day trips from scotland to england

13 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh by Train

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2024

Home » Destinations » Europe » Scotland » 13 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh by Train

Sharing is caring!

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 !

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• About & FAQ
• City Guides
• Photography Portfolio
• Work With Me

Annie Fairfax

A Luxury Travel & Lifestyle Compendium

Edinburgh , Glasgow , Invergarry , Isle of Skye , London , Outdoors , Portree , United Kingdom · October 22, 2020

10 Day Scotland & England Itinerary

Our time in Scotland and England last year was simply incredible. Both my husband and I have Scottish ancestry, so it isn’t surprising that visiting such a beautiful place for the first time felt more like coming home than going somewhere new. While we spent nearly a month in the United Kingdom , I wanted to create a condensed version of our itinerary to share with you, so that you can easily add a couple of days or remove a few to create your own 1-2 week travel plan. I hope this 10 Day Scotland & England Itinerary helps you fall in love with the United Kingdom in the same way that we did.

Before Departure

Make reservations for hotels, book flights, and order an Oyster Card for transportation in London at least 2 weeks in advance to save up to 50% off transportation around London, or buy the card upon arrival to the city. Book rental car in Edinburgh for Isle of Skye travels at least 2 weeks in advance, as they book up quickly, and keep in mind they drive on the opposite side of the road as we do here in the states. Most vehicles are manuals as well.

London, Day One

8:00 am Fly into Gatwick Airport – Pick up a SIM card at one of the many SIM card kiosks around the airport to use Google Maps locally around the UK

9:00 am Take the Gatwick Express train to Victoria Station, transfer towards South Kensington Station, and exit at South Kensington Station – Use Oyster Card to travel around London via the underground, trains, or buses with a single tap of the card

10:00 am Check into The Kensington Hotel in Kensington – One of the most fashionable and exclusive neighborhood in London – One of the nicest places to stay in the city, with the obvious exception of Buckingham Palace itself, of course. – Complimentary, organic, fresh pressed juice upon arrival – Change into comfortable walking shoes

11:30 am Have brunch down the street from the hotel at Dozo Japanese Restaurant or get takeaway at nearby Akira Sushi and have a picnic in Kensington Park.

1:00 pm Head to Central London via The Tube East District Line to Westminster Station

1:15 pm See Big Ben & Westminster Abbey/Palace of Westminster – Clockface is under construction until 2021, but still visible – Lots of iconic, red phone booths are in the vicinity

2:15 pm Ride the London Eye Ferris wheel – Great place to take photos of the city

3:15 pm Walk Through St James Park and stroll the surrounding gardens or Check out one of London’s Prettiest Cafés

4:00 pm Walk Princess Diana Memorial Walk & Gardens

4:30 pm Visit Buckingham Palace and admire the gardens, Golden gates, changing of the guard, etc. – Tours available late July – October

6:30 pm Head back to The Kensington Hotel   (take The Tube back to South Kensington Station) to change for dinner & freshen up

7:00pm Dinner at Daquise Restaurant which serves delightfully authentic Polish food – Five minute walk from the hotel – London’s oldest Polish Restaurant, which was frequented by spies, and Poland’s exiled President, who made plans to overthrow Poland’s communist government inside the restaurant – I recommend the Marinated Salmon with Potato Pancakes, and the Cheese, Potato, and Onion Dumplings

9:00 pm Have gelato or drinks across the street from the restaurant, or head back to the hotel for the evening

London, Day Two

6:00 am Wake up & get ready for another day of walking & exploring – Wear comfortable walking shoes and a comfortable, smart casual outfit – Bring a sunhat or umbrella depending upon the weather – Bring camera – Make reservation at hotel for tomorrow’s afternoon tea experience

7:30 am Walk through Chelsea neighborhood – Admire lovely building façades and local gardens

8:30 am Brunch at Le Pain Quotidien

10:00 am Visit Kew Royal Botanic Garden – Buy tickets on your phone on the walk over, or wait in line upon arrival – Explore glass houses, exotic plants from around the world, as well as native landscaping, butterflies, birds, and more – This is the most biodiverse place on Earth – Gift shop has incredible selection of books on the United Kingdom’s flora and fauna, as well as organic gin handcrafted from foraged herbs and plants from Kew Gardens that you can only buy at the gardens

3:00 pm Kew Garden Café for lunch – Dine out front on the patio for an al fresco experience, or back of the café to eat in their “greenhouse” – Rotating menu of scratch made sandwiches, quiche, and salads, as well as smoothies and mince pies

5:30 pm Walk Hyde Park – Natural History Museum is nearby, if you fancy a visit

6:30 pm Walk Kensington Park

8:00pm Dinner at Zetland Arms Pub – Order a pint, try the Shepphard’s Pie, and relax like the locals

London, Day Three

8:00 am Breakfast at The Ivy Chelsea – Ask to sit in the back inside the glasshouse area, or out back on the garden if the weather is nice – Lots of vegan and vegetarian options – Restaurant is covered in flowers and filled with real plants and flowers inside

10:30 am Visit Sherlock Holmes Museum – You will have to wait in line to get tickets, and then wait in another line to get into the museum – Visits are timed and since it is a small space, people move through quickly, so you won’t have to wait long – There is an attached gift shop, in which you will purchase tickets to the museum

11:30am Marble Arch & return to Kensington Hotel

12:30 pm Afternoon Tea at Kensington Hotel “The Townhouse”

2:30 pm Walk South Kensington neighborhood

4:30 pm Walk Tower Bridge and surrounding parks

7:30 pm Dinner at vegan gluten-free sushi restaurant, ItadakiZen, near King’s Cross Station

London & Edinburgh, Day Four

6:00 am Wake up and pack up, we’re heading to Edinburgh today!

8:00 am Breakfast at Chuc’s Café in Kensington , around the corner from the hotel

9:30 am Check out of Kensington Hotel & head to King’s Cross Station

10:30 am Visit Platform 9 & 3/4 from Harry Potter & the gift shop next door to it – Have your photo taken with props from the movie – Grab drinks and a snack from the grocery in the train station to prepare for the 4.5 hour ride

11:00 am Take the train to Edinburgh – Enjoy the scenic English and Scottish countryside – Keep an eye out for flocks sheep on the hillside

3:30 pm Arrive in Edinburgh and exit the train station

3:45 pm Cross the street and check into Scotsman Hotel – Located directly across the street from the train station – On the border of Old Town & New Town Edinburgh, making it a perfect base camp to explore the city – Unpack and change if necessary

4:15 pm Head to Edinburgh Old Town – Located just around the corner from hotel – Walk Down Royal Street – Visit Grassmarket Area, with great views of Edinburgh Castle – Walk through  Greyfriars Kirkyard – Pick up some Scottish Whisky or other souvenirs along Royal Mile – Explore alleyways of Edinburgh and tiny shops along the street

8:00 pm Dinner at Devil’s Advocate Pub – I recommend Whisky Flight, Smoked Fish Sharing Platter, and Spiced roast cauliflower & squash, tahini yogurt, slow roast garlic, Gordal olive & toasted seeds

9:30 pm Head back to hotel or explore Edinburgh’s nightlife

Edinburgh, Day Five 

7:00 am Breakfast at The Ivy on the Square 

9:00 am Head to  The Royal Botanical Gardens of Edinburgh – Has a cafe, 10 glasshouses, and some of the plants are hundreds of years old – Check out the Victoria Lillies, they’re massive Lilly pads from the Amazon

1:00 pm  Head back to Edinburgh Old Town

1:30 pm Lunch at Angels with Bagpipes – Rumoured to soon be receiving a Michelin Star – Locally sourced Scottish Seafood and vegetarian food – Ask for a table with a view of the courtyard towards the back of the restaurant, if possible

2:00 pm Visit Edinburgh Castle & Castle Giftshop in Old Town

5:00 pm Climb up to “Arthur’s Seat” to watch the sunset – Photograph Firth of Forth which is a part of the North Sea – Enjoy the incredible panoramic view of the city

8:30 pm Eat at Wahaca Mexican Street Food for dinner after the long hike – Two blocks from hotel – Master Chef Winning chef, Thomasina Miers – I recommend sustainably caught fish tacos, Cheese & Chilli Croquettes, Devon Crab Tostadas, Mushroom & Feta Tacos

10:30 pm Grab a pint at local pub or head back to hotel – Upon return to hotel, arrange for a late check-out the next day

Edinburgh, Invergarry, & Loch Ness, Day Six

6:00 am Wake up, get ready for the day & pack up

7:30 am Eat Breakfast

9:00 am Head to Hollyrood Palace or Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art

11:00 am Pick up rental car from Hertz & Drive to Glengarry Castle Hotel in Invergarry – 3.5 Hour Drive through some of the most beautiful parts of Scotland – Stop to enjoy the scenery, take photos, stretch, etc. as the mood strikes you – Grab snacks or lunch en route, if necessary

4:00 pm Check into Glengarry Castle Hotel – Drive past or walk to Glengarry Castle Ruins on the way in or after check-in – Unpack and explore the grounds – Ask to borrow the row boat if you’d like to explore Loch Oich a bit

5:30 pm Dinner at hotel inside dining room – Option for 2 or 3 course meal – Order from rotating, seasonal selection of locally sourced dishes made from scratch at the castle hotel

7:00 pm Drive to Loch Ness – 30 minute drive – Lots of places to stop and admire the scenery – Watch the sunset over Loch Ness

9:30 pm Return to Hotel and Walk Castle Grounds – Stargaze without any light pollution – Visit castle ruins at night, it’s spooky!

Isle of Skye & Portree, Day Seven

7:00 am Breakfast at hotel – Order from rotating, seasonal menu which changes daily

8:30 am Drive to Eileen Donan Castle – 1 hour drive – Lots of towering waterfalls, mountains, and stop-offs along the way – Click here for seasonal hours – Nearby rental cottages  & apartments on the castle property, these book out several months in advance

10:00 am Explore castle

11:30 am Head to city of Portree for lunch – 1.5 Hour Drive – Portree is the last “major” city before entering the Isle of Skye

1:00 pm Arrive in Portree – Enjoy lunch on the water – Explore the port city, and its colorful waterfront buildings – Photograph the incredible mountains and loch surrounding Portree – Pick up provisions, refuel, fill up water bottles, and use restroom before heading out, because there aren’t many places to stop for these things on the Isle of Skye

2:30 pm  Head to Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls Viewpoint – 30 minutes away – Use pulloffs to give way to oncoming traffic along one-lane roads – Stop at Old Mann of Storr Monument along the way

3:00 pm Admire Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls – Usually bagpipe players here – Watch for tour busses, they drive wildly and won’t stop for pedestrians – Look for whales, dolphins, and baby dolphins along the waters, and puffins on the rock face (puffins are sadly uncommon nowadays, as a result of eel trawling, which has taken away their main source of food)

4:30 pm  Drive to Fairy Glen – 35 minute Drive

5:00 pm Explore Fairy Glen – Climb the cone shaped hills and fern covered valleys of the Fairy Glen – Hike the area, admiring wildflowers, and look for wild hedgehogs, and otters in rivers and streams – Look for the waterfall in the distance and tame sheep roaming about – Lochans (ponds) full of fish, small idyllic cottages in the distance, and beautiful views of the mountains from here – This is one of the most gorgeous places in all of Scotland

8:00 pm Head back for Dinner in Portree – After dinner, return to hotel

Isle of Skye, Day Eight

8:00 am Breakfast at castle hotel

9:00 am Head to Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye – Stop along the way to pack a picnic for the Isle of Skye – Stop off at waterfall or mountain viewpoint you’d like along the way, there are dozens of them, all absolutely beautiful! – Stop by Hector’s Highland Coos along the way and hang out with some highland cows and their babies! Donations help buy feed for them 🙂

11:30 am Arrive at and Hike/Swim at the Fairy Pools – Bring midge fly bug spray and/or face net, hiking boots, lunch and a swimsuit + towel – Seriously, bring midge fly spray. Their bites really, really hurt! – Pay £5 to park and hike down to the falls area – Hike all the way to the upper falls and find the swimming pools, where it will be much less crowded than the lower falls *Be careful, the rocks are sharp but the water is crystal clear and perfectly cold as it’s snow melt from the top of the mountain mixed with rain water and spring water. Swimming here is so refreshing! – There are dozens of waterfalls and shallow pools and a cave you can swim into! It’s absolutely breathtaking, the muddy hiking paths are covered in soft ferns and moss which make it a perfect place to hike and explore as well. ** Not safe to dive anywhere here , the water is very shallow, at most 3 feet deep

3:30 pm Leave early to play a round of golf at Isle of Skye Golf Club overlooking the loch and Cuillin Mountains, or hike nearby hiking trails – This golf club is the only course in the world to have each hole named in Gaelic. Scotland is where golf was invented, so this is a very special golf course for those who love heritage golfing

5:30 pm Find dinner on the Isle of Skye , Portree, or head back to Loch Ness to dine at Boathouse Restaurant, which overlooks the lake – If you dine in Loch Ness, you can take a sunset “Nessie” cruise on a glass bottom boat equipped with sonar equipment to hunt for the Loch Ness Monster

Evening Explore local area before heading back to hotel

Invergarry, and Glasgow or Glencoe, Day Nine

6:00 am Wake up, get ready, pack up

7:30 am Breakfast at Hotel

9:00 am  Check out of hotel and head to Glasgow or Glencoe – Glencoe is one of the most beautiful places in the United Kingdom and perfect for nature lovers, but requires more driving or an additional day – If heading to Glasgow, stop at Blair Castle & explore the grounds, walk the Hercules Garden, and explore the on-site bookstore and gift shop – Visit  Stirling Castle along the way or add another day in Stirling, Scotland

7:00 pm Arrive in Glasgow and Check into Kimpton Blysthwood Square Hotel – Get settled in room, change, and freshen up for dinner

8:00 pm Dinner & Drinks at Bo & Birdie inside hotel – After dinner, explore the city’s nightlife, swim in the hotel’s spa/pool (if still open, hours vary by season)

Glasgow, Day Ten

7:00 am Wake up, pack up, and have breakfast either at Bo + Birdie, or nearby restaurant – Request late check out – Prep travel documents

9:00 am Spa Day at Kimpton Blysthwood Square Spa – Read more about spa’s offerings, and see my recommendations for treatments, facials, and massage, here . – Perfect way to work out sore muscles from hiking and site seeing before heading back home – Lunch at spa’s café

5:00 pm Freshen up, finish packing, and check-out

6:00 pm Head to Glasgow Airport and return rental car – Check-in for flight – Fly back home

I hope this helps you plan the most incredible adventure in Scotland & England. Truly, Scotland is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and there is so much to see and do, particularly if you love the outdoors as much as we do. I could live in Scotland for an entire lifetime and never see and do everything I’d like to, so my advice to you when planning an adventure in the United Kingdom is to begin by doing research and prioritizing what you’d like to do on your first visit, and then finding things along the way you’d also like to see. For example, we knew we wanted to renew our vows on the Isle of Skye at the Fairy Pools, so we fit in as much as we could in the surrounding areas, and we were never once bored. In fact, I wish we could have spent more than a month exploring the UK, it’s one of my favorite places in the world!

You’ll Also Love

Luxury Travel Guides

Hamish says

May 24, 2021 at 6:12 pm

This is such a great guide. Just a note, Scotch is about a third of the price in the USA as opposed to what you will pay in Scotland, the contents are exactly the same, there are very few that can only be purchased in Scotland but the majority of them are available in the USA. Isle of Skye to Inverness is an incredible drive, but it’s long, so I’d recommend getting dinner before heading out!

Annie Fairfax says

May 30, 2021 at 4:32 pm

Thank you so much! Yes, that’s certainly true. Where we lived in Michigan, it was impossible to find what we bought, though it may be available elsewhere in the USA. We had a couple of friends request we bring them back some Scotch, so that was part of why we were willing to pay more as well. I couldn’t agree more, it is a beautiful drive!

Thank you for reading, I appreciate it!

Morgan Dent says

January 3, 2023 at 7:11 pm

Dreamy itinerary! And such helpful tips!!

January 18, 2023 at 8:39 am

We are planning our 10 year anniversary trip and adding this to our itinerary!! Can’t wait!

January 19, 2023 at 6:46 pm

I am planning my honeymoon to Scotland, London and Ireland. This post helped me plan out the days. Thank you for sharing such beautiful pictures and such a well planned out schedule.

