best day tours from edinburgh

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 August 2017 and updated December 2021

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10 amazing day trips from Edinburgh

While Edinburgh itself offers a wealth of attractions (in fact, it’s one of my all-time favourite cities to explore!), venturing out on one of the best day trips from Edinburgh showcases the best of Scotland’s scenery, history and culture. 

Whether you’re drawn to the allure of ancient castles, the bustling streets of nearby cities, or a touch of Harry Potter magic , I’ve got you covered with my top picks of Edinburgh day trips.

These excursions are perfect for anyone looking to add a little variety to their Edinburgh adventure. 

I’ve included a mixture of day trips from Edinburgh by train, as well as a few locations only accessible by car.

Plus, I’ve also added in some of my favourite bookable tours to take the hassle out of planning.

So, grab your camera, don your walking shoes, and join us as we explore some of the best day trips from Edinburgh. 

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

This post contains affiliate links.

1. Stirling

Best for: History lovers

Travel time by car: 1 hour

Travel time by train: 50 minutes

Top tours to book: 

• From Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond
• From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour
• Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

Just an hour away from Edinburgh by train, Stirling presents a fascinating day out with its rich history and strategic importance in Scotland’s story.

The city is dominated by the impressive Stirling Castle, perched on a volcanic rock.

I’d definitely recommend a visit, especially for the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape that it provides.

Don’t miss a wander through the castle’s grand halls and mysterious dungeons, where you’ll feel immersed in Scottish history.

I’d also recommend visiting Wallace Monument, a towering tribute to Sir William Wallace, one of Scotland’s most legendary figures.

Climbing to the top rewards you with breathtaking views and a closer look at Wallace’s sword.

Stirling effortlessly combines its historical legacy with a lively town centre, making it a one of my favourite day trips from Edinburgh. 

2. Loch Lomond

Best for: Nature lovers

Travel time by car: 1 hour 30 minutes

Travel time by train: N/A

• Loch Lomond: Scottish Highlands Sightseeing Cruise
• From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

A bit further afield, about an hour and a half drive from Edinburgh, lies the serene beauty of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

This area is a haven for nature lovers – if you’re an outdoor enthusiast like me then I know you’ll love this day trip from Edinburgh.

Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest inland stretch of water, offers a plethora of activities, from leisurely boat cruises to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

The surrounding Trossachs National Park is crisscrossed with trails that invite you to explore its lochs, glens, and forests at your own pace.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or an active day out, you’ll find it at Loch Lomond.

The charming villages around the loch, such as Luss and Balloch, provide quaint spots to enjoy local cuisine or pick up unique Scottish souvenirs.

Loch Lomond is a testament to Scotland’s natural beauty and definitely one of the best day trips from Edinburgh.

3. North Berwick

Best for: Foodies

Travel time by car: 45 minutes

Travel time by train: 33 minutes

• From Edinburgh: The Whiskies and Liqueurs of East Lothian

Just a half hour train ride east of Edinburgh, North Berwick offers a delightful escape to the Scottish coast.

This picturesque seaside town is known for its beautiful beaches, such as the expansive sands of West Bay.

Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing dip in the sea – if you’re feeling brave!

I’d recommend a visit to the Scottish Seabird Centre, which provides insights into the local wildlife.

Plus, make the most of opportunities to spot puffins, gannets, and other seabirds on the nearby islands.

Golf enthusiasts will find plenty to love, with North Berwick boasting one of Scotland’s oldest and most revered links courses.

Local eateries and seafood restaurants dot the landscape, offering fresh, locally-sourced dishes that reflect Scotland’s rich culinary heritage.

From cosy cafés serving up homemade treats to upscale dining spots with sea views, I’d definitely suggest North Berwick for foodies.

The Lobster Shack, for instance, offers a quintessential seaside dining experience, where you can enjoy freshly caught seafood with the sound of waves in the background.

For those drawn to historical sites, the ruins of Tantallon Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the sea, offer a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s mediaeval past. 

4. Rosslyn Chapel

Best for: Da Vinci Code fans

Travel time by car: 25 minutes

• Rosslyn Chapel & Scottish Borders Tour from Edinburgh
• Edinburgh: Rosslyn Chapel, Borders & Glenkinchie Distillery
• Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall Small Group Day Tour

Less than a half hour drive from Edinburgh (in good traffic!), Rosslyn Chapel is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It’s rich in ornate carvings and shrouded in mystery.

Made famous by Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code,” the chapel attracts visitors not just for its role in literature and film, but also for the mysterious symbolism and legends that surround it.

Each stone and carving tells a story, from biblical tales to Knights Templar lore, inviting speculation and wonder.

The surrounding Roslin Glen offers peaceful walks through scenic woodlands, and I think it’s the perfect way to experience the gorgeous Scottish countryside. 

5. South Queensferry 

Best for: Seaside charm

Travel time by car: 30 minutes

Travel time by train: 17 minutes (+15 minute walk)

Just a 20-minute train ride from Edinburgh, South Queensferry is another of the most accessible day trips from Edinburgh.

South Queensferry sits in the shadow of one of Scotland’s most impressive feats of engineering: the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This picturesque town offers a unique blend of historic charm and excellent views of the Forth Rail Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge, and the Queensferry Crossing.

Strolling along the quaint high street, you’ll find a variety of independent shops, cafes, and eateries, perfect for enjoying a leisurely day out.

I’d recommend taking a boat tour from the harbour for a closer look at the bridges and the opportunity to spot marine wildlife.

For those interested in history, the 15th-century Hopetoun House and the 18th-century Blackness Castle are just a short drive away, providing a glimpse into Scotland’s noble past. 

6. St Andrews

Best for: Keen golfers

Travel time by car: 1 hour 20 minutes

Travel time by train: 1 hour 15 minutes (to Leuchars)

• From Edinburgh: St Andrews & Fife’s Fishing Villages
• St Andrews: Top Sights Guided Walking Tour
• Edinburgh: St Andrews Walk, Dunfermline Abbey and Fife Coast

St Andrews, often hailed as the ‘Home of Golf’, is about more than its world-famous greens and fairways.

Located around a one hour and 20 minute drive from Edinburgh, this historic town offers a blend of charming mediaeval streets and pretty coastal views.

Plus, it has a rich academic heritage thanks to its university, the third oldest in the English-speaking world.

I’d recommend exploring the ruins of St Andrews Castle and Cathedral, which offers a window into Scotland’s past with panoramic views over the town and sea.

The town’s beaches, like the West Sands, offer miles of unspoiled sand, perfect for a peaceful walk or even a brisk dip in the North Sea. I’d save this for a hot summer’s day though if I were you!

For those looking to sample local flavours, St Andrews’ array of cafés and restaurants serve up Scottish specialties and international fare.

St Andrews is one of the best day trips from Edinburgh for a variety of culture, history, and relaxation.

7. Scottish Highlands

Best for: Epic landscapes

Travel time by car: 2 hours 40 minutes (to Glencoe)

• From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis
• From Edinburgh: Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour
• Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour

It may be a little further afield than other day trips from Edinburgh, but the Scottish Highlands are well worth the travel time. 

While a day trip can only scratch the surface, it offers a taste of the Highlands’ breathtaking beauty and storied past.

A must-visit is Loch Ness, famed for its legendary inhabitant, Nessie. Here, amidst the serene beauty of the loch, the sense of mystery is palpable.

Take a boat tour for a chance to spot the elusive monster and soak in the stunning vistas.

No trip to the Highlands is complete without witnessing the dramatic valleys and towering mountains of Glencoe.

Known for its dramatic scenery, Glencoe is not just a feast for the eyes but also a site rich in history and lore.

If you’re a dedicated Harry Potter fan like me, the Highlands hold a special allure.

I’d highly recommend a visit to the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct where you can glimpse the real-life Hogwarts Express.

Best for: Arts and architecture

Travel time by train: 52 minutes

• Glasgow: Street Art Guided Walking Tour
• Glasgow: Walking Tour With Beer Tasting
• Glasgow: Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting

Just under an hour’s train ride from Edinburgh, Glasgow stands as a beacon of Scottish cultural and architectural innovation.

Scotland’s largest city is a dynamic blend of the old and new, where Victorian architecture meets cutting-edge design.

I love the city’s artistic soul which shines through in its numerous galleries and museums. Notably the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the modern Riverside Museum.

Glasgow’s West End is a bustling hub of activity, offering an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars, alongside the stunning architecture of the University of Glasgow.

The city’s music scene is legendary, with venues like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut playing host to both up-and-coming and established acts.

A walk through the city’s streets reveals striking murals that tell stories of Glasgow’s identity and history, adding a contemporary twist to its rich heritage.

With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and an endless array of cultural experiences, Glasgow offers a lively contrast to Edinburgh’s historical charm.

