea in the Palm Court. In keeping with the grandeur of the rest of the property, generously sized rooms and suites feature tartan plaid upholstery, whimsical wallpaper and bespoke furnishings.

Gleneagles Townhouse

Gleneagles Townhouse — the urban branch of the beloved Scottish country resort — opened this past summer, and has quickly emerged as one of the chicest and most interesting hotels in the capital. Cosmopolitan but with heritage and charm in spades, the boutique hotel and members club on St. Andrew Square is a glamorous place to sample crave-worthy seasonal cuisine, toss back tipples on the skyline-view rooftop and snooze in luxurious, pastel-hued comfort.  

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

Another buzzy newcomer, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh — the brand’s first European outpost — opened in 2022 to much fanfare. Located in the heart of Old Town, it perfectly encapsulates the past and present: Original stone walls, vaulted ceilings and an imposing staircase imbue a sense of heritage that’s juxtaposed by the avant-garde 3D-printed gothic chandelier and a futuristic portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots. Rooms are fitted with custom king-size beds and ergonomic tufted headboards that guarantee a good night’s sleep. 

The Perfect 7-Day Scotland Itinerary

Waldorf astoria edinburgh – the caledonian.

Situated in a former rail station on Princes Street (a fitting address for such a regal respite), the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian looks like the exact sort of place a modern-day royal would happily call home for a few days. A longtime luxury fixture in the city, the five-star property offers fine dining, refined rooms and suites, and priceless views of Edinburgh Castle. The spa is a true sanctuary with 111SKIN facials, a sauna and an indoor swimming pool. 

InterContinental Edinburgh The George

A landmark with stories to tell, the InterContinental Edinburgh The George, an IHG Hotel, channels the splendor and majesty of a bygone era without being stuck in the past. It’s classy in an old-school way, and built on a scale so massive it would be hard to match in the present, but there’s also something quite contemporary about the smart bedrooms and coffee shop that caffeinates out-of-towners with oat-milk lattes. Don’t worry about missing out on the more customary Scottish touches — the concierge still dons a kilt. 

Kimpton Charlotte Square

Set inside a collection of seven beautiful Georgian buildings on one of the loveliest blocks in all of New Town, the Kimpton Charlotte Square is upscale, without trying too hard, and still manages to pull off a sense of whimsy amidst the poshness of it all. More traditional elements like tartan pillows mingle with hip flourishes to create spaces that feel alive. Whether you prefer a cup of tea or something a bit stronger (single-malt whisky, perhaps?), head to the inner courtyard to sip a beverage and soak in the energy.  

The Witchery by the Castle

Maximalism is the name of the game at The Witchery, a hidden gem tucked inside a cluster of buildings that date back to 1595 by the entrance gates of the city’s most famous attraction, the Edinburgh Castle. Gourmands and folks who have tried to score brownie points with a romantic partner know of the fine-dining restaurant. The hotel itself feels more like a well-guarded secret. A seductive palette of crimson and gold washes over the sumptuously appointed suites that are decked out with lavish fabrics, antiques and four-poster beds.

House of Gods

Irreverent and unabashedly cool, House of Gods reaches a level of rock-and-roll indulgence others can only dream of replicating. Rather than committing to a singular style, the self-proclaimed sexiest hotel in Edinburgh takes pride in its “forget the rules” approach to design, weaving a tapestry of wildly disparate inspirations into something totally seductive. Spend the night swigging bubbly and dancing under the disco ball at the bar or sneak away to your room for instant after-party vibes. 

The Roseate Edinburgh

The Roseate Edinburgh, formerly known as the Dunstane Houses, is now a personality-filled member of Leading Hotels of the World with Victorian character, contemporary comforts and warm hospitality. A polished retreat in Edinburgh’s West End, it doesn’t demand guests to be buttoned up all the time. On the contrary, interiors are designed for unwinding — whether that’s sampling spirits from world-class Highland distilleries at the bar, feasting on Scottish fare at the restaurant or lounging in the luxurious rooms.

Prestonfield House

While Acadian allure and seclusion are attributes more closely associated with a country estate than a city stay, Prestonfield House doesn’t fit the pre-prescribed box for either. Nestled on 20 acres of landscaped gardens and parkland, the property brings something private and peaceful to Edinburgh — in a location that’s a mere five minutes from Old Town. That means after sightseeing, guests get to return to the cozy embrace of fireside cocktails and rooms swathed in rich jewel tones, brocade and precious antiques.

The Glasshouse, Autograph Collection

While Edinburgh isn’t lacking in historic accommodations, sometimes it’s nice to switch things up. If you’re looking for a more contemporary stay with plenty of Scottish character, The Glasshouse certainly fits the bill. Featuring an expansive rooftop garden and a fireplace-adorned bar called the Snug, the stylish hotel definitely appeals to modern travelers. Sleek rooms flaunt city views, cloud-like beds and bathrooms with underfloor heating to keep toes toasty on cold days. 

Cheval The Edinburgh Grand

Housed in the former headquarters of the Royal Bank of Scotland, and within walking distance of the Edinburgh Waverley train station and many major tourist sites, Cheval The Edinburgh Grand is the perfect New Town homebase for quick trips or extended stays. Residential-style accommodations — ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments — feature colorful decor, comfortable furnishings and full kitchens. Would you rather have someone else do the cooking? There’s a fourth-floor lounge for nibbles, afternoon tea and cocktails as well as an all-day cafe and an upscale restaurant.

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