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The 21 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh
As a Scot, I’ve spent a lot of time visiting the cute places surrounding Edinburgh. I’ve seen tourist hotspots and hidden gems, and I’ve made a list of my best day trips for you to explore.
Edinburgh is well located as a base for lots of day trips, from hikes in the Highlands to breweries in the Borders. Once you’ve seen the best things to do in Edinburgh, why not strike out to central Scotland, along the Fife Coastal path, or to any of the charming towns and villages within a few hours’ travel.
Want to jump around?
21 Best Edinburgh Day Trips
Glasgow
Experience the culture and style of Scotland’s biggest city.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 53 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Glasgow Website
Scotland’s biggest city, Glasgow, is only 53 minutes from Edinburgh by train, which runs up to every 15 minutes in peak times.
Glasgow has so many things to do, with a thriving cultural scene, plenty of impressive galleries, and vibrant nightlife. See Highland Cows at Pollok Country Park, get a vista of the city in the Necropolis, or bag a bargain at the Barras Market.
You can spend days exploring Glasgow or get a great flavour of the city on a day trip. Either way, you won’t get bored here.
Dunfermline
Scotland’s ancient capital is just a hop, skip, and jump away from Edinburgh.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Dunfermline Website
Dunfermline is an ancient capital of Scotland, and although it has recently been declared a city, it retains its small-town charm. Visit the picturesque Dunfermline Abbey and the ruins of Dunfermline Palace before taking in Dunfermline’s live pub music or wandering along the Fife Pilgrim Way walking route.
Getting to Dunfermline from Edinburgh is easy, as there are frequent trains taking just over 35 minutes each way.
St Andrews
This legendary golf town also boasts gorgeous historical ruins.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour, 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | About St Andrews Website
St Andrews is known as the Home of Golf, but it’s a great day trip whether you like putting or not. To get to St Andrews, you can either drive or take the train from Haymarket to Leuchars, then take the 99 bus to your destination. You can also book this day tour to St Andrews with transportation from Edinburgh included.
While in the town, make sure to check out the sprawling ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle.
If the weather is nice, wander along East Sands beach with a toastie from the Cheesy Toast Shack. You may even be able to go for a swim in the outdoor pool at Castle Sands.
For more St Andrews recommendations, check out my St Andrews day trip guide.
Stirling
This city is steeped in history and is only an hour train journey from the capital.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Your Stirling Website
Stirling is one of my favourite places to visit in Scotland, with so much to do that I’ve included it in my ultimate Scotland itinerary. Plus, it’s easily accessible by regular train from Edinburgh.
This is a great spot for history buffs, with the well-preserved and restored Stirling Castle dominating the city. There’s also the beautiful Church of the Holy Rude in the heart of the city.
A short distance by bus away is the Wallace Monument, which commemorates the Scottish historical hero William Wallace. You get phenomenal views of Stirling and the surrounding countryside from the top of the monument.
Jupiter Artland
Step out of the ordinary at this extensive sculpture park.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Jupiter Artland Website
Jupiter Artland is a truly unique spot – a sculpture park in a vast woodland area west of Edinburgh. There are over 30 permanent sculptures from some of the most notable contemporary artists, as well as seasonal exhibitions. A walk around the artworks takes around 2 hours, and there’s a cute cafe for lunch afterwards.
The easiest way to get to the park is by car, or you can take the Lothian Country bus X27 to Coxydene and walk for 15 minutes.
Falkirk
Get on the water at the world’s only rotating boat lift and come face to face with giant horse statues.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 35 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Falkirk Website
Falkirk is mostly known to tourists for two attractions – the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel. The Kelpies are enormous, striking horse head statues modelled after mythical Scottish animals. This is a great spot for a stroll along the Forth and Clyde Canal.
On the other side of the town lies the Falkirk Wheel. This is the world’s only rotating boat lift, and they offer tours so you can take a spin. There are also outdoor sports here, including paddleboarding, canoeing, archery, and cycling paths, so perfect for a family day out. Plus, Falkirk is only 35 minutes from Edinburgh by train.
North Berwick
Explore the seaside, only half an hour from Edinburgh city centre.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit East Lothian Website
North Berwick is a charming little town, only 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh. Here, there are long sandy beaches with great conditions for watersports or seal watching. A short bus ride away from the town centre is Tantallon Castle, medieval ruins which sit high on a cliff edge with views over the Firth of Forth.
