There is a lot to explore in Edinburgh, but don’t stop your Scotland travel planning there! I’ve visited the Highlands, neighboring Northumberland, and even the Hebrides islands. From my first moment in the Scottish countryside I was hooked, and I bet these day trips from Edinburgh will grab you too.
In a single day away from Edinburgh, you can easily see stunning natural beauty, iconic castles, or maybe even meet a friendly Highland cow. These 14 day trip destinations (plus a special bonus at the end) will help you pick the perfect itinerary for your day out.
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Know before you go
Car rentals: Americans can rent a car in the UK with a valid US driver’s license from any state. I recommend and use Discover Cars to find the best car rentals across the UK.
Train booking: Check train routes, ticket prices, and get your tickets directly to your phone through Trainline.
UK tours: From walking tours in Edinburgh to multi-day Highland adventures, I use Get Your Guide to find local guides and pre-book entry at popular sites.
14 Best Day Trips From Edinburgh
From modern film locations to centuries-old ruins, there are a lot of things to see on a day trip from Edinburgh. Here are my top 14 ideas to plan a day you won’t forget.
Map of Edinburgh Day Trips
1. Highland Cow Spotting
If you’ve ever looked at a photo of a Highland cow and fell just a little bit in love, don’t worry that’s a very normal response. Visiting Scotland means you just might get the chance to spot these hairy loves up close. Here’s a few ways to do it.
Visit Highland cows by bus
Edinburgh may be a large city, but you don’t have to go too far to spot your first coo. Swanston Farm is on the southern edge of Edinburgh and can be reached by car or on any of these bus lines: 4, 5, 16, 27, 400. Stop in the Brasserie for a bite to eat and find out where you are likely to find the Highland fold that day.
Note: this farm doesn’t promise you’ll locate their fold on any given day and you might only see them at a distance.
Visit Highland cows by car
If you have a car rental ready to go, you can get a full hands-on experience at Jacksons at Jedburgh. This family farm is open April through October and offers Highland cow visits that bring you up close with a farmer led tour.
Visit Highland cows by tour
The best way to experience Highland cows up close without needing a car is on this guided tour visit. The small-group tour takes you first to explore Blackness Castle, a 15th century fortress perched on the edge of the Firth of Forth. From there you’ll visit a private farm for a chance to meet and brush some adorable Highland cows.
2. Rosslyn Chapel
This 15th century chapel features a treasure trove of intricate stone carvings inside and out. A free guide is available inside to help you identify carvings of angels, Green Men, and more.
There are many legends circling Rosslyn Chapel, including connections to the Knights Templar. You may also recognize the chapel from its starring role in The Da Vinci Code book and film.
Visit Rosslyn Chapel by bus
You can make your way to Rosslyn Chapel by taking the 37 bus to the village of Roslin. Exit the bus at the Original Rosslyn Hotel and walk just a few minutes to reach the chapel.
Visit Rosslyn Chapel by tour
Take a full-day tour to pair Rosslyn Chapel with visits to Stirling Castle and Dunfermline Abbey. Your tour includes transportation and a knowledgeable guide who will share stories and information about the area you wouldn’t likely find on your own.
3. North Berwick
Fancy a seaside visit? Convenient train access makes North Berwick a quick and easy day trip to the coast. Once there, take a stroll on the sandy beach or grab some just-caught-today seafood at the Lobster Shack.
For an ocean adventure, take a boat trip with the Scottish Seabird Centre to learn about Scotland’s unique marine habitats and visit Bass Rock – home to the largest Northern gannet colony in the world.
Visit North Berwick by train
North Berwick is an ideal day trip if you want to go on your own without renting a car. Simply catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley and arrive right in North Berwick about 35 minutes later. Check available train times and book your tickets on Trainline.
4. Inchcolm Island
From South Queensferry on the Firth of Forth, you can see three impressive bridges spanning the waterway. Set out on a boat tour for excellent views of the bridges and a visit to Inchcolm Abbey. The abbey is well preserved and the island it sits on hosts marine wildlife like seals, puffins and other seabirds.
Visit Inchcolm Island by train and boat tour
Trains depart regularly from Edinburgh Waverley for a quick 15-minute journey to Dalmeny station in South Queensferry. From there it’s a 10-minute walk to the pier.
5. Linlithgow Palace
This was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The palace has lain in partial ruin since it was ravaged by fire in 1746, but it is still an impressive place to visit.
Today, you can step inside the palace ruins and learn what life was like when the palace was occupied. The grounds are also a lovely place to explore or share a picnic overlooking the nearby loch.