Danielle F says

January 23, 2023 at 10:25 pm

Isle of Skye is definitely at the top of my travel list along with Paris. I fell in love with Ireland and Scotland seems just as beautiful

Morgan Adams says

June 29, 2023 at 7:12 pm

Such a dream itinerary!

Leave a Comment Here Cancel reply

Copyright © 2024 Annie Fairfax

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

July 6, 2023

I love Edinburgh. A big city that somehow feels like a small town, it’s absolutely worth the hype.

But Scotland is way more than just its iconic capital, and you should explore it in as much depth as you can. I’d recommend spending at least your whole life in the nation, but you’re probably short on time like most tourists are.

If that’s the case, there are lots of excellent day trips you can tackle from the nation’s capital (lucky you!). So in this guide, I’ve brought you the 15 best day trips from Edinburgh . Come join the fun!

1. North Berwick

2. pentland hills, 3. loch lomond & the trossachs national park, 4. the northumberland coast, 6. pitlochry, 7. st. andrews, 9. stirling, 10. dean village, 11. newcastle-upon-tyne, 12. arthur’s seat, 13. eyemouth, 14. anstruther and crail, 15. go ape, dalkeith, final words and further reading, best outdoor adventure day trips from edinburgh.

Best for: Excellent beaches, a charming seaside town , and bird-based boat trips

I reckon this is Berwick’s best close-by seaside town (others might think it’s Musselburgh or Port Seton, but they’re wrong). At North Berwick, you get lovely beaches, cute cafes and restaurants ( Steampunk Coffee is an independent favorite), and the planet’s largest colony of northern gannets.

Along with that stuff, the town also has golf courses, endless independent stores, a charming harbour, and lots of great walks (both long and short).

But the major attraction here is the Scottish Seabird Center , where you can tackle boat trips, spy on live webcams, and learn all about the native (and non-native) bird populations of Scotland.

If you want to venture a little bit further, head to Seacliff, around 5 miles (20km) east of North Berwick. This imaginatively-titled place has a beautiful bay, and it’s a great place for quiet walks.

And last of all, make sure you explore nearby Tantallon Castle. An impressive ruined fortress hanging over some low-level cliffs, it’s one of Scotland’s most underrated castles.

• Distance from Edinburgh: 25 miles/40km
• How to get there: By car, follow the A1 east before turning north just past Haddington. By train, there’s a regular direct service between Edinburgh and North Berwick
• Time taken to get there: Around 1 hour
• How much time to spend there: All day

Best for: Underrated hills, great views of Edinburgh, and excellent (but easy-to-access) hikes

Just south of Edinburgh, you have Pentland Hill Regional Park, an underrated spot for hiking, running and outdoor adventures. Alright, the hills here aren’t huge, but it’s a great place to explore, with nine distinct peaks clocking in at over 450 meters (1500 feet), and lots more smaller ascents.

The hike up Allermuir Hill is probably the most popular (and maybe best), but there are a ridiculous number of great accessible routes .

Aside from walking, people come here to fish, paddle board, ride horses, walk their dogs, and even meet alpacas. If you want to explore Scotland’s outdoors, but don’t want to venture far from Edinburgh, this is without doubt the best pick for you.

• Distance from Edinburgh: The northern tip of the park is only 6 miles/10km away
• How to get there: Driving is easiest, for flexibility, but the 101 and 101A buses serve some locations
• Time taken to get there: 25 minutes by car (to the closest point)
• How much time to spend there: Half a day or a full day

Best for: Real outdoor adventures, intense hikes, and exploring one of Scotland’s best national parks

If the Pentland Hills don’t offer big enough adventures for you, here’s your next option.

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is absolutely massive, with endless hikes, cycle routes, water-based activities, and loads more. So because the park is so big, and because you only want a day trip (you diva), you need to be selective.

A good option for an exciting but accessible day hike from Edinburgh is Ben A’an, in the south of the park. Callander Crags and Conic Hill are two other great options. If you’re looking for something less intense, there are lots of shoreline walks around several of the park’s lochs.

For eating and drinking in between hiking and adventuring, Callander and Balloch are your two best options.

• Distance from Edinburgh: 50 miles/80km to Callander
• How to get there: By car, follow the A84 or the A811. By public transport, it’s not worth the hassle
• Time taken to get there: By car, 90 minutes
• How much time to spend there: As long as possible!

Best for: Heading south to England, lots of great beaches and castles, and exploring some of England’s most underrated landscapes

Most day trips on this list take you to other parts of Scotland. But on this trip, you head south to Northumberland, England’s most northern region.

Now I might be biased because I’m from the area. But Northumberland is one of the nation’s most underrated regions —and it’s probably most famous for its castles and its beaches . My top three spots are Alnmouth, Bamburgh and Craster, but Amble, Berwick, Holy Island and Seahouses are great too (Seahouses is especially good if you’re traveling with kids).

If you like beaches, you should absolutely explore Northumberland’s coast on a day trip from Edinburgh.

• Distance from Edinburgh: Seahouses (the most central point I’ve mentioned) is 80 miles/130km away
• How to get there: By car, keep following the A1 south. By public transport, there are regular trains between both Edinburgh and Berwick, and Edinburgh and Alnmouth
• Time taken to get there: 90 minutes to Seahouses by car

Best Town and City Day Trips from Edinburgh

Best for: A totally different atmosphere to Edinburgh, lots of art and museums, and exploring Scotland’s other famous big city

Glasgow is massively overlooked in favor of Edinburgh. But it shouldn’t be.

Yeah, Edinburgh is great, it’s beautiful, and I love the place. But Glasgow is more gritty, more ‘real’,’ less of a tourist playground, and arguably more friendly (just don’t tell anyone from Edinburgh I said that). If you like edgy, interesting and authentic, you’ll probably prefer Glasgow to Edinburgh.

Related : Best Day Trips From Glasgow

Top stops on any decent Glasgow day trip include Glasgow Cathedral, the neighboring necropolis, the Victorian Tall Ship, Barras Market, the Kelvingrove Gallery, and all the city’s street art. And make sure you visit a traditional pub—you’ll find plenty of them.

If you like being all fit and active, consider cycling between the two cities, on the largely-off-road National Cycle Network route 75 . It’s flat and easy, and it’s doable even for long-distance newbies. Oh, and you can take your bike on the trains in both directions, so you only need to cycle one way.

• Distance from Edinburgh: 47 miles/76km
• How to get there: By car, follow the M8 west. Or take one of the many regular direct trains
• Time taken to get there: 45-60 minutes

Best for: Cute cafes, good food and drink, and exploring the southern tip of the Cairngorms

I really really love Pitlochry.

There’s not really much to do there, but it’s hugely charming. If you like jumping from cafe to cafe to restaurant in the pursuit of tasty treats to shove in your big fat face, you’ll love it. Cute and cozy, it’s a loveable little place right on the southern edge of Cairngorms National Park—it’s the sort of town your grandma would probably like.

A main road runs right through lots of the town, so it’s really easy to access.

If you have time, and if you like hiking, wander north to the rest of Cairngorms National Park, the biggest national park in the UK. On a one-day jaunt from Edinburgh, Cairn Gorm is the logical choice for a hike (it’s the most accessible of the big peaks).

• Distance from Edinburgh: 70 miles/113km
• How to get there: If you’re driving, follow the M90 and the A9 north. By train, you’ll need to change at Perth
• Time taken to get there: Around 2 hours
• How much time to spend there: 3-4 hours

Best for: Family-friendly fun, a charming seaside town, and playing some world-class golf

Mainly known as Scotland’s ‘home of golf,’ St Andrews is mega-famous across the planet. It’s a great place to play a few rounds, with award-winning courses, and even a golf museum—but there’s way more to the town than just putting and pitching.

It’s a fantastic pick if you’re traveling with kids and you’re looking for a family day out. In St. Andrews, you get nice beaches, a cute working harbour, a ruined castle, endless fish and chips, and a fantastic aquarium . All in all, it’s fun for kids, adults, and everyone in between (I put myself in that final category).

( By the way, here’s more information on other aquariums throughout the UK ).

• Distance from Edinburgh: 50 miles/80km
• How to get there: By car, follow the A90, A92 and A915. By public transport, get a train from Edinburgh to Leuchars before hopping on a quick bus from Leuchars to St. Andrews
• Time taken to get there: Around 90 minutes
• How much time to spend there: A whole day

Best for: Visiting a famous chapel, getting all quaint and cozy, and an easy and accessible day trip from Edinburgh

Roslin is a little village, not far from Edinburgh, making it an easy day trip if you can’t be bothered with the hassle of traveling far.

The town is most famous for its chapel , which was featured in the Da Vinci Code movie. Have a wander inside and you’ll see some impressive carvings, crevices, and stained glass windows.

Make sure you also visit partially-ruined Rosslyn Castle, built high on a mound, and overlooking the twists and turns of the River Esk.

Aside from those things, there’s not much to do in Roslin except fall in love with its small-village charm. Humble and wholesome, it’s a retro place with a retro vibe.

• Distance from Edinburgh: 7 miles/11km
• How to get there: By car, follow the A701 south. There’s no train, but the 37 bus is direct and regular
• Time taken to get there: 25-50 minutes
• How much time to spend there: Half a day

Best for: Exploring an underrated city, enjoying great food and drink, and seeing a mini version of Edinburgh Castle

In some ways, Stirling is like a mini Edinburgh. It has a massive castle on an ancient volcano, it’s cute and cozy, and it’s brimming with trendy places to eat and drink. Oh, and it’s full of Scottish people.

Aside from its big castle, other attractions in Stirling include Cambuskenneth Abbey, Stirling Old Town Jail, the Holy Rude, and the National Wallace Monument (along with the lofty hill surrounding it). When you’re done with it all, make sure you eat and drink plenty of Stirling’s tasty treats .

Only around 40,000 people live there, so it doesn’t feel much like a city (even though it is), perfect if you like quaint places.

While you’re in Stirling, you should also go to Bridge of Allan, an alluring little town full of character.

• Distance from Edinburgh: 36 miles/58km
• How to get there: In a car, follow the M9. By train, there are regular direct connections between the two cities
• Time taken to get there: 40-60 minutes

Best for: A sort-of village in a city, gentle riverside strolls, and tackling the world’s easiest day trip

Dean Village is actually part of Edinburgh, so it’s not quite a day trip. But if you’re short on time, it’s a nice alternative—and because it feels so different from the rest of Edinburgh, it’s sort of like a day trip anyway.

Just a short walk from Princes Street (one of the most well-known streets in Edinburgh), Dean Village is a picturesque little place right on the Water of Leith, and a top spot for Edinburgh’s Instagrammers. Once a water-milling village, the place still has lots of millstones along with beautiful old-school homes and a massively loveable atmosphere.

There’s not much to do in Dean Village, but it’s pretty and quaint, and it’s a charming city-center retreat.

• Distance from Edinburgh: It’s part of Edinburgh
• How to get there: Just walk from Edinburgh’s center
• Time taken to get there: Just a few minutes!
• How much time to spend there: 1-2 hours

Best for: A quick trip to England, meeting friendly faces, and exploring England’s most underrated city

Again, I’m probably biased, cos I was born here, and I’ve spent loads of my life living in and around England’s most northern city.

Most of Newcastle’s best stuff is found outside of the city center (with loads of nearby hikes, hills, shores and sands).

But the city itself is pretty charming too. You get a beautiful riverside area, lots of welcoming pubs, great nightlife, and a laid-back atmosphere. And on top of all that, I reckon it’s the friendliest city in England. Go to the Ouseburn, walk along the Tyne, wander down Grey Street, and make lots of friends. Just don’t be surprised if you can’t understand anyone .

And as a sweet little bonus, the train ride between Edinburgh and Newcastle is brimming with lovely views (of the east coast, so sit on the correct side).

• Distance from Edinburgh: 120 miles/193km
• How to get there: There are regular direct trains in both directions. By car, it’s too long to justify a day trip
• Time taken to get there: 90 minutes by train

Best Family-Friendly Day Trips from Edinburgh

Best for: Great views, an easy green escape from the center of the city, and lots of lovely picnic spots

Alright, the lovely peak of Arthur’s Seat is actually inside of Edinburgh. But once you’re up there, it hardly feels that way. A brilliant city escape right in the heart of Holyrood Park, it’s a good place to visit if you’re traveling with kids who don’t want to venture far into the wild.

The panoramic views you get from the top of Arthur’s Seat are fantastic, and they far outweigh the effort required to get them. It’s a surprisingly short stroll, with an ascent of only 279 meters/915 feet. At the top, you’ll find loads of families, picnickers and dog walkers.

If you want more information on the hike, and if you and your family can tackle it (spoiler: you probably can), have a look here .

• Distance from Edinburgh: Just outside the very center
• How to get there: Short walk from the city center
• Time taken to get there: 2 hours to the top
• How much time to spend there: 2-4 hours

Best for: Arcade games, splashing around in the sea, and a fun-packed seaside town

Eyemouth is a massively popular family seaside escape. People from both the south of Scotland and the north of England come here for day trips and vacations.

You get all the clichéd British seaside traditions here, including arcades, fish and chips, buckets and spades, boat trips, sandy beaches, and plenty more. I love the place, kids love the place and adults love the place. Basically, everybody falls in love with Eyemouth’s charms, and you will too.

Between Eyemouth and Edinburgh, you have Cockburnspath. The on-road stretch between Eyemouth and Cockburnspath is one of my favorite coastal stretches in Scotland (and the best part of the long-distance Coast and Castles bike ride ). Dramatic, beautiful and ridiculously scenic, make sure you lookout for it.

• How to get there: By car, follow the A1. If you want to use public transport, take a train to Berwick before catching a bus from Berwick to Eyemouth
• Time taken to get there: 60-90 minutes

Best for: Cozy harbours, quaint settlements, and an underrated walk between two lovely places

Anstruther and Crail (around 4.5 miles/7km away from one another) are a pair of cozy seaside settlements that are both worth a visit. Anstruther is slightly bigger, while nearby Crail is cuter.

Again, they’re both great for families. They’re a little more quiet and low-key than Eyemouth, but you still get lots of fun, including harbour hangouts, ice cream, cobbled streets, fish and chips (Anstruther Fish Bar is regularly voted as one of the best fish and chip places in the UK), and boat trips to the remote Isle of May.

If you want to walk between Anstruther and Crail (I reckon it’s the best way to explore the area), head here for more information . For great views, varied landscapes, and kids with energy to burn, it’s a good option.

• How to get there: By car, follow the A92 and A915. By public transport, I wouldn’t bother with the hassle
• Time taken to get there: 90 minutes
• How much time to spend there: Half a day to a full day

Best for: Ziplines, treetop walks, and crazy kids who like an adventure

This branch of Go Ape is set in the 1,000 sprawling acres of Dalkeith Country Park, just south of Edinburgh. It’s one of those places where you get ziplines, physical challenges, treetop walks and team building activities right in the middle of the forest.

Throughout the UK, Go Ape has a great reputation. All of the UK-wide Go Ape branches (nice pun) are great, but this is one of the best of them. You get towering platforms, eight separate ziplines, and adrenaline-inducing tests and challenges. If you have brave kids who like outdoor adventures, they’ll absolutely love it.

Though Dalkeith’s Go Ape seems pretty remote and rural, it’s actually very close to Edinburgh, so you don’t need to venture far to find it. Convenient!

There’s another Go Ape near Peebles, only around 25 miles (40km) from Edinburgh. It’s set in underrated Glentress Forest (another great day trip option from Edinburgh!).

• Distance from Edinburgh: 7.5 miles/12km
• How to get there: By car, follow the A7. If you’re using public transport, the easiest option is the 49 bus from Edinburgh to Dalkeith
• Time taken to get there: 30-60 minutes
• How much time to spend there: 2-3 hours

That’s everything you need to know about the best day trips from Edinburgh. Thanks for reading!

For adventures in the region, check out my guide about the best road-trips from Edinburgh .

If you want to know anything else about the city, check out our guides on how to spend 2 days in Edinburgh , the best time to visit Edinburgh and the best places to stay . Or if you want to know anything else about Scotland, head here . In our Scottish guides, we’ve covered hiking, beaches, castles, towns, and whatever else you can imagine.

See you next time kids!

About the author

Senior Travel Reporter

Paul is a handsome and hilarious travel writer and travel journalist from the UK. He's hiked, hitchhiked and laughed his way through more than fifty countries, and he's always looking for a new place to call home. Originally from Newcastle, he's lived all over the UK, spent more than three years in Asia, and most recently lived in Vietnam and then in Georgia.

