14 Day Trips from Edinburgh! Long & Short Day Trips!

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Looking for epic day trips from Edinburgh? Whether you’re looking to visit the beach, head up to the Highlands, or explore national parks, we’ve got you covered. 

In this Scotland travel guide, I’m going to give you lots of Edinburgh day trip options including day trips from Edinburgh by train and day trips from Edinburgh without a car,

Because, while having a car offers you the most flexibility, you’ll find various buses, trains, and tours that run from Edinburgh so there’s no need to worry as I have detailed these below too!

It’s the largest city in Scotland, home to around 600,000 people, and was once known as the ‘second city of the British Empire’. Glasgow has an intriguing history too, which can be seen in its historic buildings, some of which date back to the 18th century. 

This bustling city is a popular shopping destination and it’s also a big hit with foodies, thanks to the 2000+ bars and restaurants found here. However, it’s got some fantastic attractions as well. 

Some of the best places to visit in Glasgow include the Botanical Garden, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Riverside Museum. There’s also the Mural Trail which consists of over 25 murals (St Mungo is one of the most popular).

There are also some fantastic tours running to Glasgow from Scotland’s capital.

A highlight of visiting North Berwick has to be the Scottish Seabird Centre. This place boasts live cameras where you can admire the local wildlife, a sea-view cafe, and a gift shop. 

Seasonal boat trips are also available to Bass Rock, home to the largest northern gannet colony in the world. 

Other popular attractions nearby include Tantallon Castle and the National Museum of Flight. You’ll also want to grab some fish and chips during your visit while relaxing on the beach. 

There are some fantastic events on throughout the year too, including the North Berwick Highland Games, Puffin Fest, and Fringe by the Sea.

I’d suggest heading out on a cruise of Loch Lomond to appreciate its beauty, and you’ll have the chance to spot local wildlife as well. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing are also very popular. There are some great hikes nearby too including Strone Hill. 

As well as outdoor activities, there are plenty of attractions found along Loch Lomond. These include Balloch Castle Country Park, the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, and Loch Lomond Shores, a popular shopping centre.

There are some great restaurants too where you can enjoy the local cuisine, including  Colquhoun’s Restaurant and The Village Rest.

In this region of the country, you’ll find some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. The Scottish Highlands is also an area famous for its wildlife, history, culture, and folklore, so there’s something for everyone.

Loch Ness is perhaps one of the most famous attractions in the highlands. It’s here that a legendary monster is thought to reside, named the ‘Loch Ness Monster’ or ‘Nessie’. To learn more, visit The Loch Ness Centre. Urquhart Castle is also worth a visit. 

Fort William is another popular spot in the Scottish Highlands. It’s located along Loch Linnhe and is dubbed the UK’s outdoor capital. Here, you can go mountain biking, gorge walking, canoeing, hiking, and more.

One of the main reasons to visit the Cairngorms is its wildlife, as you can spot various species here. These include beavers, red squirrels, golden eagles, Scottish wild cats, and deer, among others. 

Another highlight of this national park is the variety of attractions on offer. Some of the most popular spots include the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, Highland Wildlife Park, Highland Folk Museum, and Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

As the Cairngorms boast some of the UK’s highest mountains, there are some excellent hiking trails here too, so there’s something for every traveller.

Located along the Firth of Tay estuary, Dundee is a scenic city, offering stunning sea views. It’s also got a fantastic arts and culture scene, as well as plenty of quirky bars and restaurants, so there’s lots to do.

Some of the city’s top attractions include V&A Dundee, The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum, and Discovery Point. If you head up to Dundee Law, you’ll also get jaw-dropping city views.

Camperdown Country Park is found just outside of the city centre too, and is home to a zoo – perfect for travelling Scotland with kids.

As there’s a lot to see in Dundee, I’d suggest getting here early so you can enjoy a full day in the city. 

However, there’s so much more to this charming seaside town. First of all, St. Andrews is known for its historic buildings (including the cathedral), medieval streets, and traditional architecture.

Scotland’s oldest university is also located in St. Andrews, and you’ll find St. