Best Day Trips From Edinburgh
If you’re looking for things to do around Edinburgh, you’re in luck! There are so many interesting and fun options that it’s hard to know where to start. Here are some of the best day trips from Edinburgh to help you make the most of your visit to Scotland.
St Andrews: The Home of Golf and Scottish History
Let’s start with St Andrews, a college town known worldwide as the birthplace of golf. While you can play a round on one of its historic courses, there’s plenty more to see and do. Visit St Andrews Cathedral, one of the most impressive Gothic ruins in Scotland, or spend an afternoon at West Sands Beach, the setting for the iconic slow-motion running scene in Chariots of Fire.
How to Get There:
- If you’re lucky enough to have your own car, you can reach this coastal town in about an hour and a half.
- If you prefer to travel by public transport, the way to get there is by bus from various points in the city (buses X54, X56, X59, X61). The journey takes around two hours.
Learn more about St Andrews here.
Stirling: Imposing Castles and Historic Battlefields
Stirling is another city you shouldn’t miss if you’re in Edinburgh. Just an hour’s drive northwest of the capital, you’ll find one of Scotland’s most impressive strongholds: Stirling Castle. You can also visit the National Wallace Monument and the battlefield of Bannockburn, where one of the most important battles in Scottish history was fought. We recommend joining one of our partners at Explora Stirling for a guided tour that dives deeper into its rich past.
How to Get There:
- We recommend taking the train to Stirling—it’s only about a 1-hour journey from Waverley Station.
- Driving takes roughly the same time, and you’ll avoid any potential traffic delays!
Explore Stirling attractions here.
North Berwick: Coastal Wildlife and Outdoor Activities
If you’re looking for a seaside day trip, North Berwick is the perfect choice. This charming coastal town boasts a golden sandy beach and is well known for its dolphins, which are often spotted from the shore. You can also visit Bass Rock lighthouse, a volcanic island home to a large gannet colony—highly recommended during the summer months! We won’t lie, this is our favourite day trip from Edinburgh. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to try North Berwick’s famous lobster at Lobster Shack.
How to Get There:
- The quickest option is by train—just 30 minutes from Edinburgh!
- You can also take a bus, that journey will take between 1 hour and 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Plan your trip to North Berwick here.
Rosslyn Chapel: A Hidden Gothic Gem near Edinburgh
Another great option is Roslin Chapel, a small 15th-century Gothic chapel known for its fascinating architecture and for housing the oldest surviving copy of the Scottish Bible, the St Andrews Codex. The chapel is also famous for its intricately carved stonework, considered some of the finest in the world. And if you’re a fan of Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code, this is an absolute must-visit.
How to Get There:
- Roslin Chapel is about 16 km from Edinburgh and takes around 40 minutes by car. There’s free parking right next to the chapel for all visitors.
- If you prefer public transport, you can take buses 37 or 140 from the North Bridge stop. The journey takes around 50 minutes and drops you off very close to the chapel, at the Rosslyn Inn stop—just a 3-minute walk away.
The Fishing Villages of Fife: Coastal Charm and Delicious Seafood
Visit Anstruther, Crail, and Elie to experience the charm of colourful houses, cobblestone streets, and fresh seafood that define these picturesque fishing villages. Anstruther is particularly renowned for its award-winning fish and chips, a must-try for any visitor. From the harbour in Anstruther, you can also embark on a boat trip to the Isle of May, a small island teeming with wildlife. The Isle of May is home to puffin colonies, seals, and various seabirds, offering stunning coastal landscapes and a chance to immerse yourself in nature.
How to Get There:
- If you don’t have a car, we recommend visiting Anstruther, as it’s the easiest village to reach. Take the X60 bus towards St Andrews to get to this charming town, which is especially famous for its fish and chips. The journey takes around 2 hours.
Discover Fife’s fishing villages here.
Queensferry and the Forth Bridges
Just a few kilometres west of the city, you’ll find the iconic Forth Bridges. The most famous is the Forth Road Bridge, an impressive suspension bridge spanning the River Forth. But it’s not the only one worth seeing—don’t miss the Forth Rail Bridge, a spectacular iron structure that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And while you’re there, take a stroll through the streets of Queensferry, a charming coastal town with a rich harbour history and home to the world’s shortest lighthouse.
How to Get There:
- The train is the ideal way to get there—just 15 minutes from Edinburgh. Buses are also available and take about 20 minutes. Both options are similarly priced.
Learn about the Forth Bridge here.
Glasgow: Scotland’s Cultural Powerhouse
Last but not least, what might come as a surprise, Scotland’s biggest city. Glasgow is known for its vibrant cultural and artistic scene, its stunning Victorian architecture, and its more than 20 public parks. Don’t miss the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, home to one of the UK’s most important art collections, or the Necropolis, a hilltop cemetery offering some of the best views of the city. We’ve included our Glasgow guide so you won’t miss a thing.
How to Get There:
- Driving to Glasgow takes about an hour, but be mindful of rush hour, as traffic can significantly increase the journey time. If you want to avoid delays, the train is the perfect alternative, taking roughly 1 hour. There are also frequent bus services from Edinburgh Bus Station in St Andrew Square, located in the New Town.
Explore Glasgow attractions here.
Keep Discovering Edinburgh!
We’ve helped you explore some of the best day trips from Edinburgh, but if you want to make the most of your time in Scotland’s capital, we highly recommend joining one of our guided tours. Our expert guides will lead you through the history, charm, and hidden gems of this incredible city.
They’ll also give you insider tips on the best places to eat and drink, helping you turn your trip to Scotland into an unforgettable experience.
Don’t wait any longer—book your tour with us today at Edinburgh Walking Tours. Join the clan!