Animal enthusiasts should visit the Scottish Seabird Centre or take a boat trip out to Bass Rock to catch a glimpse of seabirds, dolphins, and seals. Golfers have to check out the courses at North Berwick Golf Club and Glen Golf Club. To combine seabird sighting and Tantallon Castle, check out this day trip tour from Edinburgh.
Culross
Step back in time to this village from the 17th-century.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour, 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Culross Website
Culross (pronounced Coo-riss) is one of the prettiest towns in Scotland. It has remarkably well-preserved cottages, cobbled streets, and Culross Palace. Have a pint in a traditional Scottish pub or take a stroll to see the ruins of a 13th-century monastery at Culross Abbey.
Outlander fans pay attention: Culross is the set location for the TV town of Cranesmuir. The easiest way to get to Culross from Edinburgh is by car, taking around 50 minutes. Otherwise, take the train or bus to Dunfermline and change to the 8A bus.
Crail
Visit a charming village on the scenic Fife Coastal Path.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour, 50 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Crail.info Website
This coastal village in the council area of Fife features a charming harbour and a small sandy beach.
Enjoy some freshly caught fish and stroll along the coastal path for a beautiful view out to the North Sea. There’s also a small museum and a parish church to visit. A few minutes’ drive from Crail is Scotland’s Secret Bunker, an underground Cold War bunker museum.
Crail is much more easily accessed from Edinburgh by car, rather than public transport. Drive along the A92, then switch to the A915 for a drive along the shore. If you plan on driving, read my Scotland packing list first to find out which road map I recommend using so that you don’t get lost if phone service gets patchy.
Anstruther
Set sail from a pretty fishing village to a nature reserve island.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour, 50 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Anstruther Website
Anstruther is a neighbouring village to Crail along the Fife Coastal Path, and the two destinations can be combined for a scenic day trip. There’s a beautiful tidal pool for warm days and the Scottish Fisheries Museum for those with an interest in the industry.
Boat trips to the nature reserve on the Isle of May set sail from Anstruther during the summer months. Here you may see puffins and various other seabirds, making it a must-do for avid birdwatchers.
See my guide to when to visit Scotland for more information on what to expect during the summer months here.
Jedburgh
Explore history dating back almost a thousand years in this overlooked town.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour, 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Jedburgh Website
Jedburgh is a town to the south of Edinburgh in the Scottish Borders region. Either drive here, taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes, or take the train to Galashiels and then the 68 bus. Jedburgh is home to the grand ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, established in the 1100s. There’s a visitor centre with early Christian artefacts that history buffs will love.
Other attractions in the town include the Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum, with displays on 19th-century prison life, and the Mary Queen of Scots’ Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the influential historic monarch.
Dundee
Visit a city experiencing a cultural revitalisation, only 90 minutes from Edinburgh.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour, 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Dundee Website
Dundee is on my list of the best places to go in Scotland, and I think it’s the country’s most underrated city. Dundee’s waterfront has been transformed and now has the stunning design museum, V&A Dundee, alongside RRS Discovery, a ship which embarked on an expedition to the Antarctic in 1901.
Other attractions include the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, the exhibitions at McManus Galleries, and the volcanic peak turned Iron Age hillfort, Dundee Law. Plus, there are frequent trains between Dundee and Edinburgh.
Visiting Dundee is one of the best ways to get off the beaten path in Scotland and see something outside the usual tourist attractions.
Newcastle upon Tyne
Have a party south of the border in the friendly city of Newcastle.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour, 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit North East England Website
It is possible to take a day trip from Edinburgh to parts of northern England, and Newcastle is top of my list for travelers hoping to do so. This city is famous for its nightlife, and differing alcohol laws between countries mean it can be far cheaper to drink here.
Newcastle isn’t just about partying, however: there are some great attractions, including Newcastle Castle, partly used to defend against the Scots. There’s also the Discovery Museum, covering Newcastle’s maritime history, Laing Art Gallery, performances at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, and much more.
👉 Top Tip: Edinburgh to Newcastle train fares are not fixed, so it’s best to book as far in advance as possible for cheaper tickets. There are multiple operators on this route, but all of their websites should display the full timetable.