9. Fife Fishing Villages

Best for: Picturesque villages

Travel time by car: 50 minutes – 1.5 hours (depending on village)

• From Edinburgh: St Andrews & Fishing Villages of Fife Tour
• St. Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife Tour from Edinburgh

A journey to the Fife coast offers a serene escape to some of Scotland’s most picturesque fishing villages, each brimming with character and maritime heritage.

Nestled along the East Neuk of Fife, villages such as Anstruther, Pittenweem, St Monans, and Crail enchant visitors with their colourful harbours, cobbled streets, and historic buildings.

Anstruther, known for its award-winning fish and chips, invites foodies to savour the taste of the sea, fresh from the boats.

The Fife Coastal Path connects these villages, offering breathtaking walks with views over the rugged coastline and the chance to spot local wildlife.

Art and culture thrive here, with numerous galleries, shops, and festivals celebrating the area’s rich history and creative spirit.

The annual Pittenweem Arts Festival transforms the village into a vibrant showcase of artists and makers. 

Exploring these villages is one of the best day trips from Edinburgh for a serene escape that’s full of charm and character.

10. Linlithgow

Best for: A royal connection

Travel time by car: 40 minutes

Travel time by train: 24 minutes

• The Outlander 1 Day Experience from Edinburgh

Just a short train ride from Edinburgh, Linlithgow beckons with its royal past and scenic beauty.

The town is dominated by the magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.

This once-grand residence of Scottish monarchs now offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s history, with its elegant fountain, grand hall, and peaceful loch-side setting.

I’d also recommend enjoying a leisurely walk around Linlithgow Loch, a haven for wildlife and a popular spot for picnics (on the rare occasion that the weather is good in Scotland!).

Linlithgow’s charming high street is lined with independent shops, cafés, and eateries, where you can sample local produce or find a unique souvenir.

The town also serves as a gateway to the wider West Lothian region, with its rich heritage and natural beauty. 

Do you have any favourite day trips from Edinburgh? Do let me know in the comments below!

For more Edinburgh inspiration, you may also like:

• 16 magical Harry Potter things to do in Edinburgh
• 18 gorgeous luxury hotels in Edinburgh
• 20 fine dining restaurants in Edinburgh
• 10 amazing cocktails bars in Edinburgh
• 15 cosy cafés in Edinburgh
• 15 fun things to do in Edinburgh

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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

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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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Savvy Travel Advice

Edinburgh Day Trips: 15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh Scotland

Last updated: December 18, 2023 - 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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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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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).

Lauren Burvill , CN Traveller

Olivia Morelli

CNT Editors

CNT Editors , CN Traveller

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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• Castle Hotel : Crossbasket Castle
• Edinburgh Hotel : Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
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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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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!

Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

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SCOTLAND ITINERARIES

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ISLE OF SKYE TOURS

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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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21 Best day trips from Edinburgh (+ practical info & tips)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: February 4, 2024

Are you looking for a day trip from Edinburgh? If so, then look no further. In this article, we have put together the best day trips from Edinburgh Scotland and not only show you what to do and see but also how to plan your trip.

Whether it’s visiting castles, exploring ancient ruins or learning about history and culture you can find the perfect day trip from Edinburgh for a range of interests in this article. To help plan your perfect day out we have included information about what to do at each destination plus how to get there too via public transport (bus or train from Edinburgh ), by car if you plan to drive from Edinburgh or by joining some of the best day tours from Edinburgh.

Read on for all the information about the best Edinburgh day trips.

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 multi-destination tours from Edinburgh

How to get from edinburgh to glasgow, how to get from edinburgh to rosslyn chapel, how to get from edinburgh to stirling castle.

• How to Get from Edinburgh to Doune Castle 

How to Get from Edinburgh to The Kelpies

How to get from edinburgh to linlithgow palace , how to get from edinburgh to loch lomond , how to get from edinburgh to inveraray castle, how to get from edinburgh to alloway, how to get from edinburgh to the cairngorms national park, how to get from edinburgh to inverness & loch ness, how to get from edinburgh to st andrews , how to get from edinburgh to dundee, how to get from edinburgh to melrose abbey , how to get from edinburgh to kelso, how to get from edinburgh to north berwick , how to get from edinburgh to st abbs head nnr, how to get from edinburgh to the scottish seabird centre (north berwick), how to get from edinburgh to alnwick castle .

• How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian's Wall

Best day trips from Edinburgh for whisky lovers

Best day trips from edinburgh for harry potter fans, best day trips from edinburgh for fans of outlander, uk travel planning podcast, enjoy your day trip from edinburgh, best day trips from edinburgh.

If you are on a tight schedule and want to combine two or more of these destinations into one day trip from Edinburgh we recommend considering a tour.

Our preferred private driver guide company for tours from Edinburgh is Edinburgh Black Cab Tours . They have an outstanding selection of award-winning half-day, full-day and multi-day tours from Edinburgh.

We have also chosen a selection of our favourite small group tours from Get Your Guide . They have excellent customer service and most tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance. You can keep track of all your tour bookings on their app too.

More information – Small group tours

• Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour – Escape the city for the day and head to the Scottish Highlands. Follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard, Harry Potter, and jump on board the Hogwarts Express on an unforgettable journey on the Jacobite Steam Train .
• Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Tour from Edinburgh – Enjoy a full-day tour and experience some of the most dramatic scenery the Scottish Highlands has to offer. Spend time at mysterious Glencoe and have the chance to enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness and a visit to Urquhart Castle.
• Loch Lomond, Kelpies, and Stirling Castle Small-Group Tour – Discover the Scottish Highlands on a full-day small-group tour, and see forests, lochs, and stunning mountains. Explore Scotland’s history and learn about its greatest heroes with visits to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and more.
• Loch Ness, Highlands & Whisky Distillery Tour – Experience the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands on a full-day coach tour to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Trossachs National Park. Go to a working whisky distillery for an optional tasting. Stop for lunch in Fort Augustus and more.

Glasgow 

Glasgow is located only an hour away from Edinburgh by train. It is Scotland’s largest city and is full of fascinating attractions and beautiful architecture.

Explore Glasgow’s rich history at the Glasgow Cathedral or the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art. The architectural beauty of The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Hunterian Art Gallery and the University of Glasgow are also great places to visit.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Glasgow’s most iconic building, The Art Deco-styled City Chambers. After exploring this famous city hall be sure to stop for a drink or meal at the stunningly designed Grand Cafe, located on George Square.

Glasgow City Chambers, often referred to as ‘The People’s Palace’ are also worth a visit. Not only is it a beautiful building with an interesting history but it also houses a cafe and museum. It’s also the original headquarters of Glasgow City Council and is now a category A listed building.

• By Car 

The journey from Edinburgh to Glasgow is just over an hour via the M8 motorway. 

• By Public Transportation

Train – Scotrail run direct trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central Station, journeys take approx. 1hr 15mins.

Bus – National Express services also run from Edinburgh to Glasgow with a bus departing every 20 minutes from 7 am – 11 pm

Rosslyn Chapel 

Rosslyn Chapel lies about 7 miles south of Edinburgh city centre in the village of Roslin. The chapel was built in the mid-15th century and is known for its intricate carvings that depict biblical scenes as well as plants, heraldic symbols and a series of mysterious stone carvings depicting what some believe to be the Holy Grail or the ‘Holy Chalice’ along with other ancient relics. In Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code the “Holy Grail” was hidden in the chapel’s crypt.

The chapel is open to the public and guided tours are available during the day and at night when different light shows illuminate some of the carvings, including one that depicts a scene from Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’. 

The trip takes about 30 minutes via the A701 from central Edinburgh

To get to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh, take a train to the nearby town of Penicuik and then catch the local bus that takes you directly to Roslin village and the chapel. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Alternatively, take the bus Lothian Service 37 from Edinburgh City Centre to Roslin village. The journey time is around 60 minutes.

• On a group tour

Stirling Castle 

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous castles and a popular day trip destination. The fortress has been home to kings and queens over the centuries with many important historical events taking place here.

Visitors can get an insight into life at the castle by visiting the Stirling Castle Exhibition, which tells the story of this historic site through the eyes of those who lived here. Former residents include Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce.

Don’t miss a visit to the National Wallace Monument which was built in 1869 to commemorate William Wallace who defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. If you have watched Braveheart starring Mel Gibson this is the character he plays.

• By Car  

The journey takes about 1 hour via the M9 motorway

Train – Scotrail run direct trains between Edinburgh and Stirling Train Station, journeys take from 40 minutes.

Bus – National Express services also run from Edinburgh to Stirling with a bus departing every 20 minutes from 7 am – 11 pm

Doune Castle 

Doune Castle is just 9 miles outside Stirling so makes a perfect day trip from Edinburgh. The castle features in the movie Game of Thrones as Winterfell Castle, in the TV series Outlander as Castle Leoch and even in Mony Python’s Holy Grail!

