Seen the Edinburgh Castle from many different angles and strolled a zillion times along the Royal Mile? If you have explored all the iconic sights in Edinburgh and are yearning for a new adventure, we have got you covered. Let us travel beyond the city’s ancient stone walls for some unforgettable day trips.
We have spent countless weekends venturing beyond this city. And let me tell you, we have found some of the most magical places in Scotland just an hour or two from the city centre.
From bustling cities and sleepy coastal villages to secluded seaside towns high on charm and century-old historic castles and ruins, there are day trips from Edinburgh to suit every soul.
So, no matter if you are a frequent visitor or a local in need of a spontaneous Saturday escape, we recommend adding a few day trips to your Edinburgh itinerary.
Hop on a train, jump in the car, or catch the next bus and discover the best day trips from Edinburgh, handpicked by someone who calls this magical city home.
Day Trips Less Than One Hour from Edinburgh
1. Glasgow
The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow, is one of the easiest day trips from Edinburgh. Known for its versatile museums, colourful street art, buzzing nightlife, and friendly locals, every traveller will find something to do and see in Glasgow.
Attractions in Glasgow: Start at one of the city’s famous museums – Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, where you will find everything from ancient mummies to Renaissance masterpieces. Then, head to Glasgow Cathedral, the oldest surviving medieval cathedral on the mainland.
Also, add Riverside Museum and the nearby Tall Ship Glenlee to your Glasgow itinerary to get a taste of the city’s industrial past.
Tips: Street art lovers can follow the Glasgow mural trail to admire the large-scale artworks created by local and international artists. Before heading back from your day trip, don’t forget to check out Glasgow’s thriving food scene.
How to Get to Glasgow by Public Transport: 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
Stirling is just 37 miles from Edinburgh, making it a perfect day trip destination, especially for history fans. It is where William Wallace defeated the English army, and it is home to one of the most important castles in Scotland.
What to See in Stirling: Sitting proudly over a volcanic crag, Stirling Castle was once the main royal residence of Scotland. From the castle esplanade, you will get a stunning panoramic view of the city, the Forth River, the Ochil Hills and the National Wallace Monument.
Next, the Wallace Monument is another landmark you can add to your day trip. It commemorates Sir William Wallace – one of the greatest national heroes of Scotland. Climb to the top for uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.
How to Get to Stirling: Trains from Edinburgh Waverley or Haymarket run frequently and take around 50 minutes. Tickets are available online or at the station.
3. North Berwick, East Lothian
Sandy beaches, abundance of wildlife, scenic boat tours, dramatic rock formations, ruined castles – this seaside town has all the ingredients for an ideal day trip from Edinburgh.
Things to Do in North Berwick: 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.
Also, North Berwick has two extensive sandy beaches. Weather permitting, you can sunbathe, picnic and explore the rock pools.
Foodie Tip: Sample some delicious freshly caught seafood at Lobster Shack. Their fish supper and seafood chowder are heavenly.
How to Reach North Berwick from Edinburgh by Public Transport: A 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 day trip destination for anyone travelling to Edinburgh.
What to Do in South Queensferry: One of the main tourist attractions of this coastal town is the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 for its extraordinary engineering and design.
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 highly recommend taking a boat tour to the nearby island of Inchcolm as well. There, you will find the historic Inchcolm Abbey. You can visit South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island in half a day.
How to Reach South Queensferry: 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 just a 30-minute drive away from Edinburgh. Tourists visit this historic town on a day trip to explore the atmospheric ruins of Linlithgow Palace.
Not too far from Linlithgow, Falkirk is home to two of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions – The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel.
Tourist Attractions in Linlithgow: Linlithgow Palace is the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. It was a key residence for Scottish monarchs in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Tourist Attractions in Falkirk: Residing inside Helix Park, The Kelpies are two gigantic horse-head sculptures, which are the largest equine sculptures in the world. The Falkirk Wheel is another feat of Scottish engineering. It is the first rotating boat lift in the world and connects the Forth and Clyde Canals with the Union Canal.
How to Reach Linlithgow and Falkirk: Train services from Edinburgh Waverley take about 25 minutes to get to Linlithgow. Falkirk is about another 10 minutes by train.
6. Pentland Hills – A Countryside Day Trip Near Edinburgh with Hills and Lochs
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 for 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.
What to do in Pentland Hills on your day trip: Here, you can enjoy outdoor activities like walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing. There are several waymarked trails which 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.
How to Reach Pentland Hills from Edinburgh: There are various access points to enter the Pentlands. You can catch the Lothian bus service 4 to reach Hillend. Alternatively, you can ride bus service 101, 101A or 102 to Flotterstone.
7. Roslin, Midlothian
This idyllic place is very close to Edinburgh and makes a great day trip choice by bus.
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.
Things to see on a day trip to Roslin: Rosslyn Chapel was founded in the mid-15th century by Sir William St Clair. The interior of this chapel is stunning. Admire the intricate stonework and mysterious symbolism of the walls.
Afterwards, take a short stroll to the nearby Roslin Castle. Perched over a steep-sided wooded valley overlooking the River North Esk, this ruined castle was built in the early 14th century by the aristocratic Sinclair family.
How to Reach Roslin: Jump on the 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
Over the years, we have made so many day trips to Loch Lomond, the largest freshwater lake by surface area in Britain. It is an outstanding place to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Things to do in Loch Lomond: The first stop on your day trip itinerary is Luss, a pretty village on the shore of Loch Lomond, famous for its neatly lined, quaint cottages, well-maintained gardens and breathtaking panoramic views. Also, you can take boat tours from here.
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 Loch Lomond from Edinburgh: There is no direct train. So, you will have to change trains at Glasgow Queen Street Station. It takes only 50 minutes from Glasgow 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. Recently, the movie Avengers: Endgame was filmed here.
What to do in St Abbs: Nature lovers will love a scenic hike around the St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve. From May to July, thousands of seabirds nest here. Watch out for guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, shags, herring gulls and fulmars.
Tip: Pop inside the Ebbcarrs Cafe to try out their delicious crab sandwich and Cullen Skink.
How to Reach St Abbs: From Edinburgh Waverly, it takes about 40 minutes to reach Berwick-upon-Tweed by train. From there, hop on local bus service 235, and you will be in St Abbs in nearly 35 minutes.
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.
What to see in Culross: One of the main tourist attractions of Culross is the bright yellow-coloured Culross Palace. 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.
What to do in Dunfermline on a day trip: 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, including Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s great warrior king.
How to Reach Culross and Dunfermline: You can catch a bus or train from Edinburgh to get to Dunfermline. Trains only take 38 minutes. From Dunfermline, catch Stagecoach buses 8 and 8A to get to Culross.
11. Dundee – A Cultural Day Trip from Edinburgh
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. This vibrant city is the perfect destination for spending a day outside of Edinburgh.
Things to Do in Dundee: Start your Dundee adventure with a visit to the V&A Dundee. Opened in 2018, this is the first design museum in Scotland.
Also, art enthusiasts can’t miss a visit to the McManus Art Gallery & Museum. The stunning Gothic Revival-style building houses a great display of paintings, sculptures and artefacts.
Plus, you can easily add the nearby Glamis Castle to your day trip. Located just 12 miles from Dundee, it is one of the prettiest castles in Scotland.
How to Reach Dundee from Edinburgh: The easiest way to get to Dundee is by train. Direct trains run regularly from Edinburgh Waverley Station and take about an hour and a half. Bus services are run by Megabus and Ember Bus.
12. St Andrews – Famous Golf and Coastal Day Trip from Edinburgh
World-famous golf courses, vast sandy beaches and dramatic coastal views alongside a ruined medieval cathedral make this lovely university town an excellent day trip choice from Edinburgh.
Tourist Attractions in St Andrews: The Old Course is one of the oldest golf courses in the world. Many believe it is the home of golf. It is open to the public.
The dramatic ruin of St Andrews Cathedral is another must-see attraction here. Built in the 12th century, it was once the largest church in Scotland and an important religious site.
Also, take a stroll along the extensive West Sands Beach. It was featured in the movie Chariots of Fire.
Tip: Before saying goodbye to this seaside town, taste some delicious ice cream from Jannettas Gelateria.
How to Reach St Andrews from Edinburgh by Public Transport: Trains from Edinburgh to Leuchars take around an hour and a quarter. From Leuchars, a local bus will take you to St Andrews in nearly 10 minutes.
13. Melrose, Scottish Borders
Often overlooked by tourists, the Scottish Borders is a fantastic place to spend a day away from Edinburgh exploring the Scottish countryside.
Things to See in Melrose: Melrose is one of the most picturesque towns in the Scottish Borders and home to the historic Melrose Abbey. Founded in 1136, it is the final resting place of many Scottish royals, most famously, the heart of the legendary Scottish warrior Robert the Bruce.
