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The Best Day Tours From Edinburgh For First-Time Visitors

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

You may also enjoy our guide to Highlands tours .

Best Edinburgh Day Tours

Loch ness, glencoe & the scottish highlands tour.

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

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

Here, you might just see a seasonal Highland coo!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reserve your spot here .

Loch Ness, Glencoe, Highlands & Ben Nevis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Travel: Bus, 16-57 people

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

Glenfinnan, Fort William, & Glencoe Day Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reserve your spot at GetYourGuide or Viator .

Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour

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

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

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

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

The tour ends back in Edinburgh.

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

• Duration: 9 hours

Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & Whisky Tour from Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

• Duration: 10 hours

Outlander Adventure Day Tour with Entry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hogwarts Express and History Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

St Andrews Tour From Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rosslyn Chapel Tours From Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

• Duration: 6 hours

Final Words

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

Which did you choose? Tell us in the comments.

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10 amazing day trips from Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

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

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

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

This post contains affiliate links.

1. Stirling

Best for: History lovers

Travel time by car: 1 hour

Travel time by train: 50 minutes

Top tours to book: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Loch Lomond

Best for: Nature lovers

Travel time by car: 1 hour 30 minutes

Travel time by train: N/A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. North Berwick

Best for: Foodies

Travel time by car: 45 minutes

Travel time by train: 33 minutes

• From Edinburgh: The Whiskies and Liqueurs of East Lothian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Rosslyn Chapel

Best for: Da Vinci Code fans

Travel time by car: 25 minutes

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

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

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

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

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

5. South Queensferry 

Best for: Seaside charm

Travel time by car: 30 minutes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. St Andrews

Best for: Keen golfers

Travel time by car: 1 hour 20 minutes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Scottish Highlands

Best for: Epic landscapes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best for: Arts and architecture

Travel time by train: 52 minutes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Fife Fishing Villages

Best for: Picturesque villages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Linlithgow

Best for: A royal connection

Travel time by car: 40 minutes

Travel time by train: 24 minutes

• The Outlander 1 Day Experience from Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more Edinburgh inspiration, you may also like:

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

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

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Pocket Wanderings is a luxury travel and lifestyle brand run by London-based content creator, Jessie Moore. Here you’ll find a community of fellow wanderlusters and adventurers.

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1 Day Tours from Edinburgh

Day tours from edinburgh.

If you’re looking to escape the city for stunning Highland scenery, then our 1 day tours from Edinburgh are the perfect way for you to discover and explore the best Scotland has to offer.

When you book a Discover Scotland day trip from Edinburgh, you’re guaranteed to go and by travelling in a small group tour we can get off the beaten track and go where larger coaches can’t.

Our driver-guides are the best and they’ll keep you entertained with stories and tales of Scotland, our heroes and villains.

Day Trips from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands

Our Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands tour is one of our most popular day tours. The journey from Edinburgh covers a lot of the Scottish Highlands in one day. Stunning Glencoe is simply breathtaking and you’ll have the opportunity to spot the mythical Loch Ness Monster with a cruise on Loch Ness.

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe & Loch Shiel

A stunning day tour from Edinburgh that takes you to locations from movies such as Skyfall, Highlander and Harry Potter. We’ll travel into the Highlands, exploring Glencoe before arriving at Glenfinnan. Here you can walk up to the best viewpoints to capture the Jacobite Steam Train crossing over the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

St Andrews and Falkland Palace

Explore St Andrews and the ancient Kingdom of Fife on this beautiful and relaxing day tour. We’ll travel along Fife’s famous ‘Coastal Road’ bringing us through several of the area’s most stunning fishing villages.

Whether you are a golf enthusiast or not, St Andrews is a must see. You’ll have around three hours to explore one of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval towns. The old course is the most famous golf course in the world.

The village of Falkland lies at the foot of the Lomond Hills. Here you can wander around this lovely little village that stood in for Inverness in the Outlander tv series. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Falkland Palace.

Highland Lochs, Glens & Castles

Our Highland Lochs, Glens & Castles tour will take you to some of the best scenery Scotland has to offer. Shimmering lochs, breathtaking mountain scenery & historic castles. From quaint Inveraray to the pretty conservation village of Luss, enjoy the incredible views and settings of the Scottish Highlands.

Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & the Kelpies

Visit grand Stirling Castle one of the most important castles in Scottish history. Enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of Loch Lomond with a cruise on one of Scotland’s most beautiful lochs. Capture some photos of the Kelpies, these magnificent 30-metre-high horse heads tower above the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Private & Exclusive tours for families & friends

In the current climate of social distancing and bubbles, now more than ever may be the time to consider a private tour of Scotland for your family and friends.

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

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

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

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

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

1. Loch Ness and the Highlands

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

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

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

2. The Lammermuirs

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

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

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

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

3. Stirling

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

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

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

4. Borders Train

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

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

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

5. St Andrews

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

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

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

6. Wemyss Bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. North Berwick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Windermere

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

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

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

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

13. Burntisland

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

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

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

14. Glasgow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh:

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

Savvy Travel Advice

Edinburgh Day Trips: 15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh Scotland

Last updated: December 18, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 34 Comments

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

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

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

Table of Contents:

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh Scotland

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

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

Rosslyn Chapel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel

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

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

By Public Transportation

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Glasgow

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

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

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Glasgow

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

St. Andrews, Dundee, & Fife Villages

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to St. Andrews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to St. Andrews

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

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

Outlander Filming Sites

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Outlander Sites

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Outlander Sites

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

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

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

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

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

Whisky Distillery Tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Whisky Distilleries

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

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

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Whisky Distilleries

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

Cairngorms National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Cairngorms National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Cairngorms National Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

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

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

Stirling Castle & Falkirk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Stirling

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

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

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Stirling

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

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

Scottish Borders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders

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

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

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Scottish Borders

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

Scottish Seabird Centre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Scottish Seabird Centre

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

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Scottish Seabird Centre

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

Hadrian’s Wall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

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

Harry Potter Filming Sites

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Harry Potter Filming Sites

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

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Harry Potter Filming Sites

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

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

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

Glen Coe & Scottish Highlands

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Glen Coe

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Glen Coe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Castles

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

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

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

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Castles

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

A Few Tips for Planning Day Trips from Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Steve Post author

May 12, 2023 at 10:51 am

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

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 16, 2023 at 9:09 am

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

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

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

Best, Jessica

Rita Shemchuk Post author

April 9, 2023 at 11:59 am

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

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

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

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

Thanks, Rita Shemchuk

April 10, 2023 at 12:23 pm

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

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

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

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

Scott Post author

April 3, 2023 at 11:10 pm

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

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

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

April 4, 2023 at 12:43 pm

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

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

Pat Freedman Post author

February 23, 2023 at 3:14 pm

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

February 24, 2023 at 2:55 am

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

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

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

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

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

Jack Couture Post author

March 29, 2022 at 6:27 am

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

March 29, 2022 at 7:28 am

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark T Post author

January 3, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence. What a great article!

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

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

January 4, 2020 at 3:29 am

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

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

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

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

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

Dave Murray Post author

October 18, 2019 at 11:38 am

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

October 19, 2019 at 2:18 pm

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

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

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

Rohan Post author

August 28, 2019 at 7:55 pm

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

August 29, 2019 at 4:09 am

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

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

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

Hope this helps! Jessica

Lorelle Post author

August 11, 2019 at 10:15 pm

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

August 12, 2019 at 2:59 am

Hi Lorelle,

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

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

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

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

Hope that helps! Jessica

August 12, 2019 at 6:02 am

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

August 12, 2019 at 6:40 am

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

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

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

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

Natalie Post author

March 4, 2019 at 6:40 pm

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

March 4, 2019 at 7:26 pm

Hi Natalie,

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

Some ideas:

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

Will Flight Post author

February 27, 2019 at 1:00 am

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

February 27, 2019 at 3:37 am

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

Micki Post author

January 31, 2019 at 11:01 am

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

January 31, 2019 at 11:06 am

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

Esther Post author

January 27, 2019 at 12:33 am

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

January 27, 2019 at 4:43 am

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

Nigel Post author

January 13, 2019 at 8:23 am

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

January 13, 2019 at 8:37 am

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

Stephen Garone Post author

January 9, 2019 at 9:48 am

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

January 9, 2019 at 10:06 am

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

Seana Turner Post author

January 9, 2019 at 5:13 am

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

January 9, 2019 at 7:51 am

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

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The 8 best day trips from Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

An email you’ll actually love

Best day trips and places to visit near Edinburgh

1.  The East Lothian beaches

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

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

2.  Cairngorms National Park

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

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

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

3.  The Kelpies

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

4.  Linlithgow

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

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

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

5.  Loch Ness

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

6.  North Berwick

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

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

7.  The Pentlands

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

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

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The Best One Day Tours From Edinburgh

• Published on: January 9, 2022

This guide provides you with the best one day tours from Edinburgh that you can experience. It includes some of the most popular destinations, like Loch Ness, Highlands, and Outlander filming locations.  

Travel with a group of people who have the same interests as you to explore Scotland. The itineraries are personally designed and will take you to the must-see highlights, the hidden gems and take you through your journey in a way that feels like you’ve really explored.

The average group size is between 10-16.  Not too small that you’re feeling disconnected, but not too big to make new friendships. No matter if you are travelling solo or with friends, small group tours are perfect. Solo travellers need reassurance and fun whilst couples, friends and families are looking for unforgettable moments to share with the rest of the world.

Why choose a small group tour?

• Tour companies compiled a list of the best places to explore in Scotland. We’re confident that you won’t miss any hidden gems
• You’re in great hands with knowledgeable, passionate local guides. 
• Average groups of 10-16; solo travellers, couples, families and friends, united by a desire for authentic experiences.
• Flexible booking policy and sustainable approach.
• Small group tours get you closer to your destination and allow you to experience places, people and things more intimately

5 Reasons small group tours are better than independent travel

• No hassle with a car rental and driving the other side of the road
• A small group of travellers offers a great opportunity to socialize and meet new people while still maintaining some independence. Solo travellers looking for friends and connections will be able to form them with other members of the group quickly.
• Group trips are often led by local guides with local connections.
• A guide can often be entertaining and interesting while telling you about history, or life in Scotland.
• In a small-group tour, if you get ill or injured, you have the immediate help of your tour leader

If you are planning a small group tour you’ll have the opportunity to explore this beautiful country with confidence. You can learn more about the best one day tours from Edinburgh here!

This site uses affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you use my links and make a purchase without incurring an additional fee yourself. Many thanks for supporting this website. Please see my l egal page for more details.

Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands - 1 day tour

Myths, monsters, and mountains: this tour is the best way to see Scotland in a day. Get a chance to hear legends about the Jacobites, take a look at Glencoe, and maybe spot the mythical Loch Ness Monster. On this one day tour from Edinburgh, you will have plenty of incredible sights of the Scottish Highlands.

Loch Lomond National Park, Kelpies & Stirling Castle - 1 day tour

Combine Scotland's history with Scotland's natural beauty, and the results are stunning. From grand battles to outlaw hideouts - this country has plenty of both to showcase. Walk through Rob Roy's footsteps or follow William Wallace on his many journeys around the country. History is never far away when exploring this beautiful nation. You'll admire gorgeous scenery and learn about the various stories that are etched across our country's landscape.

St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife - 1 day tour

Visit charming villages and delightfully medieval towns in this one day tour, while soaking in some amazing views. Contrast the magnificent architecture of a rural hilltop church with a sweeping coastline where you can enjoy views of some spectacular ruins.

Outlander Adventure - 1 day tour

Take this one tour from Edinburgh to the three most iconic Scottish castles and one of the most eye-catching villages in all of Scotland - all inspired by the hit TV series Outlander. Prepare to be back in the 1700s, the story of Claire and Jamie. Join this on-location tour on your way to Scotland's REAL Outlander sites

Rosslyn Chapel & the Scottish Borders - 1 day tour

This tour will take you to Rosslyn Chapel where the Knights Templar are said to have hidden the Holy Grail, magnificent Tweed Valley and Melrose Abbey the alleged burial site of Robert the Bruce’s heart.

Stirling Castle and Whisky Small Group Day Tour from Edinburgh

This one day tour from Edinburgh will take you out to the majestic Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle. You'll get a scenic drive through the green rolling hills of Scotland, with stops for photos of Highland Cows, the Trossachs National Park, and Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. After touring the Stirling Castle, stop by the scenic Loch Lomond for some great views. The largest lake in Scotland, it is worth visiting no matter what time of year. Finish your Scottish experience sampling Scotch whisky at the acclaimed Glengoyne Distillery

The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience from Edinburgh

Discover the palaces and castles of TV’s ‘Outlander’ series on a 9.5-hour tour from Edinburgh. Visit some of the sites that starred in the fictional Jacobite saga, including Blackness Castle, the headquarters of Jack Randall, and Hopetoun House, the Duke of Sandringham’s residence. Explore Wentworth Prison, set in Linlithgow Palace, and see Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Mercat Cross (Cranesmuir), and more, as you hear trivia on the series and its stars.

Scottish Highlands and Hogwarts Express Tour from Edinburgh

Swap the hustle and bustle of life in the city for a day of sightseeing on this Scottish Highlands tour. In the morning, depart from Edinburgh taking in views along the way. Then, board the Jacobite Steam Train (a double for the Hogwarts Express) and travel along the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the films. Finally, see Glencoe’s dramatic scenery before your return trip.

Scottish Highlands Day Trip and Edinburgh Military Tattoo

If you want to immerse yourself in Scottish culture, join for a day-long tour through the Highlands. Explore the incredible scenery of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, delight in the majesty of Scotland's great outdoors, take a break for whisky tasting. Head back home to Edinburgh for guaranteed entrance into the Military Tattoo. A thrilling light show and military performance on Edinburgh Castle’s esplanade

From Edinburg: Viking Coast & Alnwick Castle Day Tour

Visit Holy Island overlooking the beautiful Northumberland coastline. Have fun at Alnwick Castle, the Windsor of the North. Go with costumed guides on a historical and magical tour of Alnwick Castle.

