After savoring all the things to do in Edinburgh, from wandering through the historic Royal Mile to exploring the majestic Edinburgh Castle, day trips from Edinburgh beckon with the promise of new adventures. These excursions offer a glimpse into Scotland’s rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and charming villages just beyond the city’s borders.
Venturing from Edinburgh, you’re introduced to the expansive list of things to do in Scotland, ranging from the mysterious beauty of the Scottish Highlands to the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond. Each journey offers a deeper understanding of Scottish culture, history, and the natural beauty that captivates visitors from around the world.
Deciding where to stay in Edinburgh is crucial for travelers eager to experience both the city’s enchanting historical sites and the ease of embarking on day trips to explore further afield. The right accommodation not only places you at the heart of Edinburgh’s storied past but also provides a comfortable base for your Scottish adventures.
Discover Best Day Trips from Edinburgh, United Kingdom
1. Stirling, United Kingdom
Stirling, steeped in history, is known for the iconic Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, a tribute to the Scottish hero William Wallace. Explore the city’s rich past and enjoy stunning views from the castle.
Distance: Approximately 65 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by car or train
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument, Old Town Jail
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Stirling Castle: $20
- Wallace Monument: $13
- Old Town Jail: $10
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Stirling Castle Esplanade, Abbey Craig, King’s Knot
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the interactive exhibits at the Wallace Monument, and wear comfortable shoes for the climb to the top.
2. Loch Ness and the Highlands, Scotland
A trip to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands offers breathtaking landscapes, the chance to hunt for the Loch Ness Monster, and a visit to Glencoe, known for its dramatic scenery.
Distance: Approximately 250 km
Travel Time: About 3 to 4 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Glencoe
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Urquhart Castle: $14
- Loch Ness Boat Tour: $18
- Glencoe Visitor Centre: $5
Budget: Approximately $60-$120 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Loch Ness Shoreline, Glencoe Valley, Ben Nevis Viewpoints
Travel Tip: Bring a camera for the stunning landscapes, and consider a boat tour on Loch Ness for a different perspective.
3. Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, offers a vibrant mix of culture, architecture, and a lively music and arts scene. Key attractions include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Riverside Museum.
Distance: Approximately 75 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour by train or car
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Riverside Museum, Glasgow Cathedral
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Kelvingrove Art Gallery: Free
- Riverside Museum: Free
- Glasgow Cathedral: Free (Donations welcome)
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow Green, Botanic Gardens
Travel Tip: Explore the West End for quaint shops and the city’s best cafes and bars.
4. North Berwick, Scotland
North Berwick is a charming seaside town with beautiful beaches, bird watching at the Scottish Seabird Centre, and the imposing Tantallon Castle on the coastline.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by train or car
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Scottish Seabird Centre, Tantallon Castle, Bass Rock
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Scottish Seabird Centre: $15
- Tantallon Castle: $10
- Bass Rock Boat Trip: $25
Budget: Approximately $40-$80 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: North Berwick Beach, The Law Hill, Seacliff Beach
Travel Tip: Take a boat trip to the Bass Rock to see the gannet colony, one of the world’s largest.
5. Rosslyn Chapel, Scotland
Famous for its appearance in “The Da Vinci Code,” Rosslyn Chapel is a 15th-century chapel known for its intricate carvings and mysterious symbolism. It’s surrounded by beautiful countryside, perfect for walking.
Distance: Approximately 12 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by car or bus
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Rosslyn Chapel, Rosslyn Castle, Roslin Glen
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Rosslyn Chapel: $13
- Rosslyn Castle: Free
- Roslin Glen: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Roslin Glen, Chapel Grounds, The Glen Walks
Travel Tip: Look for the famous ‘Apprentice Pillar’ and the carvings believed to depict maize before it was discovered in Europe.
6. Melrose Abbey, Scotland
Melrose Abbey, a beautiful ruined monastery in the Scottish Borders, is known for its rich history and intricate architecture. It’s believed to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce’s heart.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car or train
Transportation: Train and Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Melrose Abbey, Harmony Garden, Roman Museum
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Melrose Abbey: $10
- Harmony Garden: Free
- Roman Museum: $5
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Eildon Hills, River Tweed, Melrose Gardens
Travel Tip: Visit the nearby Harmony Garden for a peaceful stroll.
7. Linlithgow Palace, Scotland
Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, is a partially ruined palace set beside a tranquil loch. The town of Linlithgow has charming shops and cafes.
Distance: Approximately 32 km
Travel Time: About 20 minutes by train or 30 minutes by car
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Linlithgow Palace, St. Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow Loch
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Linlithgow Palace: $12
- St. Michael’s Parish Church: Free
- Linlithgow Loch: Free
Budget: Approximately $25-$50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Linlithgow Loch, The Peel, Palace Gardens
Travel Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy by the loch after exploring the palace ruins.
8. Falkirk, Scotland
Falkirk offers a unique mix of historical and modern attractions, including the Falkirk Wheel, a remarkable piece of engineering, and the historic Callendar House.
Distance: Approximately 37 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes by train or car
Transportation: Train, Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Falkirk Wheel, Callendar House, The Kelpies
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Falkirk Wheel: $13
- Callendar House: Free (Donations welcome)
- The Kelpies Tour: $10
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Helix Park, The Kelpies, Union Canal
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the impressive Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, located nearby.
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Sources:
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