Latest Posts

13 Best Waterfalls near Edinburgh

Read more →

11 Coolest Coworking Spaces in Edinburgh (w/ Prices)

Edinburgh , Outdoors

13 Best Cycling Routes in Edinburgh for Scenic Escapes

Travel Guides You Can Trust

About Travelness

Brand Assets

Recent Posts

Tours & Activities

Tours in Europe

Digital Security

© 2024 Travelness. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use - Privacy policy

Ultimate 12-Day England & Scotland Road Trip Guide

I took this trip in 2019 but I feel like it’s relevant now more than ever for anyone living in the UK. With travel restriction changing left, right and centre, UK-based holidays are becoming more and more popular and what better way to explore than with a road trip through England and Scotland! Make sure you check the local restrictions before planning your trip. With my best friend from Australia set to be visiting for 3 glorious weeks, we were faced with the difficult decision of where to travel together. We’d both dreamt of exploring Scotland for years (Outlander may or may not have played a big part in this dream), but also wanted to see some of the beauty that England has to offer. And so it was decided that we would set off on a 12-day road trip that would take us from London, up through both the Peak and Lake Districts’ and then onto glorious Scotland.

Now, I realise that calling this the ‘ Ultimate 12-Day England & Scotland Road Trip’ may be slightly presumptuous, but for us it truly was! It ticked all of the boxes for places we wanted to visit and suited the style of trip we were wanting to take (not too fast-paced, lots of hiking, stunning scenery a must).

Getting around

Road tripping is truly one of the best ways to see both England and Scotland, especially if you’re wanting to visit places that aren’t major cities with good train/public transport connections. Having a car to scoot around in also allows you more freedom to decide what you want to do day-to-day. We started our trip by picking up our hire car from London Victoria and returned it to Edinburgh Airport at the end. Scotland has lots of wild camping spots so hiring a camper van could be a great way to travel around if that takes your fancy. We opted for a standard car and stayed in AirBnB’s along the way.

Driving Itinerary

Day 1: London – Peak District (3-4hrs) Day 2: Peak District – York (2hrs) Day 3: York – Lake District (3hrs) Day 4: Lake District – Edinburgh (3.5hrs) Day 5: Explore Edinburgh Day 6: Edinburgh – Glasgow (1hr) – Loch Lomond (1hr) – Glencoe (1.5hrs) Day 7: Day trip to Oban (50mins each way) Day 8: Glencoe – Glenfinnan Viaduct (1hr) – Portree, Isle of Skye (2.5hrs via Mallaig ferry) Day 9: Explore Isle of Skye Day 10: Isle of Skye – Fort Augustus & Loch Ness (2hrs) – Inverness (1hr) Day 11: Inverness – Edinburgh (3hrs) Day 12: Last day, fly or train back to London 🙁 Click on the destinations above to drop straight down to the recommendations . You can also check out my Scotland Roadtrip tags on Google Maps .

What to See, Eat & Do

I’ve split this section up into the areas we stayed in overnight and have included stops we took between destinations and sights to see along the way.

Peak District

• We stayed overnight in Buxton , a very cute spa town in the heart of the Peak District. We spent a few hours wandering around town, stopping into local boutiques and shops along the way
• The Roaches & Lud’s Church trail walk . Allow 3-4 hours to complete this loop trail, but trust me the scenery is worth it. The best place to park is along Roach Road in Upper Hulme , right near the Don Whillans Memorial Hut
• Reward yourself with tea and scones after The Roaches walk by visiting Roaches Tea Rooms & Restaurant , you’ll have earned it!

• Start your day off with a coffee at Brew & Brownie or Spring Espresso
• Explore The Shambles , one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe! Lined with overhanging timber-framed buildings, The Shambles is a must-see when visiting York and is rumoured to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter (although I feel like I’ve heard the same thing about many quaint streets throughout the UK, so who really knows!)
• Clifford’s Tower is quite a sight to see, sitting on top of a high mound in the city centre. Fun fact, it was originally built by William the Conqueror
• No UK city is complete without an impressive cathedral – swing by York Minster to take in the beautiful building (it’s one of the largest of it’s kind in Europe) and it’s amazing stained glass windows
• Spend some time wandering through York’s picturesque Museum Gardens . You’ll find St Mary’s Abbey in the gardens, a medieval church that now houses a contemporary art gallery, which is also worth a visit
• Last but not least, before heading off to your next destination take a walk along the York city walls , which run most of the way around the town

Lake District

• We stayed in Ambleside , which was so picture-perfect and I would highly recommend. Windemere and Grasmere would also be good places to base yourself (or to visit and explore) when visiting the Lake District
• Make sure you take time for at least one walk while in the Lake District, the scenery is stunning. We chose The Tarns Walk , which takes you through some of the beautiful lakes (aka. tarns) in the area. The best place to park and start the walk is near the Windemere Ferry terminal .

• I absolutely fell in love with Edinburgh on this trip, there is so much to see and do throughout the city – I could have spent a week exploring! I found it very romantic and loved just wandering the cobbled streets, stopping for warm drinks along the way.
• Speaking of warm drinks, pay a visit to Cult Espresso for a delish coffee. It would also be a great place to set up shop with your laptop for the day if you’re working along the way.
• No trip to Edinburgh is complete without walking through Holyrood Park and up to Arthur’s Seat , you’ll be treated to the most amazing views of both the city and the harbour.
• The famous Edinburgh Castle sits right in the centre of Edinburgh city and is (another) must-see. I’d recommend spending the money to enter the castle and get the audio guide, you’ll see some of the best views over the city and learn a little while you’re at it.
• After touring the castle, grab a (second, or third, no judgement) coffee from either Cairngorm Coffee or Wellington Coffee and then wander through the Princes Street Gardens
• Victoria Street is lined with lovely, quirky local shops and is one of the most photographed streets in Edinburgh. It’s another street that was *apparently* JK Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley
• The Devils Advocate is a whisky lovers dream! We stopped in after dinner one night and had a few whisky sours, delish.
• Any gin fans in the house? You can book into a Gin Tasting Experience at the Edinburgh Gin Distillery for just £25.

• Wandering through Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a great way to spend a few hours, especially if you’re hit with some rainy weather (which, lets face it, is quite possible in Scotland)
• Stop by Tchai-Ovna House of Tea to try the chai tea and a slice of carrot cake, you won’t regret it!
• Right next to Tchai-Ovna, you’ll find a wonderfully eclectic second-hand bookshop, Voltaire & Rousseau Bookshop . Pop in for a browse and pick up a read for your trip
• I can never say no to a botanic garden, so visiting the Glasgow Botanic Gardens was a must! The greenhouses were my personal favourite.

Loch Lomond

• One of the best walks we did on the whole trip, the Conic Hill walk is a 3.2 mile loop walk that boasts incredible views over Loch Lomond and the surrounding Trossachs National Park (complete with with Highland cows). There’s a public car park at the start of the walk for easy access
• After the walk, stop by the lakeside town of Luss for a quick walk around and a bite to eat

• The drive from Loch Lomond through the highlands to Glencoe was truly breathtaking, the road winding through towering mountains on either side. I could drive this stretch over and over and still love it
• The Laroch Restaurant and Bar may look like your average country pub from the outside, but believe me it is so much more. With a Michelin star chef in the kitchen, the food is out-of-this-world good – we ate there every night we were in town
• Take a stroll around Loch Leven and soak in the beauty of the Scottish highlands
• If you’re looking for a really challenging hike, then Ben Nevis is for you. It’s the highest mountain in the UK and has a summit of 1,345m above sea level – woah! Make sure you do your research (and probably a spot of training) before taking on this summit
• On your way from Glencoe to Isle of Skye, you’ll pass by the Glenfinnan Viaduct , the bridge from a classic shot in Harry Potter with the Hotwarts Express. If you’re lucky, you might even see the train itself go along past

• If you’re visiting Oban, there is really only one lunch spot you need to know about and that’s the Oban Seafood Hut . Walk along the pier towards the Oban Ferry Terminal and you’ll find the green seafood hut. I highly recommend trying the oysters and the mussels cooked in garlic, onions and wine – truly to die for
• The Modern Croft is a modern gift shop filled with homewares and crafts from local Scottish designers
• Sitting above the town of Oban is McCaig’s Tower , a stone tower that dates back to the late 1800’s, there’s a lovely walk up to the tower and you’ll get a great view over the town too
• Oban is home to a huge amount of wildlife including seals, otters, eagles and falcons. You can take a 1hr boat tour from Oban for around £12 to see these animals in their natural habitat
• Before heading onto your next stop, pay a visit to Oban Chocolate Company and pick up some sweet treats for the road

Isle of Skye

• If you’re heading the Isle of Sky from Glencoe, then the fastest and easiest way to get to the island is to take the Calmac ferry from Mallaig . A one way car ticket will set you back about £16. We caught the ferry over and then drove back to the mainland via the Skye Bridge at Kyleakin
• If you have some spare time before your ferry over to Skye, I’d recommend stopping by the Silver Sands of Morar . With crystal blue waters and white silky sand, you’ll feel like you’re in the Caribbean and not the coast of Scotland! There’s plenty of parking available at the Morar Beach Car Park
• We stayed in Portree , which was a great base for our few days in Skye. It’s fairly central and has a lovely town centre with everything you’d need for your stay. It’s also home to Dulce and Brose , which is 1000% worth booking into for dinner if you can, we had one of the best meals of our trip here
• On your way from the ferry to Portree, you can take a short detour to see the Fairy Pools , cascading and crystal clear waterfalls that are another of Skye’s famous sites
• Arguably Skye’s most well-known natural landmark, Old Man of Storr is a must when visiting the island. You’ll feel like you’re standing in a giants playground!
• Skye truly feels like something out of a fairy tale and The Fairy Glen lives up to the magical hype, with roads winding around grassy hills and cone-shaped hills.
• The friend I was travelling with has a bit of a thing for lighthouses, so seeing the Neist Point Lighthouse was a must for us, and it did not disappoint! Nestled on rocky clifftop at the westernmost point of Skye, it truly took our breath away (and not just because it was windy as hell)

Fort Augustus & Loch Ness

• This just wouldn’t be the ultimate Scottish road trip without a mention of Loch Ness . If you have time, it’s worth booking onto one of the boat trips around the loch to take in the stunning scenery (and try to spot Nessy of course)
• We did part of the River Oich walk while in Fort Augustus, which was a lovely forest track that snakes along the river. You can park in the Fort Augustus Chalet Park and head off from there

• We sadly didn’t get to spend too much time in Inverness, so I’m afraid my recommendations here are a bit bare. For dinner, you can enjoy a nice pub meal at The Castle Tavern right next to Inverness Castle
• For a quality coffee before hitting the road in the morning, head to Inverness Coffee Roasting Co
• We headed off early from Inverness because we wanted to explore the Cairngorms National Park on our way back to Edinburgh. We decided to do a walk around Loch An Eilein in Aviemore, it was so peaceful and the perfect way to end the trip. Park at the Loch An Eilein car park and walk to your hearts content

Well, that was a blog and a half! If you’ve made it this far then I am very impressed, a huge thank you for taking the time to read the post. It may have taken me over a year to write but I’m so glad I finally got there – it truly was one of my favourite trips to date. Hopefully these tips will come in handy when planning your England and Scotland adventure. I’d love to know if you do explore the area so feel free to get in touch!

Save this post on Pinterest for later

You might also enjoy

Island Paradise: Your Guide to Exploring Madeira, Portugal

How to spend an Autumn Weekend in Lake Bled, Slovenia

6 Day North Morocco Itinerary: Fes, Chefchaouen & Rabat

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

Best of Britain

1212 reviews

Seasonal Sale

Save up to $738

Available Dates

Your itinerary

Dates & prices

14 Day UK Tour of England and Scotland

14 days, 3 countries and 23 cities

Accommodation

13 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

Explore the Best of Britain on this incredible trip across England, Scotland and Wales, and travel over the sea to the Isle of Skye. Imagine life as a Benedictine monk at Buckfast Abbey, feel the hope of brave pilgrims in Plymouth and be inspired by the beauty of Lake Windermere.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

Trip code: 

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

14 days itinerary trip from London to London visiting 3 countries and 23 cities

Download itinerary

Print itinerary

Expand all days

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore London, Liverpool, the Isle of Skye and Edinburgh with a Local Specialist

Discover Bath, Plymouth, Cardiff, Chester, Glasgow and York

Visit the ancient stone circle at Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, Polperro, Buckfast Abbey, Glastonbury Abbey, the town of Ludlow, the Isle of Skye, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick and Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon

View Eilean Donan Castle, Alnwick Castle used as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films, York Minster and Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage

See Dartmoor, the Lake District, Ben Nevis and Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands and the 18th green at St. Andrews

Tickets for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are included on departures that coincide with performance dates

See Glencoe

Drive through this Highland village on Loch Leven.

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

The services of a Trafalgar Local Host when you stay at Trafalgar's recommended London hotel

Pick-up and drop-off when you stay at the Trafalgar recommended London hotel, booked through Trafalgar

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELER REVIEWS

Best of Britain trip reviews

#ttbestofbritain.

Real moments from real travelers, creating the greatest travel stories they’ll ever tell

Or search for something else

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Media & Press Room

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

18 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands & More

By: Author Ana Bras

Posted on Published: February 28, 2023  - Last updated: January 17, 2024

There may be affiliate links throughout the content you're about to read. When you purchase from my links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which helps me provide even more awesome content for you :)

Today’s the day when you’ll discover all about the best day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands, day trips by train, by bus, and some of the most beautiful places in Scotland – all in one go.

If you have been around for a while, you know that I am absolutely and irrevocably in love with Scotland.

I have actually written a few guides for The Working Line about the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh , along with super instagrammable cafes in Edinburgh you really won’t want to miss. This is something that I enjoy doing, it’s like writing my own love letters to Scotland, and honestly, it leaves space for me to constantly learn something new about this country.

So why not expand your horizons and hold dear to that calling we all embrace in Scotland, and dive into what’s waiting for you to explore?

I promise ye feel like a new person when you get to know all the beautiful lochs and hills set just a few hours away from Edinburgh, those that unveil lovely legends, history and of course, all kinds of beautiful photo shots.

Edinburgh itself is a beautiful capital with lots of quiet places and green scenery, perfect spots for you to hide from the hustle of the city center.

With that said, one must not deny that Edinburgh’s surroundings are also some of the most beautiful natural places in the world, and it might just expand yer horizon a wee bit more.

So, whether you take a tour bus, hop on a train or drive yourself, come meet with me the best day trips from Edinburgh. Don’t forget to pack that camera of yours – you will thank me later!

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Take a bus tour to the famous Loch Ness!

One of the best ways to meet Scotland hassle-free is to hop on a tour bus. The buses usually departs from Lawnmarket, Edinburgh early in the morning and arrive in the evening.

I personally loved one of the top-rated best bus tours in Scotland: the Hairy Coo bus tour.

You have lots of itineraries and various tours to pick from, but the Loch Ness tour was and still is a must if you’re new to the Highlands.

You’ve probably heard about Loch Ness before, haven’t you?

Loch Ness is the home to the famous legend of the sea monster Ness (or my favourite term because she ain’t no monster – Nessie). 

It is located in a cute, very small and picturesque town called Fort Augustus and makes for one of the best and most famous day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands.

Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch situated southwest of Inverness, which took its name from the River Ness that flows from the northern end.

You can take a boat tour and cross the river while learning all there is to know about Nessie, and even try to spot her for a wee picture.

Paying a visit to Loch Ness is also one of the best day trips from Edinburgh in winter, and you will understand why when you’re there, whether the river is frozen or not.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Rome

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Glencoe

My absolute favourite… Glencoe. It’s just one of the best day trips from Edinburgh, and one of the most beautiful places in Scotland for anyone who wishes to be at one with nature.

Have you ever been fortunate enough to visit a place and without even knowing it, you feel in absolute peace, comfortable and quiet like there is nothing between you and the serene landscape? 

Well, Glencoe was my heaven on Earth, my own very favourite place in this world. It is a village in western Scotland which lies in Glencoe Valley, in the Scottish Highlands.

This art piece of land is known for its stunning mountains and waterfalls. For the more adventurous ones, you can climb trails such as Buachaille Etive Mor and Bidean nam Bian.

At the village, you will find the Glencoe Folk museum with 18th-century cottages and displays on the local heritage, and the Glencoe massacre of 1692. In this dreamy destination, you will most likely also see red deer and golden eagles.

Tip: If you wish to stay in the nearby area make sure to check out the magnificent Glencoe Inn, it’s a cosy rustic and rather luxurious hotel where you can enjoy a good glass of wine and a warm bath looking at this breathtaking view. 