My name is Kate and I created Scotland Itinerary Planning to give you those life-changing experiences right in the beautiful country I call home.

I’m proud to live in Edinburgh, Scotland , one of the world’s most beautiful capital cities. Living in Edinburgh has provided me a base to explore extensively around this magical little country.

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

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: February 4, 2024

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

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

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

We recommend Edinburgh Black Cab Tours for the best private driver-guided day (& multi-day) trips from Edinburgh – destinations include – Glencoe – The Isle of Skye – Glenfinnan – Old Man of Storr – Culloden – Quiraing – Fairy Pools – Fairy Glen – Kilt Rock – Talisker Distillery – Pitlochry – The Kelpies – Doune Castle – Stirling Castle – Wallace Monument – Loch Lomond – Glen Etive – Loch Ness – Urquhart Castle – Fort Augustus – Click here for more information about their multiple award-winning private tours.

⭐️ Best multi-destination tours from Edinburgh

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

• How to Get from Edinburgh to Doune Castle 

How to Get from Edinburgh to The Kelpies

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

• How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian's Wall

Best day trips from Edinburgh for whisky lovers

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

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

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

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

More information – Small group tours

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

Glasgow 

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

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

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

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

• By Car 

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

• By Public Transportation

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

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

Rosslyn Chapel 

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

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

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

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

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

• On a group tour

Stirling Castle 

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

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

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

• By Car  

The journey takes about 1 hour via the M9 motorway

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

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

Doune Castle 

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Doune Castle  

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

• By Public Transportation 

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

Falkirk and The Kelpies 

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

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

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

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

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

Linlithgow Palace 

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

Linlithgow Palace appears in scenes from the TV series Outlander .

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

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

The Trossachs National Park & Loch Lomond

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

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

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

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

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

Inveraray Castle 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alloway 

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

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

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

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

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

Cairngorms National Park 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loch Ness & Inverness

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

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

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

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

• By public transportation 

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

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

St Andrews and Fife 

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

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

• By car  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Melrose Abbey 

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

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

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

Kelso 

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

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

• By car 

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

• By public transportation  

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

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

North Berwick 

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

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

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

St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve 

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

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

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

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

Scottish Seabird Centre 

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

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

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

Alnwick Castle 

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

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

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

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

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

Hadrian’s Wall 

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

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

How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

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

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

The best themed day trips from Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Day Tours from Edinburgh

Edinburgh day trips.

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

Inspirational Locations on a 1 Day Trip from Edinburgh

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

Award-Winning Scotland Day Trips from the Capital

Take part in an escorted Scottish day trip, with a trusted, award-winning company . We pride ourselves in delivering unique experiences to our guests. Whether you choose to explore Loch Ness, the Highlands or Glencoe . Our experts can provide you with knowledge you may not find elsewhere. Book your place today.

9 wintery day trips from Edinburgh for hardy travelers

Dec 11, 2021 • 7 min read

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

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

See the incredible Kelpies at the The Helix

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

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

Soak up the atmosphere of Rosslyn Chapel

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

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

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

Do Loch Lomond and the Highlands without the crowds

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

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

Indulge in some history at Linlithgow Palace

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

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

Wander the ramparts of Stirling

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

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

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

Go wildlife spotting on Inchcolm Island

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

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

Pop over to Glasgow for a different city experience

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the incredible Jupiter Artland

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

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

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

This article was first published August 2017 and updated December 2021

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Day Trips & Day Tours from Edinburgh

There's so much to see and do in Scotland's capital - it's easy to fill days exploring its streets and attractions. But should you want to see what lies outside the city boundaries, then your options are plentiful. With Edinburgh's central location you might be surprised at what you can visit in a day, from pretty coastal communities to iconic Highland landscapes.

You've got options on how to travel too - hop on public transport, take your own vehicle or hire car, or join a tour. And should you have a burning desire to visit a Scottish island, you could even catch a flight! Here are some ideas of incredible days out from Edinburgh.

Rosslyn Chapel

By Tour Bus

Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Kintail in Wester Ross Biosphere, The Highlands

© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens

Tour operators run small coach trips from Edinburgh and really know how to make the most of a day out from the city, and the friendly guides are always eager to share lots of insightful local information. Companies include  Haggis Adventures ,  Timberbush Tours ,  Highland Experience ,  Rabbies ,  Gray Line Tours  and  Highland Explorer Tours .

Find a  day tour from Edinburgh .

The Borders & Fife

Head south of the city to the spellbinding  Rosslyn Chapel , featured in the blockbuster film,  The Da Vinci Code , and then see the charming landscapes of the  Scottish Borders . Or, you could book a guided tour to the historic town of  St Andrews , lying north of Edinburgh in Fife, to take in its impressive beaches and the crumbling ruins of its cathedral.

The Highlands & The Trossachs

Guided tours go from Edinburgh to the  Highlands , where you'll find jaw-dropping locations at the likes of  Glencoe  and  Loch Ness . Or opt for a tour which takes in  Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park  and a stop to see the mighty  Kelpies  by Andy Scott, two huge horse-head sculptures. Should you be keen to try whisky at its source, choose a day tour which includes a visit to a  distillery  - slàinte mhath!

Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle

© VisitScotland / Grant Paterson

By Public Transport

Edinburgh is very well connected by train and bus so there's a lot of choice for a day out using public transport.

At Waverley Station, hop on a train to the charming town of  North Berwick  and in 30 minutes you could be gearing up for a paddle at the shoreline, or a seaside ice cream!

Central Scotland 

A half an hour train journey in the opposite direction will take you to Linlithgow, where you can visit the beautiful ruin of  Linlithgow Palace . For another history-packed day, jump back on the train and get off at  Stirling  to explore this city's incredible castle and other historic attractions.

Why not compare and contrast Scotland's two largest cities and make your way west to enjoy shopping, culture and the unique buzz of  Glasgow ?

Cottage at Pittenweem, a charming fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife

With the freedom of a car, you can visit any of the places which you can reach by tour bus or public transport, but there are also other great routes for a mini road trip

Glentress Forest

© VisitScotland / Ian Rutherford

You could follow one of the  National Tourist Routes ; the  Forth Valley Tourist Route  takes in a whole host of top attractions, including the Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies and the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre.

Fife Coastal Route

Cross Scotland's latest engineering wonder, the  Queensferry Crossing , which spans the Firth of Forth and connects Edinburgh with Fife. For some fresh sea air, join the  Fife Coastal Route  and cover this lovely expanse of coastline as you weave through the pretty harbour towns of the East Neuk. Return the same way and stop for a piping-hot fish supper at the world-famous Anstruther Fish Bar.

Action & Adventure

Ready for a physical challenge?  Glentress , near Peebles in the Scottish Borders, is home to one of the 7stanes mountain biking centres and is just over an hour's drive from the city. Bikes can be hired from the  Glentress Peel Bike Shop  and there are lots of graded trails to explore, or the adventurous can experience the tree-top course at  Go Ape!  A 40-minute car journey east will take you to  Dunbar  in East Lothian, where you can don a wetsuit and get to grips with cable wakeboarding or the low ropes course over water at  Foxlake Adventures , or surf in the waters of Belhaven Bay with  Coast to Coast Surf School . Why not explore  Lochs Near Edinburgh and Glasgow  for a fun-filled day out?

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20 easy day trips from edinburgh, scotland.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Inverness and Loch Ness

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

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

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

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

Explore more in my guide to Inverness.

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 157 miles (approx 3.25 hours)

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

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 46 miles(approx 1 hour)

3. Glen Coe and The Scottish Highlands

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

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 119 miles (approx 3 hours)

4. Rosslyn Chapel

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

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

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 7.5 miles (approx 20 minutes)

5. Outlander Filming Sites

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. North Berwick

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

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 28 miles (approx 1 hour)

7. Stirling Castle and Falkirk

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

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 40 miles (approx 1.25 hours)

8. St. Andrews

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

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 53 miles (approx 1.5 hours)

9. St. Abbs and Berwick-Upon-Tweed

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

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 56 miles (approx 1.25 hours)

10. Hadrian’s Wall

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 100 miles (approx 2.5 hours)

11. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

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

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 66 miles (approx 1.5 hours)

12. Queensferry

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 11 miles (approx 30 minutes)

13. Scottish Borders

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 37.5 miles (approx 1 hour)

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 60 miles (approx 1.25 hours)

15. Cairngorms National Park

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

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 128 miles (approx 3 hours)

16. Doune Castle

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

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 44 miles (approx 1 hour)

17. The Fife Coast

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 50 miles (approx 1.5 hours)

18. Harry Potter Bridge and Steam Train

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 147 miles (approx 3.25 hours)

19. Alnwick Castle

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

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

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

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

Distance from Edinburgh: 86.5 miles (approx 2 hours)

20. Whisky Distillery Tours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day Trips From Edinburgh FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wanderlust Crew

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20 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh You will Love

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

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

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

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

Day Trips Less Than One Hour from Edinburgh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. Stirling

From the battleground of William Wallace’s victory against the English army to being the home of one of the oldest castles in Scotland , there are loads of awesome  things to do in Stirling  – a myriad of fascinating history waiting to be explored. 

Sitting proudly over a volcanic crag, Stirling Castle is one of the most-visited castles in Scotland. It was the primary Scottish royal residence before the Act of Union with England.

From the castle esplanade, you will get a stunning panoramic view of the city, Forth River, Ochil Hills and National Wallace Monument.

Wallace Monument is another must-visit landmark in Scotland. It commemorates Sir William Wallace – one of the greatest national heroes of Scotland. Once here, you can climb the 246-step spiral staircase to reach the top of the monument. The views are well worth the effort! Also, there are exhibitions showcasing historical artefacts and busts of several famous Scottish personalities.

Other attractions in Stirling include The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, the Battle of Bannockburn Experience, Old Stirling Bridge and Cambuskenneth Abbey.

How to Reach: You simply need to take the train from Edinburgh Waverley. It will take you to Stirling in about 50 minutes.

3. North Berwick, East Lothian

Sandy beaches, abundance of wildlife, scenic boat tours, dramatic rock formations, the smell of fresh fish & chips, golf courses and a clifftop ruined castle – this seaside town has all the ingredients for an ideal day trip from Edinburgh.

Make your way to the Scottish Seabird Centre near the beautiful North Berwick Harbour. They operate various boat trips to the local islands and give you the opportunity to see the wildlife of this area up close.

You can visit the famous Bass Rock, a tiny island on the Firth of Forth and home to the largest gannet colony in the world. Tours run from late March to early October.

North Berwick has two extensive sandy beaches. Weather permitting, you can sunbathe, picnic or explore the rock pools. Also, you can sample some delicious local seafood at Lobster Shack.

If you are up for a little hike, climb the North Berwick Law. You will get an uninterrupted view of the coast, Bass Rock, Arthur’s Seat , Edinburgh and the Pentlands.

Lastly, don’t forget to visit the Tantallon Castle, a 14th-century ruined fortress located on the outskirts of North Berwick.

How to Reach: Train from Edinburgh Waverley only takes 30 minutes to get to North Berwick.

4. South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island

Situated on the shore of the Firth of Forth, South Queensferry is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Edinburgh. The cobbled streets of this picturesque coastal town are lined with colourful houses, cosy cafes, bakeries, restaurants, traditional pubs and shops.

One of the main tourist attractions of South Queensferry is the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 for its extraordinary engineering and design. When it was completed in 1890, this rail bridge was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world.

Many sightseeing tour companies offer guided boat tours of the three Forth Bridges. You might spot seals, puffins, and various species of marine wildlife.

We will highly recommend taking a boat tour to the island of Inchcolm as well. There, you will find the historic Inchcolm Abbey. It was founded in the 12th century by Augustinian monks and is called ‘Iona of the East’.

You can visit South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island in half a day. But if you are staying longer, you might add the nearby Hopetoun House and Midhope Castle to your travel itinerary.

How to Reach: Hop on the local Lothian Bus service 43 from Princes Street. Also, there are regular train services from Edinburgh Waverley to Dalmeny, which take only 15 minutes.

5. Linlithgow and Falkirk

Linlithgow is a Royal Burgh located only half an hour’s drive away from Edinburgh. Tourists visit this historic town on a day trip to explore the ruins of Linlithgow Palace.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the palace served as one of the main residences of Scottish monarchs. Mary, Queen of Scots was born here in 1542. After your visit to the Linlithgow Palace, take a stroll around the scenic Linlithgow Loch.

Not too far from Linlithgow, Falkirk is home to two of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions – The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel.

Residing inside Helix Park, The Kelpies are two gigantic, metal horse-head sculptures. They are the largest equine sculptures in the world and depict the mythical creature from Scottish folklore known as Kelpie. Also, they are a homage to the horse-powered industrial heritage of this area.

The Falkirk Wheel is another feat of Scottish engineering. It is the first and only rotating boat lift in the world. It connects the Forth and Clyde Canals with the Union Canal. You can take a boat ride to experience it.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh to Linlithgow take about 25 minutes. Linlithgow and Falkirk are well-connected by regular bus and train services.

6. Pentland Hills Regional Park

If you are visiting Edinburgh in summer and feel the need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, we highly recommend hopping on a bus and heading down to the Pentland Hills Regional Park. You simply can’t beat a day out in nature.

If you have climbed Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat , you would have noticed a range of hills to the south of Edinburgh. These are the Pentland Hills. It is a perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities like walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing.

There are 100km of waymarked routes around the park that are suitable for both experienced and novice hikers.

We loved the hike to Allermuir Hill. It starts from the snowsports centre at Hillend and takes around 2.5-3.5 hours. From here, you will get a sweeping view over Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, the Fife coastline and the countryside.

Scald Law is the highest point of the Pentland Hills. The hike to Scald Law starts from Flotterstone and takes about 5-6 hours.

How to Reach: There are various access points to enter the Pentlands. You can catch Lothian bus service 4 to reach Hillend. Alternatively, you can ride bus service 101, 101A and 102 to Flotterstone.

7. Roslin, Midlothian

This idyllic place is very close to Edinburgh and makes a great day trip choice.