Next, wander around the beautiful Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden. Outdoor enthusiasts would love a hike to the nearby Eildon Hill. It takes around 3-4 hours to complete the circuit.
A five-minute drive from Melrose will bring you to Abbotsford House, the ancestral home of Sir Walter Scott, a renowned Scottish novelist.
How to Reach Melrose from Edinburgh: Trains leaving from Edinburgh Waverly 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 – A Coastal Day Tour from Edinburgh
Without a doubt, Fife has some of the prettiest seaside villages in Scotland. You can easily visit some of these charming fishing villages on your day trip from Edinburgh.
Must-visit Fishing Villages in Fife: Anstruther is the largest fishing port of the East Neuk. Take a wander around the pretty streets and the busy harbour. Try the famous fish and chips at the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar.
Crail lies about a four-mile walk along the coastline from Anstruther. Pop by Lobster Hut for some freshly caught lobsters and crabs.
Another lovely 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 a visit to the photogenic St Monans Windmill and St Monans Parish Church.
How to Reach Villages of Fife from Edinburgh: It takes around an hour and a half to drive to Anstruther from Edinburgh. Also, you can catch the 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 colour, and the whole area looks absolutely spectacular.
Activities in Pitlochry: Pitlochry is a nature lover’s 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 get a stunning view over Pitlochry and the surrounding mountains of Perthshire.
Our Suggestion: Catch a local bus from Pitlochry to visit the nearby Queen’s View. This iconic viewpoint is named after Queen Victoria, who visited this place in 1866 and fell in love with the sweeping view.
How to Reach Pitlochry from Edinburgh: Direct trains from Edinburgh Waverley take around an hour and fifty minutes.
16. Newcastle – A Lively Day Break from Edinburgh For Culture and Architecture
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 and see in Newcastle. If you love city breaks, this day trip from Edinburgh is perfect for you.
Newcastle Itinerary: 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 lively area brims 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
With a driving time of less than two hours and well-connected public transport, this day trip to England is probably not the craziest idea.
Dramatic castles, miles of sandy beaches, fresh seafood, plenty of wildlife, and rich heritage – Northumberland has all the ingredients for a perfect day trip destination for tourists visiting Edinburgh.
What to see: The most famous attraction in this area is Alnwick Castle, the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK. Also, this magnificent fortress is one of the filming locations of the Harry Potter movies.
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 the Farne Islands.
How to Reach Northumberland from Edinburgh by Public Transport: Trains from Edinburgh take almost an hour to get to Alnmouth. From there, the local bus takes about 12 minutes to reach the Alnwick bus station.
18. Durham
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 loads of amazing attractions in Durham to keep you occupied.
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 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.
How to Reach Durham for a Day Trip: 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
19. York
To be honest, York is quite a long day trip from Edinburgh. However, if you are short on time, taking a train for a day visit will still give you a great introduction to the city.
What to do in York: A visit to the York Minster should be at the 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 Minster will bring you to The Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. Also, like Victoria Street in Edinburgh, the Shambles is believed to be one of the inspirations behind Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series.
Also, you can walk the historic York City Wall. The 2-mile circular route provides a beautiful view of the city.
How to Reach: LNER and CrossCountry run frequent train services for York from Edinburgh. The journey time is around 2 hours and 30 minutes on average.
20. Cairngorms – A Nature Day Trip from Edinburgh with Hiking Trails
The Cairngorms is one of the most stunning mountainous regions of Scotland – a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
While it makes for a long day trip from Edinburgh, visiting the Cairngorms is certainly possible, especially during the long daylight hours of summer.
Aviemore is the gateway town to the Cairngorms, offering a good selection of cafés, pubs, restaurants, and shops.
Catch a bus to Loch Morlich, a stunning freshwater loch with a sandy beach – perfect for relaxing and enjoying a range of water sports.
For breathtaking views, don’t miss a ride on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway. The funicular train takes you up to 1,097 metres above sea level, offering spectacular panoramic scenery.
If you are driving, be sure to stop by the charming village of Braemar.
How to get to Aviemore by public transport from Edinburgh: Direct trains from Edinburgh Waverley take around 2 hours and 50 minutes. Stagecoach operates local bus services in the area.
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.
From picturesque fishing villages to dramatic highland landscapes, ancient castles to cultural gems – there is a day trip from Edinburgh to suit every kind of traveller. As a local living in this city, I have loved revisiting these spots and discovering new ones.
I hope this guide has been helpful in planning to venture beyond Edinburgh and experience the diverse beauty Scotland has to offer, all within a day’s reach.
With Love, Moumita & Sankha.