Visit Linlithgow Palace by train
Getting to Linlithgow Palace from Edinburgh is very easy and takes just over 30 minutes. Take a ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley to Linlithgow.
Once off the train head out to the high street and turn left. A short distance down the road you will turn right onto Kirkgate and you’ll see the arched entrance to the palace ahead.
Visit Linlithgow Palace by tour
Linlithgow Palace hosted film crews from the popular show Outlander when it served as the infamous Wentworth Prison. If you are a fan of the show, consider this Outlander-themed tour that takes you to Linlithgow Palace and four other locations that were either used in the show or served as inspiration for the filmmakers.
6. Falkirk
Heading to Falkirk on a day trip from Edinburgh gives you the option to see two iconic sights: the Kelpies sculpture and the Falkirk Wheel.
Located in Helix Park, the Kelpies are 30 meter tall metal-worked sculptures that will take your breath away. They may be named for mythical water spirits, but these giant horse head sculptures are dedicated to the horses that helped build Scotland as we know it today.
On the other side of Falkirk is the Falkirk Wheel – a part boat elevator, part ferris wheel contraption that has to be seen to be believed. The world’s only rotating boat lift connects two canals 115 feet (35 metres) apart. Watch the wheel in action from the viewing platform or even take a ride in a boat navigating through the wheel’s locks.
Visit Falkirk by train and bus
Getting to Falkirk is a simple 30-minute train journey from Edinburgh to either Falkirk High or Falkirk Grahamston station. From here, catch the number 6 or 7 bus line to reach the Falkirk Wheel. The Kelpies can be reached by the number 2 bus going in the other direction.
Visit Falkirk by tour
See both the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel on a tour that will also transport you to the stunning Stirling Castle.
If the Kelpies appeal to you more, then consider a tour with a photo stop here before heading into the Highlands for a boat tour on Loch Lomond and then a visit to Stirling Castle.
7. Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is large and imposing from its perch atop a volcanic crag. This location has held strategic importance since ancient times thanks to its height over the surrounding area. If you can tear your eyes away from the castle itself, then you’ll be greeted with stunning panoramic views over the countryside.
Stirling Castle once served as a royal residence and was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots. Today, you shouldn’t miss the Great Hall. Built in 1503, it was the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland and the towering beamed ceiling is very impressive. The castle kitchens also offer a fascinating look at how food was stored and prepared in medieval times.
If you have time and energy left after visiting the castle, consider walking down to the River Forth to see the Stirling Old Bridge. This stone bridge has stood here since it was built in the late 1400s or early 1500s. The bridge also marks the site where the previous wooden bridge collapsed during a battle in 1297.
Visit Stirling Castle by train
Trains depart Edinburgh Waverley every 30 minutes and the journey to Stirling takes about an hour. Once you arrive, it’s a 15 minute walk up the hill to the castle.
Visit Stirling Castle by tour
Many tours from Edinburgh include a visit to Stirling Castle. This full-day tour will also take you to the heart of the Highlands in Glencoe and includes a boat tour on Loch Lomond.
For a true highlights of Scotland tour, consider this full-day that starts with a whisky distillery in Glasgow before heading to Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle.
8. St. Andrews
Known for its historic golf roots and prestigious university, St. Andrews is a charming town with stunning coastal views. Golfers book well in advance for a chance to play the Old Course. Those less devoted to the sport should still check out the 700-year-old Swilcan Bridge and pop into the nearby Jigger Inn for lunch or a Scottish beer.
For those not golf inclined, take a visit instead to see the St. Andrews Castle and St. Andrews Cathedral. While both are in ruins, they remain strikingly beautiful and hold fascinating histories. Both the castle and cathedral are located on the coast a short distance from each other.
Visit St. Andrews by train and bus
To get to St. Andrews you’ll need to catch a train from Edinburgh Waverley to the town of Leuchars. From there, take bus number 99 into St. Andrews. The entire journey takes about 90 minutes.
Visit St. Andrews by tour
This day tour from Edinburgh gives you 2.5 hours to explore in St. Andrews, while also exploring Falkland and providing commentary on other notable spots along the way.
If you’re a golf devotee and can arrange your own travel into St. Andrews, try out this walking tour of the Old Course. You’ll learn how the game developed here and hear stories of the notable people who impacted golf and the community.
9. Glasgow
Swapping one major city for another, you can experience a completely different city feel in Edinburgh’s creative rival. You could easily spend several days in Glasgow, so you’ll need to be picky on your day trip activities.
Art and history lovers shouldn’t miss the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. This lovely museum is home to a wide range of things to see, including a taxidermy 19th century elephant and works by Dali. The building itself is also a draw, known for its red sandstone exterior.