The small village of Roslin is home to the historic Rosslyn Chapel, one of the most prominent religious sites in Scotland. The chapel appeared in Dan Brown’s famous mystery thriller novel, The Da Vinci Code and later in the movie starring Tom Hanks.

Rosslyn Chapel was founded in the mid-15th century by Sir William St Clair. The interior of this chapel is stunning. You can admire the intricate stonework and mysterious symbolism of the walls. The dramatic ornate carvings of angels, knights, gargoyles and green men make this place mysterious. There are many myths and legends associated with Rosslyn Chapel.

After exploring the chapel, take a short stroll to visit Roslin Castle. Perched over a steep-sided wooded valley overlooking the River North Esk, this ruined castle was founded in the early 14th century by the aristocratic Sinclair family.

There are various walking trails around Roslin Glen. From Roslin Castle, you can follow the signposted pathway to the gunpowder mills, reminiscent of this area’s industrial past. Also, this woodland is a haven for diverse wildlife.

How to Reach: Jump on Lothian Bus service 37 from Edinburgh city centre.

Day Trips Between One to Two Hours from Edinburgh

8. loch lomond and the trossachs national park.

Loch Lomond is one of the best places to visit in Scotland and is not too far from Edinburgh for a day trip. It is the largest freshwater lake by surface in Britain and an outstanding place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Start your adventure from Balloch, a beautiful village on the shore of Loch Lomond. Take a wee wander around the beautiful gardens of Balloch Castle Country Park. One of the best ways to admire the lake and the surrounding landscapes is by boat cruise. Several companies operate tours from Balloch.

Another nearby tourist attraction is the tiny village of Luss . Located on the west bank of Loch Lomond, Luss is famous for its neatly lined quaint cottages, well-maintained gardens and breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Lomond. During summer, you can take a dip in the lake.

There are many hiking trails around this area. Avid walkers might consider climbing the mighty Ben Lomond. Alternatively, we recommend hiking to Conic Hill from Balmaha.

Before heading back to Edinburgh, if you have time, make your way to the historic town of Inveraray .

How to Reach: There is no direct train. So, you will have to change trains at Glasgow Queen Street Station. It takes only 50 minutes from there to reach Balloch.

9. St Abbs, Scottish Borders

If you fancy visiting someplace offbeat for a day out in nature, St Abbs is the place for you. It takes about an hour to drive here from Edinburgh.

St Abbs is a small fishing village on the Berwickshire Coast in the Scottish Borders. There are plenty of things to do in St Abbs for all travellers.

Recently, the movie Avengers: Endgame was filmed in this fishing village. It also appeared in the Harry Styles music video, Adore You.

Nature lovers will love a scenic hike around the St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve. It takes approx an hour to reach the beautiful St Abbs Head Lighthouse. The view of the village and the coastline is absolutely stunning.

From May to July, thousands of seabirds nest here. Watch out for guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, shags, herring gulls and fulmars. Also, peel your eyes out for dolphins and porpoises.

Meander around the tiny harbour of the village. Boat tours depart from here. Pop inside the Ebbcarrs Cafe to try out their delicious crab sandwich and Cullen Skink.

How to Reach: Take the train from Edinburgh towards Berwick-upon-Tweed. It takes about 40 minutes to reach Berwick. From there, catch the local 235 bus towards St Abbs.

10. Culross & Dunfermline, Fife

Culross is one of the prettiest villages in Scotland . Wandering through the narrow cobbled street makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. This coastal village has appeared in the popular TV series, Outlander.

Culross, combined with Dunfermline, makes a wonderful day trip choice from Edinburgh. It is perfect for all history and nature lovers.

One of the main tourist attractions of Culross is the bright-yellow-coloured Culross Palace. It was founded in the 17th century by a wealthy merchant. You can take a tour of the palace. For a lovely panoramic view, climb to the top of the palace garden. Also, check out the ruins of Culross Abbey.

Dunfermline is the newest city in Scotland. Dunfermline Abbey and Palace is a must-visit. Many notable Scottish kings and prominent historical figures are buried here. It is the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s great warrior king.

Later, you can visit the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum close to the abbey.

How to Reach: You can catch a bus or train from Edinburgh to get to Dunfermline. Trains only take 38 minutes. From Dunfermline, Stagecoach operates buses 8 and 8A to Culross.

Referred to as the ‘City of Discovery’, this city on the bank of the Firth of Tay is famous for its industrial and maritime heritage. In 2014, Dundee was declared the UK’s first-ever UNESCO City of Design. Dundee is the perfect destination for spending a day outside of Edinburgh.

Start your Dundee adventure with a visit to the V&A Dundee . Opened in 2018, this is the first design museum in Scotland, and entry is free. They host various galleries and exhibitions showcasing Scottish creativity. Adjacent to the museum is the RRS Discovery, a Dundee-built steamship used in Antarctic expeditions.

The McManus Art Gallery & Museum is a must-visit for all art lovers visiting the city. The stunning Gothic Revival-style building houses a great display of paintings, sculptures and artefacts.

If you have time, visit the nearby Glamis Castle, unarguably one of the prettiest castles in Scotland . Located just 12 miles from Dundee, it is the childhood home of The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret. 

How to Reach: The easiest way to get to Dundee is by train. Direct trains leave regularly from Edinburgh and take about an hour and a half. Also, there are bus services run by Megabus and Ember Bus.

12. St Andrews, Fife

World-famous golf courses, vast sandy beaches, a ruined medieval cathedral, and dramatic coastal views make this lovely university town a top day trip choice from Edinburgh.

The dramatic ruin of St Andrews Cathedral is a must-see tourist attraction in St Andrews . Built in the 12th century, it was the largest church in Scotland and was once an important religious site.

The cathedral museum has a great collection of Pictish carvings, medieval stoneworks and sculptures. Climb St Rule’s Tower to get a stunning view over to the city and the surrounding areas of Fife.

The Old Course in St Andrews Links is one of the most iconic places in the world for all golf lovers. Frequently referred to as the home of golf, it is one of the oldest golf courses in the world. Golf has been played here since the 15th century. It is open to the public. So, you can book a spot here too.

Take a stroll around the extensive West Sands Beach. It was featured in the movie, Chariots of Fire. Before saying goodbye to this seaside town, taste the delicious ice cream from Jannettas Gelateria.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh to Leuchars take around an hour and a quarter. There are frequent local bus services from there that will take you to St Andrews in nearly 10 minutes.

13. Melrose, Scottish Borders

Often overlooked by tourists, Scottish Borders is a fantastic place to spend a day away from Edinburgh and enjoy the Scottish countryside. Also, this area of Scotland has some of the most beautiful ruined abbeys in the UK.

Melrose is one of the most picturesque towns in the Scottish Borders and the home of the historic Melrose Abbey. It was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks on the orders of King David I. Several Scottish royalties are buried here. Most famously, Melrose Abbey is the final resting place of the heart of the legendary Scottish warrior, Robert the Bruce.

Next, stroll around the beautiful Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden. If you are here in summer, pop inside the Priorwood to see the blooming apple orchard.

Outdoor enthusiasts would love a hike to the nearby Eildon Hill. It takes around 3-4 hours to complete the circuit. The stunning view over Melrose and the surrounding landscapes are well worth the effort.

A five-minute drive from Melrose will bring you to Abbotsford House, the ancestral home of Sir Walter Scott, a renowned Scottish writer.

How to reach Melrose: Trains leaving from Edinburgh take about an hour to reach Tweedbank. From there, local bus services 67 and 68 take only 11 minutes to get to Melrose town centre.

14. The Fishing Villages of Fife and the Isle of May

Without a doubt, Fife has some of the prettiest seaside villages in Scotland . You can definitely visit some of these charming fishing villages on your day trip from Edinburgh. They sit on the famous Fife Coastal Path, a long-distance walking route.

Anstruther is the largest fishing port of East Neuk. Take a wander around the pretty streets and the busy harbour. This seaside settlement is famous for its fresh seafood. Try the traditional fish and chips at the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar.

From Anstruther, you can take a boat trip to explore the Isle of May. This tiny island in the middle of the Firth of Forth is home to numerous species of seabirds and wildlife. If you are visiting between April and August, the sight of cute little puffins will melt your heart.

The pretty fishing village of Crail lies about 4 miles walk along the coastline from Anstruther. Pop by Lobster Hut for some freshly caught lobsters and crabs.

Another stunning traditional fishing village in East Neuk is St Monans. Around the cosy harbour huddle a charming blend of whitewashed and colourful houses. Don’t miss to visit the photogenic St Monans Windmill and St Monans Parish Church.

How to Reach: It takes around an hour and a half to drive to Anstruther from Edinburgh. Also, you can catch Stagecoach bus X60 from the city centre.

15. Pitlochry, Perthshire

Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, Pitlochry is a charming little town in Perthshire. Dramatic vistas, extensive woodlands, scenic lochs and several hiking trails make this Victorian town a must-visit for day-trippers from Edinburgh.

We love travelling to Pitlochry in autumn when the leaves change colours, and the whole area looks absolutely spectacular.

Pitlochry is a nature lovers’ hotspot. Take a gentle stroll along the River Tummel to visit the salmon ladder and the atmospheric Loch Faskally. You can continue to follow the riverside path to Killiecrankie. Avid hikers will enjoy a walk to Ben Vrackie. From the summit, you will enjoy a spectacular view over Pitlochry and the surrounding mountains of Perthshire.

Catch a local bus from the town centre to visit the nearby Queens View. This iconic viewpoint is named after Queen Victoria, who visited this place in 1866 and fell in love with the sweeping view.

No visit to Scotland is complete without a tour of a distillery. Luckily, there are two distilleries in Pitlochry – Blair Athol Distillery and Edradour Distillery. They offer different guided tours and tasting sessions.

How to Reach: Direct trains from Edinburgh take around an hour and fifty minutes.

16. Newcastle

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, usually known as Newcastle, is considered the unofficial capital of North East England. From magnificent architecture to vibrant nightlife – there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Newcastle . If you love city breaks, this day trip from Edinburgh is perfect for you.

Ramble around Grainger Town, the historic heart of Newcastle. The area is named after Richard Grainger, who reshaped Newcastle in a neoclassical style in the 19th century.

Next, make your way to Newcastle Castle, a 12th-century Norman fortress the city is named after. Take a tour to explore the chambers, dungeons and the prison.

Newcastle is the city of seven bridges. The iconic Tyne Bridge is the most famous of them. Constructed in 1928, it connects Newcastle with its neighbouring town, Gateshead.

Ramble along the Newcastle Quayside to enjoy stunning views of the Seven Bridges. This area on the River Tyne is brimming with various trendy restaurants, cosy cafes and gastro pubs.

Take a short bus ride to see the stunning sculpture of the Angel of the North by Antony Gormley.

How to Reach from Edinburgh: Trains from Waverley will bring you to Newcastle in about an hour and a half.

17. Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh, Northumberland

Now, we know what you must be thinking – why on earth would you go on a holiday to Scotland and then a day trip to England?

Well, with a driving time of less than two hours and well-connected public transport, it’s probably not the craziest idea.

Dramatic castles, miles of sandy beaches, fresh seafood, plenty of wildlife, and rich heritage, make Northumberland a popular day trip choice for tourists visiting Edinburgh.

The most famous attraction in this area is Alnwick Castle. It is the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK. This magnificent fortress is one of the filming locations of the Harry Potter movies. Also, it appeared in the British TV series Downton Abbey.

Castle lovers and history buffs will be delighted to visit the Bamburgh Castle. The earliest surviving part of this legendary fortress dates from the 12th century. Also, from here, you will get an awe-inspiring view of the nearby Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland’s coastline, Lindisfarne Castle and Farne Islands.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh takes almost an hour to get to Alnmouth. From there, the local bus takes about 12 minutes to reach the Alnwick bus station. Local bus services are operated by Arriva and Travelsure.

The cathedral city of Durham is another city in England that you can visit on a day trip from the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh. There are tons of amazing things to do in Durham .

Durham Cathedral is the main attraction in the city. It was built in the late 11th century to house the relics of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Also, it is another Harry Potter film location in the UK.

In 1986, Durham Cathedral, alongside Durham Castle, received the UNESCO World Heritage site status.

Durham Castle was built in 1072 and has served as the official residence of the Prince Bishop of Durham. You can take a guided tour to learn the history of this castle.

River Wear flows through the heart of this historic city. Walk along the riverside path for a stunning view of the Cathedral and other important city buildings.

Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, is only 22 minutes drive from Durham.

How to Reach: CrossCountry and LNER operate train services from Edinburgh Waverley to Durham, and it takes only one hour and forty-five minutes.

Day Trips over Two Hours from Edinburgh

Truth be told, York is a long day trip from Edinburgh. If you’re short on time, spending a day in York will surely give you a good sense of this medieval city. It takes around two and a half hours of train journey to get here from Edinburgh.

York is an ancient city with over two thousand years of riveting history. Also, it is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the UK.

A visit to the York Minister should be on top of your York travel itinerary. This Gothic masterpiece was founded in the 7th century and has been a centre for Christianity.

A short walk from the Minister will bring you to The Shambles. This cobbled street is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. Also, like Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Shambles is believed to be one of the inspirations behind Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series.

York is a walled city. You can walk the 2 miles circular route of the city wall to discover this city’s past.

Later, pop inside Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms for an opulent afternoon tea experience.

How to Reach: LNER and CrossCountry run frequent train services for York from Edinburgh. It is advisable to book your tickets well in advance.

20. Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. It is heaven for outdoor lovers.

A day trip to the Cairngorms from Edinburgh is certainly doable, especially on long summer days. Although the journey time is long, the train route is very scenic. If you are travelling by car, don’t miss a visit to the pretty village of Braemar .

From Edinburgh Waverley, take a train to Aviemore, the main town of the Cairngorms. There are plenty of cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops here. Also, the historic Strathspey Steam Railway leaves from here.

You can catch a local bus service to visit Loch Morlich, a beautiful freshwater loch with a sandy beach. Loch Morlich is a great place to enjoy various water sports. Also, you can admire the stunning backdrop of the majestic Cairngorms mountains.

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd Centre is within walking distance from Loch Morlich. You can take a guided walk to visit UK’s only wild reindeer herd.