On a more serious note, it is worth visiting for anyone who is interested in learning more about Scotland’s political history. 

How to Get from Edinburgh to Doune Castle  

The castle is just 9 miles west of Stirling via M9 and A91. Allow around 30mins for the journey. 

• By Public Transportation 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Stirling that stop at Doune, journey time is approx. 30mins. 

Falkirk and The Kelpies 

The Kelpies , which are 30-metre-high equine sculptures, stand on the edge of Falkirk in Scotland. Designed by artist Andy Scott to resemble the carousel horses he used to ride as a child these impressive structures are worth visiting. The construction of the Kelpies was completed in October 2013 and they were opened to the public in April 2014.

The Kelpies are located at the Helix, a land art project created by Falkirk Council to regenerate a large area of brownfield land that had once been used for heavy industry.

The Helix is now home to several structures including the newly opened Titan Crane visitor’s centre and The Falkirk Wheel, which links the Union Canal with the Forth and Clyde Canal, both of which are also worth visiting.

The Kelpies are located next to the M9 motorway (the journey takes about 40 – 60 minutes). Parking is available at The Kelpies for a fee.

Train – A direct train service between Edinburgh and Falkirk Grahamston Station runs every 30 minutes. Journey time is just over an hour, however, allow extra time for the walk from the station to The Kelpies which takes about 45 minutes. Or take a taxi or a bus (the bus stop is outside the train station)

Linlithgow Palace 

The birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, Linlithgow Palace is a must-see for anyone interested in Scottish history. The palace was the official residence of the monarchs of Scotland from 1424 through to 1603 when James VI moved to London after becoming King of England and Scotland. A wonderful place to visit in historic Scotland.

Linlithgow Palace appears in scenes from the TV series Outlander .

The palace is just west of Edinburgh via the M9. Allow around 45 mins for the journey. 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Linlithgow every hour. The journey time is around 20 minutes.

The Trossachs National Park & Loch Lomond

The Trossachs offer beautiful landscapes and an array of wildlife including red deer, beavers, osprey and wild cats. Located just east of Stirling it makes a perfect day trip from Edinburgh.

Loch Lomond is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain covering an area of about 23 miles. It’s also one of the most famous lochs so it would be a shame to not pay a visit when in Scotland! 

Enjoy cruises along the loch or explore some of the picturesque villages and castles in the surrounding area.

Loch Lomond is 75 miles north of Edinburgh via M8, A82. Allow around 2 hours for the journey. 

Train – Take the Scotrail service from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street and change for the Balloch train. Once at Balloch a taxi to Loch Lomond takes around 10 minutes. Allow 2 hours for the journey from point to point.

Inveraray Castle 

With its fairy tale turreted structure, Inveraray Castle is a popular castle located overlooking Loch Fyne on the west coast of Scotland.

The beautiful castle with its turrets, towers and grand interiors is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll and the seat of the Clan Campbell. The construction of the castle was completed in 1789 though the third floor and conical roofs on each of the corner towers were added in 1877 following a fire.

It takes about 2 hours via M9, A82 and A83. Allow extra time for traffic especially in summer.

Train – The nearest train station is Dalmally Railway station. Journey time from Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street and onto Dalmally (one change) is approximately 4 hours.

Bus – Pick up the bus service from Glasgow City Centre with Scottish Citylink to Inveraray. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

If you are pressed for time taking a tour which combines a number of destinations may be the best way to visit Inveraray.

Alloway 

Just south of Ayr in the lovely county of South Ayrshire, Scotland lies the delightful town of Alloway. This small town made famous by Scottish poet Robert Burns is well worth a visit.

Burns House provides a fascinating insight into the life of Robert Burns, one of Scotland’s favourite sons. The museum also hosts an interesting collection of artefacts including some that belonged to the famous poet himself. The town is filled with several other historic houses and buildings which provide great photo opportunities.

Alloway Aisle was built in 1320 and is where the poet Robert Burns is buried along with his wife Jean Armour and daughter, Isabella.

Alloway is 84 miles southwest of Edinburgh in Ayrshire. via M8 motorway. The journey by car will take around 1 hour 50 minutes via the M8 and M77.

Train – Scotrail run direct trains between Edinburgh and Ayr Train Station, journeys take approx. 1hr 10mins. 

Cairngorms National Park 

The Cairngorms National Park is Scotland’s largest national park and home to one of the UK’s highest mountains, Ben Macdui.

The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities from skiing, snowboarding and climbing to walking, cycling and kayaking making it an ideal getaway for those who love nature.

The Cairngorms National Park is located 130 miles north of Edinburgh via M90 and A9. Allow around 2 hours for the journey. 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Aviemore in the Cairngorms. Journey time is approx. 3 hours 25 mins. 

Bus – Scottish Citylink run direct buses between Edinburgh and Aviemore and take around 3 hours.

Many tours to the Scottish Highlands include a drive through the Cairngorms on the way to Loch Ness.

Loch Ness & Inverness

The famous Loch Ness is home to one of the most mysterious and interesting attractions in Scotland; ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness Monster! The area also includes Urquhart Castle which sits on a beautiful lochside setting. 

Enjoy a cruise across the loch and enjoy the beautiful Scottish scenery.

The largest city and capital of the Highlands Inverness sits on the River Ness and River Beauly. The area includes two popular visitor attractions; Inverness Castle which dates back to 1847 and features stunning grounds that are open to visitors all year round, plus Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which houses a fascinating collection of historical items including the Ardross Cup.

It takes about 3 hours and 30 mins via M90 and A9 via Perth. Allow extra time for traffic especially in summer. 

• By public transportation 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Inverness. Journey time is around 3 hours 30 minutes. Hire a car or take a bus from Inverness.

A tour is the recommended option if you want to visit Loch Ness from Edinburgh due to limited public transport options. Many tours also include a drive through the Cairngorms and other Scottish highlights such as Glencoe.

St Andrews and Fife 

St Andrews is one of Scotland’s oldest towns and home to the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. The town has a charming atmosphere with cobbled streets and historic buildings.

St Andrews is also the place where Prince William met Kate. This charming town is also known for its golf courses, as the game was invented here. If you are a fan of the game a visit to the British Golf Museum is the place to visit!

• By car  

St Andrews is 60 miles north of Edinburgh via M9, A92. Allow around 1 hour 30 mins for the journey.

Train – Take the train from Edinburgh to St Andrews with one change at Leuchers. Journeys take approx. 1hr 30mins – 2hrs 

Bus – National Express run direct buses between Edinburgh and St Andrews that take approximately 1 hr 20 mins.

Dundee is Scotland’s 4th largest city and home to the Discovery Quay. The area includes an excellent aquarium, interactive science centre, art gallery and Dundee Contemporary Arts – which has regular contemporary art exhibitions including some of the world’s best street artists. 

Dundee is 50 miles from Edinburgh via M90 and A90. Allow around 1 hour 20 mins for the journey. 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Dundee. Journeys take approx. 1hr 20mins

Melrose Abbey 

One of the most beautiful and historic abbeys in Scotland, Melrose Abbey is a must-see for history lovers. The site features an active community with regular church services and includes a museum telling stories of Scottish kings and the Battle of Flodden Field. 

The abbey is just southeast of Edinburgh via the A68. Allow around 1hr for the journey. 

Train – Direct trains run between Edinburgh and Galashiels from where you can catch a bus to the abbey. The entire journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Kelso 

The town of Kelso is located on the banks of the River Tweed, in the heart of the Scottish Borders, well known for its vibrant market town atmosphere and beautiful abbey.

There is a good selection of cafes, bistros and restaurants in the centre of town as well as some unique shops. The farmers market is held on the fourth Saturday of the month from 9.30 – 1.30.

• By car 

The journey from Edinburgh to Kelso takes about 1 hour 20 mins via A68 and A6089. Allow extra time for traffic in summer.

• By public transportation  

Train – Travel from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank then onwards to Kelso by bus or taxi.

This tour to Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders from Edinburgh also includes a visit to Kelso.

North Berwick 

The town of North Berwick lies on the east coast of Scotland about 55 miles from Edinburgh. Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, historic buildings and a thriving fishing industry. The area is also home to some unique festivals like the World Pipe Band Championships held every year in August.

It takes about 45 minutes via the A1 from Edinburgh to North Berwick.

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and North Berwick. Journey time is approx 34 mins. 

St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve 

Situated in the quaint fishing village of St Abbs on the Berwickshire coastline on the Scottish borders, one can find the St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve.

The area was declared a national nature reserve for its rich marine life and extensive birdlife that includes puffins, kittiwake and gannets. The surrounding cliffs are also great for walks and birdwatching.

St Abbs is about 50 miles east of Edinburgh via A1. Allow around 1 hour 30 mins for the journey.