Street art enthusiasts can follow the Glasgow Mural Trail displaying large scale murals through the city center.
To learn more about the city’s history, head to the Riverside Museum. Here you’ll find vintage cars, trains and trams, as well as a detailed history of Glasgow’s industrial past.
Visit Glasgow by train
Reaching Glasgow couldn’t be simpler for independent travelers. Trains run from Edinburgh Waverley several times each hour. The trip will take between 50 and 90 minutes, depending on how many stops the train has scheduled along the way.
Visit Glasgow by tour
With regular trains making it easy to get into Glasgow on your own, I recommend saving your tour plans to join a knowledgeable guide once here. For example, this entertaining walking tour uncovers the city’s history and highlights unique spots you’d probably miss exploring on your own.
Lean into the Glaswegian art scene with this walking tour visiting murals and street art. Learn about the artists that created these works and what inspired each creation.
10. Loch Lomond
Located in Scotland’s first national park, Loch Lomond is perfect for those wanting to spend their day trip admiring jaw-dropping natural beauty. The first time I drove along the banks here it felt like the kind of place you wish you had gone for summer camp – all towering trees with sun-dappled water peaking through the distance.
There are many walking and cycling paths near the Loch, while boat trips give you a fresh perspective on the largest loch in Scotland. For those wanting a quintessential Scottish loch experience, Loch Lomond is the perfect day trip.
Visit Loch Lomond by train
You can reach Balloch on the southern edge of Loch Lomond in just under two hours by train. Trains depart from Edinburgh Waverley, with a change in Glasgow. Once in Balloch, you can join a walking trail near the loch, or maybe visit the nearby Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre.
Visit Loch Lomond by tour
Loch Lomond is a popular day trip destination for tours because it offers a lot while still being relatively close to Edinburgh. This full-day tour will take you first to view the Kelpies sculptures before spending an hour in Balmaha on the banks of Loch Lomond. From here you can see Ben Lomond rising in the distance and take a scenic stroll along the waters edge.
Prefer a tour that gets you out on the water? This one includes transportation to Loch Lomond and a boat tour while there.
11. Bamburgh Castle
You’re actually heading into Northumberland for this one, but it’s well worth the brief detour from Scotland. I’ve yet to find a more picturesque castle – it sits atop a rocky hill with a quaint village on one side and a sandy beach on the other. From the castle or beach you can look out to the Farne Islands and the North Sea.
Bamburgh Castle is also one of the largest inhabited castles in the country. The current owner’s family has lived in the castle since 1894. More recently the castle was featured in the television series The Last Kingdom. Props and costumes from the show are displayed in the castle.
Visit Bamburgh Castle by train and bus
Getting to Bamburgh Castle on public transportation takes some time, but is well worth the trip. Take a 45-minute train journey from Edinburgh Waverley to Berwick upon Tweed.
Once there you can catch the X18 bus outside of the train station and continue another 45 minutes into Bamburgh. Exit at the Lord Crewe Hotel stop. You’ll be able to see the castle from here.
Visit Bamburgh Castle by tour
Pair a sightseeing visit to Bamburgh Castle with a longer stop at the nearby Alnwick Castle. Alnwick Castle was a film location on the first two Harry Potter movies, and still offers broomstick lessons to those awaiting their Hogwarts admission.
12. Pitlochry
Pitlochry is a charming Highland town north of Edinburgh that has been a tourist destination since the Victorian era. Queen Victoria herself kicked off the trend by visiting the area several times after the Highland Main Line railway opened in 1863.
Today, visitors are treated to views of scenic Scottish countryside on the trip from Edinburgh. Whisky fans can visit two unique distilleries in Pitlochry: Blair Athol (one of the oldest) and Edradour (one of the smallest).
Nature fans should take a walk at Loch Faskally or visit the Pitlochry Dam and Fish Ladder to watch the salmon leap upstream during their seasonal migration.
Visit Pitlochry by train
Trains for Pitlochry depart from Edinburgh Waverley. Your journey will take just under two hours.
Visit Pitlochry by tour
Pitlochry is included in many day trip tours from Edinburgh that take you through the Highlands. This full-day tour takes you through Glencoe and stops on the banks of Loch Ness. A stop in Pitlochry is scheduled on your return to Edinburgh.
13. Loch Ness
This is the furthest day trip on my list, but it’s too much of an icon to not include. While Loch Lomond is the largest Loch, Loch Ness is the deepest at roughly 240 metres. Perhaps it’s no surprise then that people have been searching without luck for the elusive Loch Ness monster since 1933.
Drumnadrochit, home to the Loch Ness Centre, is a great place to start looking into the science and myth behind Nessie. Then head out on a boat cruise of the loch that might not spot Nessie, but will definitely give you a good view of the Urquhart Castle ruins.
