Last updated on November 6th, 2024 at 03:00 pm
Looking for ideas for day trips from Edinburgh during your Scotland trip?
Edinburgh is, without a doubt, one of the best cities in Scotland for families to visit. It also serves as an ideal base for exploring many of Scotland’s other must-see sights.
The suggestions below will have you covered whether you’re looking for day trips from Edinburgh without a car, shorter half-day trips or even day trips from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands. Have fun exploring!
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Easy Day Trips from Edinburgh
If you’re basing yourself in Edinburgh for your Scotland trip but want to see a bit more of the region, there are lots of fantastic options to go for. This first section covers some easy options for day trips from Edinburgh – ones you don’t have to travel too far for!
Here’s a map of Scotland for you to see where each of these Scotland tours from Edinburgh is located:
1. Linlithgow Palace and Loch
Address: Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL
How to get there: trains go every 15 to 30 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley station. The journey takes around 20 minutes.
Linlithgow Palace is great for history buffs; it was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. You can take a look at the ruins of this magnificent royal residence and even check out the king and queen’s bedchambers. Then, go for a walk around Linlithgow Loch and stop for a picnic to spot local wildlife.
Linlithgow Palace and Loch is just a short train ride from Edinburgh – this hidden gem offers a peaceful escape from busy city life with stunning views.
2. Glenkinchie Distillery and Pencaitland
Address: Pencaitland, Tranent EH34 5ET
How to get there: best by car, Glenkinchie Distillery is around half an hour’s drive away from Edinburgh.
Learn more about Scotland’s whisky heritage with a tour of Glenkinchie Distillery. Find out about the art of whisky-making and (if you’re of drinking age) sample the smooth Lowland single malt. Children over the age of 8 years old are allowed on the tours of the distillery.
If you have time, combine this with a visit to Pencaitland, a quaint village surrounded by scenic countryside, offering some great walks and a chance to relax.
✅ Book HERE for the best rates on tours of Glenkinchie Distillery and surrounding areas
3. Falkland and Lomond Hills
How to get there: Falkland is just under an hour away by car, and an hour and forty-five minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley.
Escape the crowds and explore Falkland, a charming village famed for its historic palace and photo-worthy streets. Falkland Palace and Gardens is also worth seeing while you’re there.
From here, head into the Lomond Hills for some amazing views of the Fife countryside. If you’re up for it, you can hike to the summit – a great opportunity for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Peebles and Glentress Forest
How to get there: Peebles will take you around 50 minutes to reach by car or the X62 bus will get you there in around one hour twenty minutes.
A great option for a day tour from Edinburgh is the sleepy town of Peebles, positioned along the River Tweed. Explore its independent shops, cafes, and Peebles Old Parish Church.
If you’re in Scotland with teens, head to nearby Glentress Forest and hire some bikes – there are some good mountain biking trails here (and peaceful woodland walks for those feeling less energetic).
5. Culross and Aberdour
How to get there: the best way to get to Culross is by car – it’ll take you around forty five minutes from Edinburgh.
Transport yourself to another era with a visit to Culross, a well preserved 17th-century village. Wander through the cobbled streets lined with historic buildings, including Culross Palace. This lovely village is one of the Outlander filming locations and if you’re a fan, an Outlander Adventure tour is a great idea:
✅ Book HERE for fantastically fun Outlander Adventure Tours
After spending some time in Culross, continue your journey to Aberdour, home to one of Scotland’s oldest standing castles and a lovely coastal setting.
Scotland Tours from Edinburgh Just Over an Hour Away
6. Fife Coastal Path: Anstruther and Crail
How to get there: A drive will take you one hour 15 minutes and a train journey will add another hour to hour and a half on.
Catch a train to Anstruther, a pretty fishing village famous for its award-winning fish and chips. After lunch, walk along the coastal path towards Crail. You’ll get to enjoy some stunning sea views, hidden coves, and seabird colonies along the way.
7. East Neuk of Fife: Crail and St. Andrews
How to get there: the easiest way is by car; the journey takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Plan a coastal journey to the pretty villages of the East Neuk of Fife. Explore the charming streets of Crail, known for its traditional fishing heritage, before heading on to St. Andrews.
It’s not just about golf in St. Andrews (although it has one of the best courses in the world, if that’s your thing). You can explore the historic university town’s medieval ruins (this is where Prince William and Kate met while studying), and beautiful beaches such as West Sands Beach.
✅ Book HERE for tours from Edinburgh of Fife’s fishing villages and St Andrews
Day Trips from Edinburgh without a car
You might not have a car during your stay in Edinburgh, or want to rent one. That’s ok – there are plenty of day trips from Edinburgh by train you can consider. Here are some ideas:
8. Dunbar and John Muir Country Park
How to get there: Dunbar is easy to reach from Edinburgh Waverley station and it’ll only take you 20 to 30 minutes until you’re there.
Head east to Dunbar, a lovely coastal town known for its historic castle ruins and impressive coastal walks.
You can visit the birthplace of famous naturalist John Muir and explore the John Muir Country Park, where rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lots of wildlife await you.
9. Dundee and the V&A Museum
V&A Address: 1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee DD1 4EZ
How to get there: You can get a direct train from Edinburgh to Dundee – the trip is around one and a half hours.
Take a train to Dundee, Scotland’s vibrant waterfront city. Explore the impressive V&A Museum of Design, which includes exhibitions on art, design, and technology.
Afterwards, you can take a walk along the regenerated waterfront and visit the RRS Discovery, Captain Scott’s Antarctic exploration ship.
10. Glasgow: Wall Art and Kelvingrove Museum
Kelvingrove Museum address: Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG
How to get there: It’s actually quicker to reach Glasgow by train rather than drive. A direct train from Edinburgh Waverley will get you there in under an hour.
A walking tour of Glasgow will allow you to see some of the wonderful wall art this city has to offer.
Combine this with a visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – there’s lots to see and learn about for kids and adults alike.
✅ Book HERE for a fantastic Glasgow Street Art Guided Walking Tour
11. Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument
Stirling Castle address: Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EJ
National Wallace Monument address: Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Causewayhead, Stirling FK9 5LF
How to get there: A train from Edinburgh Waverley station to Stirling will take you just 45 minutes.
Hop on a train to Stirling and explore its iconic castle perched on a volcanic rock.
Then, visit the National Wallace Monument, dedicated to Scottish hero William Wallace and learn about Scotland’s medieval history while enjoying some amazing views.
Half-day trips from Edinburgh
You might be looking for a shorter day tour from Edinburgh, in which case a half day trip from Edinburgh might be what you’re looking for.
12. Portobello Beach
How to get there: It’s just over a fifteen minute drive to Portobello beach from the city centre. The number 19 bus will also get you there in a little over half an hour.
For a relaxing break by the sea, visit Portobello Beach, just a short bus ride from Edinburgh city centre. Check out the Victorian promenade, and stop for some seaside fish and chips.
Portobello has a laid-back feel and is perfect for a half-day getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city on summer days.
13. Rosslyn Chapel and Roslin Glen
Address: Chapel Loan, Roslin EH25 9PU
How to get there: Only a twenty five minute drive away or just over fifty minutes on the number 37 bus (going from Princes Street).
Get curious at Rosslyn Chapel, known for its intricate stone carvings and mysterious legends. Located just a short bus ride from Edinburgh, this 15th-century chapel offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s medieval history and folklore.
Once you’ve explored the chapel, take a walk through Roslin Glen, a lovely wooded gorge with riverside paths and ruins of Roslin Castle.
✅ Book HERE for Rosslyn Chapel tours from Edinburgh
14. Blackness Castle and Hopetoun House
Address: Blackness, Linlithgow EH49 7NH
How to get there: It’s easiest to reach Blackness Castle by car – you’ll be able to get there in 35 minutes.
Go on a half-day adventure to Blackness Castle and Hopetoun House, two gorgeous historic landmarks near Edinburgh.
Blackness Castle is often referred to as “the ship that never sailed” due to its ship-like appearance. It overlooks the Firth of Forth and has been featured in popular TV series like Outlander.
✅ Book HERE for tours of Blackness Castle including Outlander filming locations
Afterwards, visit Hopetoun House, a stately home with impressive interiors and expansive grounds, perfect for a gentle stroll.
Day Trips from Edinburgh to Highlands
Heading to the Highlands from Edinburgh means a bit more travelling. But if you’re keen to visit, it’s definitely doable. There are some great organised day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands.
15. Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands
How to get there: you’ll need a car for a day trip from Edinburgh to the Highlands. You’ll need to start early as you’ll have a lot of driving ahead of you. It’ll take two hours forty-five minutes to reach Glencoe and just over three hours to reach Loch Ness from Edinburgh.
TOP TIP: Pick up my top trivia questions for road trips to keep the whole family entertained during the journey!
Plan a full-day guided tour to Loch Ness and Glencoe, two iconic Highland locations north of Edinburgh.
Stop first at Glencoe, known for its dramatic mountains and the Glencoe massacre. Glencoe has to be one of the prettiest villages in the Highlands and it has some fantastic walks and scenery.
Continue on to Loch Ness, where you can take a boat cruise on the loch and visit Urquhart Castle, with its fabulous views over the water. Keep an eye out for Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness Monster, as you explore this legendary Scottish destination.
✅ Book HERE for tours of the Highlands from Edinburgh – book early, they’re really popular!
16. Cairngorms National Park and Pitlochry
How to get there: If you’re only visiting for a day, travelling by car is the best way. It’ll take you around two and a half hours.
Take a day trip to the Cairngorms National Park, one of Scotland’s most beautiful regions. You can enjoy a scenic drive through the park, visit the picturesque town of Pitlochry (known for its Victorian architecture) and explore Blair Castle, a historic fortress set amidst gorgeous Highland scenery.
Or take a ride on the Cairngorm Mountain Funicular Railway for some great views of the surrounding peaks.
Edinburgh Day Trips: The Verdict
Edinburgh is one of the best places to visit in Scotland, and we’d certainly recommend spending some time there if you’re on a road trip in Scotland. We’d also recommend a visit to Skye and – our favourite – the island of Iona.
It’s a great idea to base yourself in Edinburgh for a little longer and spend some time visiting some of the villages and sites just outside of the city centre, which you might not initially think about including in your itinerary.
Summer is one of the best times of year to visit Scotland. Book accommodation well ahead of time, though, as August is a very popular time to visit Edinburgh due to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Wanting to explore more of the United Kingdom? London with teens is a great choice. Check out my London captions and quotes for inspiration too.