Next, take a funicular train ride by Cairngorm Mountain Railway to get a breathtaking panoramic view from 1,097m above sea level.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh Waverley take around two hours and fifty minutes to reach Aviemore train station. Local bus services are operated by Stagecoach.

Map of the Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

Here is a map of all the amazing day trip choices mentioned in this article. Click on the link to save the Google map on your phone. Moreover, you can use the map offline.

We hope this guide to the best places to visit on a day trip from Edinburgh has inspired you!

From picturesque fishing villages to buzzing cities – there is everything for all travellers. So, definitely add a few of them to your next adventure in Edinburgh.

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1-Day Loch Ness and Inverness Tour departing from Edinburgh

Explore the beautiful scottish highlands, secure your seat now.

The best-rated Loch Ness Tour

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• Concession(60+): £51
• Students: £51
• Child(3-15): £51
• 1 Parliament Square
• 12:30 hours

Discover Loch Ness, Glencoe, Inverness and the Highlands departing from Edinburgh

Loch Ness, house of the famous monster , may have been one of the first things that you heard about Scotland. A day trip from Edinburgh will give you the opportunity to go and look for the creature.

"Graeme was excellent, very knowledgeable and engaging. Highly recommended this tour of Edinburgh"

TripAdvisor (Nov. 20)

"Fraser the guide was really cool and knowledgeable and took us through the hidden stories of the amazing Edinburgh"

TripAdvisor (Oct. 20)

Tour Description

Crossing the spectacular landscapes of Cairngorms National Park, we will arrive in Victorian Pitlochry, before visiting Inverness, the most important city of the Scottish Highlands . The tour guide who will accompany you during the trip will share with you all the secrets and stories about these places.

And once we get to Loch Ness, you may decide to visit Urquhart Castle and take a boat trip on the Loch Ness and enjoy the breathtaking views while you look for the monster, locally called Nessie.

On the way back we will see Mount Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom. We will travel across some of the more emblematic landscapes in Scotland , as the Trossachs or the magnificent Glencoe Valley, where you will see the impressive Three Sisters and still be in time to dine in Edinburgh.

Why choose us for your excursion to Loch Ness?

• Enjoy the best-rated trips to the Highlands
• Unbeatable value
• An expert tour guide will accompany you during your trip
• 24/7 availability
• The most complete route

What does the price include?

• Professional tour guide

Not included in the price

• Entrance tickets to monuments and attractions
• Private expenses

Optional tickets

• Urquhart Castle and Cruise on Loch Ness: £27 adults / £20 children (cash payment only)
• Check-in no later than 7.45 am
• Minimum age to travel: 3 years old
• Cancellations 24 hours before the tour departure: 100% refund
• Luggage maximum weight: 15kg, maximum size: 55cm x 40cm x 20cm

Early departure from Edinburgh at 8 am. You will cross the Cairngorms Park to get to Pitlochry, a little village where you will be able to have breakfast before we head on for the Highlands .

After leaving Cairngorms Park, you will travel to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and the most important city in northern Scotland.

From there, straight to Loch Ness, where you can visit Urquhart Castle and navigate the lake looking for Nessie .

On the way back, after seeing the touching Commando Memorial, we will stop in the impressive Glencoe Valley, facing the amazing Three Sisters .

After passing by Stirling, we will be back in downtown Edinburgh around 8.30 pm.

Detailed route

Departure from edinburgh (8 am), bridges over the forth river.

When head towards the Highlands, we will cross over the Forth estuary by one of its bridges, currently a flagship. Forth Bridge in particular, the red railway bridge, whose construction became a landmark in British engineering .

Our first stop is in a Scottish National Park, Cairngorms, site of the splendid Victorian Pitlochry Villa. You will have the opportunity to take a stroll or drink a cup of coffee before we head on for Loch Ness.

Here, in Inverness, you will take a panoramic tour of the most emblematic places of the Highland capital city without having to get out of the car. Tour the most impressive points of Inverness while your guide tells you interesting secrets of this imposing northern city.

After visiting Inverness, you will reach the shores of Loch Ness , where you can take photos and enjoy this immense lake, one of the most famous in the world and one of the hallmarks of Scotland. While visiting Loch Ness, pay close attention to the water and maybe, just maybe, be the next person to sport Nessie .

Urquhart Castle

Let yourself be blown away by the incredible landscapes and sceneries on the way to Urquhart Castle. Once there, you will have the option to head inside the castle and take a nice boat tour in search of the famous Loch Ness Monster .

Commando Memorial Viewpoint

This lost corner in the Highlands served as training ground for the Scottish soldiers that would later be sent to fight in WWII. From this point, in the middle of a spectacular mountainous landscape, you can see the Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the United Kingdom .

Be ready for a breathtaking view at about 11.00, when one of the most impressive landscapes opens before your eyes, the Three Sisters in Glencoe Valley. You will not want to leave without having a photo taken. This is one of the more emblematic places in the Scottish Highlands . Not to be missed.

Loch Tulla and Rannooch Moor

To continue discovering Scotland while you are on your way to Loch Ness, we will stop at the beautiful Loch Tulla and in the peculiar Rannooch Moor, both of them will show you some of the typical landscapes of the Scottish Highlands .

When we go to Edinburgh on our return, we will pass by Stirling Castle , one of the most important fortresses in Scotland, located in the highest part of Stirling's medieval Old Town.

Arrival to Edinburgh (8.30 pm)

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18 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands & More

By: Author Ana Bras

Posted on Published: February 28, 2023  - Last updated: January 17, 2024

There may be affiliate links throughout the content you're about to read. When you purchase from my links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which helps me provide even more awesome content for you :)

Today’s the day when you’ll discover all about the best day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands, day trips by train, by bus, and some of the most beautiful places in Scotland – all in one go.

If you have been around for a while, you know that I am absolutely and irrevocably in love with Scotland.

I have actually written a few guides for The Working Line about the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh , along with super instagrammable cafes in Edinburgh you really won’t want to miss. This is something that I enjoy doing, it’s like writing my own love letters to Scotland, and honestly, it leaves space for me to constantly learn something new about this country.

So why not expand your horizons and hold dear to that calling we all embrace in Scotland, and dive into what’s waiting for you to explore?

I promise ye feel like a new person when you get to know all the beautiful lochs and hills set just a few hours away from Edinburgh, those that unveil lovely legends, history and of course, all kinds of beautiful photo shots.

Edinburgh itself is a beautiful capital with lots of quiet places and green scenery, perfect spots for you to hide from the hustle of the city center.

With that said, one must not deny that Edinburgh’s surroundings are also some of the most beautiful natural places in the world, and it might just expand yer horizon a wee bit more.

So, whether you take a tour bus, hop on a train or drive yourself, come meet with me the best day trips from Edinburgh. Don’t forget to pack that camera of yours – you will thank me later!

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Take a bus tour to the famous Loch Ness!

One of the best ways to meet Scotland hassle-free is to hop on a tour bus. The buses usually departs from Lawnmarket, Edinburgh early in the morning and arrive in the evening.

I personally loved one of the top-rated best bus tours in Scotland: the Hairy Coo bus tour.

You have lots of itineraries and various tours to pick from, but the Loch Ness tour was and still is a must if you’re new to the Highlands.

You’ve probably heard about Loch Ness before, haven’t you?

Loch Ness is the home to the famous legend of the sea monster Ness (or my favourite term because she ain’t no monster – Nessie). 

It is located in a cute, very small and picturesque town called Fort Augustus and makes for one of the best and most famous day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands.

Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch situated southwest of Inverness, which took its name from the River Ness that flows from the northern end.

You can take a boat tour and cross the river while learning all there is to know about Nessie, and even try to spot her for a wee picture.

Paying a visit to Loch Ness is also one of the best day trips from Edinburgh in winter, and you will understand why when you’re there, whether the river is frozen or not.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Rome

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Glencoe

My absolute favourite… Glencoe. It’s just one of the best day trips from Edinburgh, and one of the most beautiful places in Scotland for anyone who wishes to be at one with nature.

Have you ever been fortunate enough to visit a place and without even knowing it, you feel in absolute peace, comfortable and quiet like there is nothing between you and the serene landscape? 

Well, Glencoe was my heaven on Earth, my own very favourite place in this world. It is a village in western Scotland which lies in Glencoe Valley, in the Scottish Highlands.

This art piece of land is known for its stunning mountains and waterfalls. For the more adventurous ones, you can climb trails such as Buachaille Etive Mor and Bidean nam Bian.

At the village, you will find the Glencoe Folk museum with 18th-century cottages and displays on the local heritage, and the Glencoe massacre of 1692. In this dreamy destination, you will most likely also see red deer and golden eagles.

Tip: If you wish to stay in the nearby area make sure to check out the magnificent Glencoe Inn, it’s a cosy rustic and rather luxurious hotel where you can enjoy a good glass of wine and a warm bath looking at this breathtaking view. 

Read: The Most Instagrammable Restaurants in London

Best Places to Visit near Edinburgh in Winter: Fife

Is it winter and you really feel like escaping the hustle that is Edinburgh during Christmas , or the preparations for Hogmanay?

Then a visit to Fife is perfect for you – it is quite literally on the outskirts of Edinburgh and can be a super vibrant destination to visit. They have plenty of activities for you to be entertained, for starters.

You can book a distillery tour and then, with a good pair of walking boots, come and enjoy the scenic walk to wake up those muscles of yours. You will feel quite warm afterwards.

You can enjoy the parks and coastal areas in Fife if you’re not into that much of an adventure; the views are incredible !

As for you hikers out there, you can go hiking on the Lomond Hills, and take the trails of the forest nearby.

Between golf activities and lots of good food with a stunning white background, you will have plenty to do for a fun day trip from Edinburgh in winter.

You can spot snow-speckled hills and frosty forests that give you that dreamy enchanting landscape. And since Fife is also surrounded by a coastline, you have the opportunity to witness a beautiful sunset at the end of a well-spent day in the city.

This is one of those ‘bring your camera’ moments, and there is no denying how stunning it looks on pictures!

Read: The Most Colorful Places in London

Best Day trips from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct

Most of us grew up watching and reading the Harry Potter saga, and for me, it always goes back to that magical moment where we can spot wee Harry all excited to go to Hogwarts for the first time.

There is this specific part where you can see the Hogwarts express crossing a beautiful circular viaduct in an enchanting land.

Well, the world-famous spot is nonetheless than Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Smaller than it appears on the screens, but as magical as one could expect!

The Glanfinnan Viaduct is a beautiful place to show your photography skills.

If you go at a certain time of the year, you might even spot the train passing by – make sure to film or take as many pictures as you can before you miss the train!

You have different viewpoints to capture the most stunning pictures, however, one of the most famous ones is closer to the viaduct, where you can see the train above you.

This railway viaduct built between 1897-1901 is located on the west Highland line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire.

Situated at the top of Loch Schiel in the west Scottish Highlands, the viaduct overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument and the water of Loch Shiel.

This is one of the most instagrammable places in Scotland, and dare I say, in the whole world due to its role in the famous saga. So don’t forget your wand and marvelous robes; this one is going to be a bumpy ride!

Read: The Most Colorful Cities in the World

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: North Berwick

One of the best day trips from Edinburgh is to North Berwick, just a short 30-minute ride by train from the Scottish capital.

This picturesque seaside town is a former royal burgh in East Lothian, Scotland, and situated on the South Shore of the Firth of Forth.

There, you will be able to enjoy some walks alongside the sea, maybe surf or paddle in those waves, and why not visit Bass Rock, an iconic bird settlement in the region?

Bass Rock, or simply Bass, is a beautiful island in the outer part of the Firth of Forth, in the east of Scotland, and if you enjoy bird watching, you’ll find it’s a really lovely spot.

In there, and especially if you take a cruise tour, you will spot Puffins, Guillemots, Kittiwakes and Gannets. You might also find Eiders, various Gulls, Shags, Cormorants, Fulmars & Grey Seals!

In North Berwick, you will also find many cute coffee shops as well as really local places to eat and shop.

Small town feels, wide nature surrounding you – this is definitely one of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train.

Read: The Most Colorful Cities in Europe

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Perth

Perth is a lovely city located beside the serene river Tay, the longest river in Scotland, and was once was considered the Scottish capital.

This city still blooms in its former glory with really popular attractions, and totally instagrammable sights.

There is a lot to se, like The Fergusson Gallery, set in a former circular water tower, the Black Watch Museum, and the Perth Museum & Art Gallery.

The Scone Palace and the Stone of Destiny are also wonderful attractions.

For the ones that don’t know, the Scone Stone or Stone of Destiny (Lia Fail in Gaelic) is referred to in England as the Coronation Stone. It’s a block of red sandstone that has been used for centuries in the coronation of monarchs. A must-see.

This less-than-two-hour train ride is a lovely way to explore another one of the most beautiful cities near Edinburgh and spend a really lovely day!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Rome

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Linlithgow

Ah, Linlithgow – the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots! 

In less than half an hour from Waverley, Edinburgh, you can reach Linlithgow, in West Lothian.

This pleasant town is rich in history, since the ruins of the Linlithgow Palace are the birthplace of the only queen Scotland has ever had.

The palace also used to be one of the principal residences of the monarchs back in the 15th and 16th centuries, and is a spot you really can’t miss.

Linlithgowshire offers visitors wonderful events, shopping, beautiful relaxing sights and a vast dining variety for you to pick from.

If you like architecture, pay a visit to the ruins of the Palace, and check out the old port, too. It connects Edinburgh with Falkirk and the Forth Clyde Canal, and dates back to 1822.

You can take a boat trip on the Union Canal at the Linlithgow Canal centre which is also a museum and tea room – and really forget all about the city life!

Read: The Best Day Trips from Rome

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Callander

Oh, Callander, the beautiful gateway to the Highlands. 

Here is something I once heard from one of the tour guides I met in Scotland when visiting Callander.

Do you want to know the best place for a date ? It’s called a Calendar .

Scottish people and their humor, am I right?

Callander is a small town in the council area of Stirling, Scotland, and situated on the River Teith. 