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed which take around 45 minutes. From Berwick take the 235 bus to St Abbs (journey time 35 mins)

Scottish Seabird Centre 

If you have an interest in wildlife and bids this Edinburgh day trip will be of interest.

This award-winning attraction features live footage of seabirds from the Scottish islands on a big screen. Visitors can also learn about conservation and follow trails to identify birds in their natural habitat. 

The drive takes around 45 minutes on the A1 from Edinburgh to North Berwick.

Alnwick Castle 

Alnwick Castle is a popular attraction for visitors to Northumberland , especially the younger audience who have grown up with Harry Potter scenes shot in the castle! Alnwick Castle and Gardens was used as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is also an easy day trip from Edinburgh.

The castle is also home to St Mary’s Chapel which features some of England’s oldest stained glass.

The castle is located in the Northumberland town of Alnwick over the border in England. Allow around 2 hrs for the journey on the M1.

Train – Take the train from Edinburgh to Alnmouth (1 hour) then the X20 bus to Alnwick Castle (11 mins)

We highly recommend taking a tour from Edinburgh to Alnwick Castle. These tours also include other popular destinations in Northumberland such as Holy Island or Hadrian’s Wall.

Hadrian’s Wall 

The remains of Hadrian’s Wall can still be seen today running from coast to coast in northern England. The wall marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire and was built to protect against the fierce tribes in Scotland known as ‘the Picts. 

Today, visitors can retrace parts of their footsteps on a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

The wall is 129 miles south of Edinburgh. Allow around 2 hours 30 minutes for the journey. Popular destinations are Housesteads Fort.

If you want to visit the Roman Wall from Edinburgh and do not want to drive we recommend taking a tour due to the difficulties of logistics with public transport.

The best themed day trips from Edinburgh

If you have a particular interest in whisky, Harry Potter or Outlander these tours are highly recommended.

There are several tours which visit the whisky distilleries for which Scotland is famous. If sampling some famous Scottish whisky at a distillery is on your bucket list these tours offer are the perfect options.

For private driver-guided whisky tours, we recommend the award winning Edinburgh Black Cab Tours which offers excellent whisky distillery tours.

AS well as the many Harry Potter sights to explore in Edinburgh itself there are a number of themed tours which visit other famous destinations associated with the films such as Alnwick Castle and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

There are lots of great Outlander-themed tours available from Edinburgh. If you are looking for the full Outlander experience it may be worth booking on a multi-day tour – read more in our detailed guide to Outlander tours.

For private driver-guided Outlander tours, we recommend Edinburgh Black Cab tours which have 4 different Outlander-themed tours to suit a variety of timescales.

As you have read Edinburgh is a beautiful city in Scotland with lots of day trips to offer. We’ve listed some of our Edinburgh day trip favourites and why they should be on your must-do list if you are visiting the country for the first time! 

For further practical tips, ideas and inspiration you will find these articles helpful

• Best things to do in Edinburgh (plus itinerary)
• Where to stay in Edinburgh (Location and accommodation guide)
• Scottish castle hotels
• Best Isle of Skye tours
• Best day trips from Inverness

Top Things to Do

Best Museums

Visiting Edinburgh Castle

Guide to Arthur's Seat

Best Restaurants

Nightlife Guide

Best Time to Visit

Edinburgh Airport Guide

Public Transportation

48-Hour Itinerary

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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The Scottish Highlands: The Complete Guide

The Falkirk Wheel: The Complete Guide

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A Guide to Airports in Scotland

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park: The Complete Guide

The Top 20 Things to Do in the UK

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Glencoe: Planning Your Trip

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.

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The Best Day Tours From Edinburgh For First-Time Visitors

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Sit back and relax as a local expert guides you on the following day tours from Edinburgh. Reach rural and remote parts of Scotland featuring iconic landmarks such as castles, lochs, and mountains while learning more about history, culture, food, and drink without navigating public transport or maps! Whether you prefer a private, small group, or social coach, there are various options to choose from.

You may also enjoy our guide to Highlands tours .

Best Edinburgh Day Tours

Loch ness, glencoe & the scottish highlands tour.

With over 7000 reviews, this 1-day Highlands bus tour is ideal for people visiting Scotland for the first time or for locals who want to learn more about their home country!

The tour leaves Edinburgh for Stirling in the northwest, where you’ll see Stirling Castle from the bus window; this is where Mary Queen of Scots was crowned before the first refreshments stop at Kilmahog near Callander.

Here, you might just see a seasonal Highland coo!

Back on the bus, the tour drives through Rannoch Moor and the Black Mount to Glencoe while the driver regales the story of the 1692 Clan MacDonald massacre.

A lunch stop is offered at Fort William on the shores of Loch Linnhe; then it’s on to Urquhart Castle by Loch Ness, which guests can choose to tour for an additional fee.

The tour then regroups and heads towards a comfort stop at the Clansman Hotel, where visitors can choose between exploring the Old Coffin Road walk, doing a one-hour round trip cruise (additional fee), participating in a gin-tasting session (additional fee), or relaxing at the hotel before the drive back to Edinburgh but not without a stop at Pitlochry in pretty Perthshire.

The air-conditioned bus seats 16-53 people, and the price includes narration from an expert Scotland guide.

There are over 7000 reviews on GetYourGuide, with statements such as “lots of jokes and stories”, “knowledgeable in all of Scotland’s history”, and “definitely worth the money”.

Note: This will impact all of the Highland tours from Edinburgh in our guide, but the more rural you travel, the fewer options are available for hospitality during winter. It may be worth packing a lunch, giving you more time for sightseeing!

Also, wear layers to ensure maximum comfort on and off the coach.

• Duration: 12.5 hours
• Travel: Large bus, 16-53 people

Reserve your spot here .

Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis

Another option for tours to Loch Ness from Edinburgh, which allows you to see all of the Scottish sights that most newcomers dream of, are featured during this coach trip .

Embark from Edinburgh’s Old Town and drive by Stirling Castle on the way to Callander, aka The Gateway to the Highlands, then through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Then, the guided bus tour takes the winding roads to majestic Glencoe, stopping for a photo opportunity of the famous Three Sisters hills, two of which are classified as Munros.

The tour continues through Fort William, passing by Ben Nevis, the highest mountain of the British Isles.

Lunch is enjoyed in the quaint canal town of St. Augustus, where visitors can take a boat tour of Loch Ness or relax by the Caledonian Canal.

The final leg takes in Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, Cairngorms National Park, Loch Laggan, Grampian Mountains, and the Pass of Drumochter before a comfort stop at Pitlochry in Perthshire.

The air-conditioned bus seats 6-57 people, and the price includes live onboard commentary.

There are over 4000 reviews on GetYourGuide, with statements such as “humorous and so informative,” “totally worth it,” and “storytelling was incredible.”

• Travel: Bus, 16-57 people

Alternatively, please read our guide on how to get to Loch Ness by car, train, and bus.

Glenfinnan, Fort William, & Glencoe Day Tour

Depart Edinburgh to visit the viaduct made famous by the Harry Potter movies during this Highlands tour !

The first comfort stop during the 12-hour journey is in Callander, then on to the dramatic landscape of Glencoe, which has been the backdrop of popular movies such as James Bonds’ Skyfall.

The next route hugs the banks of Loch Linnhe on the way to Fort William for a lunch break, fuelling up for the star of the show: the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

It’s surreal to think that this Victorian viaduct was built in 1897, and today, it is one of the most visited locations in the Scottish Highlands as this is where the Jacobite steam train that resembles Hogwarts Express passes four times a day to thousands of camera phone clicks and captures.

Glenfinnan is also home to the Black Lake, or Great Lake, that Hogwarts Castle overlooks, it is called Loch Shiel in real life.

This is where the boat rises from the water for the 700-year-old competition, the Triwizard Tournament in the Goblet of Fire.

Another landmark is the Glenfinnan Monument, a tribute to those who died in the 1745 Jacobite uprising, built in 1815.

The bus trip back to Edinburgh is broken up with a stop in Pitlochry.

There are over 2000 reviews on GetYourGuide, with statements such as “the views even from the coach are stunning”, “full of information”, and “informative and entertaining”.

• Duration: 12 hours
• Travel: Bus, 16 – 53 people

Reserve your spot at GetYourGuide or Viator .

Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour

This tour is a little shorter at nine hours and, like the above options, includes Loch Lomond and Stirling; however, it does not travel as far as Glencoe, Loch Ness, and Fort William.

A bonus with this shorter trip is that it visits the enchanting 100ft Kelpies located at The Helix; you honestly have to see them with your own eyes to appreciate how outstanding the craft by Scottish sculptor Andy Scott is.

The next stop is the largest loch in Scotland, Loch Lomond, where visitors can pay for an additional cruise before driving through the Highlands in Miniature, Trossachs National Park and a lunch stop.

The final leg is Callander driving by Doune Castle, an Outlander filming location, and a tour of Stirling Castle to learn about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots.