Read: The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in London

Best Places to Visit near Edinburgh in Winter: Fife

Is it winter and you really feel like escaping the hustle that is Edinburgh during Christmas , or the preparations for Hogmanay?

Then a visit to Fife is perfect for you – it is quite literally on the outskirts of Edinburgh and can be a super vibrant destination to visit. They have plenty of activities for you to be entertained, for starters.

You can book a distillery tour and then, with a good pair of walking boots, come and enjoy the scenic walk to wake up those muscles of yours. You will feel quite warm afterwards.

You can enjoy the parks and coastal areas in Fife if you’re not into that much of an adventure; the views are incredible !

As for you hikers out there, you can go hiking on the Lomond Hills, and take the trails of the forest nearby.

Between golf activities and lots of good food with a stunning white background, you will have plenty to do for a fun day trip from Edinburgh in winter.

You can spot snow-speckled hills and frosty forests that give you that dreamy enchanting landscape. And since Fife is also surrounded by a coastline, you have the opportunity to witness a beautiful sunset at the end of a well-spent day in the city.

This is one of those ‘bring your camera’ moments, and there is no denying how stunning it looks on pictures!

Read: The Most Colorful Places in London

Best Day trips from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct

Most of us grew up watching and reading the Harry Potter saga, and for me, it always goes back to that magical moment where we can spot wee Harry all excited to go to Hogwarts for the first time.

There is this specific part where you can see the Hogwarts express crossing a beautiful circular viaduct in an enchanting land.

Well, the world-famous spot is nonetheless than Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Smaller than it appears on the screens, but as magical as one could expect!

The Glanfinnan Viaduct is a beautiful place to show your photography skills.

If you go at a certain time of the year, you might even spot the train passing by – make sure to film or take as many pictures as you can before you miss the train!

You have different viewpoints to capture the most stunning pictures, however, one of the most famous ones is closer to the viaduct, where you can see the train above you.

This railway viaduct built between 1897-1901 is located on the west Highland line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire.

Situated at the top of Loch Schiel in the west Scottish Highlands, the viaduct overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument and the water of Loch Shiel.

This is one of the most instagrammable places in Scotland, and dare I say, in the whole world due to its role in the famous saga. So don’t forget your wand and marvelous robes; this one is going to be a bumpy ride!

Read: The Most Colorful Cities in the World

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: North Berwick

One of the best day trips from Edinburgh is to North Berwick, just a short 30-minute ride by train from the Scottish capital.

This picturesque seaside town is a former royal burgh in East Lothian, Scotland, and situated on the South Shore of the Firth of Forth.

There, you will be able to enjoy some walks alongside the sea, maybe surf or paddle in those waves, and why not visit Bass Rock, an iconic bird settlement in the region?

Bass Rock, or simply Bass, is a beautiful island in the outer part of the Firth of Forth, in the east of Scotland, and if you enjoy bird watching, you’ll find it’s a really lovely spot.

In there, and especially if you take a cruise tour, you will spot Puffins, Guillemots, Kittiwakes and Gannets. You might also find Eiders, various Gulls, Shags, Cormorants, Fulmars & Grey Seals!

In North Berwick, you will also find many cute coffee shops as well as really local places to eat and shop.

Small town feels, wide nature surrounding you – this is definitely one of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train.

Read: The Most Colorful Cities in Europe

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Perth

Perth is a lovely city located beside the serene river Tay, the longest river in Scotland, and was once was considered the Scottish capital.

This city still blooms in its former glory with really popular attractions, and totally instagrammable sights.

There is a lot to se, like The Fergusson Gallery, set in a former circular water tower, the Black Watch Museum, and the Perth Museum & Art Gallery.

The Scone Palace and the Stone of Destiny are also wonderful attractions.

For the ones that don’t know, the Scone Stone or Stone of Destiny (Lia Fail in Gaelic) is referred to in England as the Coronation Stone. It’s a block of red sandstone that has been used for centuries in the coronation of monarchs. A must-see.

This less-than-two-hour train ride is a lovely way to explore another one of the most beautiful cities near Edinburgh and spend a really lovely day!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Rome

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Linlithgow

Ah, Linlithgow – the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots! 

In less than half an hour from Waverley, Edinburgh, you can reach Linlithgow, in West Lothian.

This pleasant town is rich in history, since the ruins of the Linlithgow Palace are the birthplace of the only queen Scotland has ever had.

The palace also used to be one of the principal residences of the monarchs back in the 15th and 16th centuries, and is a spot you really can’t miss.

Linlithgowshire offers visitors wonderful events, shopping, beautiful relaxing sights and a vast dining variety for you to pick from.

If you like architecture, pay a visit to the ruins of the Palace, and check out the old port, too. It connects Edinburgh with Falkirk and the Forth Clyde Canal, and dates back to 1822.

You can take a boat trip on the Union Canal at the Linlithgow Canal centre which is also a museum and tea room – and really forget all about the city life!

Read: The Best Day Trips from Rome

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Callander

Oh, Callander, the beautiful gateway to the Highlands. 

Here is something I once heard from one of the tour guides I met in Scotland when visiting Callander.

Do you want to know the best place for a date ? It’s called a Calendar .

Scottish people and their humor, am I right?

Callander is a small town in the council area of Stirling, Scotland, and situated on the River Teith. 

The town is located in the historic county of Perthshire and it is considered to be the very gate to the Highlands.

Even though there are no actual gates, you can feel in the air this is really the place that divides the Lowlands and the magnificent Scottish Highlands.

A very small town where you can spot the beautiful mountains on the horizon whilst walking alongside the river. At Callander, you will also see cute swans and ducks, and in the summer, you might even be able to enjoy a picnic there.

This place is a tourist attraction for many people going or coming from the Scottish Highlands.

During the winter months, you will be able to see the frozen mountains as a killer background for your pictures. Just because of that, I believe Callander is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: The Kelpies

If you’re looking for one of the best spots for your day trips from Edinburgh, make sure to pass by the majestic Kelpies.

The Kelpies are situated in The Helix, a new parkland project built to connect sixteen communities in the Falkirk Council Area.

The 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures can be found between Falkirk and Grangemouth, standing next to a new extension to the Forth and Clyde Canal – and they mix street art with rich history.

In Scottish folklore, a Kelpie is angerous shape-shifting water creature that can appear on land as a horse.

It appears to its human victims as a grey or white horse, entices them to ride on their back then carries them down to an underwater grave.

You can visit the Kelpies free of charge at any time of the day throughout the year, since the area has been designed to give access to all, which means everyone can come and see them up close.

The Kelpies are one of the most instagrammable places in Scotland, and personally, I think they are stunning during the night with all the lights and colors coming from the sculptures.

Read: The Cutest Pink Cafes in London

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Pitlochry

Pitlochry is a town in the Perthshire and Kinross council area of Scotland.

Located close to the river Tummel, Pitlochry is known for the dam and fish ladder, which offers the most incredible views, and if you come at the right time of the year, you’ll witness the opening celebrations of salmon season!

There are plenty of castles turned into hotels in the area, if you’ve ever wanted to live the royal life too – the picture above is actually a hotel!

In Pitlochry, you’ll also check out the Festival theatre; it is considered one of the best venues in Scotland, if not Britain.

One of the most glorious battles in Jacobite history took place at Killiecrankie Gorge, and you can learn more about this place, the battle, the wildlife, and the geology of the area in the Pitlochry visitor center.

Then, you can take a short walk and spot breathtaking green scenery at the falls beneath the Soldier’s Leap.

With mountain Ben Vrackie as a background, this town will make you want to return to the Highlands again and again – it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland, and utterly mesmerizing.

Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Stirling

Just 60km from the Scottish capital, there is yet another one the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland: Stirling.

It might not be a big city, but this small town in central Scotland is surrounded by farmland, medieval buildings , and must-see spots, especially the majestic Stirling Castle.

The castle sits atop a volcanic rock in the centre of the town. The views are stunning, and inside the castle, you’ll be able to check out the armory along with other exhibitions. 

On another note, and since I told you about the most iconic cemeteries in London some time ago, the Holy Rude Cemetery is another place to visit in Stirling, as it is oh-so-peaceful and beautiful.

The Wallace Monument, the Pentland Hills, restaurants, medieval buildings, as well as the former prison Tolbooth are all other amazing places to visit in Stirling.

Really, really – a day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling which has got to be on your bucket list!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

If you have the heart of an adventurous being , and are up for a hiking day away from the capital, then the Trossachs National Park might might very well be one of the best day trips from Edinburgh for you.

This spot is relatively close to The Kelpies, so if you wish to see the beautiful horse-head statues, now is your time!

Established in 2002 as one of the recognized National Parks in Scotland by none other than the Scottish Parliament, Trossachs National Park is centered around Loch Lomond.

That means that while you’re hiking, you’ll be able to take in some of the most beautiful natural places in the world!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Windermere, England

In two hours or so from the capital, you will find another one of the best places to visit just outside of Scotland: Windermere, a beautiful English town.

Windermere is a good spot if you’re looking into the best day trips from Edinburgh by train.

Situated between both countries, Wintermere is part of the lake Windermere district, and the lake is considered the largest natural lake in England.

There are a lot of beautiful places to explore in the surroundings, and you’ll get panoramic views just outside of town.

If you prefer to stay in the village, there are lots of places to park your car for those who want to go on a wee road trip from Edinburgh, lovely cafes with scrumptious cakes, and lively kolsie pubs.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Istanbul

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: The Scottish borders

The Scottish borders are located in an area to the south and east of Edinburgh, and separate Scotland and England.

This is a particularly close trip from Edinburgh, and shouldn’t take you long before you arrive and are able to get to exploring.

You might think there’s not much to do… and you’d be oh-so-wrong.

Even though it’s a border, it has lots of things to see, such as castles and chapels.

You have the Rosslyn Chapel, located in the village of Roslin in Scotland, to start with. This 15-Century chapel was featured in the famous Da Vinci Code, and is so very instagrammable.

Then, you can continue your way down to Hadrian’s Wall, already located in England.

Hadrian’s Wall is filled with ancient history, since it dates back in 122 AD. It was built as a fortification for the Roman province in Britannia and named after the reigning emperor at the time – Hadrian.

Beautiful places to visit between Scotland and England – you can visit two countries in a matter of a few hours, how crazy is that?

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Milan

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: St. Andrews, the Kingdom of Fife

We already talked about Fife at the beginning of this guide, a beautiful town located on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Well, St. Andrews is located in the Kingdom of Fife, and is a small town on Scotland’s east coast, just north of Edinburgh.

The town is famous for many things, including the largest golf complex in Europe!

It’s also known for its stunning seaside walking path, its fishing culture, its ruins and museum… and is home to the oldest university in Scotland.

The University of St. Andrews was built in 1413, and to this day, it is a must-see in town.

Plus, there is a strong student population who lives in the area, so St. Andrews does have this youthful spirit – just one of the best day trips from Edinburgh for architecture and history lovers !

Read: The Best Places to Write in London

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Glasgow

Well, of course. Glasgow.

When you’re in Edinburgh, you can also take a one-day trip to its vibrant neighbor Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland.

It is a port city built on the River Clyde, in Scotland’s Western Lowlands, and it’s known for its culture, art, and magnificent venues.

The Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture give a rich heritage to the city, and some of the home institutions include none other than the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland.

You can find all great things to do in the city, from places to go with friends, to tours, services, activities, and grand theatres, among many others!

All of this and just a short ride from the Scottish capital…

I do believe that taking day trips from Edinburgh to Glasgow by train is more elegant, although they might not be as quick as a bus.

But if the point is to relax, why not enjoy the scenery and let the excitement build up as you approach the city?

Read: The Best Cafes in London Bridge

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Ayrshire

Ayrshire is a historic county in southwest Scotland which features lovely sandy shores and blends in the beauty of countryside life.

Located on the shore of the Firth of Clyde, Ayrshire is known to be the birthplace of the famous poet Robert Burns and Robert the Bruce.

There is a lot to do and see if you decide to stick through Ayrshire and Arran.

Along with the poet’s famous attractions, you can learn about the Vikings who travelled through the same shores you’re walking on, for starters.

The beautiful coastal area is perfect to see a unique sunset and really break away from trouble and city life.

And, in the South Region, you also get to witness the scenic rugged hills of Dumfries and Galloway, also known as the Galloway hills.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Inverness

Inverness is one of the most popular day trips from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands.

The vast region combines an absolutely picturesque combo of hills, lochs, castles, cliffs, hairy coos (cattle) and so much more… and forms the beautiful north of Scotland – the famous  Highlands .

The Highlands are where you can find the Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Fort Augustus, and for our last day trip in this guide – Inverness.

The city is considered to be the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and it has been voted several times as one of the happiest places to live in Scotland.

It’s the largest city in the highlands, and may seem rather small, but it is full of treasures.

Pay a visit to the 19th-century cathedral, the old High church from the 18th century, and the Victorian market where they sell lots of clothing, crafts and food.

You’ll see, you’ll feel like you’re traveling through a magical portal when visiting Inverness – it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland overall!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Dubai

With the beautiful Inverness ends our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands and other stunning cities in Scotland.

Whether by car, train or bus, you really have a lot to explore in Scotland and its surroundings. 

Thankfully, due to Edinburgh’s perfect location, you will find that it is quite easy to hop on a train and visit most of the places you can recognize from TV shows, movies, or might have even spotted on Instagram!

Other Travel Posts

• The Best Cat Cafes in London
• The Best Restaurants in Knightsbridge
• The Best Cafes to Work in Paris
• The Best Cafes Open Late in London to Study
• The Best Tips to Save Money on Travel
• The Best Tips for Hostel Life
• The Best Free Things to Do in Rome
• The Best Tips for Freelancer Productivity & Hostel Life
• The Best Tips for Healthy Meal Prep
• The Best Tips for Study Motivation

Ana, also known as Travel with anA is a moody photographer, writer & videographer. A Portuguese lass with a genuine and profound love for Scotland, she is a storyteller & a content creator: ‘I aim to create memories and seek stories waiting to be told’.

• Ana Bras #molongui-disabled-link 20 Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona from Palau Güell to Beaches
• Ana Bras #molongui-disabled-link 22 Most Instagrammable Places in Edinburgh & Colorful Spots
• Ana Bras #molongui-disabled-link 18 Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon Portugal + Colorful
• Ana Bras #molongui-disabled-link 18 Most Instagrammable Cafes in Edinburgh & Colorful Spots

• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• National Parks
• Affording Travel
• Photography
• Responsible Travel
• Worldschool
• Wanderlust Guides
• Travel Planning
• Work with Us

Europe , Scotland , Travel

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:

Get an Easy Scotland Itinerary

Our favorite hotels in Scotland

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

Our favorite tours in Scotland

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

Renting a Car in Scotland

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

• Get your free Scotland Travel Planner

Here's a Short Cut

Getting Around on your Edinburgh Day Trips

How to take a day trip from edinburgh to inverness and loch ness, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to glasgow, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to glen coe and the scottish highlands, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to rosslyn chapel, how to take day trips from edinburgh to see outlander filming locations, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to north berwick, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to stirling castle and falkirk, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to st. andrews, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to st abbs and berwick-upon-tweed, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to hadrian’s wall, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to loch lomond and the trossachs national park, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to queensferry, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to the scottish borders, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to dundee, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to the cairngorms national park, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to doune castle, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to the fife coast, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to the harry potter bridge, how to take a day trip from edinburgh to alnwick castle, how to take day trips from edinburgh on whisky distillery tours, tips for public transport in scotland and edinburgh, can you do a day trip from edinburgh to glasgow, can you do a day trip to the isle of skye from edinburgh, explore more of scotland on day trips from edinburgh.

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

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Scotland

Day trips from scotland.