The town is located in the historic county of Perthshire and it is considered to be the very gate to the Highlands.

Even though there are no actual gates, you can feel in the air this is really the place that divides the Lowlands and the magnificent Scottish Highlands.

A very small town where you can spot the beautiful mountains on the horizon whilst walking alongside the river. At Callander, you will also see cute swans and ducks, and in the summer, you might even be able to enjoy a picnic there.

This place is a tourist attraction for many people going or coming from the Scottish Highlands.

During the winter months, you will be able to see the frozen mountains as a killer background for your pictures. Just because of that, I believe Callander is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: The Kelpies

If you’re looking for one of the best spots for your day trips from Edinburgh, make sure to pass by the majestic Kelpies.

The Kelpies are situated in The Helix, a new parkland project built to connect sixteen communities in the Falkirk Council Area.

The 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures can be found between Falkirk and Grangemouth, standing next to a new extension to the Forth and Clyde Canal – and they mix street art with rich history.

In Scottish folklore, a Kelpie is angerous shape-shifting water creature that can appear on land as a horse.

It appears to its human victims as a grey or white horse, entices them to ride on their back then carries them down to an underwater grave.

You can visit the Kelpies free of charge at any time of the day throughout the year, since the area has been designed to give access to all, which means everyone can come and see them up close.

The Kelpies are one of the most instagrammable places in Scotland, and personally, I think they are stunning during the night with all the lights and colors coming from the sculptures.

Read: The Cutest Pink Cafes in London

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Pitlochry

Pitlochry is a town in the Perthshire and Kinross council area of Scotland.

Located close to the river Tummel, Pitlochry is known for the dam and fish ladder, which offers the most incredible views, and if you come at the right time of the year, you’ll witness the opening celebrations of salmon season!

There are plenty of castles turned into hotels in the area, if you’ve ever wanted to live the royal life too – the picture above is actually a hotel!

In Pitlochry, you’ll also check out the Festival theatre; it is considered one of the best venues in Scotland, if not Britain.

One of the most glorious battles in Jacobite history took place at Killiecrankie Gorge, and you can learn more about this place, the battle, the wildlife, and the geology of the area in the Pitlochry visitor center.

Then, you can take a short walk and spot breathtaking green scenery at the falls beneath the Soldier’s Leap.

With mountain Ben Vrackie as a background, this town will make you want to return to the Highlands again and again – it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland, and utterly mesmerizing.

Read: The Best Hidden Gems in Barcelona

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Stirling

Just 60km from the Scottish capital, there is yet another one the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland: Stirling.

It might not be a big city, but this small town in central Scotland is surrounded by farmland, medieval buildings , and must-see spots, especially the majestic Stirling Castle.

The castle sits atop a volcanic rock in the centre of the town. The views are stunning, and inside the castle, you’ll be able to check out the armory along with other exhibitions. 

On another note, and since I told you about the most iconic cemeteries in London some time ago, the Holy Rude Cemetery is another place to visit in Stirling, as it is oh-so-peaceful and beautiful.

The Wallace Monument, the Pentland Hills, restaurants, medieval buildings, as well as the former prison Tolbooth are all other amazing places to visit in Stirling.

Really, really – a day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling which has got to be on your bucket list!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park

If you have the heart of an adventurous being , and are up for a hiking day away from the capital, then the Trossachs National Park might might very well be one of the best day trips from Edinburgh for you.

This spot is relatively close to The Kelpies, so if you wish to see the beautiful horse-head statues, now is your time!

Established in 2002 as one of the recognized National Parks in Scotland by none other than the Scottish Parliament, Trossachs National Park is centered around Loch Lomond.

That means that while you’re hiking, you’ll be able to take in some of the most beautiful natural places in the world!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Places in Istanbul

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Windermere, England

In two hours or so from the capital, you will find another one of the best places to visit just outside of Scotland: Windermere, a beautiful English town.

Windermere is a good spot if you’re looking into the best day trips from Edinburgh by train.

Situated between both countries, Wintermere is part of the lake Windermere district, and the lake is considered the largest natural lake in England.

There are a lot of beautiful places to explore in the surroundings, and you’ll get panoramic views just outside of town.

If you prefer to stay in the village, there are lots of places to park your car for those who want to go on a wee road trip from Edinburgh, lovely cafes with scrumptious cakes, and lively kolsie pubs.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Istanbul

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: The Scottish borders

The Scottish borders are located in an area to the south and east of Edinburgh, and separate Scotland and England.

This is a particularly close trip from Edinburgh, and shouldn’t take you long before you arrive and are able to get to exploring.

You might think there’s not much to do… and you’d be oh-so-wrong.

Even though it’s a border, it has lots of things to see, such as castles and chapels.

You have the Rosslyn Chapel, located in the village of Roslin in Scotland, to start with. This 15-Century chapel was featured in the famous Da Vinci Code, and is so very instagrammable.

Then, you can continue your way down to Hadrian’s Wall, already located in England.

Hadrian’s Wall is filled with ancient history, since it dates back in 122 AD. It was built as a fortification for the Roman province in Britannia and named after the reigning emperor at the time – Hadrian.

Beautiful places to visit between Scotland and England – you can visit two countries in a matter of a few hours, how crazy is that?

Read: The Best Cafes to Work in Milan

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: St. Andrews, the Kingdom of Fife

We already talked about Fife at the beginning of this guide, a beautiful town located on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Well, St. Andrews is located in the Kingdom of Fife, and is a small town on Scotland’s east coast, just north of Edinburgh.

The town is famous for many things, including the largest golf complex in Europe!

It’s also known for its stunning seaside walking path, its fishing culture, its ruins and museum… and is home to the oldest university in Scotland.

The University of St. Andrews was built in 1413, and to this day, it is a must-see in town.

Plus, there is a strong student population who lives in the area, so St. Andrews does have this youthful spirit – just one of the best day trips from Edinburgh for architecture and history lovers !

Read: The Best Places to Write in London

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Glasgow

Well, of course. Glasgow.

When you’re in Edinburgh, you can also take a one-day trip to its vibrant neighbor Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland.

It is a port city built on the River Clyde, in Scotland’s Western Lowlands, and it’s known for its culture, art, and magnificent venues.

The Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture give a rich heritage to the city, and some of the home institutions include none other than the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland.

You can find all great things to do in the city, from places to go with friends, to tours, services, activities, and grand theatres, among many others!

All of this and just a short ride from the Scottish capital…

I do believe that taking day trips from Edinburgh to Glasgow by train is more elegant, although they might not be as quick as a bus.

But if the point is to relax, why not enjoy the scenery and let the excitement build up as you approach the city?

Read: The Best Cafes in London Bridge

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Ayrshire

Ayrshire is a historic county in southwest Scotland which features lovely sandy shores and blends in the beauty of countryside life.

Located on the shore of the Firth of Clyde, Ayrshire is known to be the birthplace of the famous poet Robert Burns and Robert the Bruce.

There is a lot to do and see if you decide to stick through Ayrshire and Arran.

Along with the poet’s famous attractions, you can learn about the Vikings who travelled through the same shores you’re walking on, for starters.

The beautiful coastal area is perfect to see a unique sunset and really break away from trouble and city life.

And, in the South Region, you also get to witness the scenic rugged hills of Dumfries and Galloway, also known as the Galloway hills.

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Paris

Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Inverness

Inverness is one of the most popular day trips from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands.

The vast region combines an absolutely picturesque combo of hills, lochs, castles, cliffs, hairy coos (cattle) and so much more… and forms the beautiful north of Scotland – the famous  Highlands .

The Highlands are where you can find the Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Fort Augustus, and for our last day trip in this guide – Inverness.

The city is considered to be the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and it has been voted several times as one of the happiest places to live in Scotland.

It’s the largest city in the highlands, and may seem rather small, but it is full of treasures.

Pay a visit to the 19th-century cathedral, the old High church from the 18th century, and the Victorian market where they sell lots of clothing, crafts and food.

You’ll see, you’ll feel like you’re traveling through a magical portal when visiting Inverness – it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland overall!

Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in Dubai

With the beautiful Inverness ends our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands and other stunning cities in Scotland.

Whether by car, train or bus, you really have a lot to explore in Scotland and its surroundings. 

Thankfully, due to Edinburgh’s perfect location, you will find that it is quite easy to hop on a train and visit most of the places you can recognize from TV shows, movies, or might have even spotted on Instagram!

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Ana, also known as Travel with anA is a moody photographer, writer & videographer. A Portuguese lass with a genuine and profound love for Scotland, she is a storyteller & a content creator: ‘I aim to create memories and seek stories waiting to be told’.

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13 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh by Train

Posted on Last updated: March 12, 2024

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Are you visiting Edinburgh but might want to add some day trips to your Scotland itinerary? Check out these amazing day trips from Edinburgh by train that are totally worth the effort!

This list of day trips from edinburgh by train was written by family travel expert marcie cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, i may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog..

Scotland’s capital is the perfect place for a European city break with tons to see and do.

But it’s also a great base to explore the rest of the country. With well-connected public transport stations and tour companies, it’s super easy to take day trips from Edinburgh without a car.

And if riding the rails is your transport method of choice, you’re in luck! 

There are lots of great day trips from Edinburgh by train.

These are all the most accessible day trips from Edinburgh to Highlands, cities, beach towns, English border towns, medieval castles, and more!

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Stirling

One of the easiest day trips from Edinburgh by train is to the city of Stirling. This is a great place to visit for incredible historical sites!

The majestic Stirling Castle sits on a rocky outcrop on the edge of the city and dates back to the 12th century. It has connections to William Wallace, whose National Monument stands across the River Forth in Stirling.

If you’re a fan of Braveheart then it’s one of the top places to visit near Edinburgh for you.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Stirling by Train

Distance: 38.5 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct ScotRail service to Stirling station. These services depart approximately every 30 minutes and take under one hour. Return tickets start from £11.

Edinburgh to North Berwick Day Trip

North Berwick is a picturesque seaside town just south of the Scottish capital and it’s one of the simplest Edinburgh day trips to navigate.

You can climb North Berwick Law which is a small hill with views of the town, spend the day on Milsey Bay Beach, or check out Tantallon Castle.

It’s one of the top day trips by train from Edinburgh for nature lovers. Bass Rock, a large offshore island, is one of the most important seabird nesting sites in the country!

How To Get From Edinburgh to North Berwick by Train

Distance: 27.9 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, hop on a direct ScotRail train service to North Berwick station. This service departs once an hour and takes just over 30 minutes. Return tickets can cost as little as £6, but £15 is more likely when booked last minute.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews

If you don’t mind taking day trips from Edinburgh by bus and train, St Andrews should be at the top of your list. 

There are so many things to do here that it’s impossible to get bored!

This coastal city is known for being the birthplace of golf and is home to a prestigious university. St Andrews Castle, West Sands Beach, and a pretty harbor are the best activities to add to your day trip itinerary. 

How To Get From Edinburgh to St Andrews by Train

Distance: 51.5 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, catch a direct ScotRail train to Leuchars station which takes around 70 to 75 minutes. From the bus stop at the train station, catch the 99 bus to St Andrews Bus Station which takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Trains depart approximately every 30 minutes and cost around £15 for a return ticket booked in advance. Bus tickets cost between £2 – £4 for single journeys which you can buy on the bus.

Edinburgh to Glasgow Day Trip

Want to check out more museums, galleries, and shopping malls? One of the best day trips out of Edinburgh, Scotland is to Glasgow. It’s Scotland’s largest city and super easy to get to from the capital.

Glasgow’s parks (like Kelvingrove and Pollock Country Park) and museums (like the Science Center and Kelvingrove Art Gallery) are just some places to visit.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Glasgow by Train

Distance: 46.3 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct ScotRail train to Glasgow Queen Street station which takes just under one hour. There are other direct ScotRail services to Glasgow Central station, but these trains take around 90 minutes. 

Both stations are in the city center, so take the shorter train when possible!

Trains depart very frequently; often less than once per 30 minutes. Return train tickets cost £16 on average.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Linlithgow

A great one-day tour from Edinburgh for history fans is Linlithgow. Not only is it close to the capital, but it’s also home to an important Scottish palace.

Linlithgow Palace was the principal residence for Scottish monarchs during the 15th and 16th centuries. Mary, Queen of Scots was born there! 

Outlander fans might like to visit Linlithgow Palace as it was the filming location for Westworth Prison.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Linlithgow by Train

Distance: 21.1 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, hop on a direct ScotRail train to Linlithgow station which is a journey lasting less than 30 minutes. Trains depart very frequently, often every 10 or 20 minutes. The average price of a return train ticket is around £10.

Edinburgh to Queensferry Day Trip

Visiting Queensferry is one of the best things to do outside Edinburgh, especially if you’re short on time. You only need a couple of hours!

North and South Queensferry are two towns that straddle the Firth of Forth. They’re connected by three bridges, one of which (the Forth Rail Bridge) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

It’s worth visiting to see the bridges, South Queensferry is a cute town with lots of old pubs and ice cream shops.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Queensferry by Train

Distance: 14.6 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, catch a direct ScotRail service to North Queensferry station which takes less than 25 minutes. Trains depart every 30 minutes and return tickets start from as little as £6.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Berwick-Upon-Tweed

Taking day trips from Edinburgh, Scotland to England is 100% possible!

Berwick-Upon-Tweed was once a Scottish town but was reclaimed by the English in 1482. The Royal Border Bridge, the Ancient Town Walls, and the Berwick Lighthouse are just some of Berwick-Upon-Tweed’s highlights.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Berwick-Upon-Tweed by Train

Distance: 56.7 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, or LNER service to Berwick-upon-Tweed station. These journeys take around 45 to one hour and depart two to three times an hour.

Return train tickets booked in advance can be as little as £15, but you can usually only travel on services run by one train company.

Edinburgh to Alnwick Day Trip

Another of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train to England is Alnwick. This northeastern English town is known for three awesome attractions: the 14th-century Alnwick Castle, the Alnwick Garden, and the Barter Bookshop.

Alnwick Castle was one of the main Hogwarts filming locations in the first two Harry Potter movies. You can even take broomstick flying lessons! 