Callander
Enter the Highlands and embrace nature.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour, 30 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Visit Callander Website
Callander is a perfect jumping-off point for nature lovers keen to explore the Scottish Highlands. It’s best to drive here to explore the local area, like Loch Lubnaig. In Callander itself is the Hamilton Toy Collection, a private museum of toys collected over the course of 175 years. There are paths around Callander for walkers of various abilities, as well as cycling routes.
South Queensferry
Visit a charming town and see the colossal bridge that dominates the skyline.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Queensferry Community Council Website
South Queensferry is a pretty town just outside of Edinburgh, on the banks of the Firth of Forth. The iconic Forth Road Bridge towers over the area, which is full of independent shops and cafes. While in the town, you can take a boat trip out to Inchcolm Island, where there are ruins of a beautiful medieval abbey.
It’s also possible to walk over the Forth Road Bridge to North Queensferry, and from there take the train back to Edinburgh.
Linlithgow
Explore the ruins of a castle set by the banks of a scenic loch.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 25 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Linlithgow Website
Only a short distance away from Edinburgh, you’ll find the historic town of Linlithgow and the ruins of Linlithgow Palace, where the legendary Mary, Queen of Scots, was born. The palace sits on the banks of Linlithgow Loch, which is a lovely place for a stroll. There are also scenic walking trails and a cycle circuit to get stuck into.
It’s easy to get to Linlithgow from Edinburgh; there are frequent trains taking 25 minutes direct from Edinburgh Waverly station.
Pitlochry
The “Gateway to the Highlands” offers stunning scenery and a good dram of whisky.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 2 hours | 📍 Google Maps | Pitlochry Website
Around 2 hours north of Edinburgh, you’ll find the town of Pitlochry, right at the edge of the Highlands. This is a beautiful part of the country, surrounded by green landscapes. You can spend a boozy afternoon here touring the Blair Athol whisky distillery, and just outside of the town is the immaculate 13th-century Blair Castle and Gardens.
For something a bit different, head to the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre. If you go in the right season, you may even see salmon jumping up the fish ladder.
Melrose
Explore the Scottish Borders and a serene medieval abbey.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour, 15 minutes | 📍 Google Maps
The Scottish Borders is a region that is often overlooked by tourists, but it has plenty of scenic towns which are well worth a visit. Melrose is one of these towns, and you should make the trip just for Melrose Abbey alone. These gorgeous monastery ruins date back to medieval times and are the burial place of the heart of Scottish king Robert the Bruce.
Near Melrose, in the neighbouring town of Galashields, you’ll find the modern Great Tapestry of Scotland, a community art project made by 1,000 stitchers. There are also weekly tours of Tempest Brewery, a local microbrewery.
Roslin
Search for mysteries in the internationally known Rosslyn Chapel.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour | 📍 Google Maps | Roslin Village Website
Roslin village is only a few miles outside of Edinburgh, but its 15th-century chapel has become internationally famous after it was featured in the novel and film The Da Vinci Code. You can search for hidden meanings in the detailed carvings of the chapel and enjoy the scenic grounds around Roslin Glen Nature Glen. Advance booking is recommended for the chapel.
Falkland
Go back in time with a visit to a key Outlander filming location.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour, 20 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Welcome to Fife Website
Falkland is a must-visit for any Outlander superfans. The village was used as a filming location in the first two seasons, where it stood in for 1940s and 1960s Inverness. The former royal residence, Falkland Palace, was also used for filming. The palace has a Royal Hunting Lodge and the oldest surviving tennis court in the world.
Elie
Take a trip to the seaside along Fife’s Coastal Path.
🗺️ Distance from Edinburgh: 1 hour, 40 minutes | 📍 Google Maps | Welcome to Fife Website
The combined villages of Elie and Earlsferry are two of the most beautiful spots on the Fife Coastal Path. Here you’ll find long sandy beaches with a seaside sauna for those brave enough to take a dip in the North Sea. You can hire watersport equipment or just stroll the paths, making sure to check out the lighthouse and the Lady’s Tower looking out over the water.
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I hope that’s sparked inspiration for you to explore around Edinburgh and beyond. For more location ideas, why not check out my guide to the best places to stay in Scotland?