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

1. From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour

2. Isle of Skye Private Tour from Portree

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

4. Loch Ness,Culloden Battlefield,Cawdor Castle & Much More From Inverness City

5. Private Tour to Loch Ness Culloden Battlefield Clava and Cawdor

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

7. Full-Day Private City Tour in Lerwick

8. Private Bespoke Skye Tour

9. The Untamed North West

10. Private Tour of the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh

11. Orkney Travel Classic Tour - 5-6 hours

12. Coastal Charms: St Andrews & Kingdom of Fife Private Day Trip

13. Isle of Skye Tour From Inverness

14. Private Central Highlands Driving Tour

15. Speyside Whisky Tour

16. Private Glencoe Driving Tour from Edinburgh

17. Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle

18. Full Day East Neuk Treasures and Stirling Castle Tour from St Andrews

19. Kelpies and Falkirk Wheel Private Tour for 1 - 4 people from Greater Glasgow

20. Scotland Whisky Distilleries and Tasting Private Day Tour by Luxury Car

21. Deluxe 5 star Private Speyside Whisky Tour

22. Highland Perthshire and Whisky Private Day Tour in Luxury MPV

23. Bespoke Private Tours of Scotland and the Borders

24. 12 Hour Highlands & Loch Lomond Private Guided Tour

25. Speyside Full-Day Private Whisky Tour

26. St. Andrews & The Kingdom of Fife Private Guided Tour

27. Personalised Whisky Tours

28. Private Day Tours & Shore Excursions From Greenock and Glasgow

29. Day Trip to Falkirk to Visit the World Famous Kelpies and Stirling Castle

30. Stirling Luxury Private Day Tour with Scottish Local

What travellers are saying.

2-week Great British Road Trip Itinerary: From England to Scotland

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: July 15, 2023

Do you want to explore the UK on a British Road Trip but are unsure where to start? This two-week itinerary will help you plan the perfect road trip from England to Scotland.

I am almost too embarrassed to admit that I’ve travelled all the way to Australia from the UK, but I hadn’t ventured to Scotland until recently.

Well, I guess that’s not completely true; I took a weekend break to Edinburgh after winning the trip in a raffle. Still, it seems to me that when people talk about the “real” Scotland , they always seem to refer to the diverse natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, and so with this in mind, I decided to plan a great British road trip and check out this area of Scotland for myself.

Of course, it’s a long drive from England to the Scottish Highlands (this is where hubby comes in handy), and so I included stops during the drive “up North” and also on the return journey back “down South” to break up the time spent on the road.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – For more information, please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy.

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

Table of Contents

Why Every Traveller Should Make a British Road Trip

I have made road trips through Australia , New Zealand, South Africa , Iceland, Europe and the UK , and I love the freedom of adventure that driving gives you. You can stop whenever you want, take photos, stretch your legs, visit restrooms, and if you suddenly see somewhere interesting, you can explore it without anyone else’s time constraints.

Road trips make you feel like you are having lots of exciting mini-breaks. For a person like me that gets stir-crazy being in one place for too long and has FOMO (fear of missing out), I enjoy packing my things up every few days and heading off to see the next new thing. If I ever get regressed (don’t laugh, I’ve thought about it), I’m sure I would live a nomadic, gipsy life in a forest somewhere and foraging for berries and hugging trees.

British Road Trip Travel Tips

Anyway, back to the topic at hand! I have detailed the best places to stay during a British road trip , the best landmark destinations to visit on a British road trip, and the driving routes and times between locations to help you enjoy the perfect British road trip. This interactive Google map will also help you follow my route or plan your own British road trip itinerary.

UK British Road Trip Map

The United Kingdom 14-Day British Road Trip Itinerary

2 nights in the Lake District – England

4 nights in the Trossachs National Park – Scotland

1 night in Fort Augustus – Scotland

3 nights on the Isle of Skye – Scotland

2 nights in Pitlochry – Scotland

2 nights in Harrogate – England

Drive to the Lake District

We left home early on a bright September morning, around 9 am, for the first part of our British road trip from Surrey to Windermere in the Lake District. We knew the drive would take around 5 hours with good driving conditions, so I planned our first stop at the Trentham Monkey Forest in Stoke on Trent.

I had never heard of this place before, but when I realised it was a sanctuary for 140 Barbary macaques , I knew I would love it.

The great news is that Trentham’s monkeys roam freely , though exterior fencing contains them within the forest. Let’s face it – monkeys on the loose on the M6 would probably not be the best thing!

It was gratifying to wander around and see them in a natural setting, and we stayed for feeding time and a talk given by the keepers before continuing our drive to Lake Windermere.

Trentham Monkey Forest to Lake Windermere via M6 – 2hrs 45 mins

Lake district – 2 nights.

The Lake District in Cumbria offers abundant natural beauty and is the perfect place to stop on a trip to the North of England and beyond.

A Unesco World Heritage Site and England’s largest National Park , the Lake District has so much to offer, from huge mountains, quintessential English villages, lush green valleys, and of course, sixteen world-renowned lakes.

The Lake District’s largest lake is Windermere. Scenic lake cruises, kayaking, walking and hiking are a must here. The circular walking route of Lake Windermere is great fun.

Throughout the Lake District, hiking trails cater for all abilities. From visitors who want to enjoy a gentle stroll around the lakes to advanced hikes that scale iconic landmarks such as Scafell Pike , the highest mountain in England.

We arrived at The Belsfield Hotel at Bowness-on-Windermere for our two-night stay. The Laura Ashley Group owns this chic hotel, and the design is not surprisingly beautiful. It also happens to be one of the most prestigious hotels in the Lake District, with unrivalled views across Lake Windermere – I was going to enjoy this!

Luxury Accommodation in Bowness

I had booked into a classic double room as I knew we wouldn’t spend much time in it, but there are larger, grander rooms to choose from.

The rest of the hotel was fabulous, with views over the lake from every turn. The outside terrace was a hit with guests, a great spot to watch the sun go down. The indoor lounge was cosy and the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail before dinner (well, it would be rude not to).

The only thing I didn’t like was that our weekend stay coincided with a wedding function, and to say wedding guests overtook the hotel was an understatement.

It became noisy and chaotic and was not the peaceful boutique experience we expected. My advice would be to check before you book to see if any functions are being held during your stay to avoid noisy disruptions on your trip.

Where to Dine and Stay in Lake Windermere

As we were tired and didn’t fancy anything too formal tonight, we headed into town and enjoyed dinner at Baha Restaurant . Bowness is really charming, and its cobbled streets are home to dozens of restaurants and cafes. I was surprised to see such a choice of modern eateries for a small Cumbrian town.

If you are looking for a more traditional place to eat, then The Hole in T Wall is the oldest pub in Bowness and was even frequented by Charles Dickens.

Alternative places to stay in Bowness-on-Windermere

Lakes Hotel and Spa

Linthwaite House Hotel

The Angel Inn

If you want a more exclusive stay in the Lake District, you may enjoy the many Lake District cottages with hot tubs scattered around the area.

Lakeside Cruise and Walk

After a hearty breakfast, we decided to cruise across the lake – the most popular thing to do in the Lake District. Hop on a Windermere Lake Cruise from the pier at Bowness – just below the hotel. To make sure of a seat pre-book, especially in the height of summer.

Cruise and Walk Lake Windermere

We opted for the Lake Windemere walker’s ticket , which allowed us to cruise from Bowness to Ambleside , disembark and then walk four miles along the western shore to Ferry House pier.

Make sure you have the ferry timetable to plan the timings of your return trip to Bowness Pier.

Points to explore during the lakeside walk include Wray Castle , a Gothic revival castle complete with a superb little cafe where we stopped for lunch.

The next stop on the walking route is Claife Viewing Station to admire the view of Lake Windermere.

Check out the coloured glass viewing panels that supposedly recreate the lake’s colours through the seasons – an interesting idea, but I’m not sure it worked for me.

At the end of the walk, we caught a ferry back from Ferry House Pier to Bowness – it was a great day out and a fabulous way to see the best of Lake Windermere by water and land.

Angie’s Top Tip – Hill Top, the former house of Beatrix Potter, is a 2.5-mile walk from Ferry House Pier ( or hop on the Mountain Goat Bus ). You could include a visit either at the end of your walk or make the whole trip in reverse, starting in Bowness and sailing to Ferry House.

Drive to The Trossachs National Park

Crossing the border from england to scotland.

After a breakfast fit for a king (and Queen!), we set off for the next location on our British road trip itinerary, Arrochar, in the Trossachs National Park. It would be another long drive, and so to break things up, we stopped at Gretna Green , the location for eloping couples to wed. Please don’t get too excited; we made our vows 30 years ago; however, we had now crossed the border into SCOTLAND!

Lake Windermere to Gretna Green via M6 – 1hrs 45mins

Gretna Green in Scotland is a location where English couples under the age of 21 could marry without their parent’s consent. They would elope and seal the deal in the blacksmith’s barn over the anvil.

Confused? Check out the Gretna Green official website for more on this Scottish landmark’s history and folklore.

I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and to be fair, it is quite a magnet for tourists. It seemed our friends from the USA were here in their masses.

A quick wander around the small museum, a photo of our hands on the blacksmith’s anvil (obviously had to get that one) and then a stock-up of Scottish produce (not sure we needed quite so much shortbread and fudge!), and we were off to our forest cabin at Arrochar in the Trossachs National Park.

Gretna Green to Arrochar in the Trossachs National park via A74 & M8 – 2 hrs 30 mins

Arrochar, trossachs national park – 4 nights.

The Trossachs National Park, often referred to as “ the Highlands in miniature “, is an area of incredible beauty with lowland landscapes in the south and huge mountains in the north ( 21 mountains all above 3,000ft ).

The park has 22 large lochs (water bodies), including the famous Loch Lomond and woodland, scrub and forest covering every part of the area.

The Trossachs also lay claim to one of the UK’s largest National Nature Reserves –  The Great Trossachs Forest , and 50% of Scotland’s population lives within an hour’s drive of the National Park!

In this area, you will also find Queen Elizabeth Forest Park . The park was established along with five others in 1953 – the year of Elizabeth ll’s coronation.

It holds some of Scotland’s best-loved locations, from the magnificent Loch Lomond to the rolling Trossachs mountains. 

For the next four nights, our home was at Ardgarten Hot Tub Forest Lodges in Arrochar, with unparalleled views of Loch Long .

This is a perfect base to explore the surrounding towns, including Inveraray and its castle, Oban and its distillery and Luss with its charming village and boat rides.

Angie’s Top Tip – Make sure you stock up on provisions before you arrive at Arrochar. There are a couple of small convenience shops nearby, but they only stock the basics. The nearest is Braeside grocery and newsagent, a 10-minute drive from the lodge.

Alternative places to stay in Arrochar can be booked here on Booking.com .

Exploring the Local Area

Did I mention it rains a lot in Scotland? And in September, when we travelled, there were many wet days.

Of course, it didn’t come as a shock, and I had already packed everything in my wardrobe to keep me warm and dry, so we were ready for any eventuality.

Unfortunately, as we pulled back the curtains that first morning, we couldn’t even see Loch Long , just swathes of grey fog slowly moving across the landscape and the tops of a few mountains in the distance.

Not to be deterred from getting out (after already having wallowed in the hot tub for about 2 hours!), we took a trail that started near our lodge and headed into the unknown (actually the Argyll Forest ) to see what we could find.

After what seemed like a rather wet couple of hours, we had seen a river, a waterfall, lots and lots of woodlands and a fairy house – I kid you not – check out the photos, and finally decided to head back to the lodge because if we got any muddier, we might get mistaken for bog monsters by the locals.

Angie’s Top Tip – Check out The Village Inn in Arrochar for a real taste of Scotland. Haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes) topped off with whisky sauce are delicious.

Inveraray – St Conan’s Kirk – Oban

Arrochar to inveraray – 30 minutes.

Hurray – there were blue skies this morning, and after a quick dip in the hot tub, we were in the car and on our way to the town of Inveraray.

For a small town, there are many things to do in Inveraray, including exploring a castle, hiking up a hill, taking part in a whisky tasting, visiting a prison museum and generally soaking up the beautiful surroundings of this lochside setting.

If you want to stop here for coffee or lunch, then Campbell Coffee Roasters on the high street serves great coffee, and Loch Fyne restaurant serves freshly caught seafood from the loch.

Love the sound of Inveraray?

Read more about it in my post – 7 great things to do in inveraray ..

Inveraray to St Conan’s Kirk – 25 minutes

After a morning wandering around Inveraray, we were back on the road and heading for Oban. Thirty minutes into the journey, we happened upon an eerie Gothic-looking church, and of course, I had to have a closer look.

It turns out that it was called St. Conan’s Kirk and was voted one of the top 10 buildings in Scotland of the last 100 years .

The minute I walked through the doors, I felt the building had a spiritual vibe, and I was amazed at all the different styles of architecture used in its design. Gothic, Norman, Saxon and Celtic decorations all shared the same space making it a unique place to visit.

We got lucky as there were only a few other people there when we visited, so we got to enjoy St Conan’s peacefulness and its beautiful views across Loch Awe.

Back in the car, and after a cup of tea from my flask and a shortbread biscuit (yes, we still had some left), we continued to Oban.

St Conan’s Kirk to Connel Bridge – 25 minutes

Almost in Oban, we spotted The Falls of Lora near Connel Bridge. They are a spectacular sight as they form a tidal rapid, which occurs naturally when the tidal level in the Firth of Lorn drops below the water level in Loch Etive.

We stopped at the car park viewpoint in Connel village to get the falls’ best views and were amazed to see kayakers riding the rapids. Afterwards, we discovered that the falls are a popular destination for kayakers and divers – who would have imagined all that going on under a bridge?

Connel Bridge to Oban – 10 minutes

Finally, we arrived in the coastal town of Oban. Known as the departure point to catch ferries to some of the beautiful outlying Scottish Hebridean islands as well as the home of the famous whisky distillery, and that was where we were heading.

Want to find out more about the Scottish Islands?

Read about them in my post: the best and most beautiful scottish islands you must visit in scotland ..

Oban distillery has been producing whisky since the 18th century and running tours to give visitors a peek into how this spirit is made. Ensure you have pre-booked your spot on the tour, as they fill up very quickly.

Let me say that I am not a whisky drinker (or wasn’t until I went to Scotland), but still found the tour fascinating. We both learnt so much about making whisky and now know all about “ fairy tears ” and whisky taxes which is useful should we ever start up a distillery in the garden shed!

After the tour, we walked along the vast sandy beach, which was not what I expected in Scotland. No chance of taking our coats and scarves off in September, though; this was just a time for us to soak up the scenery before finishing off with dinner.

We ate in Coasters, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it – there are other better restaurants in Oban to choose from.

Oban to our lodge in Arrochar via A85 & A83 – 1hr 30 minutes

Day trip to the village of luss.

Our last day in the Trossachs was a dry one, and we set off to explore the village of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake in Great Britain . We particularly wanted to go for a cruise across the loch and arrived mid-morning to buy our tickets from the boat pier.

Unfortunately, everyone else had the same idea, so our timed tickets weren’t until 4 pm. We were leaving the area the next day to head to Fort Augustus – home of Loch Ness – so it was today or never!

Arrochar to Luss – 20 minutes

The village of Luss is a popular place for tourists and has charming 18th-century stone houses, lovely Scottish artisan craft shops, a historic church and plenty of cafes and coffee shops – what more could you want?

Luss also has several walks to allow the visitor to explore the area – a favourite is the Heritage Trail, a one-hour walk around the town.

I learned from the Luss Visitor Centre that fairies were living in Luss (they get everywhere) and that the Loch Lomond fairy trail would take us through the woods to see their homes. I didn’t need to be told twice, and with hubby in tow, we set off to find some pixie magic.

The clouds came in as the day went by, and by 4 pm, it looked pretty grim. We boarded our boat and set off for a cold and bumpy ninety-minute ride. It was not the leisurely cruise I was looking forward to, but at least we can say we cruised Loch Lomond!

Drive to Fort Augustus

We packed our stuff early and headed to our next destination, Loch Ness, in Fort Augustus.

The thought of cruising on the loch and listening to stories about Nessie the Loch Ness monster probably got me a little more excited than it should, but having grown up hearing about this fictional (or should I say factual) creature, I couldn’t wait to get there! But there were plenty of other things in Scotland that I wanted to see on the route.

Arrochar to Falls of Falloch – 25 minutes

As soon as I hear mention of a waterfall, I have to check it out; it doesn’t matter where I am in the world; they seem to call to me. Some of the best waterfalls in the UK can be found in Scotland, like the 30ft Falls of Falloch . Approached by the A82 near the village of Crianlarich, a woodland track leads from the car park to the falls and the River Falloch.

A funky viewing platform allows you to view the waterfall in all its glory and is a great structure to see in its own right – not something you would expect to see in a woodland glen!

Falls of Falloch to Glencoe – 50 minutes

Scotland’s landscape seems to get better and better the further north you go (though it is all stunning). After passing through the Bridge of Orchy with its white-washed houses and positioned on the famous Scottish walking route –  the West Highland Way  – we arrived at the magnificent mountain range of Glencoe.

