Day Trips from Edinburgh
Planning Your Edinburgh Day Trip
Edinburgh is the perfect home base for exploring Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes and historic sites.
When you stay in Edinburgh, you’re just a short journey away from castles, lochs, and charming villages that showcase the best of Scottish culture and natural beauty.
You can reach many amazing destinations from Edinburgh city centre, making day trips an ideal way to experience more of Scotland without changing hotels.
Linlithgow, the historic village and birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, is only a 20-minute train ride away, while iconic locations like Loch Ness can be visited in a single day with organised tours.
Whether you prefer stunning mountain scenery, coastal walks, or whisky distilleries, there’s a day trip option that fits your interests.
Many tours depart from central Edinburgh in comfortable mini-coaches, letting you sit back and enjoy the journey while expert guides share stories about Scotland’s rich history and culture.
Best Time of Year to Visit
Spring (March-May) offers mild temperatures and blooming landscapes, making it perfect for outdoor adventures to places like Glencoe or the Scottish Highlands.
Summer (June-August) provides longer daylight hours—up to 18 hours in June—ideal for fitting more activities into your day trips. However, this is peak tourist season, so popular destinations may be crowded.
Fall (September-October) brings stunning foliage and fewer tourists, perfect for photography and more peaceful experiences in historic towns like those in the Scottish Borders.
Winter (November-February) offers a unique charm with possible snow in the Highlands, but daylight is limited (7-8 hours) and some attractions may have reduced hours.
Always check the weather forecast before setting out and pack appropriate layers regardless of season.
Transport Options
Public Transport:
- Trains:Fast connections to Glasgow (50 min), Stirling (40 min), and coastal towns like North Berwick (30 min)
- Buses:Budget-friendly options reaching more remote areas than trains
- Ferries:Essential for island destinations like Fife coastal villages
Guided Tours:
Many day trips from Edinburgh are available through tour companies, offering hassle-free experiences to popular destinations like Loch Lomond and Glencoe. These typically include transportation, commentary, and even a whisky tasting sometimes.
Self-Drive:
Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility for exploring at your own pace. This is especially valuable for reaching remote Highland locations or creating custom itineraries combining multiple stops.
Remember that Scottish rural roads can be narrow and sometimes challenging, particularly in winter conditions. Always allow extra time when planning your return to Edinburgh.
Historical Tours and Cultural Experiences
Edinburgh and its surroundings offer incredible journeys through time with tours that showcase Scotland’s rich heritage. You’ll find both guided explorations of the capital’s historic streets and opportunities to experience Scottish culture in nearby locations.
Edinburgh’s Rich History
Edinburgh’s Old Town is packed with historical sites that tell tales of the city’s fascinating past.
You can join an expertly guided tour that takes you through iconic landmarks and hidden gems in Scotland’s vibrant capital. These tours are perfect if you’re a history buff looking to understand Edinburgh’s complex story.
The Royal Mile stretches from Edinburgh Castle to Holyrood Palace, offering numerous stops along the way. You’ll see St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament, and quaint closes hiding centuries of stories.
For a comprehensive experience, consider an Edinburgh in a Day tour that includes the National Museum of Scotland. These tours help you understand the city’s evolution from medieval fortress to modern capital.
Cultural Attractions Nearby
Beyond Edinburgh’s boundaries lie remarkable cultural experiences just a short journey away.
Day trips from the city can take you to places like South Queensferry, only 30 minutes by car or 50 minutes by bus.
If you prefer a guided experience, private day tours led by knowledgeable locals like James and Lesley Kennedy can transport you to:
- Historic castles and medieval cathedrals
- Outlander filming locations
- Traditional Scottish villages
- Breathtaking countryside views
These excursions offer a deeper understanding of Scottish culture beyond the capital. You’ll gain insights into traditions, folklore, and daily life throughout the centuries.
For film and literature enthusiasts, specialized tours visit locations that inspired famous works or served as filming backdrops for popular shows and movies.
Natural Wonders and Outdoor Activities
Edinburgh’s surroundings offer breathtaking natural landscapes that make perfect day excursions. From dramatic coastlines to rolling hills, the region provides numerous opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor pursuits.