The tour ends back in Edinburgh.

There are over 1000 reviews, such as “we saw a lot in one day” and “never a boring/dull moment”.

• Duration: 9 hours

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

Add a splash of scotch to your Edinburgh day tour with this 10-hour trip to a distillery.

The bus excursion leaves Edinburgh for Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow, to visit the modern Clydeside Distillery, where guests can participate in a tour and tasting session for an additional fee.

Lunch can be bought at the next stop, Loch Lomond (Aberfoyle or Balmaha), with ample time to explore the shores before the final tourist attraction, Stirling Castle (additional fee).

There are hundreds of reviews, such as “an experience of a lifetime” and “a solid 5/5”.

Check out our whisky tours from Edinburgh guide for more one-day options.

• Duration: 10 hours

Outlander Adventure Day Tour with Entry

Calling all Claire and Jamie fans, this 1-day Outlander tour visits five filming locations and several historic landmarks, too.

The first stop is Jamie’s home, Lallybroch, which is Midhope Castle in real life, and then it’s on to the striking Blackness Castle, aka Jack Randall’s headquarters.

Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace, Linlithgow Palace or Wentworth Prison in Outlander land, is up next.

The palace was also used as a canvas in the Netflix TV show Outlaw King.

In the afternoon, the bus travels to Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, then Outlander’s Castle Leoch, which is called Doune Castle.

Here, you can listen to an audio guide that features a chapter spoken by the one and only Sam Heughan.

The final stop before returning to the city is Culross, Cranesmuir, the Fife village used for Claire’s herb garden (Culross Palace) and its historic streets.

Culross is also a filming location in Captain America: First Avenger.

There are hundreds of reviews such as “great stories along the way” and “highly recommend the tour”.

• Travel: Mercedes mini-coach, 16 people – small group tour from Edinburgh

Hogwarts Express and History Tour

You don’t have to travel to London’s Platform 9¾ to experience the Hogwarts Express as a Jacobite train chugs over Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, which you can witness during this Hogwarts Express tour .

The tour leaves Edinburgh for scenic Glencoe, then on to Fort William, passing Harry Potter filming locations such as Rannoch Moor, where the Death Eaters soar through the sky and abruptly board the train in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I.

During this trip, you will also learn more about Scottish history and the landmarks along the rugged road.

Alight the Hogwarts Express at Fort William and steam over the Victorian-era Glenfinnan Viaduct, which departs in Mallaig, where you can enjoy lunch.

Note: We have personally done this train ride, and the train itself, although beautifully historic, is not a replica of the Hogwarts Express, which disappoints some visitors.

After dining, the tour bus transfers you from Mallaig to the Glenfinnan Visitor Center so that you can watch the train thunder over the viaduct you just crossed.

There are hundreds of reviews such as “absolutely brilliant day” and “great guide and very knowledgeable”.

However, some reviews state that the Glenfinnan Visitor Center car park was fully occupied; therefore, they did not get to experience watching the train on the viaduct.

• Duration: 13 hours
• Travel: Bus with toilet facility

St Andrews Tour From Edinburgh

We may be biased as we hail from The Kingdom of Fife , but we would love for visitors to consider this 1-day tour to see “it’s always sunny in Fife!”.

Leaving the city, the bus travels over the iconic Forth Bridge, which connects Edinburgh with Fife, then through the seaside village of Aberdour before stopping in the East Neuk villages of Anstruther, Pittenweem, Crail and St. Monans.

Popular day trips with locals, these charming villages are known for fishing trade, beaches, and witchcraft.

The next stop is St Andrews, which is famous for golf and the meeting place of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (Kate).

The tour then heads to the Lomond Hills and Falkland, an Outlander location where you can pose by Bruce Fountain as Jamie’s ghost does, looking up at Claire in Mrs Baird’s Guesthouse window.

On the way back to Edinburgh, the route passes Loch Leven and stops at the bustling South Queensferry to see the Forth Bridges in all of their glory.

There are hundreds of reviews such as “more than enough photo stops” and “enough time in all of our stops”.

Hadrian’s Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Cross the border between Scotland and England during this bus tour to Hadrian’s Wall.

Departing Edinburgh in the morning, the first stop is Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders, one of 70 former royal burghs in the country, known for the 12th century Augustinian Abbey.

Next, the bus stops at Carter Bar, aka toll-gate, on the edge of the Cheviot Hills, which separates Scotland from England.

Now, for the main event, the route follows the south side of Hadrian’s Wall, with a stop at Steel Rigg, one of the best viewpoints of the wall, with Crag Lough Lake sitting in the distance.

Before returning to the city, visitors can add on an optional tour of the Roman auxiliary fort, Vindolanda.

There are hundreds of reviews such as “the landscape was amazing.” and “highlight of my trip to Scotland”.

• Duration: 11 hours
• Travel: 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach

Rosslyn Chapel Tours From Edinburgh

Learn about the myths of the Da Vinci Code during this 1-day trip to Rosslyn Chapel!

This six-hour tour itinerary features the lush Scott’s View, which overlooks the Tweed Valley in Melrose, a view loved by Sir Walter Scott before visiting the statue of William Wallace.

Then, the tour moves on to the 12th-century Melrose Abbey and the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart.

A lunch stop is provided in Melrose before visiting the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, famous for its inclusion in Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code book and movie, before driving back to Edinburgh.

There are hundreds of reviews, such as “couldn’t have been better.” and “a healthy dose of Scottish history”.

• Duration: 6 hours

Final Words

From the north to south of the border, featuring castles, Munros, lochs, beaches, distilleries, battlefields, villages and cities, the itineraries on the above Scotland tours from Edinburgh will suit every visitor.

Which did you choose? Tell us in the comments.

Our Edinburgh Tours Guides

• Whisky Tours in Edinburgh
• Gin Tours in Edinburgh
• Food Tours in Edinburgh
• Walking Tours of Edinburgh
• Day Tours From 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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11 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train + Tours

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Are you looking to add a few day trips from Edinburgh by train? We’ve got you covered. We explored more of Scotland by keeping the capital city as a base and then taking a mix of public transportation and guided tours – it was easy and fun and kept our overall trip under budget!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, whiskey walks, and hosting the best festivals in the world, Edinburgh is a fairytale come to life. The Scottish capital is brimming with beautiful scenery, but there’s much more to see beyond its borders.

Edinburgh’s most popular attractions lure in millions of tourists every year. But what happens once you’ve spent about three days in Edinburgh and seen all there is to this city? This insightful guide unpacks the best day trips from Edinburgh. 

From charming coastal towns with sandy beaches to some of Scotland’s largest cities and breathtaking filming locations, these day trips from Edinburgh will leave you in awe.

Train stations to depart from Edinburgh, Scotland

Before we dive into the best day trips you can take from Edinburgh, let’s first get some logistics out of the way. Edinburgh boasts a sophisticated public transport system, and most locals will tell you that direct trains are one of the best ways to get around.

There are two main train stations in Edinburgh. You’ll find the Edinburgh Waverley Station on Princes Street in the city center. Haymarket Station , on the other hand, is located in the West End. These two railway stations are connected, and it takes about five minutes to travel by train between them.

You’ll also find smaller railway stations scattered across the city. The Edinburgh Gateway Station provides a smooth transition from tram to train services. Edinburgh Park Station on the city’s west side serves as both a tram stop and a railway station.

Now that you know where to start, let’s dive into some of the best day trips you can take from Edinburgh. So strap in and get ready for panoramic views, beautiful beaches, and picturesque fishing villages that will have you picking up your jaw from the ground.

1. Train trip to Stirling from Edinburgh — 56 minutes

Stirling is one of the country’s most historic cities in the heart of Scotland. Its streets are dotted with stunning landmarks, notable battlegrounds, beautiful castles, and plenty of distilleries and pubs to grab a pint. 

Stirling city has a crucial role in Scottish history, as two momentous battles for Scotland’s independence happened here. History buffs will love strolling through the Old Town, marveling at monuments and main attractions like the Old Town Jail and Stirling Castle.

Things to do in Stirling:

• Stirling Castle – Visit this 12th-century castle to explore its grand halls and lush gardens. It sits atop a craggy outcrop, giving you panoramic views of the city.
• The National Wallace Monument – Standing at over 200 feet tall, this tower honors a Scottish hero, William Wallace, who defeated the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The monument also gives you great vistas of the whole city. 
• Stirling Old Bridge – Walk across this bridge that replaced the timber one that stood nearby, where the Battle of Stirling Bridge took place for scenic city views. 
• Old Town – Take a walking guided tour through Old Town and immerse yourself in Scotland’s history. You’ll hear tales about the different kings, queens, and heroic knights who contributed to shaping this country.

Train route: The best way to get to Stirling from Edinburgh is by taking the ScotRail from Edinburgh Waverley Station. The fastest train takes about 40 minutes to get to Stirling, and a one-way ticket will cost you between £4.60 and £5.55 ($6 – $7). 