Glencoe is predominately a ski and outdoor pursuits area. As we were driving through, it reminded me of the dramatic landscape in Iceland and Norway; foreboding and mighty.

We pulled into Glencoe Mountain Resort to buy some tickets for the chair lift; however, when I saw how high it went, I got cold feet, so we popped into the restaurant instead to warm up and grab some lunch!

Angie’s Top Tip  – If you love outdoor activities, then it may be worth adding a night to your British road trip itinerary and spending longer in Glencoe to really see it at its best.

Glencoe to Fort William – 40 minutes

Not to give up on the chance to get an amazing view across the Scottish mountain range, we headed to Fort William and the  Nevis Range Mountain Gondola.  The 650m high enclosed gondola is the only one of its kind in the UK, so it was only fitting that we tried it out.

Built to transport skiers to the top of Aonach Mòr,  the 8th highest mountain in Britain , it is now one of the most popular things to do in Fort William – after visiting the Glenfinnan Viaduct and waiting for that magical opportunity to catch the  Harry Potter train of course!

We stepped aboard and luckily had the gondola to ourselves. I think the grey skies and threat of rain had put many visitors off, but I can imagine it gets swamped on warm sunny days. It takes 15 minutes to get to the top, and then you are rewarded with views of  Ben Nevis,   Britain’s highest mountain .

Angie’s Top Tip  – There is a big drop in temperature from the bottom to the top of Aonach Mor, so make sure to wrap up warm.

Fort William to Fort Augustus – 45 minutes

Back in the car and aware that time was getting on, we decided only to have one quick stop on the route to Fort Augustus, and that would be to look at the  Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge .

Three 17ft bronze figures are depicted in full uniforms and dedicated to WW2 service members that lost their lives.  If you have the time, it is worth stopping, a small car park is located along the B8004, and the views alone are incredible.

Fort Augustus – 1 Night

Arriving in Fort Augustus, the rain stopped, and the sun shone – our luck had changed!

We were staying here for one night in the award-winning boutique hotel The Lovat, but before we settled in for our stay, we had arranged a rib cruise with the company Cruise Loch Ness .

There are two ways to view Loch Ness – a fast rib cruise or a scenic cruise – we opted for the 90-minute rib cruise to Urquhart Castle, which was an informative ride telling us about the loch, the landscape, the castle and, of course, the monster!

Is the Loch Ness Monster Real?

Because we were on the last cruise of the day, we got the rib to ourselves, which was fantastic. However, our captain told us many stories about the Loch Ness monster but never quite confirmed his own sighting, so we still don’t know the truth!

A cruise is the most popular thing to do in Loch Ness, and I would definitely recommend it.

Angie’s Top Tip – If you suffer from a bad back, then don’t take the rib – it jolts you about a fair bit, and I felt quite tender afterwards. The scenic cruise may be more suitable.

Love the sound of Fort Augustus and Loch Ness?

Find out more in my post: loch ness scotland: is it really home to a monster.

Back on dry land and feeling a little like we had been through a washing machine, we strolled back to the hotel through the pretty town of Fort Augustus.

It is full of Scottish craft shops, delicatessens and a few traditional-looking pubs, The Lock Inn and The Bothy , all scattered around the Caledonian Canal, which runs through the town. The picturesque Scottish scenery all around is just wonderful.

Luxury Accommodation in Fort Augustus

Back at our family-run hotel, The Lovat , we checked into our Double Garden Room – accommodation within the courtyard. The design was beautiful, with muted colours echoing the Scottish landscape – green and heather tones and we were pleased we had chosen this hotel.

As well as being the only four-star hotel in Fort Augustus , the restaurant is run by a head chef who has worked in several Michelin restaurants. Our taste buds were tingling, waiting to sample our evening fayre, and we weren’t disappointed – the food was superb.

Alternative places to stay in Fort Augustus can be found here on Booking.com .

Drive to the isle of skye.

After a hearty Scottish breakfast at the hotel, we packed up and headed into town to grab some provisions for the drive (shortbread, obviously, Scotch eggs and Highland coffee). This part of our British road trip would take us to the furthest location on our Scottish trip itinerary – the Inner Hebridean island of Skye .

Fort Augustus to Rogie Falls via A82 – 1 Hour

By now, you will have realised that I like to make a few diversions when I am heading to my next overnight stop on a British road trip, and Rogie Falls ( yes, it’s a waterfall) was one such place.

A series of forest walks, a suspension bridge , a waterfall, and the chance to view salmon in the summer months make this one of the best places to visit in Contin, near Ullapool. There is a small car park just off the A835.

We were lucky that Rogie Falls wasn’t very busy when we arrived. It was lovely to be at one with nature and wander around the woodland area taking in the beautiful Scottish scenery and viewing the falls from the bridge suspended across the Black Water River.

Rogie Falls to Eilean Donan – 2 hours via A890 and A87 ( with lots of photo stops!)

Leaving Rogie Falls, we were now deep in the Scottish Highlands. We were heading to Eilean Donan, the fabled Scottish Castle, perched on a tidal island on the main tourist route into the Isle of Skye.

But before that, we stopped a million times to take photos of the stunning Scottish landscape – there’s simply no way you can just drive past it without capturing a memory.

Isle of Skye – 3 Nights

We were in the Scottish Highlands now, and I have to say it has to be one of the best scenic drives we have done. Every inch of this part of our British road trip left me mesmerised.

With every mile we drove, I was commenting, “look at that”, and “Oh wow”, much to my hubby’s despair as he navigated the winding narrow Scottish roads while still trying to glimpse the amazing sights I had spotted!

Love the sound of the Isle of Skye?

Find out more in my post: 8 amazing places you must visit on the isle of skye ., exploring eilean donan.

Before we headed over the bridge into Skye, we stopped at Dornie on the A87 to tour the iconic Eilean Donan, probably the most photographed castle in Scotland . The mystical and romantic Scottish castle sits on a tidal island where three lochs (lakes) meet and is steeped in history and folklore.

We headed into the castle and were shown around and told the history and “hidden secrets” of Eilean Donan. If you have ever heard of the saying “the walls have ears,” it comes from the wall slits in this castle where the chieftain’s soldiers would listen discreetly to important clan meetings, ready to do battle if things turned sour. Hence the saying!

Angie’s Top Tip : Pre-book your entrance/tour tickets as Eilean Donan is a popular tourist attraction in Scotland, and tickets often sell out.

After our Eilean Donan tour, we headed across the Skye Bridge (no toll charges) into the Isle of Skye and headed to our accommodation.

We had booked our stay on the Dunvegan Castle Estate in Rose Valley Cottage for three nights. A traditional white-washed stone-built self-catering Scottish cottage – Perfect!

After a cosy sleep, but with no wi-fi to check that the outside world was still functioning (location too remote and cottage walls too thick!!!), we layered on our cold-weather gear and headed to Dunvegan Castle. As we were staying on the Dunvegan castle estate, admittance was free.

Dunvegan Castle and Estate has been owned by the McLeod clan (family) for 800 years and is steeped in Scottish myths and legends . When you visit, ask about the fairy flag, it is very interesting.

After your history tour, head to the castle gardens to discover pretty gardens complete with walkways, bridges and a waterfall! You can also take a boat trip to the Dunvegan seal colony from the castle pier.

Dunvegan Castle to Coral Beach at Claigan – 10 minutes

We had heard stories of a beach near Dunvegan castle that has crushed white coral on its shores. In summer, when the sun is out, the water is the same blue colour as the Caribbean – who would have known this kind of beach existed in Scotland!

We decided to check it out and headed 10 minutes further on from the castle until we arrived at the gravel car park at Claigan.

An easy 25-minute walk through farmland takes you to the beach, and I’m sure on a sunny day, it is glorious. Sadly we had freezing temperatures and a harsh wind blowing, so we wandered along its shores and then headed back to the warmth of the car!

Angie’s Top Tip – There are no facilities here, so I recommend that you use the toilets by the castle gift shop.

Coral Beach to Portree via Struan – 1 Hour

Part of the beauty of visiting the Isle of Skye is that you can drive around its winding roads and will be guaranteed to see some of the most majestic views on the planet.

Rugged wilderness, majestic mountains, mystical lochs, Highland cows, and many sheep await your arrival. We loved driving around Skye and stopping in random locations to take photographs and immerse ourselves in the landscape.

Portree is a fishing village with pretty pastel cottages lining its harbour and is also Skye’s capital. We had a delicious lunch at Cuchillin – one of the best restaurants in Portree .

From Portree, you can jump aboard one of the boat trips that will take you around Portree Bay and Raasay Sound on the lookout for local wildlife, including dolphins and grey seals.

We didn’t have the time to experience this as the tour had already gone out; however, if you schedule it in your itinerary, it sounds like you will have a good chance of encountering Scottish wildlife from the water.

Portree to Quaraing – 30 minutes

Leaving Portree, we had an eerie view of the Outer Hebrides covered in an ethereal mist. On our next trip to Scotland, we will be planning to visit some of the more remote Scottish islands and seeing them from Skye made us want to cross the water and explore them even more!

We continued driving to see the monolith columns known as the “Old Man of Storr” and the Quaraing before returning to our cottage.

Remember that when you are driving in Skye, it takes a long time to get from A to B .

Roads are narrow and winding, cattle are often on the roads, and you have to wait for them to be ready to move. Also, the weather can suddenly turn, so your speed needs to be kept down.

We awoke this morning to torrential rain and wind and hunkered down with a good book before finally venturing out and heading to the Talisker Distillery . We had already done a whisky tour in Oban, so I looked forward to another one here in Skye.

Dunvegan to Talisker Distillery – 40 minutes

Sadly, that was not going to be the case as the tours were all booked for the next three days, at which point we would have moved on from Skye. The nearest next best thing was to visit the Talisker on-site shop and buy a miniature selection to take home with us!

By now, it was lunchtime, and we were ready for some haggis ! We found a pub called the Old Inn at Carbost and headed inside to eat and get warm.

It seemed everyone visiting Skye had stumbled into the pub as it was full of nationalities from every corner of the globe. We sat close to a group from Sweden while a South African family sat on the other side – it is a popular place for tourists – us included!

Tasting Scotland’s National Dish

If you are coming to Scotland, then at some point, you will have to try haggis – Scotland’s national dish. At first, the thought of the ingredients in haggis turned my stomach, but I was hooked once I had tasted it.

I can vouch for the haggis at the Old Inn – it was delicious.

The mist had come down since we had been in the pub, and it again gave an ethereal look to the landscape.

We were heading to the Fairy Pools, known for their waterfalls, brooks and delightful walks and, in warmer months – swimmable pools!

Once again, the weather had turned on us, and to say we nearly got swept off our feet is an understatement. We didn’t feel it was appropriate weather to set off on a walk around the pools and so we captured a few pictures from the roadside and headed back to the cottage for our last night in Skye!

Talisker Distillery – Fairy Pools 15 minutes

Our time on the Isle of Skye had been wonderful, and we were sad to be leaving but, at the same time, excited to be staying in Pitlochry for a couple of nights.

Dunvegan to Pitlochry on the A87, A86, A889 and A9 via Newtonmore – 4 hours

We headed away from Skye on the A87 ( the only way to get in or out) and passed by several lochs with names such as Loch Garry and Loch Laggan; the latter even had a beach .

No matter where you go in the Scottish Highlands, you will see a loch!

The drive would take several hours, but that was no hardship with so much stunning scenery.

We stopped in Newtonmore on the edge of the Cairngorms – the largest National Park in the UK , to have a coffee break and take even more photos of the lush countryside and the mountains.

Angie’s Top Tip – If you have time, then take a detour and check out the majestic scenery at Glen Roy National Reserve or pay a visit to Dalwhinnie Distillery on the A889 near Loch Ericht – remember only the passenger gets to try a dram of whisky!

Pitlochry – 2 Nights

We arrived at our accommodation, Craigatin House , early evening. After freshening up, we headed to the Auld Smithy Inn , a mere 10-minute walk from the hotel, for our evening meal.

After our meal, we treated ourselves to a whisky ice cream (yes, you read that correctly!) from Scotch Corner before exploring the circular Pitlochry river walk, taking us past the dam.

Alternative accommodation in Pitlochry can be found on Booking.com

Pitlochry is a charming town in Perthshire by the River Tummel. What we loved about it was even though it was small, there were many things to do in Pitlochry.

We did a lovely river walk, visited the famous “ Queens View “, and visited Blair Castle and the House of Bruar and its waterfalls. I would recommend staying in Pitlochry for more than one night to see everything in the area.

Love the sound of Pitlochry?

Please find out more in my post: 13 fun things to do in pitlochry on a weekend break., day thirteen.

After two wonderful days in Pitlochry, we said goodbye to our time in Scotland . We were back on the road and heading for Harrogate in Yorkshire for a 2-night stay at the exclusive Rudding Park Hotel and Spa .

Pitlochry to Harrogate – 5 hours

Yorkshire is England’s largest historical county, packed with ancient landmarks, beautiful towns and villages and stunning countryside.

Harrogate is a town in North Yorkshire, east of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and west of the North York Moors National Park – both areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

It is a Victorian spa town, so naturally, the Turkish Spa Baths are one of the most popular places in Harrogate for visitors to relax and unwind after shopping in the town’s trendy boutiques and galleries.

Love the Sound of Yorkshire?

Please find out more in my yorkshire 7-night road trip guide, harrogate – 2 nights, luxury accommodation in harrogate.

This was the longest continual drive we had done on our British road trip, as we wanted to make the most of our time at Rudding Park Hotel .

We had decided that after such an action-packed two weeks, we would wind down at the hotel and enjoy its amazing state-of-the-art spa facilities. That didn’t mean that we weren’t privy to some wonderful views on the way there; the Yorkshire countryside really is stunning.

Arriving at Rudding Park in the early evening, we were welcomed and shown to our beautiful room.

The hotel was everything I had been looking for and more. It is luxurious, beautifully designed, and nestled in a vast estate with fine dining restaurants, an amazing indoor pool, and a roof-top spa. I was ready to be pampered!

Love the sound of the Rudding Park Hotel and Spa?

Please find out more in my hotel review: rudding park: the most luxurious hotel in harrogate ..

Alternative places to stay in Harrogate

White Hart Hotel

Studley Hotel

The Yorkshire Hotel

Day Fourteen

After an amazing sleep and a sumptuous breakfast, we went to the sauna and for a swim in the indoor pool before heading out to explore Fountains Abbey – England’s oldest monastic ruins. They are located near the historic town of Ripon, famed for its cathedral.

Rudding Park Hotel to Fountains Abbey – 35 minutes

Fountains Abbey UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit landmark in Yorkshire. Its ruins date back to the 12th century, and it shares its site with Studley Royal Water Gardens, which are absolutely beautiful to wander around.

Both are National Trust properties, and a visit is most definitely recommended. We were shocked at how much of the abbey ruins were still intact after so many centuries.

Love the sound of Fountains Abbey?

Please find out more in my post: fountains abbey and studley royal water gardens..

We spent about 3 hours wandering around Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal grounds and finished our day with tea and cake at the Mill cafe with lovely lakeside views.

You can also walk across the deer park to the Gothic revival church of St Mary’s from here.

Back at Rudding Park, we headed straight to the spa area for a relaxing massage and to spend some time on the roof-top terrace where a hot tub, sauna and steam room awaited us – albeit in the rain, the only downfall of it being outdoors!

Later that evening, we had dinner at The Clocktower, which was incredible. The food was great, and the ambience and service were second to none.

Day Fifteen

After a sensational two weeks on our ultimate England to Scotland Road Trip, it was time to start our drive home.

Of course, by now, you will know that I always like to make route stops and explore interesting locations, and Warwick Castle fits that description.

Rudding Park to Warwick Castle via the M1 – 2 hours 35 minutes

We had pre-booked one-day entrance tickets to avoid the queues. We were looking forward to visiting this medieval castle originally built as a wooden fort in 1068 by William the Conqueror . Remodelled over the centuries, Warwick is now one of the most famous castles in England.

Even though they were so high, we loved walking along the battlements and wandering around the gardens to watch the birds of prey demonstration. We stayed for around 3 hours, giving us plenty of time to do everything we wanted.

Angie’s Top Tip – Bring a picnic with you as the eateries are busy and mainly sell fast food.

Time to Go Home

We left Warwick late afternoon and jumped in the car for the last time on our British road trip. We had been on an epic journey from the South of England to the North of Scotland and had enjoyed every minute of it.

True, the weather may not have been great for some of our trip, but it didn’t stop us from ticking off everything we had planned on our two-week British road trip itinerary.