Alnwick Garden is famous for its ‘poison’ garden and Barter Books is one of the largest second-hand bookshops in Britain. 

How To Get From Edinburgh to Alnwick by Train

Distance: 87.1 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, hop on a direct CrossCountry, Transpennine Express, or LNER service to Alnmouth station. These services depart approximately every 40 minutes and take about an hour. 

Return tickets can cost anywhere from £15 to £30 or more, so book in advance!

Walk about two minutes to the Curly Lane Bus Station and take the X20 bus to Alnwick Bus Station which should only take between 10 and 15 minutes. Single bus tickets cost £2 and you can pay the driver.

These bus services only depart once an hour, so check the buses and trains align before planning your day trip!

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is one of two national parks in Scotland and one of the best days out from Edinburgh.

You can climb Conic Hill for panoramic views across the park or take a cruise on the Maid of the Loch. 

How To Get From Edinburgh to Loch Lomond by Train

Distance: 70.6 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, catch a ScotRail train to Glasgow Queen Street station which takes between 45 – 60 minutes. Change for a ScotRail train to Balloch station which is a journey that takes around 50 minutes.

This entire journey departs every hour, sometimes twice an hour. Return train tickets start from £20 but they can cost much more so book in advance!

Edinburgh to Dundee Day Trip

Dundee isn’t one of the most popular day trips out of Edinburgh, but there’s more to this former industrial city than meets the eye.

Visit the brand new, purpose-built V&A museum on Dundee’s waterfront which showcases the best of Scotland’s heritage and innovations. Tour the RRS Discovery, a ship that sailed to the Antarctic on the 1901 British Expedition.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Dundee by Train

Distance: 62.5 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct ScotRail service to Dundee station. This service takes between 75 – 90 minutes and departs approximately once every half an hour. Average return tickets cost around £13.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Dunfermline

Again, Dunfermline isn’t a popular Edinburgh day trip but you might be convinced to add it to your itinerary once you learn more.

Dunfermline is the birthplace of industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. He donated a lot of money to his former hometown which resulted in Carnegie Hall, Carnegie Library, and the sprawling Pittencrieff Park.

Former Scottish king Robert the Bruce is buried in Dunfermline Abbey which is a beautiful Romanesque church.

How To Get From Edinburgh to Dunfermline by Train

Distance: 17.9 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, hop on a direct ScotRail service to Dunfermline Queen Margaret station. This journey is usually less than 40 minutes and trains depart approximately twice an hour. Return tickets start from around £7.

Edinburgh to Pitlochry Day Trip

Scotland is a bigger country than you might think and it’s difficult to take a Highlands day trip from Edinburgh by train. However, visiting Pitlochry is definitely doable!

Pitlochry is a pretty mountain town on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. It’s surrounded by miles of woodland and close to the picturesque Loch Timmel. 

It just might satiate your desire to find day trips from Edinburgh in the Highlands if you’re keen to avoid group day trips or renting a car!

How To Get From Edinburgh to Pitlochry by Train

Distance: 71.2 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, catch a direct ScotRail or LNER service to Pitlochry station. These services take around two hours and depart approximately once an hour, but there are more if you’re prepared to change trains at Perth or Stirling.

Return tickets start from £15 but only if booked in advance. ScotRail services are usually cheaper than LNER.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Falkirk

Finally, the best day trip from Edinburgh to see some unique structures is to the city of Falkirk.

This small city on the Firth of Forth is the location of The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel. The Kelpies are two, 100 ft-tall mythical steel horse heads built just outside of the city to honor Scotland’s folkloric traditions. 

The Falkirk Wheel is an unbelievable feat of engineering. It moves canal boats from two different canal networks, the Forth and Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. It’s the world’s only rotating boat lift!

How To Get From Edinburgh to Falkirk by Train

Distance: 26.5 miles

From Edinburgh Waverley station, take a direct ScotRail or LNER service to Falkirk Grahamston station. These services depart every 30 – 40 minutes, and the journey takes between 30 – 50 minutes. The cost of return tickets starts from £9.

Edinburgh Day Trips FAQs

How do i use the scottish rail system for day trips from edinburgh.

Purchase tickets online in advance or at the station. Consider a ScotRail pass for multiple trips. Trains are frequent, but check schedules on the ScotRail website or app for specific times and routes.

Can you visit the Highlands on a day trip from Edinburgh by train?

Yes, but it’s a longer journey. Destinations like Pitlochry or Aviemore can be reached by train and offer a taste of the Highlands. For iconic spots like Loch Ness or Glencoe, consider a guided tour for convenience.

Are there any castle day trips from Edinburgh by train?

Absolutely. Stirling Castle is easily accessible by train. Another option is Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, which is a short train ride away.

What coastal towns can I visit from Edinburgh by train?

North Berwick is a popular choice for its beaches, seabird center, and quaint town atmosphere. South Queensferry, although closer and not requiring a train, is reachable by bus or train and offers stunning views of the Forth Bridges.

Is it expensive to take day trips from Edinburgh by train?

Costs can vary depending on the destination and how far in advance you book. Traveling off-peak and booking in advance can save money. Group or family tickets and rail passes may offer additional savings.

What’s the easiest way to find train times and prices for day trips from Edinburgh?

The ScotRail website or the National Rail Enquiries website are the best resources for train times and prices. The Trainline app is also a convenient tool for planning and purchasing tickets.

Can I do a day trip to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh by train?

While Skye is too far for a practical train day trip from Edinburgh, you can take a train to Mallaig and then a ferry to Skye, but this would be better suited for an overnight stay due to the travel time.

Day Trips From Edinburgh by Train Wrap-Up

From lively cities to historic towns, those are all the best day trips from Edinburgh by train!

Taking day trips from Edinburgh by car might give you more options. Booking spots on the best day tours from Edinburgh might mean you’ll see more places without driving.

But Edinburgh day trips by train can be more cost-effective and allow you to move at your own pace.

Plus, you get a more local experience and have an opportunity to explore Scotland (or England) beyond the well-trodden routes!

Looking for more Scotland travel resources? Check out Planning a Trip to Scotland: Step-by-Step Guide , 13 Best Day Trips From Glasgow by Train , and 9 Best Edinburgh Hotels for Families Worth Booking !

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Edinburgh

Day trips from edinburgh.

• Edinburgh to Stirling
• Edinburgh to St. Andrews
• Edinburgh to Linlithgow
• Edinburgh to Fort Augustus
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11 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train + Tours

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Are you looking to add a few day trips from Edinburgh by train? We’ve got you covered. We explored more of Scotland by keeping the capital city as a base and then taking a mix of public transportation and guided tours – it was easy and fun and kept our overall trip under budget!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, winding cobblestone streets, whiskey walks, and hosting the best festivals in the world, Edinburgh is a fairytale come to life. The Scottish capital is brimming with beautiful scenery, but there’s much more to see beyond its borders.

Edinburgh’s most popular attractions lure in millions of tourists every year. But what happens once you’ve spent about three days in Edinburgh and seen all there is to this city? This insightful guide unpacks the best day trips from Edinburgh. 

From charming coastal towns with sandy beaches to some of Scotland’s largest cities and breathtaking filming locations, these day trips from Edinburgh will leave you in awe.

Train stations to depart from Edinburgh, Scotland

Before we dive into the best day trips you can take from Edinburgh, let’s first get some logistics out of the way. Edinburgh boasts a sophisticated public transport system, and most locals will tell you that direct trains are one of the best ways to get around.

There are two main train stations in Edinburgh. You’ll find the Edinburgh Waverley Station on Princes Street in the city center. Haymarket Station , on the other hand, is located in the West End. These two railway stations are connected, and it takes about five minutes to travel by train between them.

You’ll also find smaller railway stations scattered across the city. The Edinburgh Gateway Station provides a smooth transition from tram to train services. Edinburgh Park Station on the city’s west side serves as both a tram stop and a railway station.

Now that you know where to start, let’s dive into some of the best day trips you can take from Edinburgh. So strap in and get ready for panoramic views, beautiful beaches, and picturesque fishing villages that will have you picking up your jaw from the ground.

1. Train trip to Stirling from Edinburgh — 56 minutes

Stirling is one of the country’s most historic cities in the heart of Scotland. Its streets are dotted with stunning landmarks, notable battlegrounds, beautiful castles, and plenty of distilleries and pubs to grab a pint. 

Stirling city has a crucial role in Scottish history, as two momentous battles for Scotland’s independence happened here. History buffs will love strolling through the Old Town, marveling at monuments and main attractions like the Old Town Jail and Stirling Castle.

Things to do in Stirling:

• Stirling Castle – Visit this 12th-century castle to explore its grand halls and lush gardens. It sits atop a craggy outcrop, giving you panoramic views of the city.
• The National Wallace Monument – Standing at over 200 feet tall, this tower honors a Scottish hero, William Wallace, who defeated the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The monument also gives you great vistas of the whole city. 
• Stirling Old Bridge – Walk across this bridge that replaced the timber one that stood nearby, where the Battle of Stirling Bridge took place for scenic city views. 
• Old Town – Take a walking guided tour through Old Town and immerse yourself in Scotland’s history. You’ll hear tales about the different kings, queens, and heroic knights who contributed to shaping this country.

Train route: The best way to get to Stirling from Edinburgh is by taking the ScotRail from Edinburgh Waverley Station. The fastest train takes about 40 minutes to get to Stirling, and a one-way ticket will cost you between £4.60 and £5.55 ($6 – $7). 

Tours:  Taking a guided tour like this one from Edinburgh to Stirling Castle is a great way to immerse yourself in the nation’s history while bypassing long queues. 

Top Tip: Consider getting a Stirling City Pass and get entry to Stirling Castle, The National Wallace Monument, and Stirling Old Town Jail, plus discounts to other top attractions.

2. Train trip to Glasgow from Edinburgh — 50 minutes

Located along the River Clyde, Glasgow is a quintessential European port city. Glasgow is famed for its Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture, thriving music scene, and lots of cultural attractions. 

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and the county’s designated cultural hub, which means you’ll be inundated with lots of artsy things to do. These include strolling through museums and galleries. 

If you’re an art lover, you’ll have a fantastic time in Glasgow. The city is home to over 28 museums, like the popular Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum .

Things to do in Glasgow:

• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – This early 20th-century museum showcases some of Europe’s best artifacts. You’ll spot pieces like Rembrandt’s “A Man in Armour” and Salvador Dali’s “Christ of St John of the Cross”.
• West End – Stroll through the vibrant alleys of the West End. They’re dotted with quaint boutiques, restaurants, and cafes serving a laid-back Scottish experience.
• Glasgow Science Centre – Resembling a partly emerged zeppelin, the science center offers hundreds of interactive exhibits, a theater, and a huge IMAX cinema.
• Glasgow Botanic Gardens – Add some color to your itinerary by visiting the plant-filled glasshouses at the botanic gardens.

Train route: The most ideal way to get to Glasgow from Edinburgh is by taking the ScotRail from the Waverley Station to Glasgow Queen Street Station, a major transit hub in Glasgow Central. A one-way ticket will cost you about £5.90 ($7.50)  

Tours: You’ll find many guided tours in and around Glasgow. The best one to go for is the city sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour. This will take you through the city’s most famous attractions and local hotspots like George Square.

3. Train trip to St Andrews from Edinburgh — 1 hour and 30 minutes

Hugging the craggy shores of Scotland’s east coast, St Andrews is hailed as the home of golf. This sport has been played here since 1552, and that’s evident in its world-class golf courses. So bring your golf clubs if you have them, and prepare to be blown away.

St Andrews is a haven for golf enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. You can spend your day here strolling through the grounds of the St Andrews Cathedral, smelling roses at the botanic gardens, relaxing at one of its sandy beaches, or putting around a golf course.

Things to do in St Andrews:

• Old Course – Enjoy a round of golf at the legendary Old Course, the oldest golf course in the world. The property boasts seven golf courses for you to enjoy.
• St. Andrews Cathedral – Wander around this 12th-century medieval cathedral’s ruins, then go to the top of St. Rule’s Tower for epic city views.
• West Sands Beach – Spreading over two miles with backdrops of sand dunes, this public beach is an amazing place to walk, run, and swim.
• St Andrews Aquarium – Get a peek into the world of marine life at this aquarium. You’ll see black-tip reef sharks, penguins, seals, and hundreds of fish species.

Train route: To get to St Andrews from Edinburgh, you’ll catch the ScotRail train at the Waverley Station to Leuchars, the closest railway station to St Andrews. This station is about six miles from the town, so you can catch a cab or order an e-haul to St Andrews.

Tours: There are many tours to St Andrews from Edinburgh. These are great ways to take a day trip. Guided tours like the one to St Andrews and Fishing Villages of Fife offer exceptional opportunities to explore the medieval setting and charming coastal villages.

4. Train trip to North Berwick from Edinburgh — 35 minutes

Visiting North Berwick is a fantastic day tour, especially if you have little time. North Berwick is a seaside town with wonderful coastal scenery. You’ll find many great shops, cafes, bars, and world-renowned golf courses.

Your time in North Berwick will be characterized by slow-paced living, sunbathing, and strolling along the town’s most famous avenue, High Street. It offers an eclectic mix of shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

Things to do in North Berwick:

• Scottish Seabird Centre – This environmental hub is home to an abundance of seabirds and mammals. Keep your eyes peeled for guillemots, gulls, razorbills, and puffins.
• Bass Rock – Take a boat trip to the protruding Bass Rock and get an up-close look at the millions of northern gannets that call this place home.
• Tantallon Castle – If you’re up for something more serene, consider wandering around the lush grounds of Tantallon Castle and admiring its ruins.
• National Museum Of Flight – If you’re into aviation, this museum is the perfect place. You’ll see one of Europe’s best aircraft collections here, including Scotland’s only Concorde.

Train routes: You have two ScotRail train routes to get to North Berwick from Edinburgh. The train from Waverley Station takes about 35 minutes to get to North Berwick, while the one from Haymarket Station will take about 50 minutes. You’ll pay between £2.70 ($3.40) and £4.05 ($5.12) for a one-way ticket to North Berwick. 