Tours:  Taking a guided tour like this one from Edinburgh to Stirling Castle is a great way to immerse yourself in the nation’s history while bypassing long queues. 

Top Tip: Consider getting a Stirling City Pass and get entry to Stirling Castle, The National Wallace Monument, and Stirling Old Town Jail, plus discounts to other top attractions.

2. Train trip to Glasgow from Edinburgh — 50 minutes

Located along the River Clyde, Glasgow is a quintessential European port city. Glasgow is famed for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, thriving music scene, and lots of cultural attractions. 

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and the county’s designated cultural hub, which means you’ll be inundated with lots of artsy things to do. These include strolling through museums and galleries. 

If you’re an art lover, you’ll have a fantastic time in Glasgow. The city is home to over 28 museums, like the popular Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum .

Things to do in Glasgow:

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – This early 20th-century museum showcases some of Europe’s best artifacts. You’ll spot pieces like Rembrandt’s “A Man in Armour” and Salvador Dali’s “Christ of St John of the Cross”.
• West End – Stroll through the vibrant alleys of the West End. They’re dotted with quaint boutiques, restaurants, and cafes serving a laid-back Scottish experience.
• Glasgow Science Centre – Resembling a partly emerged zeppelin, the science center offers hundreds of interactive exhibits, a theater, and a huge IMAX cinema.
• Glasgow Botanic Gardens – Add some color to your itinerary by visiting the plant-filled glasshouses at the botanic gardens.

Train route: The most ideal way to get to Glasgow from Edinburgh is by taking the ScotRail from the Waverley Station to Glasgow Queen Street Station, a major transit hub in Glasgow Central. A one-way ticket will cost you about £5.90 ($7.50)  

Tours: You’ll find many guided tours in and around Glasgow. The best one to go for is the city sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour. This will take you through the city’s most famous attractions and local hotspots like George Square.

3. Train trip to St Andrews from Edinburgh — 1 hour and 30 minutes

Hugging the craggy shores of Scotland’s east coast, St Andrews is hailed as the home of golf. This sport has been played here since 1552, and that’s evident in its world-class golf courses. So bring your golf clubs if you have them, and prepare to be blown away.

St Andrews is a haven for golf enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. You can spend your day here strolling through the grounds of the St Andrews Cathedral, smelling roses at the botanic gardens, relaxing at one of its sandy beaches, or putting around a golf course.

Things to do in St Andrews:

• Old Course – Enjoy a round of golf at the legendary Old Course, the oldest golf course in the world. The property boasts seven golf courses for you to enjoy.
• St. Andrews Cathedral – Wander around this 12th-century medieval cathedral’s ruins, then go to the top of St. Rule’s Tower for epic city views.
• West Sands Beach – Spreading over two miles with backdrops of sand dunes, this public beach is an amazing place to walk, run, and swim.
• St Andrews Aquarium – Get a peek into the world of marine life at this aquarium. You’ll see black-tip reef sharks, penguins, seals, and hundreds of fish species.

Train route: To get to St Andrews from Edinburgh, you’ll catch the ScotRail train at the Waverley Station to Leuchars, the closest railway station to St Andrews. This station is about six miles from the town, so you can catch a cab or order an e-haul to St Andrews.

Tours: There are many tours to St Andrews from Edinburgh. These are great ways to take a day trip. Guided tours like the one to St Andrews and Fishing Villages of Fife offer exceptional opportunities to explore the medieval setting and charming coastal villages.

4. Train trip to North Berwick from Edinburgh — 35 minutes

Visiting North Berwick is a fantastic day tour, especially if you have little time. North Berwick is a seaside town with wonderful coastal scenery. You’ll find many great shops, cafes, bars, and world-renowned golf courses.

Your time in North Berwick will be characterized by slow-paced living, sunbathing, and strolling along the town’s most famous avenue, High Street. It offers an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

Things to do in North Berwick:

• Scottish Seabird Centre – This environmental hub is home to an abundance of seabirds and mammals. Keep your eyes peeled for guillemots, gulls, razorbills, and puffins.
• Bass Rock – Take a boat trip to the protruding Bass Rock and get an up-close look at the millions of northern gannets that call this place home.
• Tantallon Castle – If you’re up for something more serene, consider wandering around the lush grounds of Tantallon Castle and admiring its ruins.
• National Museum Of Flight – If you’re into aviation, this museum is the perfect place. You’ll see one of Europe’s best aircraft collections here, including Scotland’s only Concorde.

Train routes: You have two ScotRail train routes to get to North Berwick from Edinburgh. The train from Waverley Station takes about 35 minutes to get to North Berwick, while the one from Haymarket Station will take about 50 minutes. You’ll pay between £2.70 ($3.40) and £4.05 ($5.12) for a one-way ticket to North Berwick. 

Tours: Take a full-day tour from Edinburgh to explore the sands and castles of East Lothian and experience an unforgettable trip to one of the country’s most beautiful coastlines.

5. Train trip to Linlithgow from Edinburgh — 21 minutes

Another great day trip from Edinburgh is visiting the enchanting town of Linlithgow. Famously known as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. 

The town perfectly blends ancient and modern, offering fun activities like strolling through museums, aqueduct cruises from the Linlithgow Canal Centre, and recreational activities at Beecraigs Country Park.

Things to do in Linlithgow:

• Linlithgow Palace – See where Mary Queen of Scots was born by visiting the ruins of Linlithgow Palace. Although dilapidated, the property gives you a glimpse of how grandiose this palace used to be.
• Linlithgow Loch – Find untampered serenity strolling around this scenic loch north of Linlithgow. It’s about a 2.25-mile long walk, taking a little over an hour to complete.
• Burgh Halls – If you fancy a bit of luxury while exploring Linlithgow, head to the historic Burgh Halls and explore its local history exhibitions or attend an event.

Train route: This is quite an easy day trip. You’ll catch a ScotRail train from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station to Linlithgow Station. A one-way ticket costs about £9.60 ($12.15).

Tours: You’ll find plenty of fun tours to explore Linlithgow. One of the most popular ones is an “Outlander” Adventure tour from Edinburgh , which takes you to the show’s top filming locations in Scotland, like Linlithgow Palace, which served as Wentworth Prison.

6. Train trip to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh — 3 hours

Forming part of The Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond is a freshwater lake known for its stunning scenery, with rugged hills and magical backdrops of snow-capped mountains. The lake is surrounded by lush highlands suitable for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. 

Things to do in Loch Lomond:

• Conic Hill – Hike to Conic Hill to get sweeping views of the lake and its surrounding landscapes, dotted with oak trees and red deer.
• Balmaha – Spend time strolling through this quaint seaside village. Shop the artsy boutiques, eat at the local cafes, or go on a picnic around the banks of the loch.
• SEA LIFE Aquarium – Meet over 1,500 aquatic critters at this fascinating aquarium. You’ll enjoy an interactive rockpool experience and walk through a tropical ocean tunnel, where you’ll come face-to-fin with stingrays and Blacktip sharks. 

Train routes: Although it’s a long one, a tour from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond is one of the easiest day trips available. Catch a ScotRail or Caledonian Sleeper train from Waverley Station to Balloch Station at the southern end of the loch. ScotRail tickets cost about £23.90 ($30.25).

Tours: The Scottish Highlands are riddled with amazing sights, and there’s no better way to see them than via a guided tour. Take a day trip from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond, enjoy scenic boat cruises, and walk through Trossachs National Park while learning its history.

7. Train trip to Dundee from Edinburgh — 1 hour and 30 minutes

Tucked along the Firth of Tay estuary, Dundee is a vibrant coastal city with outstanding modern architecture, which earned it the title of UK ’s first-ever UNESCO City of Design.

You’ll find numerous museums and art galleries spread across the city, as well as a vast selection of pubs, restaurants, independent shops, and music events to enjoy. 

Things to do in Dundee:

• V&A Dundee – Marvel at this inspiring design museum’s collection of contemporary design exhibitions. You’ll uncover over 500 years of Scottish art history here. 
• Verdant Works – Stroll through interactive exhibits at this restored mill house turned museum. The property displays the story of local jute production in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Dundee Law – Climb to the highest point in the city for mesmerizing views. The hills sit in the city center, and “The Law”, a towering volcanic sill, is the center of attention.

Train routes: You can catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Dundee Railway Station with ScotRail. A one-way ticket to Dundee will cost you about £8.30 ($10.51). There are two train routes: one takes you through St Andrews, while the other takes you via Stirling. 

8. Train trip to Falkirk from Edinburgh — 30 minutes

Another easy day trip for you to consider is from Edinburgh to Falkirk, a lively Central Lowlands town with jaw-dropping architecture. The city is largely known for the Battle of Falkirk (1298), but there is tons more to discover here than just Scottish history.