If you have ever wondered where to go in England and Scotland, I hope this extensive British road trip guide has given you some good ideas.

Of course, you can spend longer or shorter in each place depending on your time availability and whether you prefer slow travel or a more action-packed itinerary.

If you have any questions about going on a British road trip, I would be happy to answer them.

Because the greatest part of a road trip isn’t arriving at your destination. It’s all the wild stuff that happens along the way. Tamed Quotes by Emma Chase

 I would like to receive occasional updates and new travel posts.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Tuesday 5th of December 2023

I appreciate you for sharing amazing information and ideas about road trips and travel in the UK. This post is very thorough and easy to follow. I will be saving it for a trip in 2024.

Mahesh Nandish

Sunday 16th of October 2022

Thanks for helping in making a memorable itinerary for our trip to UK/Scotland last 10 days back. Your blog really helped us with clear perspective on Scottish Highlands, Lake District etc. Truly, it was a memorable vacation, inspired by above itinerary.

WhereAngieWanders

Hello Mahesh, It is so wonderful to read this comment and to hear that my Great British Road Trip Itinerary helped you to identify and plan which parts of the UK you wanted to visit. I am so happy I have helped you in making your trip to the UK one that you will always remember. I hope you will continue to check out my website for more useful travel posts to help plan other trips around the UK and abroad. All the best Angie

Saturday 14th of August 2021

A destination I have always wanted to visit. Not that I needed any inspiration. Such a wonderous and beautiful natural environment awaits.

Yvonne Keeler ( Cheshire UK)

Tuesday 22nd of June 2021

Loved reading your blog on Waheiki Island Nr Auckland NZ . We concur with your reviews and advice . Our son lives inAuckland so we visit each year( in normal non Covid times) in fact they are looking to book a vineyard for their wedding over there. Your trip up to Scotland looks wonderful and like you, we must explore what is only a drive away, and enjoy the beauty , scenic delights we have here in Uk. So you have inspired us to plan and follow your route some time soon. Look forward to more of your travel blogs as we too are intrepid travellers in normal times. Stay safe !

Thanks for taking the time to comment; it makes me so pleased when I hear I have helped someone else plan a trip to somewhere I loved. Lovely to hear that your son will be getting married in one of Waiheke's vineyards - I couldn't think of a better place to tie the knot! I hope you enjoy future blogs that I publish

Suzanne Jones

Wednesday 14th of April 2021

What a fabulous road trip. We're heading to the Highlands this September and will be visiting a few of the places on your itinerary. I'll be referring back to this post nearer the time to remind myself of some excellent tips!

Thursday 15th of April 2021

You will have an amazing time in the Scottish Highlands, there is so much to see and do up there. I'm glad my Scotland Road Trip blog post was of help with planning.

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

10 Day England and Scotland Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 10 day England and Scotland tour with TourRadar. Choose from 65 trips with 1,908 customer reviews, that range from 8 up to 10 days.

65 England And Scotland 10 day tour packages with 1,908 reviews

• In-depth Cultural

Bonnie Scotland with London

My husband and I very much enjoyed our tour through Scotland. The tour guide Tom was knowledgeable and kept us interested without drowning us in a myriad of dates and names of Kings and Queens. He was totally in control ensuring everyone was on the bus and at each event checking everything had been arranged and that our group was expected before he would let us off the bus. The Scottish driver Dave was excellent and we felt safe despite the narrow roads. On the down side, we wish we could have had more free time to explore in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The guided tours of Glasgow and Edinburgh turned out to be pointing out various buildings on way to the castle or as we drove out of the cities on our way to the day's tour highlight rather than a proper city tour. The London part was disappointing with the aspect of being part of a tour. The hotel, although nice, was over 1 1/2 hours by bus away from King's Cross station. The tour director did not take the opportunity to point out the various historic sites along the way. Many key highlights were not included in the scheduled familiarization of London bus tour such as Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Once the bus tour was over we were left to fend for ourselves. There was no concern/interest shown to ensure transportation arrangements at the end of the tour were in hand etc...a stark contrast to the Scottish part of the trip.

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Scotland from London ( 10 days )

Castles and Kilts (10 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Walking Adventure

Deluxe London to Edinburgh Tour (with Rail Return) - 10 Days

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

United Kingdom and Ireland ( 10 days )

10-Day United Kingdom and Ireland

Jose the tourist guide was excellent, the hotels except for the last one were very good, the landscape and scenery was amazing, very recommended

Tour of Scotland, Wales & England

Deluxe London to Edinburgh Tour (finishes in Edinburgh) - 10 days

Scottish Highland Fling

I met a lot of great people! Both the tour director, Peter, and the driver, Vincent, were awesome! This was my first group tour like this. I didn’t like the fact it was very scheduled and regimented.

England Scotland Ireland – Highlights of UK

Great British Trio: London, Manchester & Edinburgh

9-Day Iona, Mull, Skye & Orkney from Edinburgh

9 Days United Kingdom Tour

British Landscapes featuring the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (Edinburgh to London)

Enchanting Eastern England

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about 10 Day England And Scotland Tours

My husband and I very much enjoyed our tour through Scotland. The tour guide Tom was knowledgeable and kept us interested without drowning us in a myriad of dates and names of Kings and Queens. He was totally in control ensuring everyone was on the bus and at each event checking everything had been arranged and that our group was expected before he would let us off the bus. The Scottish driver Dave was excellent and we felt safe despite the narrow roads. On the down side, we wish we could have had more free time to explore in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The guided tours of Glasgow and Edinburgh turned out to be pointing out various buildings on way to the castle or as we drove out of the cities on our way to the day's tour highlight rather than a proper city tour. The London part was disappointing with the aspect of being part of a tour. The hotel, although nice, was over 1 1/2 hours by bus away from King's Cross station. The tour director did not take the opportunity to point out the various historic sites along the way. Many key highlights were not included in the scheduled familiarization of London bus tour such as Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Once the bus tour was over we were left to fend for ourselves. There was no concern/interest shown to ensure transportation arrangements at the end of the tour were in hand etc...a stark contrast to the Scottish part of the trip.

Very much liked the places we went but would be better in a longer tour, became difficult to enjoy the trip at that pace. Guide was mostly knowledgeable but personally I would have preferred a quieter presentation. Definitely could do without the political diatribes.....

• Scotland Tours from London >

Edinburgh Day Tour by Train from London

Our 1-day Edinburgh Tour from London offers great value for money, and is a very convenient  way to explore the Scottish Capital. This trip includes reserved train tickets from London to Edinburgh, Hop-On-And -Hop-Off Bus tickets and entry tickets to Edinburgh Castle.

You have plenty of time to tour the city, visit the main sites, stroll through the centre of town and enjoy lunch in one of the many pubs and restaurants and maybe even enjoy a ‘wee dram of Whisky’.

Some of the most popular places to visit include:

Hop-on-hop-off bus.

The open top double decker bus, enables you to enjoy panoramic views on its route around the city. There is an audio guide, and packaged headphones provided, available in 9 different languages. There are14 bus stops located near the main attractions so it is a perfect way of seeing the city and visiting them. A map of the bus route with stops is included.

Start the tour from Bus Stop 2 on your map at  St Andrew Square North Side, Edinburgh EH2 1AF . This is a 3 minute walk from Waverley Train Station where you arrive in the morning..

Edinburgh Castle

One O’Clock Gun

Edinburgh Castle, tickets included, stands atop Castle Rock offering panoramic views of the city and is deeply entwined into the history of Scotland. A defensive fort was first established here in the Iron Age and a Castle for over 1000 years, Much rebuilt,and extended over the ages, The Castle’s close connections to royalty include Bonnie Prince Charlie and Mary, Queen of Scots. It has been besieged 26 times over its history and still has a British military garrison.

Explore the Castle’s esplanade, a site of execution in days past,and take a tour inside the Castle to St Margaret’s Chapel, the Great Hall, the Royal Palace and the Crown Room. The Castle also houses the National War Museum of Scotland. Since 1861 at 1pm every Monday to Saturday an artillery gun is fired, a very popular site to watch, the sound of which can be heard throughout the city and beyond.

The Palace of Holyrood House

Holyrood Palace was completed in 1674 and is the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. King Charles III resides here during official visits and hosts official engagements and events in the Palace and the Palace Gardens.

Visit the historic State Apartments, furnished with priceless furniture, art and tapestries, including the apartment of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Great Gallery where Bonnie Prince Charlie partied, the Throne Room and the Royal Dining Room. Stroll around the beautifully kept  Palace Gardens where the King holds summer parties. In the grounds lies the ruins of Holyrood Abbey . There is a delightful award winning ‘Cafe at the Palace’ where you can enjoy a delicious range of food including,of course, a special afternoon tea.

Please note that entry tickets to Holyrood House are not included in the tour.

The Old Town

The Royal Mile and St Giles’ Cathedral

The Old Town is the name given to the oldest part of Edinburgh with it’s narrow medieval streets and buildings dating back to the 17th century. The Old Town is located along a succession of streets traditionally known as the ‘Royal Mile’ linking Edinburgh Castle on one side to Holyrood Palace on the other.

The Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus runs along this route with several stops and there are many places of interest along the way including the Grassmarket located below the Castle which is an ancient and iconic market square. The National Museum of Scotland, St Giles’ Cathedral and explore behind the ‘Royal Mile’ through the narrow streets and alleyways with it’s pubs, interesting shops including many selling whisky offering expert advise.

Our 1-day Edinburgh tour from London is available every day and offers excellent value for money. This tour can be extended to a 2-day and 3-day visit .

• 6.30 am: Meet our tour representative at King’s Cross Station, who will greet you at the ticket office and escort you to the train. Depart London on one of the most scenic and beautiful train journeys, passing through the English and Scottish countryside. Your train trip includes reserved seating with an optional upgrade to first class
• 11:20 am: Arrive at Waverley Station in the centre of Edinburgh
• 5.30 pm: Depart Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, arriving back in London’s, Kings Cross Station at 22.18.

Why Choose This Tour:

• It’s a very convenient way of visiting the capital of Scotland with its unique culture, traditions and heritage
• It’s great for people who enjoy scenic train journeys
• Excellent value for money. By combining train tickets with a hop on hop off bus and Edinburgh Castle tickets we offer unbeatable prices
• Edinburgh Castle is the most popular attraction in Scotland, and tickets often get sold out
• We offer the best train times for you to make the most out of your visit., with an early departure and late return. These train times often get sold out
• If you have more time, consider our 2 or 3 day Edinburgh Tour

Tour includes:

• Return train tickets with reserved seating
• Hop-on Hop-off bus tickets
• Edinburgh Castle tickets
• Optional upgrade to 1st class.  This includes extra-wide seats with additional legroom,  free wifi and USB chargers. Enjoy complimentary food & drink brought to your seat (subject to availability). It also includes the use of the 1st class lounge at Waverley Station.

Tour excludes:

• Food & drink
• Hotel transfer

Further details:

• There are no storage facilities for prams or pushchairs
• Rucksacks/suitcases over 30L are not be permitted
• This is a self-guided tour
• Optional upgrade to First Class travel
• Cancel bookings up to 14 days prior to departure to receive a full refund

Tour Booking

Best things to do in edinburgh.

Some suggestions on how to spend your day in Edinburgh, with a list of the top attractions in the area. From great shopping, to historical sites and amazing vibes, the hardest part will be deciding what to do first. 

• Walk down the Royal Mile, which forms the main streets of the old town of Edinburgh. You’ll find narrow cobbled walkways, and stunning medieval buildings, along with lots of shops, pubs and restaurants in the area.
• The area is also packed with plenty of famous sights, including Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the Scottish Parliament.
• You’ll find the 14th Century St Giles Cathedral, which is the principal place of worship of the Church of Scotland
• The nearby Scotch Whisky Experience offers 5* Whisky tours and tasting experiences. The Whisky shop contains an amazing 477 different kinds of Whisky, and there are even interactive screens to help you choose the right whisky for you!
• The National Museum of Scotland has 16 galleries and 8,000 objects on display. This includes several free exhibitions that explore the rich history of Scotland, through art, nature, design and technology.

terms and conditions

You might also be interested.

2 or 3 Day Edinburgh Tour from London

England, Ireland, Wales & Scotland Tour - 10 Days

England & scotland tour - 10 days.

3 Day Scotland Tour from London

20 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh You will Love

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

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

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

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

Day Trips Less Than One Hour from Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Stirling

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. North Berwick, East Lothian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Linlithgow and Falkirk

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Pentland Hills Regional Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Roslin, Midlothian

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day Trips Between One to Two Hours from Edinburgh

8. loch lomond and the trossachs national park.

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. St Abbs, Scottish Borders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Culross & Dunfermline, Fife

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

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

One of the main tourist attractions of Culross is the bright-yellow-coloured Culross Palace. It was founded in the 17th century by a wealthy merchant. You can take a tour of the palace. For a lovely panoramic view, climb to the top of the palace garden. Also, check out the ruins of Culross Abbey.

Dunfermline is the newest city in Scotland. Dunfermline Abbey and Palace is a must-visit. Many notable Scottish kings and prominent historical figures are buried here. It is the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s great warrior king.

Later, you can visit the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum close to the abbey.

How to Reach: You can catch a bus or train from Edinburgh to get to Dunfermline. Trains only take 38 minutes. From Dunfermline, Stagecoach operates buses 8 and 8A to Culross.

Referred to as the ‘City of Discovery’, this city on the bank of the Firth of Tay is famous for its industrial and maritime heritage. In 2014, Dundee was declared the UK’s first-ever UNESCO City of Design. Dundee is the perfect destination for spending a day outside of Edinburgh.

Start your Dundee adventure with a visit to the V&A Dundee . Opened in 2018, this is the first design museum in Scotland, and entry is free. They host various galleries and exhibitions showcasing Scottish creativity. Adjacent to the museum is the RRS Discovery, a Dundee-built steamship used in Antarctic expeditions.

The McManus Art Gallery & Museum is a must-visit for all art lovers visiting the city. The stunning Gothic Revival-style building houses a great display of paintings, sculptures and artefacts.

If you have time, visit the nearby Glamis Castle, unarguably one of the prettiest castles in Scotland . Located just 12 miles from Dundee, it is the childhood home of The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret. 

How to Reach: The easiest way to get to Dundee is by train. Direct trains leave regularly from Edinburgh and take about an hour and a half. Also, there are bus services run by Megabus and Ember Bus.

12. St Andrews, Fife

World-famous golf courses, vast sandy beaches, a ruined medieval cathedral, and dramatic coastal views make this lovely university town a top day trip choice from Edinburgh.

The dramatic ruin of St Andrews Cathedral is a must-see tourist attraction in St Andrews . Built in the 12th century, it was the largest church in Scotland and was once an important religious site.

The cathedral museum has a great collection of Pictish carvings, medieval stoneworks and sculptures. Climb St Rule’s Tower to get a stunning view over to the city and the surrounding areas of Fife.

The Old Course in St Andrews Links is one of the most iconic places in the world for all golf lovers. Frequently referred to as the home of golf, it is one of the oldest golf courses in the world. Golf has been played here since the 15th century. It is open to the public. So, you can book a spot here too.

Take a stroll around the extensive West Sands Beach. It was featured in the movie, Chariots of Fire. Before saying goodbye to this seaside town, taste the delicious ice cream from Jannettas Gelateria.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh to Leuchars take around an hour and a quarter. There are frequent local bus services from there that will take you to St Andrews in nearly 10 minutes.

13. Melrose, Scottish Borders

Often overlooked by tourists, Scottish Borders is a fantastic place to spend a day away from Edinburgh and enjoy the Scottish countryside. Also, this area of Scotland has some of the most beautiful ruined abbeys in the UK.

Melrose is one of the most picturesque towns in the Scottish Borders and the home of the historic Melrose Abbey. It was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks on the orders of King David I. Several Scottish royalties are buried here. Most famously, Melrose Abbey is the final resting place of the heart of the legendary Scottish warrior, Robert the Bruce.

Next, stroll around the beautiful Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden. If you are here in summer, pop inside the Priorwood to see the blooming apple orchard.

Outdoor enthusiasts would love a hike to the nearby Eildon Hill. It takes around 3-4 hours to complete the circuit. The stunning view over Melrose and the surrounding landscapes are well worth the effort.

A five-minute drive from Melrose will bring you to Abbotsford House, the ancestral home of Sir Walter Scott, a renowned Scottish writer.

How to reach Melrose: Trains leaving from Edinburgh take about an hour to reach Tweedbank. From there, local bus services 67 and 68 take only 11 minutes to get to Melrose town centre.