Scenic Coastlines
East Lothian’s coastline makes for one of the most refreshing day trips from Edinburgh. Just a short journey from the city, you’ll find miles of pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs waiting to be explored.
North Berwick offers stunning views of the Bass Rock, home to the world’s largest northern gannet colony. The beach here is perfect for a peaceful walk regardless of the season.
Dunbar’s rugged coastline provides excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting. You might see seals lounging on the rocks or seabirds diving for fish in the clear waters.
The charming fishing villages of Crail and Anstruther in Fife are accessible within an hour from Edinburgh. These picturesque harbors offer delicious seafood and coastal paths with breathtaking views across the Firth of Forth.
Hiking and Walking Trails
The Lammermuir Hills provide a perfect escape from city life. These rolling, heather-covered hills form a natural boundary between Lothian and the Borders region, offering peaceful walking routes with spectacular panoramic views.
Arthur’s Seat in Holyrood Park sits right within Edinburgh but feels worlds away. This ancient volcano provides relatively easy hiking with rewarding views of the city and beyond.
The Pentland Hills Regional Park, just south of Edinburgh, offers various walking trails suitable for all abilities. Crystal-clear reservoirs dot the landscape, creating perfect picnic spots during your hike.
For more adventurous outings, consider outdoor activities like gorge walking or coasteering. These guided experiences let you explore Scotland’s natural features in exciting new ways.
The Water of Leith Walkway provides a gentler option, following Edinburgh’s main river through charming villages and wooded areas that feel surprisingly remote despite their proximity to the city centre.
Scottish Day Tours from edinburgh
The breathtaking Scottish countryside offer some of the most memorable day trips from Edinburgh. These excursions showcase Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, historic castles, and cultural landmarks.
Outlander Filming Location Tour
Fans of the hit series Outlander will love exploring the real-life filming locations just a short drive from Edinburgh.
You’ll visit Doune Castle, which served as Castle Leoch in the show, where you can walk the same grounds as Jamie and Claire.
The quaint village of Culross in Fife, which appears as the fictional Cranesmuir, showcases well-preserved 17th-century architecture with its cobbled streets and ochre-colored palace.
Tour Guide Scotland offers guided day trips that provide fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the filming. You’ll also see Blackness Castle, which stood in for Fort William in the series.
Don’t forget your camera! These picturesque locations offer stunning photo opportunities whether you’re an Outlander enthusiast or simply appreciate historic Scottish settings.
Stirling Castle & The Trossachs National Park
Stirling Castle stands majestically atop a volcanic crag, offering incredible views across central Scotland. Once home to Scottish royalty, including Mary Queen of Scots, the castle features meticulously restored royal apartments and great halls.
After exploring the castle, your journey continues to The Trossachs National Park, often called “The Highlands in Miniature.”
Here you’ll find tranquil lochs, dense forests, and rolling hills that captured the imagination of authors like Sir Walter Scott.
Loch Katrine provides a peaceful setting for an optional boat ride on the historic steamship Sir Walter Scott. The scenery here inspired some of Scotland’s most famous poetry and literature.
Our tour includes a stop at the charming village of Callander, the gateway to the Highlands, where you can enjoy traditional Scottish fare in local cafés.
St Andrews and The Fishing Villages of Fife
St Andrews, famous for its historic university and as the “Home of Golf,” makes for a fantastic day trip from Edinburgh.
You can walk the iconic Old Course, where the sport has been played since the 15th century.
The medieval town center features the dramatic ruins of St Andrews Cathedral, once Scotland’s largest church. Nearby St Andrews Castle perches on a cliff overlooking the North Sea with its bottle dungeon, mine and countermine.
The East Neuk of Fife showcases charming fishing villages like Anstruther, Pittenweem, and Crail. These seaside hamlets feature colorful harbors, red-tiled roofs, and some of Scotland’s best seafood restaurants.
Tour Guide Scotland offers small-group experiences through this picturesque region with plenty of time to explore each location. You can find more information on our tour here.