Besides striking infrastructure, you’ll also come across recreational parks, museums, and sculptures.

Things to do in Falkirk:

• Falkirk Wheel – Marvel at this incredible feat of engineering. The wheel is the only rotating boat lift in the world, connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.
• The Kelpies – Feast your eyes on marvelous sculptures depicting mythical creatures. These 98-foot dual horse-head sculptures are rooted in Scottish folklore, which says kelpies are dangerous shape-shifting water creatures that often appear as horses. 
• Callendar House and Park – This property boasts a stunning 14th-century French Chateau-style house with an expansive garden. You can enjoy contemporary visual art exhibitions at the Park Gallery or take a leisurely stroll through the complex.

Train routes: To get to Falkirk from Edinburgh, you’ll use the ScotRail train from Waverley Station to Falkirk’s High or Grahamston Station. The travel distance is relatively the same, with about a five-minute difference. One-way tickets cost about £11.10 ($14.05) to Grahamston.

Tours: Take a day trip to Falkirk to visit the world-renowned Kelpies and many other top attractions in the city, like the Falkirk Wheel and Callendar House .

9. Train trip to Dunfermline from Edinburgh — 40 minutes

Dunfermline is a former Royal Burgh that served as Scotland’s seat of power during the reign of King Malcolm III and Queen Margaret in the mid-11th century.

This town is a treasure trove of history, as it’s the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie and the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, a Scottish king who led the fight for independence during the First War.

Things to do in Dunfermline:

• Dunfermline Abbey and Palace – Dominating the skyline with its spires, this parish is a special place for many Scotts. It’s the burial place for many of the nation’s queens and kings, like Robert the Bruce. 
• Pittencrieff Park – Locally known as “The Glen”, this 76-acre park is famed for its flower-dotted grounds, colorful playgrounds, and a large pride of peacocks.
• Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries – Discover the city’s royal and industrial past at this museum and art gallery through special films, computer games, and exhibitions. And the best part is that entry to this museum is completely free! 

Train routes: From Edinburgh, you’ll catch a ScotRail train at Waverley Station, which crosses the Forth Bridge on the way to Dunfermline. You arrive at the city’s Queen Margaret Station. You can expect to pay around £7.50 ($9.49) for a one-way ticket. 

Tours: Take a day tour from Edinburgh and experience the wonders of Dunfermline Abbey. Along the way, you’ll cross the Forth Bridge and marvel at the architecture of Rosslyn Chapel.

10. Train trip to Loch Ness from Edinburgh — 3 hours and 30 minutes

Famous for being home to the mystic Loch Ness monster, this enormous freshwater lake sits deep in Scotland’s Highlands. The loch is about 23 miles, so it’s huge and full of fun outdoor activities. Outside of searching for the mythical creature, there is plenty to do in Loch Ness.

Things to do in Loch Ness:

• Boat Cruise on Loch Ness – Try your luck at spotting the cryptozoological Loch Ness monster by taking a thrilling cruise around the lake.
• Urquhart Castle – Get a deeper understanding of Scottish history as you stroll around the ruins of Urquhart Castle. 
• Loch Ness Centre – Learn more about the geology of the loch and the myth of the creature that lives within its waters.

Train routes: To get to Loch Ness, you’ll catch a ScotRail or LNER train from Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness Railway Station. From here, you’ll catch a bus to Loch Ness. One-way tickets cost around £19.20 ($24.30) to Inverness.

Tours: There are lots of day trips from Edinburgh to Loch Ness. This day tour takes you through the lush Scottish Highlands, where you can search for the famed Loch Ness monster. And because the train journey takes over 2 hours (one way), we recommend a day tour instead.

11. Train trip to South Queensferry from Edinburgh — 40 minutes

Set along the shores of the River Forth, South Queensferry is an idyllic Scottish town boasting colorful row houses, local restaurants, and views of the famous Forth Bridge. Spend your day here cruising the water, shopping, or spotting historical landmarks.

Things to do in South Queensferry:

• Boat Tour on the Firth of Forth – Enjoy a fun boat ride passing under the Forth Bridge and The Queensferry Crossing.
• Forth Rail Bridge Walkway – Climb up the bridge’s walkway for incredible city views.

Train routes: To get to Queensferry, take the ScotRail train from Waverley Station in Edinburgh to Dalmeny Station on the city’s outskirts. From here, you can catch a cab to Queensferry.

Tours: Take the Three Bridges cruise from Edinburgh and enjoy fantastic views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Forth Bridge, while spotting seals and puffins. 

Wrapping up the best day trips from Edinburgh by train

Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s most visited cities, and it’s not hard to see why. The city is riddled with intriguing architecture and world-class festivals. But there is more that lies beyond the Scottish capital. That is where these amazing day trips come in.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway on a beautiful beach or a deep dive into history at Scotland’s numerous castles, day trips are the way to go. 

So don’t limit yourself to only exploring one of the best places to visit in Europe ; take some time to discover its magical surroundings.

Other UK travel guides:

• United Kingdom Itinerary 10 days
• Scotland Itinerary 4 days
• Should you visit Ireland or Scotland?

Pin: Best Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Edinburgh day trips.

Experience the best of Scotland in a day from our central Edinburgh departure point. When joining a Scotland tour you can discover legendary tales, lovely whiskies, and marvellous mountains. And we make it easy for you to reach these places. On our day tours from Edinburgh, you travel by a luxury but nimble 16-seat mini-coaches. This allows us to take you to the hidden locations unavailable to large coach tours. On our tours you’ll also support local communities, and learn the legendary stories from a friendly local guide . So, use your precious time wisely and join Rabbie’s for a one day tour departing from Edinburgh.

Inspirational Locations on a 1 Day Trip from Edinburgh

Scotland has some of the best scenery to experience in person. So why not view it for yourself on a day trip from Edinburgh. Alternatively you can visit England and see the likes of Alnwick Castle, the Northumberland Coast and the Borders . All these inspirational locations have something magical to offer their guests. Maybe some more than others if you are a Harry Potter fan! So discover their wonder now on a Scottish 1 day tour from Edinburgh.

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13 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh by Train

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2024

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Are you visiting Edinburgh but might want to add some day trips to your Scotland itinerary? Check out these amazing day trips from Edinburgh by train that are totally worth the effort!

This list of day trips from edinburgh by train was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Scotland’s capital is the perfect place for a European city break with tons to see and do.

But it’s also a great base to explore the rest of the country. With well-connected public transport stations and tour companies, it’s super easy to take day trips from Edinburgh without a car.

And if riding the rails is your transport method of choice, you’re in luck! 

There are lots of great day trips from Edinburgh by train.

These are all the most accessible day trips from Edinburgh to Highlands, cities, beach towns, English border towns, medieval castles, and more!

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Stirling

One of the easiest day trips from Edinburgh by train is to the city of Stirling. This is a great place to visit for incredible historical sites!

The majestic Stirling Castle sits on a rocky outcrop on the edge of the city and dates back to the 12th century. It has connections to William Wallace, whose National Monument stands across the River Forth in Stirling.

If you’re a fan of Braveheart then it’s one of the top places to visit near Edinburgh for you.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Stirling by Train

Distance: 38.5 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct ScotRail service to Stirling station. These services depart approximately every 30 minutes and take under one hour. Return tickets start from £11.

Edinburgh to North Berwick Day Trip

North Berwick is a picturesque seaside town just south of the Scottish capital and it’s one of the simplest Edinburgh day trips to navigate.

You can climb North Berwick Law which is a small hill with views of the town, spend the day on Milsey Bay Beach, or check out Tantallon Castle.

It’s one of the top day trips by train from Edinburgh for nature lovers. Bass Rock, a large offshore island, is one of the most important seabird nesting sites in the country!

How To Get From Edinburgh to North Berwick by Train

Distance: 27.9 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, hop on a direct ScotRail train service to North Berwick station. This service departs once an hour and takes just over 30 minutes. Return tickets can cost as little as £6, but £15 is more likely when booked last minute.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews

If you don’t mind taking day trips from Edinburgh by bus and train, St Andrews should be at the top of your list. 

There are so many things to do here that it’s impossible to get bored!

This coastal city is known for being the birthplace of golf and is home to a prestigious university. St Andrews Castle, West Sands Beach, and a pretty harbor are the best activities to add to your day trip itinerary. 

How To Get From Edinburgh to St Andrews by Train

Distance: 51.5 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, catch a direct ScotRail train to Leuchars station which takes around 70 to 75 minutes. From the bus stop at the train station, catch the 99 bus to St Andrews Bus Station which takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Trains depart approximately every 30 minutes and cost around £15 for a return ticket booked in advance. Bus tickets cost between £2 – £4 for single journeys which you can buy on the bus.