14. The Fishing Villages of Fife and the Isle of May

Without a doubt, Fife has some of the prettiest seaside villages in Scotland . You can definitely visit some of these charming fishing villages on your day trip from Edinburgh. They sit on the famous Fife Coastal Path, a long-distance walking route.

Anstruther is the largest fishing port of East Neuk. Take a wander around the pretty streets and the busy harbour. This seaside settlement is famous for its fresh seafood. Try the traditional fish and chips at the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar.

From Anstruther, you can take a boat trip to explore the Isle of May. This tiny island in the middle of the Firth of Forth is home to numerous species of seabirds and wildlife. If you are visiting between April and August, the sight of cute little puffins will melt your heart.

The pretty fishing village of Crail lies about 4 miles walk along the coastline from Anstruther. Pop by Lobster Hut for some freshly caught lobsters and crabs.

Another stunning traditional fishing village in East Neuk is St Monans. Around the cosy harbour huddle a charming blend of whitewashed and colourful houses. Don’t miss to visit the photogenic St Monans Windmill and St Monans Parish Church.

How to Reach: It takes around an hour and a half to drive to Anstruther from Edinburgh. Also, you can catch Stagecoach bus X60 from the city centre.

15. Pitlochry, Perthshire

Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, Pitlochry is a charming little town in Perthshire. Dramatic vistas, extensive woodlands, scenic lochs and several hiking trails make this Victorian town a must-visit for day-trippers from Edinburgh.

We love travelling to Pitlochry in autumn when the leaves change colours, and the whole area looks absolutely spectacular.

Pitlochry is a nature lovers’ hotspot. Take a gentle stroll along the River Tummel to visit the salmon ladder and the atmospheric Loch Faskally. You can continue to follow the riverside path to Killiecrankie. Avid hikers will enjoy a walk to Ben Vrackie. From the summit, you will enjoy a spectacular view over Pitlochry and the surrounding mountains of Perthshire.

Catch a local bus from the town centre to visit the nearby Queens View. This iconic viewpoint is named after Queen Victoria, who visited this place in 1866 and fell in love with the sweeping view.

No visit to Scotland is complete without a tour of a distillery. Luckily, there are two distilleries in Pitlochry – Blair Athol Distillery and Edradour Distillery. They offer different guided tours and tasting sessions.

How to Reach: Direct trains from Edinburgh take around an hour and fifty minutes.

16. Newcastle

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, usually known as Newcastle, is considered the unofficial capital of North East England. From magnificent architecture to vibrant nightlife – there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Newcastle . If you love city breaks, this day trip from Edinburgh is perfect for you.

Ramble around Grainger Town, the historic heart of Newcastle. The area is named after Richard Grainger, who reshaped Newcastle in a neoclassical style in the 19th century.

Next, make your way to Newcastle Castle, a 12th-century Norman fortress the city is named after. Take a tour to explore the chambers, dungeons and the prison.

Newcastle is the city of seven bridges. The iconic Tyne Bridge is the most famous of them. Constructed in 1928, it connects Newcastle with its neighbouring town, Gateshead.

Ramble along the Newcastle Quayside to enjoy stunning views of the Seven Bridges. This area on the River Tyne is brimming with various trendy restaurants, cosy cafes and gastro pubs.

Take a short bus ride to see the stunning sculpture of the Angel of the North by Antony Gormley.

How to Reach from Edinburgh: Trains from Waverley will bring you to Newcastle in about an hour and a half.

17. Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh, Northumberland

Now, we know what you must be thinking – why on earth would you go on a holiday to Scotland and then a day trip to England?

Well, with a driving time of less than two hours and well-connected public transport, it’s probably not the craziest idea.

Dramatic castles, miles of sandy beaches, fresh seafood, plenty of wildlife, and rich heritage, make Northumberland a popular day trip choice for tourists visiting Edinburgh.

The most famous attraction in this area is Alnwick Castle. It is the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK. This magnificent fortress is one of the filming locations of the Harry Potter movies. Also, it appeared in the British TV series Downton Abbey.

Castle lovers and history buffs will be delighted to visit the Bamburgh Castle. The earliest surviving part of this legendary fortress dates from the 12th century. Also, from here, you will get an awe-inspiring view of the nearby Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland’s coastline, Lindisfarne Castle and Farne Islands.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh takes almost an hour to get to Alnmouth. From there, the local bus takes about 12 minutes to reach the Alnwick bus station. Local bus services are operated by Arriva and Travelsure.

The cathedral city of Durham is another city in England that you can visit on a day trip from the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh. There are tons of amazing things to do in Durham .

Durham Cathedral is the main attraction in the city. It was built in the late 11th century to house the relics of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Also, it is another Harry Potter film location in the UK.

In 1986, Durham Cathedral, alongside Durham Castle, received the UNESCO World Heritage site status.

Durham Castle was built in 1072 and has served as the official residence of the Prince Bishop of Durham. You can take a guided tour to learn the history of this castle.

River Wear flows through the heart of this historic city. Walk along the riverside path for a stunning view of the Cathedral and other important city buildings.

Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, is only 22 minutes drive from Durham.

How to Reach: CrossCountry and LNER operate train services from Edinburgh Waverley to Durham, and it takes only one hour and forty-five minutes.

Day Trips over Two Hours from Edinburgh

Truth be told, York is a long day trip from Edinburgh. If you’re short on time, spending a day in York will surely give you a good sense of this medieval city. It takes around two and a half hours of train journey to get here from Edinburgh.

York is an ancient city with over two thousand years of riveting history. Also, it is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the UK.

A visit to the York Minister should be on top of your York travel itinerary. This Gothic masterpiece was founded in the 7th century and has been a centre for Christianity.

A short walk from the Minister will bring you to The Shambles. This cobbled street is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. Also, like Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Shambles is believed to be one of the inspirations behind Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series.

York is a walled city. You can walk the 2 miles circular route of the city wall to discover this city’s past.

Later, pop inside Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms for an opulent afternoon tea experience.

How to Reach: LNER and CrossCountry run frequent train services for York from Edinburgh. It is advisable to book your tickets well in advance.

20. Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. It is heaven for outdoor lovers.

A day trip to the Cairngorms from Edinburgh is certainly doable, especially on long summer days. Although the journey time is long, the train route is very scenic. If you are travelling by car, don’t miss a visit to the pretty village of Braemar .

From Edinburgh Waverley, take a train to Aviemore, the main town of the Cairngorms. There are plenty of cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops here. Also, the historic Strathspey Steam Railway leaves from here.

You can catch a local bus service to visit Loch Morlich, a beautiful freshwater loch with a sandy beach. Loch Morlich is a great place to enjoy various water sports. Also, you can admire the stunning backdrop of the majestic Cairngorms mountains.

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd Centre is within walking distance from Loch Morlich. You can take a guided walk to visit UK’s only wild reindeer herd.

Next, take a funicular train ride by Cairngorm Mountain Railway to get a breathtaking panoramic view from 1,097m above sea level.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh Waverley take around two hours and fifty minutes to reach Aviemore train station. Local bus services are operated by Stagecoach.

Map of the Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

Here is a map of all the amazing day trip choices mentioned in this article. Click on the link to save the Google map on your phone. Moreover, you can use the map offline.

We hope this guide to the best places to visit on a day trip from Edinburgh has inspired you!

From picturesque fishing villages to buzzing cities – there is everything for all travellers. So, definitely add a few of them to your next adventure in Edinburgh.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

We revel in the remoteness: wild camping and hiking in the Scottish Highlands

A five-day mindful adventure on the Knoydart peninsula – one of the last great wildernesses in the UK – offers the chance to fully unwind and leap into the unknown

I t’s a relief to lay my rucksack down, plunge hot feet into the cool stream and pause to revel in the fairytale surrounds. Foxgloves stand tall against a cornflower-blue sky, ferns look almost luminous, the water glints in the early summer sunshine. A patch of moss-covered ancient forest provides shade, a cuckoo calls in the distance, mountains layer on the horizon.

I’m in Knoydart in the Highlands of western Scotland, one of the last great wildernesses in the UK, on a hiking and wild camping adventure. No roads cross the 22,000-hectare (55,000-acres) peninsula, a rugged place where a trio of Munros soar skyward, sandwiched between sea lochs Nevis and Hourn (poetically translated as heaven and hell). Over five days our group of eight will explore this land on foot, carrying our sustenance and shelter on our backs, led by two guides from The Living Project, Josh and Emily.

The rest of the world feels very far away as we linger over lunch before continuing to Barrisdale Bay farther north. Today’s hike is about eight miles over undulating terrain. An old drover’s way leads up past a loch where Highland cattle drink and we climb a 450-metre pass before descending to the coast once more. We take our time, stopping often, sometimes chatting, sometimes walking in silence. The going gets tough at points, packs feel heavy, but a sense of freedom, a revelling in the remoteness, trumps any fatigue.

Set up in 2019 by Josh Bulpin and Cormac Davey (former colleagues at World Challenge Expeditions), the Living Project offers “mindful adventures in wild places,” with trips ranging from women-only weekends in Snowdonia to weeks in Nepal. The emphasis is on connecting to nature, not epic feats of endurance, with yoga, meditation and journal writing woven into our days.

“We combine adventure and wellbeing, giving people the chance to challenge themselves, but focus very much on the journey and moving slowly through the landscape,” says Josh. “It’s not about racing up summits.”

Our trip began two days earlier in Fort William, where we’re encouraged to ditch any excess luggage. Most equipment, from tents to cooking utensils, as well as food (fresh and dried) is provided. While you don’t need experience, with packs weighing upwards of 15kg and several hours walking a day on the itinerary, a decent level of fitness is advised. Our group consists of four guys celebrating a 40th birthday, and three women and a man, ranging from mid-30s to early 60s, travelling solo. For many of us, it’s a first multi-day hike.

Wild camping is permitted in Scotland and you could, of course, do this independently. But having everything taken care of, and knowing you’re in safe hands, makes it easy to focus on the simple challenges of hiking and the wonder of the wild surrounds.

To reach Knoydart we take a train to Mallaig from Fort William – crosssing Harry Potter-famed Glenfinnan viaduct – then a ferry across to Inverie, the only settlement on the peninsula, home to around 120 people. After pitching tents on the shore at Long Beach, where mirror-flat water reflects the pinks and blues of the sky, we walk to the Lookout seafood restaurant for dinner.

The next day dawns clear and bright for the hike to Barrisdale. After gentle yoga on the beach, Emily shares the first daily question to ponder as we walk (“Why am I here?”), and we set off into the wilderness. Soon we pass a hilltop monument to the notorious former landowner and Nazi sympathiser Lord Brocket; today much of Knoydart is community-owned after a buyout in 1999.

Our camp for the night is next to the bothy at Barrisdale Bay. We wash in the river and prepare dinner alfresco, chopping fresh veg and halloumi as the setting sun washes everything gold.

Our trip coincides with a heatwave in Scotland – and routes are always adapted to suit the weather and group needs. So, given soaring temperatures, we spend the next day exploring locally, pack-free, instead of moving on. Maps are pored over and soon Josh and Emily have a plan – a path neither of them have walked before.

We wind our way up the hillside, rising to open views over Loch Hourn. Further on we’re delighted to discover a series of waterfalls and plunge pools and spend a magical couple of hours clambering over rocks and dipping into crystal waters – a welcome respite from the heat. A thunderstorm soaks us on the hike home, its sudden power adding to the wildness of the day. That evening we cook in the bothy kitchen – an escape from the rain and the midges which plague us at sunset and sunrise (it’s June and the weather has made it a bumper midge year).

The next morning we pack up early and head off, slowly climbing again into the hills. The landscape is staggering – and there’s no one else around. A small creature stares at me from the valley below as I stop to rest – a pine marten perhaps? Buzzards ride air thermals in the sky above. Thoughts fall away as I focus on the feeling of the sun on my face and the utter peace of the mountains.

Our final wild camp is by a loch and we paddle out through mud and reeds for a swim in silky waters. I pitch my tent a little way from the others on the sandy shore. Looking out across the water, I could be the only person around.

It’s with mixed emotions that we arrive back in Inverie after a short hike the next morning. There’s time for quiet contemplation on the beach before the boat back to Mallaig and the need to re-engage with the rest of the world. We’re a little dirty, midge-bitten and sunburnt, but relaxed and happy as we head back to civilisation and a hotel with hot showers and clean sheets.

A final slap-up supper together is lively and fun. But beneath the chatter and laughter, the stillness and expansive sense of the wild remains. I think back to Emily’s first question: “Why was I there?” To escape from the world for a bit, to slow down, to leap into the unknown, immersed in nature. Knoydart has provided all that and more – a rekindling of wonder and deep feeling of peace; something I want to cling on to for a long time.

The trip was provided by The Living Project . The next Wild Pilgrim trip to Knoydart (for women only ) runs from 2-7 June 2024 ; or on 8-13 September 2024 (for all) and costs £975 , including all food while camping , two restaurant meals , one night in a hotel , most equipment, ferry crossings and trains to and from Fort William . Train travel and accommodation in Fort William was provided by Visit Scotland .

• Highlands holidays
• Scotland holidays
• Camping holidays
• Mindfulness
• Health & wellbeing

Most viewed

• London Tourism
• London Hotels
• London Bed and Breakfast
• London Vacation Rentals
• Flights to London
• London Restaurants
• Things to Do in London
• London Travel Forum
• London Photos
• All London Hotels
• London Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in London
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Accomodation near London - London Forum

• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• England    
• London    

Accomodation near London

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• England forums
• London forum

13 replies to this topic

In terms of staying in/bear London , it's also worth thinking about cost of accomodation v cost of taking the train to London (if you're intending to stay outside of the tube network).

Two to avoid are Drivalaia and Green Motion whose poor customer service is a staple of these boards...... also be careful of booking through a broker when you don't know who the final supplier will be....

Accommodation-wise you are confusing me... You can't "tour England" with a base "near London " and doing the maths you can't visit Scotland AND Ireland in 5 days either . Stay in central london for 3-5 days, UNLESS you mean to stay in London for 10 days THEN travel? It's not clear to me - but you need to give us a clue on places you want to see or the type of things you are interested in (and train rather than car is often a good way to travel between cities ).

If you stay outside London then you waste time and money commuting in, often on trains or the tube crammed like sardines.

If so (and I hope I’m wrong), this is just impossible - not in the sense of many other Australian itineraries where there is room for debate about how far you are prepared to drive each day v the very different level of congestion you will face here, but literally impossible. You could just about do the travel, but you wouldn’t see anything at all - you would drive to somewhere, stop for an hour and drive back again.

When are your travel dates?

What is your nightly budget?

It's 50 minutes into Liverpool Street but the Premier Inn at Ware, Hertford could fit your needs.

It is just a few minutes walk to the station and has free parking for guests.

In September, working out around £115 per night.

You need to add on £20 a day for travelling into London.

Still beats paying £250 a night in Central London and the area is pretty with some nice pubs on the canal.

I live not too far from there and commute into London for work.

• great 1970's tube cars on picadilly line 9:33 am
• Churchill War room 9:21 am
• National Express 9:00 am
• Accomodation near London 8:51 am
• TALF pub meet - Thursday April 18th at The Lamb in... 7:04 am
• Day tours? 6:50 am
• Recommendations please 6:09 am
• Buckingham Palace tour 5:55 am
• Transport to Winsdor Palace 4:00 am
• Four Seasons Restaurant in Chinatown (SOHO) 2:44 am
• Recommendation for best area to stay for short overnight tri 2:41 am
• Finding a ticket machine in Heathrow Terminal 5 10:16 pm
• Eating suggestions near Vaudeville Theatre please yesterday
• Input on draft plan for Oct 4-day Trip to London w/ kids yesterday
• Best Area of London to Stay for 2 nights 15 replies
• How to get to Victoria Station from Heathrow? 10 replies
• The London Pass...worth it or scam? 10 replies
• Best hotel for Heathrow Terminal 3? 8 replies
• Hostel/Hotel Near Liverpool Street Station 4 replies
• outlet shops in London? 12 replies
• Heathrow to Kings Cross 7 replies
• London - factory / designer outlet malls 12 replies
• weather in december 5 replies
• Best Area to Stay in London 8 replies

London Hotels and Places to Stay

• What can I do in London on a budget?
• How to use Oyster Cards, Travelcards and 2-4-1 offers in London?
• What is open in London on Christmas Day
• The Championships, Wimbledon
• Harry Potter in London - FAQ