Rosslyn Chapel & Melrose Abbey
Rosslyn Chapel gained worldwide fame through “The Da Vinci Code,” but its intricate stone carvings and mysterious symbolism have fascinated visitors for centuries.
The ornate 15th-century chapel contains the remarkable Apprentice Pillar and countless mysterious symbols.
Just a short drive away, Melrose Abbey stands as one of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval ruins. The abbey is believed to house the heart of Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s legendary king.
The surrounding Borders countryside offers pastoral landscapes dotted with sheep farms and rolling hills. You’ll gain insights into the historic border tensions between Scotland and England that shaped this region’s unique character.
Most tours include time to explore the charming market town of Melrose, where you can browse local shops and enjoy refreshments in traditional tearooms.
Click here to find out more about our Rosslyn Chapel & Melrose Day tours
North Berwick & Tantallon Castle
The seaside town of North Berwick offers a perfect coastal escape from Edinburgh. You’ll find pristine beaches, charming shops, and the famous Scottish Seabird Centre where you can spot puffins and gannets on the nearby Bass Rock.
Tantallon Castle’s dramatic clifftop ruins provide spectacular views across the Firth of Forth. This 14th-century fortress was the stronghold of the powerful Douglas family and withstood numerous sieges throughout its turbulent history.
Don’t miss the chance to sample fresh seafood in North Berwick’s harborside restaurants. The local lobster and crab are particularly renowned.
Bird enthusiasts should bring binoculars, as the area hosts one of Europe’s largest seabird colonies, especially during the spring and summer breeding seasons.
Glencoe and Fort William
The hauntingly beautiful valley of Glencoe is steeped in both natural grandeur and tragic history. You’ll be surrounded by towering mountains formed by ancient volcanoes and massive glaciers while learning about the infamous 1692 massacre of the MacDonald clan.
Fort William, nestled at the foot of Ben Nevis (Britain’s highest mountain), serves as the outdoor capital of Scotland. The town offers views of Loch Linnhe and access to numerous hiking trails.
provides day trips that include both locations with expert guides sharing tales of old and interesting fun facts along the way.
The journey from Edinburgh travels through diverse landscapes that showcase Scotland’s natural beauty.
Many tours include a photo stop at Rannoch Moor, a vast wilderness of peat bogs, lochs, and rocky outcrops that creates an almost otherworldly landscape.
The Royal Yacht Britannia & Leith Docks
Just minutes from Edinburgh city center, Leith Docks offers a maritime experience centered around the Royal Yacht Britannia. This floating palace served the Royal Family for over 40 years, hosting state visits and royal honeymoons.
Your audio tour reveals the ship’s state apartments, crew quarters, and engine room, providing fascinating insights into royal life at sea. The Queen’s bedroom and the elegant State Dining Room are particular highlights.
After exploring the yacht, you can enjoy tea and scones in the Royal Deck Tea Room or browse the gift shop for royal memorabilia.
The surrounding Leith district has transformed from rough docklands to a hip neighborhood with Michelin-starred restaurants and boutique shops.
You can extend your visit with a waterfront walk along the Shore area to discover local pubs and eateries.
Whisky Distillery Tours
Scotland’s whisky heritage shines through in the exceptional distillery tours available as day trips from Edinburgh. These experiences offer a perfect blend of history, craftsmanship and tasting opportunities in picturesque settings.
Glengoyne & Deanston Distillery Tour
Glengoyne Distillery sits beautifully at the foot of Dumgoyne Hill, just about an hour’s drive from Edinburgh.
This distillery is famous for its unhurried distillation process, which creates a smooth, unpeated Highland single malt. You can choose from several tour options that include tastings of their award-winning whiskies.
Deanston Distillery, a converted cotton mill on the banks of the River Teith, offers a more industrial charm. Their whisky is known for its sweet, honeyed character with a hint of spice.
Both distilleries showcase traditional copper stills and wooden washbacks. You’ll learn about the critical stages of whisky production: malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation, and maturation.
Dewar’s & Glenturret Distillery Tour
The Ultimate Whisky Tour from Edinburgh takes you to two historic distilleries in a single day.
Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery, founded in 1898, produces the honey-sweet Aberfeldy single malt, the heart of Dewar’s blended whiskies. Their interactive heritage exhibition reveals the story of the Dewar family.
Glenturret, established in 1775, claims to be Scotland’s oldest working distillery and offers a hands-on experience in a charming setting.
The Whisky, Woodland & Wallace Day Tour combines this visit with scenic Perthshire landscapes.
Tours typically last 10 hours, departing around 9:00 AM from Edinburgh, and include 2-3 distillery visits. Most packages include guided tastings and opportunities to purchase exclusive bottles not available elsewhere.
Food and Drink Tours
Edinburgh offers delightful culinary experiences that showcase Scotland’s rich food heritage. You can explore the city’s vibrant food scene through guided tours that combine sightseeing with delicious tastings.
Local Scottish Cuisine
When visiting Edinburgh, food and drink tours provide an excellent way to taste authentic Scottish cuisine while learning about the city’s history.
These tours take you through Edinburgh’s historic neighborhoods where you can sample traditional dishes like haggis, neeps, and tatties.
Edinburgh’s original food tour, operating since 2011, offers a full meal experience with paired drinks at independent restaurants and pubs. Your knowledgeable guides will share stories about Scottish food traditions as you walk.
The Edinburgh Old Town Food Tour takes you through hidden corners of the city while introducing you to passionate local food producers.
You’ll discover that Scottish cuisine goes far beyond the stereotypical dishes.
Many tours include tastings of award-winning Lowland single malt whisky and Scottish cheeses, giving you a comprehensive taste of Scotland’s culinary treasures.
These tours make perfect day trips, lasting approximately 3 hours.
Family-Friendly Activities
Edinburgh and its surroundings offer wonderful options for families looking to explore together. These activities combine fun with learning opportunities that both children and adults will enjoy.
Interactive Museums
The National Mining Museum of Scotland makes for a fascinating family day out. Located a short drive from Edinburgh, it offers interactive exhibits where kids can learn about Scotland’s mining heritage in an engaging way.
Edinburgh Castle is perfect for families with its exciting dungeons and Crown Jewels display.
Children particularly enjoy the interactive exhibits and thrilling live performances that bring Scotland’s history to life.
For a unique experience, take a day trip to Jupiter Artland, just outside the city. This outdoor sculpture park combines art with nature and offers special programs designed for children.
Parks and Zoos
Dalkeith Country Park, only 20 minutes from Edinburgh, features the amazing Fort Douglas play park.
Your children will love the treehouse fort, zip slides, and rope bridges in this recently updated adventure playground.
For swimming enthusiasts, Edinburgh has family-friendly pools that offer more than just swimming.
Some facilities include Clambers softplay areas where younger children can play safely while older kids enjoy the water.
After a day of exploration, you might want to visit one of Edinburgh’s child-friendly restaurants.
Popular options include Vittoria, Fazenda, Loudons, and The City Cafe, all offering special menus and accommodations for young diners.
Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival transforms the city each August into the world’s largest arts festival.
Running for three weeks, this cultural phenomenon dates back to 1947 and now attracts thousands of performers from across the globe.
When you visit during the Fringe, you’ll encounter countless comedy shows, theatrical performances, music concerts, and street performances throughout the city.
The Fringe Festival offers both ticketed and free events, making it accessible for any budget.
The Royal Mile becomes particularly lively during this period, with performers showcasing snippets of their shows to attract audiences.
Be sure to book accommodation well in advance if planning a day trip during this busy time.
Christmas Markets
Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets create a magical winter wonderland experience from late November through early January.
Centered mainly in Princes Street Gardens, these markets transform the city center into a festive paradise.
You’ll discover traditional wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and warming beverages like mulled wine and hot chocolate.
The markets feature:
- An ice skating rink
- Carnival rides
- A big wheel offering panoramic city views
- Live entertainment stages
The backdrop of Edinburgh Castle illuminated against the winter sky makes this a particularly photogenic experience.
Seasonal tours often include special Christmas-themed itineraries during December, allowing you to combine market visits with other winter attractions.