Tours: Take a full-day tour from Edinburgh to explore the sands and castles of East Lothian and experience an unforgettable trip to one of the country’s most beautiful coastlines.

5. Train trip to Linlithgow from Edinburgh — 21 minutes

Another great day trip from Edinburgh is visiting the enchanting town of Linlithgow. Famously known as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. 

The town perfectly blends ancient and modern, offering fun activities like strolling through museums, aqueduct cruises from the Linlithgow Canal Centre, and recreational activities at Beecraigs Country Park.

Things to do in Linlithgow:

• Linlithgow Palace – See where Mary Queen of Scots was born by visiting the ruins of Linlithgow Palace. Although dilapidated, the property gives you a glimpse of how grandiose this palace used to be.
• Linlithgow Loch – Find untampered serenity strolling around this scenic loch north of Linlithgow. It’s about a 2.25-mile long walk, taking a little over an hour to complete.
• Burgh Halls – If you fancy a bit of luxury while exploring Linlithgow, head to the historic Burgh Halls and explore its local history exhibitions or attend an event.

Train route: This is quite an easy day trip. You’ll catch a ScotRail train from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station to Linlithgow Station. A one-way ticket costs about £9.60 ($12.15).

Tours: You’ll find plenty of fun tours to explore Linlithgow. One of the most popular ones is an “Outlander” Adventure tour from Edinburgh , which takes you to the show’s top filming locations in Scotland, like Linlithgow Palace, which served as Wentworth Prison.

6. Train trip to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh — 3 hours

Forming part of The Trossachs National Park, Loch Lomond is a freshwater lake known for its stunning scenery, with rugged hills and magical backdrops of snow-capped mountains. The lake is surrounded by lush highlands suitable for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. 

Things to do in Loch Lomond:

• Conic Hill – Hike to Conic Hill to get sweeping views of the lake and its surrounding landscapes, dotted with oak trees and red deer.
• Balmaha – Spend time strolling through this quaint seaside village. Shop the artsy boutiques, eat at the local cafes, or go on a picnic around the banks of the loch.
• SEA LIFE Aquarium – Meet over 1,500 aquatic critters at this fascinating aquarium. You’ll enjoy an interactive rockpool experience and walk through a tropical ocean tunnel, where you’ll come face-to-fin with stingrays and Blacktip sharks. 

Train routes: Although it’s a long one, a tour from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond is one of the easiest day trips available. Catch a ScotRail or Caledonian Sleeper train from Waverley Station to Balloch Station at the southern end of the loch. ScotRail tickets cost about £23.90 ($30.25).

Tours: The Scottish Highlands are riddled with amazing sights, and there’s no better way to see them than via a guided tour. Take a day trip from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond, enjoy scenic boat cruises, and walk through Trossachs National Park while learning its history.

7. Train trip to Dundee from Edinburgh — 1 hour and 30 minutes

Tucked along the Firth of Tay estuary, Dundee is a vibrant coastal city with outstanding modern architecture, which earned it the title of UK ’s first-ever UNESCO City of Design.

You’ll find numerous museums and art galleries spread across the city, as well as a vast selection of pubs, restaurants, independent shops, and music events to enjoy. 

Things to do in Dundee:

• V&A Dundee – Marvel at this inspiring design museum’s collection of contemporary design exhibitions. You’ll uncover over 500 years of Scottish art history here. 
• Verdant Works – Stroll through interactive exhibits at this restored mill house turned museum. The property displays the story of local jute production in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Dundee Law – Climb to the highest point in the city for mesmerizing views. The hills sit in the city center, and “The Law”, a towering volcanic sill, is the center of attention.

Train routes: You can catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley to Dundee Railway Station with ScotRail. A one-way ticket to Dundee will cost you about £8.30 ($10.51). There are two train routes: one takes you through St Andrews, while the other takes you via Stirling. 

8. Train trip to Falkirk from Edinburgh — 30 minutes

Another easy day trip for you to consider is from Edinburgh to Falkirk, a lively Central Lowlands town with jaw-dropping architecture. The city is largely known for the Battle of Falkirk (1298), but there is tons more to discover here than just Scottish history.

Besides striking infrastructure, you’ll also come across recreational parks, museums, and sculptures.

Things to do in Falkirk:

• Falkirk Wheel – Marvel at this incredible feat of engineering. The wheel is the only rotating boat lift in the world, connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.
• The Kelpies – Feast your eyes on marvelous sculptures depicting mythical creatures. These 98-foot dual horse-head sculptures are rooted in Scottish folklore, which says kelpies are dangerous shape-shifting water creatures that often appear as horses. 
• Callendar House and Park – This property boasts a stunning 14th-century French Chateau-style house with an expansive garden. You can enjoy contemporary visual art exhibitions at the Park Gallery or take a leisurely stroll through the complex.

Train routes: To get to Falkirk from Edinburgh, you’ll use the ScotRail train from Waverley Station to Falkirk’s High or Grahamston Station. The travel distance is relatively the same, with about a five-minute difference. One-way tickets cost about £11.10 ($14.05) to Grahamston.

Tours: Take a day trip to Falkirk to visit the world-renowned Kelpies and many other top attractions in the city, like the Falkirk Wheel and Callendar House .

9. Train trip to Dunfermline from Edinburgh — 40 minutes

Dunfermline is a former Royal Burgh that served as Scotland’s seat of power during the reign of King Malcolm III and Queen Margaret in the mid-11th century.

This town is a treasure trove of history, as it’s the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie and the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, a Scottish king who led the fight for independence during the First War.

Things to do in Dunfermline:

• Dunfermline Abbey and Palace – Dominating the skyline with its spires, this parish is a special place for many Scotts. It’s the burial place for many of the nation’s queens and kings, like Robert the Bruce. 
• Pittencrieff Park – Locally known as “The Glen”, this 76-acre park is famed for its flower-dotted grounds, colorful playgrounds, and a large pride of peacocks.
• Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries – Discover the city’s royal and industrial past at this museum and art gallery through special films, computer games, and exhibitions. And the best part is that entry to this museum is completely free! 

Train routes: From Edinburgh, you’ll catch a ScotRail train at Waverley Station, which crosses the Forth Bridge on the way to Dunfermline. You arrive at the city’s Queen Margaret Station. You can expect to pay around £7.50 ($9.49) for a one-way ticket. 

Tours: Take a day tour from Edinburgh and experience the wonders of Dunfermline Abbey. Along the way, you’ll cross the Forth Bridge and marvel at the architecture of Rosslyn Chapel.

10. Train trip to Loch Ness from Edinburgh — 3 hours and 30 minutes

Famous for being home to the mystic Loch Ness monster, this enormous freshwater lake sits deep in Scotland’s Highlands. The loch is about 23 miles, so it’s huge and full of fun outdoor activities. Outside of searching for the mythical creature, there is plenty to do in Loch Ness.

Things to do in Loch Ness:

• Boat Cruise on Loch Ness – Try your luck at spotting the cryptozoological Loch Ness monster by taking a thrilling cruise around the lake.
• Urquhart Castle – Get a deeper understanding of Scottish history as you stroll around the ruins of Urquhart Castle. 
• Loch Ness Centre – Learn more about the geology of the loch and the myth of the creature that lives within its waters.

Train routes: To get to Loch Ness, you’ll catch a ScotRail or LNER train from Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness Railway Station. From here, you’ll catch a bus to Loch Ness. One-way tickets cost around £19.20 ($24.30) to Inverness.

Tours: There are lots of day trips from Edinburgh to Loch Ness. This day tour takes you through the lush Scottish Highlands, where you can search for the famed Loch Ness monster. And because the train journey takes over 2 hours (one way), we recommend a day tour instead.

11. Train trip to South Queensferry from Edinburgh — 40 minutes

Set along the shores of the River Forth, South Queensferry is an idyllic Scottish town boasting colorful row houses, local restaurants, and views of the famous Forth Bridge. Spend your day here cruising the water, shopping, or spotting historical landmarks.

Things to do in South Queensferry:

• Boat Tour on the Firth of Forth – Enjoy a fun boat ride passing under the Forth Bridge and The Queensferry Crossing.
• Forth Rail Bridge Walkway – Climb up the bridge’s walkway for incredible city views.

Train routes: To get to Queensferry, take the ScotRail train from Waverley Station in Edinburgh to Dalmeny Station on the city’s outskirts. From here, you can catch a cab to Queensferry.

Tours: Take the Three Bridges cruise from Edinburgh and enjoy fantastic views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Forth Bridge, while spotting seals and puffins. 

Wrapping up the best day trips from Edinburgh by train

Edinburgh is one of Scotland’s most visited cities, and it’s not hard to see why. The city is riddled with intriguing architecture and world-class festivals. But there is more that lies beyond the Scottish capital. That is where these amazing day trips come in.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway on a beautiful beach or a deep dive into history at Scotland’s numerous castles, day trips are the way to go. 

So don’t limit yourself to only exploring one of the best places to visit in Europe ; take some time to discover its magical surroundings.

Other UK travel guides:

• United Kingdom Itinerary 10 days
• Scotland Itinerary 4 days
• Should you visit Ireland or Scotland?

Pin: Best Day Trips from Edinburgh, Scotland

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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Edinburgh in One Day: Best Itinerary + Map, Tips & Guide

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

How to Spend One Day in Edinburgh

The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh is a beautiful city where medieval and neoclassical history and architecture exist in harmony. Full of quirky corners and hidden squares just waiting to be discovered, you’ll be enchanted by the city’s wonderful hospitality and unique vibe.

We’ll show you Edinburgh’s fascinating tapestry of medieval lanes and grand avenues lined with historic buildings, elegant churches, and world-class museums, with our one-day Edinburgh itinerary.

In this Edinburgh one day travel guide, you’ll find a complete itinerary of all the most important must-see Edinburgh attractions, with an interactive map, organized to make the best use of your time. We also share recommendations for places to stay, where to eat local food, and tips about how to make the most of your perfect day in Edinburgh.

Are you planning your trip to Edinburgh last minute?

Be sure to book your  accommodation and tours in Edinburgh  ahead of time to ensure availability! Here are our top picks!

• Want to get from the airport to Edinburgh hassle-free?   Get the  best airport transfer  options here!
• Driving to or from Edinburgh? Get the best car hire deals here!
• Need data for your trip? We recommend Airalo or Holafly for eSIMs
• Top Hotels in Edinburgh:
• Luxury: Glasshouse Autograph Hotel (well located and very lux!)
• Mid-Range: Market Street Hotel (Old Town style, our fave!)
• Budget: Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile (simple, central & great value)
• Hostel: CoDE Pod – The CoURT (great choice of dorms & private rooms)
• Top Activities & Tours in Edinburgh:
• For all the best things to see in Edinburgh, grab this guided walking tour  
• Get your Edinburgh Castle tour + tickets to see the city’s top historic site
• Ride the Edinburgh hop-on hop-off bus to see all the main attractions
• Explore the history with this Royal Mile walking tour with a local guide
• Book this underground evening ghost tour to meet Edinburgh’s spooks!

Things to See & Do in Edinburgh

Interactive map.

ROUTE: Edinburgh Castle – Victoria Street – Grassmarket – The Royal Mile – Scottish Parliament Building – Palace of Holyrood​ – Arthur’s Seat – Auld Reekie

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Itinerary Notes

• Is one day enough for Edinburgh? This is a compact city with most things you’ll want to see within easy walking distance. Follow our full day itinerary and route to see all the top places to visit in Edinburgh, and get a real flavor of the city’s history, culture, and cuisine. 
• Or, if you prefer to have your day organized for you , check out our recommended Edinburgh guided walking tour  and place yourself in the hands of a local expert who will show you the historical, cultural, and architectural heritage of the city. 
• Is this your first visit to Scotland? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Visit Edinburgh Castle

When people ask what to do in Edinburgh in the morning, there is only one answer! Spend your morning reveling in the history of the fortress that is Edinburgh Castle, one of the best-known historic sites of the city and an absolute must-visit in the capital city of Scotland.

The castle is located on the Castle Rock, one of the oldest parts of Edinburgh, on the west side of the Royal Mile. Built for King David I in 1103, Edinburgh Castle is one of the oldest fortified places in Europe and the most besieged place in Britain.

With a long and rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, fortress, and prison, the castle is alive with many exciting tales and is one of the best sights in Edinburgh. When you climb Castle Hill, you will walk in the footsteps of kings and queens, soldiers, prisoners, and as legend has it, the odd pirate or two!

Today, you can find a combination of museums, exhibitions, and themed rooms, along with superb views over Edinburgh. One of the top attractions is The Honours of Scotland which are on display in the Crown Room and are the oldest Crown jewels in Britain.

The jewels are made of gold, silver, and precious gem and include the stunning crown, sceptre, and sword of state, which are all objects of immense importance. The crown was made for James V, who first wore it at the coronation of Queen Mary of Guise in 1540.

The castle grounds in front of the Portcullis Gate are always busy, but to enter beyond this, you do need a ticket. To get an expert’s view into the history of the castle, join our highly recommended Edinburgh Castle guided tour including fast-track entry tickets .

Stroll Victoria Street & Grassmarket

After finishing your castle visit, your next stop requires a little detour to Victoria Street, with its cute independent boutiques and shops. This colorful curving street is thought to have been J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books, where Harry and his wizarding friends go shopping for their Hogwarts supplies.

Then, continue to Grassmarket, with its lively atmosphere and outdoor restaurants. If it’s market day, then you will be able to find many local products to buy. From Grassmarket, you also have an amazing view of the castle. 

TOP TIP: As you wander, take the less obvious streets and alleys for a different Edinburgh perspective – many of the main thoroughfares are connected by steps or pedestrian-only winding alleys, where you’ll discover hidden squares and corners.

Experience The Royal Mile

It is time to properly explore The Royal Mile. This historic street is actually Edinburgh’s Old Town High Street. It became known as The Royal Mile as historically it was used as the processional route between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.

On your way to Victoria Street, you will have already passed some tourist attractions such as the excellent  Scotch Whisky Experience , offering virtual tours to a whisky distillery along with some whisky tastings, the  Camera Obscura and World of Illusions , and the neoclassical Scottish National Gallery. 