Edinburgh to Glasgow Day Trip

Want to check out more museums, galleries, and shopping malls? One of the best day trips out of Edinburgh, Scotland is to Glasgow. It’s Scotland’s largest city and super easy to get to from the capital.

Glasgow’s parks (like Kelvingrove and Pollock Country Park) and museums (like the Science Center and Kelvingrove Art Gallery) are just some places to visit.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Glasgow by Train

Distance: 46.3 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct ScotRail train to Glasgow Queen Street station which takes just under one hour. There are other direct ScotRail services to Glasgow Central station, but these trains take around 90 minutes. 

Both stations are in the city center, so take the shorter train when possible!

Trains depart very frequently; often less than once per 30 minutes. Return train tickets cost £16 on average.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Linlithgow

A great one-day tour from Edinburgh for history fans is Linlithgow. Not only is it close to the capital, but it’s also home to an important Scottish palace.

Linlithgow Palace was the principal residence for Scottish monarchs during the 15th and 16th centuries. Mary, Queen of Scots was born there! 

Outlander fans might like to visit Linlithgow Palace as it was the filming location for Westworth Prison.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Linlithgow by Train

Distance: 21.1 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, hop on a direct ScotRail train to Linlithgow station which is a journey lasting less than 30 minutes. Trains depart very frequently, often every 10 or 20 minutes. The average price of a return train ticket is around £10.

Edinburgh to Queensferry Day Trip

Visiting Queensferry is one of the best things to do outside Edinburgh, especially if you’re short on time. You only need a couple of hours!

North and South Queensferry are two towns that straddle the Firth of Forth. They’re connected by three bridges, one of which (the Forth Rail Bridge) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

It’s worth visiting to see the bridges, South Queensferry is a cute town with lots of old pubs and ice cream shops.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Queensferry by Train

Distance: 14.6 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, catch a direct ScotRail service to North Queensferry station which takes less than 25 minutes. Trains depart every 30 minutes and return tickets start from as little as £6.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Taking day trips from Edinburgh, Scotland to England is 100% possible!

Berwick-Upon-Tweed was once a Scottish town but was reclaimed by the English in 1482. The Royal Border Bridge, the Ancient Town Walls, and the Berwick Lighthouse are just some of Berwick-Upon-Tweed’s highlights.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Berwick-Upon-Tweed by Train

Distance: 56.7 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, or LNER service to Berwick-upon-Tweed station. These journeys take around 45 to one hour and depart two to three times an hour.

Return train tickets booked in advance can be as little as £15, but you can usually only travel on services run by one train company.

Edinburgh to Alnwick Day Trip

Another of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train to England is Alnwick. This northeastern English town is known for three awesome attractions: the 14th-century Alnwick Castle, the Alnwick Garden, and the Barter Bookshop.

Alnwick Castle was one of the main Hogwarts filming locations in the first two Harry Potter movies. You can even take broomstick flying lessons! 

Alnwick Garden is famous for its ‘poison’ garden and Barter Books is one of the largest second-hand bookshops in Britain. 

How To Get From Edinburgh to Alnwick by Train

Distance: 87.1 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, hop on a direct CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, or LNER service to Alnmouth station. These services depart approximately every 40 minutes and take about an hour. 

Return tickets can cost anywhere from £15 to £30 or more, so book in advance!

Walk about two minutes to the Curly Lane Bus Station and take the X20 bus to Alnwick Bus Station which should only take between 10 and 15 minutes. Single bus tickets cost £2 and you can pay the driver.

These bus services only depart once an hour, so check the buses and trains align before planning your day trip!

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is one of two national parks in Scotland and one of the best days out from Edinburgh.

You can climb Conic Hill for panoramic views across the park or take a cruise on the Maid of the Loch. 

How To Get From Edinburgh to Loch Lomond by Train

Distance: 70.6 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, catch a ScotRail train to Glasgow Queen Street station which takes between 45 – 60 minutes. Change for a ScotRail train to Balloch station which is a journey that takes around 50 minutes.

This entire journey departs every hour, sometimes twice an hour. Return train tickets start from £20 but they can cost much more so book in advance!

Edinburgh to Dundee Day Trip

Dundee isn’t one of the most popular day trips out of Edinburgh, but there’s more to this former industrial city than meets the eye.

Visit the brand new, purpose-built V&A museum on Dundee’s waterfront which showcases the best of Scotland’s heritage and innovations. Tour the RRS Discovery, a ship that sailed to the Antarctic on the 1901 British Expedition.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Dundee by Train

Distance: 62.5 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct ScotRail service to Dundee station. This service takes between 75 – 90 minutes and departs approximately once every half an hour. Average return tickets cost around £13.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Dunfermline

Again, Dunfermline isn’t a popular Edinburgh day trip but you might be convinced to add it to your itinerary once you learn more.

Dunfermline is the birthplace of industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. He donated a lot of money to his former hometown which resulted in Carnegie Hall, Carnegie Library, and the sprawling Pittencrieff Park.

Former Scottish king Robert the Bruce is buried in Dunfermline Abbey which is a beautiful Romanesque church.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Dunfermline by Train

Distance: 17.9 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, hop on a direct ScotRail service to Dunfermline Queen Margaret station. This journey is usually less than 40 minutes and trains depart approximately twice an hour. Return tickets start from around £7.

Edinburgh to Pitlochry Day Trip

Scotland is a bigger country than you might think and it’s difficult to take a Highlands day trip from Edinburgh by train. However, visiting Pitlochry is definitely doable!

Pitlochry is a pretty mountain town on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. It’s surrounded by miles of woodland and close to the picturesque Loch Timmel. 

It just might satiate your desire to find day trips from Edinburgh in the Highlands if you’re keen to avoid group day trips or renting a car!

How To Get From Edinburgh to Pitlochry by Train

Distance: 71.2 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, catch a direct ScotRail or LNER service to Pitlochry station. These services take around two hours and depart approximately once an hour, but there are more if you’re prepared to change trains at Perth or Stirling.

Return tickets start from £15 but only if booked in advance. ScotRail services are usually cheaper than LNER.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Falkirk

Finally, the best day trip from Edinburgh to see some unique structures is to the city of Falkirk.

This small city on the Firth of Forth is the location of The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel. The Kelpies are two, 100 ft-tall mythical steel horse heads built just outside of the city to honor Scotland’s folkloric traditions. 

The Falkirk Wheel is an unbelievable feat of engineering. It moves canal boats from two different canal networks, the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. It’s the world’s only rotating boat lift!

How To Get From Edinburgh to Falkirk by Train

Distance: 26.5 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct ScotRail or LNER service to Falkirk Grahamston station. These services depart every 30 – 40 minutes, and the journey takes between 30 – 50 minutes. The cost of return tickets starts from £9.

Edinburgh Day Trips FAQs

How do i use the scottish rail system for day trips from edinburgh.

Purchase tickets online in advance or at the station. Consider a ScotRail pass for multiple trips. Trains are frequent, but check schedules on the ScotRail website or app for specific times and routes.

Can you visit the Highlands on a day trip from Edinburgh by train?

Yes, but it’s a longer journey. Destinations like Pitlochry or Aviemore can be reached by train and offer a taste of the Highlands. For iconic spots like Loch Ness or Glencoe, consider a guided tour for convenience.

Are there any castle day trips from Edinburgh by train?

Absolutely. Stirling Castle is easily accessible by train. Another option is Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, which is a short train ride away.

What coastal towns can I visit from Edinburgh by train?

North Berwick is a popular choice for its beaches, seabird center, and quaint town atmosphere. South Queensferry, although closer and not requiring a train, is reachable by bus or train and offers stunning views of the Forth Bridges.

Is it expensive to take day trips from Edinburgh by train?

Costs can vary depending on the destination and how far in advance you book. Traveling off-peak and booking in advance can save money. Group or family tickets and rail passes may offer additional savings.

What’s the easiest way to find train times and prices for day trips from Edinburgh?

The ScotRail website or the National Rail Enquiries website are the best resources for train times and prices. The Trainline app is also a convenient tool for planning and purchasing tickets.

Can I do a day trip to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh by train?

While Skye is too far for a practical train day trip from Edinburgh, you can take a train to Mallaig and then a ferry to Skye, but this would be better suited for an overnight stay due to the travel time.

Day Trips From Edinburgh by Train Wrap-Up

From lively cities to historic towns, those are all the best day trips from Edinburgh by train!

Taking day trips from Edinburgh by car might give you more options. Booking spots on the best day tours from Edinburgh might mean you’ll see more places without driving.

But Edinburgh day trips by train can be more cost-effective and allow you to move at your own pace.

Plus, you get a more local experience and have an opportunity to explore Scotland (or England) beyond the well-trodden routes!

Looking for more Scotland travel resources? Check out Planning a Trip to Scotland: Step-by-Step Guide , 13 Best Day Trips From Glasgow by Train , and 9 Best Edinburgh Hotels for Families Worth Booking !

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