Visit Loch Ness by car
It takes about 3.5 hours to reach Loch Ness by car. Public transportation isn’t a great option to visit here in general, and there’s no way to get to Loch Ness and back to Edinburgh by train or bus in one day.
If you plan to make the drive on your own, a stop in Pitlochry will break up your trip and let you stretch your legs in a historic setting.
Visit Loch Ness by tour
With a long drive ahead of you to make it to Loch Ness, handing off driving duty to someone else is a great idea. You’re also going to pass some great sights along the way that you might miss if you don’t have a guide along with you.
This full-day tour hits all of the Scottish highlights: potential Highland cow sighting at your first stop, sightseeing in Glencoe, and free time at Loch Ness. All with a local guide who can give context to what you’re seeing.
14. Glencoe
Described as the very heart of Scotland, this area should be an absolute must on your Scottish bucket list. Glencoe is a deep valley carved by glaciers. This makes for many beautiful vistas as the surrounding rugged peaks climb into the sky and waterfalls run down the hills.
While a few hours away from Edinburgh, the journey is the point when visiting here. Your route winds through glens and around lochs, offering picture perfect scenery and a break from the city. Stop in to the Glencoe Visitors Centre to learn more about the area’s history, grab a bite to eat in the cafe, and maybe catch a glimpse of their small Highland cow fold.
Visit Glencoe by car
Public transportation is sparse to this area, but the drive is manageable on your own. I’d recommend renting a car from the outskirts of Edinburgh to avoid city driving if that worries you. The main roads heading to Glencoe and within the valley are wide by UK standards and much less intimidating than drives I’ve taken elsewhere in the country.
Visit Glencoe by tour
Glencoe is a great option for a day tour from Edinburgh. Going along with a guide means you can enjoy the scenery without having to watch the road. It also gives you access to someone who really knows this beautiful area well and can share stories of the area’s history and influence.
This full-day tour takes you to Glencoe with a local guide. You’ll also spot Stirling Castle and the Kelpies along the way and take a photo stop at the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct – also known as the Hogwarts Express bridge. The tour also makes a stop in Pitlochry on the return.
BONUS: Multi-day Tour with Isle of Skye
If you’re dreaming of the Scottish Highlands, why not dedicate more than a day to visiting?
This three-day tour gives you time to soak in all of the best locations. Your local guide will take care of the driving and share stories along the way. Taking more time also means you can visit places the day trippers don’t make it to, like the Isle of Skye and Inverness.
Where To Stay in Edinburgh
If day trips are in your plans, then it helps to stay central in Edinburgh. This is also a great idea if you are planning to take the train between Edinburgh and London.
Luckily, Edinburgh’s main train station is right between Old Town and New Town Edinburgh. Staying in this general area will keep you close to tour pick up locations and bus or train connections.
Budget: YOTEL Edinburgh
Within easy walking distance of Edinburgh Waverley, Yotel Edinburgh is a great budget option that doesn’t skimp on location. Breakfast included in some room rates, or you can head just around the corner to Petrichor Cafe for a tasty morning roll.
Mid-Range: The Scotsman Hotel
Located only steps from Edinburgh Waverley, The Scotsman Hotel has been welcoming visitors to Edinburgh since 1905. The hotel has a range of unique rooms, including some good options for families. Even the hotel restaurant is praised for its good food and service – breakfast is included in some room rates.
Luxury: The Balmoral
First opened just after the turn of the 20th century, and topped with an eye-catching clock tower, the Balmoral has long been Edinburgh’s center of luxury. Rooms are lush and many have views of Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument in Princes Street Gardens.
FAQs About Day Trips From Edinburgh
Which is the best day trip from Edinburgh?
I recommend a day trip to Loch Lomond from Edinburgh as the best overall option. Loch Lomond is beautiful, not too far away, and is completely different from Edinburgh’s city vibe.
Can you do a day trip from Edinburgh to the Highlands?
Absolutely! Many scenic destinations in the Highlands can be accessed by public transportation, and your options really open up when you look at day trip tours to the Highlands.
Is Glasgow worth a day trip from Edinburgh?
Glasgow is a great choice for a day trip from Edinburgh if you love art or want to see a different side of Scotland’s city life. Trains from Edinburgh Waverley will have you in the heart of Glasgow in about an hour.
Discover More in Scotland with Day Trips From Edinburgh
Scotland is small, but it is jam-packed with wonderful spots to explore. Luckily, by starting in Edinburgh you have many options for day trip adventures. I hope this list helps you plan your next outing and encourages you to fall even more for this gorgeous country.