There are a few more ahead which you can visit including  The Real Mary King’s Close , which gives you the chance to learn about life in Edinburgh a few hundred years ago. 

Make sure to stop and see the Heart of Midlothian mosaic set in the pavement outside St Giles Cathedral, the High Kirk of Edinburgh. The heart marks the spot where Edinburgh’s Old Tolbooth stood before being demolished in 1817. The medieval building served a variety of purposes such as housing the council and early meetings of the Parliament of Scotland and the Court of Session.

The Tolbooth was also the city’s main jail where physical punishment and torture were known to be commonplace. Locals will often spit upon the heart as a sign of good luck, originally believed to be done as a sign of disdain for the executions that took place within the Old Tolbooth.

OStatue of David I on the West Door of St. Giles High Kirk, Edinburgh

If you like museums, you can find the  Writer’s Museum , which celebrates the life of Robert Louis Stevenson, just off the Lady’s Stairs, the  People’s Story Museum , and the  Museum of Childhood  further down the road. 

This  entertaining Royal Mile walking tour with a private local guide  will help understand and interpret the history of this iconic part of Edinburgh. If you’re on a budget, grab this audio guide Royal Mile tour on your smartphone.

TOP TIP: Once the High Street becomes Canongate, take a right onto Coopers Close just after the Museum of Edinburgh to find Bakehouse Close and the famous archway dating back to 1570, which is featured in Outlander .

Scottish Parliament Building

The Scottish Parliament Building, situated at Holyrood within central Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II and became the home of the Scottish Parliament in 2004.

Controversy surrounded the building from its inception, with criticism directed at its location, design, and the handling of its construction. Originally scheduled to open in 2001, it was delayed by three years and incurred costs far exceeding initial estimates.

A public inquiry was conducted, highlighting mismanagement and cost overruns. Despite these challenges, the building received praise from architectural circles for its attempt to reflect Scotland’s landscape, culture, and people. It won several awards, including the prestigious Stirling Prize in 2005, and has been lauded as a significant achievement in British architecture.

Constructed from a mixture of steel, oak, and granite in a striking contemporary design, this is a real Marmite building, with people either loving or hating the imposing structure.

There is free entry to  visit the Scottish Parliament Building  and take a guided or self-guided tour. You can also watch parliamentary business taking place, and visit the exhibition, café and gift shop.

Palace of Holyrood​

At the bottom end of the Royal Mile, you can find Holyrood Palace. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the King’s official residence in Scotland. The royal palace dates back to the 16th century and since then it has accommodated many important figures in its state apartments, such as Mary, Queen of Scots.

A visit to the palace will allow you to visit the Throne Room, marvel at the Great Gallery, walk in the ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and even come close to some royal gifts. Next to the palace, you will find the Queen’s Gallery, which houses different rotating exhibitions.

Holyrood Park & Arthur’s Seat

If you still have energy and there is still daylight, you can finish your day at Holyrood Park and attempt to climb up to the top of Arthur’s Seat, a long extinct volcano and the highest peak in Edinburgh at 251 meters.

The hike is neither very difficult nor long, but it can get steep in places. Depending on when you visit, the actual top can be very crowded. Nevertheless, the whole hike offers amazing panoramic views of Scotland’s capital city, from the nearby castle all the way to the port of Leith and the Pentland Hills.

Edinburgh is also known as Auld Reekie, meaning Old Smokey. The name emanated from the stench of badly managed sewage in the Middle Ages and has stuck!

Down-to-earth and unpretentious, much like the Scots themselves, Auld Reekie comes alive at night, with busy pubs, live music, vibrant restaurants, and late-night drinking clubs, full of would-be comedians and storytellers.

With legendary hospitality, you’ll be welcomed into the pubs and clubs of the city with open arms, whether you prefer a bawdy comedy club or a tiny, cozy nook.

Go Ghost Hunting

Considered to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland, if not the UK, Edinburgh’s history is a tapestry woven with both beauty and horror. The Old Town’s ancient winding streets serve as the stage for chilling tales and eerie tours.

There are plenty of these tours on offer but we think the best is this Edinburgh underground vaults evening ghost tour , probably because it comes with whisky!

Visit a Comedy Club

Home of the Fringe Festival, Edinburgh is no stranger to comedy. Stand-up takes place all year round in the city, and visiting a comedy club is one of the best ways to end your 24 hours in Edinburgh. 

TOP TIP: Our top picks are  The Stand Comedy Club  for up-and-coming talent and great nachos and  Monkey Barrel Comedy  for Edinburgh’s typical alternative approach to comedy and a fab cocktail list!

Where to Eat in Edinburgh

Urban angel.

For breakfast or brunch, head to  Urban Angel , a café and bistro just a few minutes away on foot from Princes Street, to try some of their healthy dishes made with locally sourced and free-range ingredients.

During weekends it can be busy, but their Eggs Benedict is worth the wait.

The Fiddlers Arms

Anyone visiting Scotland for the first time should try haggis, a savory mixture of sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs) minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, and served with tatties (mashed potatoes) and neeps (mashed turnip).

For vegetarians, there is a non-traditional version made primarily from beans and mushrooms. You can try either version at many pubs around the city.  The Fiddlers Arms  at the Grassmarket is one of the best places to try this most Scottish of dishes. 

TOP TIP: Across from The Fiddlers Arms is  Mary’s Milk Bar , an ice cream shop serving the most unique ice cream flavors and chocolates. During winter, their opening times vary, but if you visit during the summer, stand in line after finishing your lunch to grab a scoop or two of this delicious dessert.

The Elephant House

If Harry Potter is your thing, make sure to have a coffee at the  Elephant House , the café where the boy wizard was created by writer J.K. Rowling, and the first chapters of the Harry Potter series of books were written.

Just 100m from the Elephant House, is a statue depicting the Skye Terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. The little dog is famous for guarding his owner’s grave in the nearby Greyfriars Kirkyard for fourteen years.

After a fire in 2021, The Elephant House is temporarily closed. You can still take photos of the outside though! The owners say they are expecting to open again by the summer of 2024, but check before you visit.

Hemingway’s

For dinner, and a more upscale dining option, head to  Hemingway’s  in Leith. There you should try their delicious small plates, perfect for sharing, while enjoying the quirky interiors and awesome cocktail offerings.

If you have time before or after dinner, you could go for a short walk along the Water of Leith, the main river which flows through Edinburgh to the port of Leith, from where it joins the sea via the Firth of Forth. See if you can spot the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is berthed here.

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Top five edinburgh tips.

• Edinburgh is cold and windy, so make sure to dress warm and in layers even in summer – I may have already said that!
• Also, it’s a good idea to pack a pair of comfy shoes or trainers, because the best way to explore this city full of hills is on foot – forget about the Edinburgh bus tour, you’ll see much more walking!
• If you are coming to Edinburgh from London as part of a longer trip, the quickest (and sometimes cheapest) way to arrive in the city is by train. Of course, you can always choose the plane or the bus, but the trains are in general very comfortable and efficient, although probably not the best option if you only have a day in Scotland – you’d spend all your time traveling!
• Avoid the incredibly naff souvenir shops on the Royal Mile, where tartan tat reigns supreme. Items are overpriced and of dubious quality. Give them a miss and do your Edinburgh souvenir shopping elsewhere. 
• Last but not least, remember to enjoy your time in the city and try some whisky on this excellent whisky history and tasting tour .

More Than One Day in Edinburgh?

If you have just another half a day in Edinburgh, you could also explore these attractions;

Princes Street Gardens

Take a stroll in beautiful Princes Street Gardens, between the Old and New Towns and in the very center of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site before visiting the Scott Monument, a much-photographed Victorian Gothic spire, built to commemorate Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.

National Museum of Scotland

Visit the  National Museum of Scotland  and explore Scottish history and culture. As well as the national collections of Scottish archaeological finds and medieval objects, the museum contains artifacts from around the world, encompassing geology, archaeology, natural history, science, technology, art, and world cultures. 

Dean Village

Go for a stroll in  Dean Village  on the Water of Leith. With historic buildings, art galleries, and an olde worlde ambiance, it’s easy to while away a few hours here.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is a peaceful haven where you can escape the bustle of the city. Founded in 1670 by two doctors studying medicinal plants, the gardens were moved to their current site in 1820 and cover 70 acres just north of the city center.

The gardens have over 10,000 species of plants and trees, divided into sections of different vegetation. There’s a woodland garden with Giant Redwoods, the Chinese gardens, a rock garden, and most impressive of all, the original Victorian temperate palm house, which was built in 1858 and is one of the tallest traditional palm houses ever built.

Calton Hill

Calton Hill , known in the 18th century as ‘the Athens of the North’, is famous for its collection of historic monuments, which form some of the most important landmarks of the city.

One of the most striking is the National Monument, inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. Intended to commemorate the Scottish servicemen who died in the Napoleonic Wars, it was never completed leaving just the twelve columns you see today. 

Also look out for the Nelson Monument, shaped like an up-turned telescope. Completed in 1816 the monument commemorates the death of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. 

With fantastic views across the entire city and surrounding countryside, it is also one of Edinburgh’s best spots to watch the sun go down.

Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Small Group Day Tour

If you take one day trip from Edinburgh, go north on this highly rated and well organized day trip from Edinburgh.

Explore some of the most famous attractions of the Scottish Highlands , including Glen Coe,  Loch Ness , and the stunning Cairngorms National Park .

With a professional guide to offer insights, an organized tour is the perfect opportunity to see  more of Scotland in less time!

Edinburgh Practicalities

When to visit edinburgh.

Edinburgh is known for its cold and windy weather year-round. Despite that, blue skies are not that uncommon during the summer months, which makes it a great time to visit Edinburgh’s attractions. At the same time, summer is when the Scottish capital comes to life with many festivals taking place. 

The most popular of them is the  Edinburgh Fringe Festival which takes place in August every year and is the world’s largest arts festival. There are thousands of performances and shows of all types, from comedies to talk shows to circuses. 

This does mean that the city becomes extremely crowded, so if you want to experience the quieter side of Edinburgh, then you should consider visiting during one of the other seasons.

Spring provides a great spectacle of blossom trees in the parks, while autumn sees the city fill with students from all over the world as they start the new university year.  

Autumn brings wonderful colours to Scotland and some summer heat remains into early October. The city will be quieter as crowds thin out, making hotels and attractions better value for money.

Winter is the most tranquil time to visit, although note that it is usually very cold, and days are extremely short. Of course, there is the Christmas period (late November to early January), when the city comes to life once again, with the famous  Edinburgh Christmas Market , followed by Hogmanay, Edinburgh’s New Year celebrations.

RELATED POST: 14 Stunning Places for Autumn Breaks in the UK

Getting to Edinburgh

Edinburgh Airport  is only 7 miles from the city and has a couple of different options for your transfer.

You can catch the tram from the station located right outside the terminal. There is a tram every 7 minutes between 7am to 7pm and every 15 minutes outside of these hours. The journey time is about 30 minutes to get to St Andrew’s Square. Buy your tickets before getting on the tram at the vending machines at the airport.

There is also a bus which leaves the airport every 10 minutes and also takes 30 minutes to get to the city center. You will find the bus stop for the Airlink100 bus right outside the terminal. You can purchase tickets on board, using the exact amount or a contactless debit card, or you can purchase beforehand here .

For a great way to start your Edinburgh trip book a private transfer from the airport with Intui directly to your accommodation in the city center – it’s more cost-effective than you think! Intui works with a large range of local operators to bring the best options and prices for your transfer.

Are you visiting Edinburgh as part of a longer trip? A Scottish road trip is the best way see this gorgeous country, and our guide to road tripping in Scotland has all you need, including maps, routes, highlights and tips, to help you plan the perfect trip.

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a relatively small city and despite being built on a hill, it is easy to walk around. There is an extensive network of buses, along with a tram line to connect the different parts of the city. However, if you are visiting Edinburgh in 1 day, then you may not need to use public transport at all if you choose centrally located hotel accommodation.

Princes Street is the center of the New Town and is where the main shopping street is located. This street and its parallel ones, Rose Street and George Street, have a lot of hotels and restaurants for various budgets. 

This area is also convenient for getting in and out of the city as it services the tram which connects the city centre to the airport and is only a short walk from the main bus station.

On the other hand, the Old Town is where you will find the more historic (and touristy) side of the city, with just as many Edinburgh hotels and other accommodation options. 

Luxury: Glasshouse Autograph Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Located at the foot of Calton Hill in a fabulous modern building with a historic facade, the Glasshouse is a real treat. With full-height windows in all the rooms, the views over Edinburgh are spectacular. Add a delicious local breakfast and a rooftop garden, and this hotel makes a great place for a special visit or celebration.

Mid-Range: Market Street Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Superbly located in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Market Street Hotel is one of our favorite places to stay for a short visit. The rooms are simple but stylish, and many local crafts have been used in the decor throughout the hotel. Make sure to enjoy a glass of something fizzy in the rooftop champagne bar!

Budget: Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile – Booking.com | Agoda

Another well-located hotel, the Ibis holds no surprises. Comfortable, functional, and clean, you’re in a perfect place to see all the top attractions, many of which are literally on the doorstep.

Hostel: CoDE Pod – The CoURT – Booking.com | Agoda

One of Edinburgh’s top hostels, CoDE Pod hostel offers simple but clean dormitories and private rooms making it a great option for those spending a night or two in Edinburgh on a budget.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Edinburgh . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Written for The Gap Decaders by Elina at Empnefsys and Travel .

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7 replies to this topic

How far are you willing to walk (I once did a “tour” with an American friend who was only here for a day and we did 10 miles on foot by 5pm!) and would you rather explore and just see things from the outside or focus on one or two attractions such as the castle?

2 to 3 hours at the Castle and Palace each, plus as long as you take to meander down the Royal Mile is more than a day's activity on your own.

Sounds great!

Where are you landing from the ship?

There are four possible locations,some closer to the city than others.

There are 4 berths on the Forth estuary and only two of them are within Edinburth. The third is Queensferry, the 4th is Rosyth which is a bit of a pain compared with others.

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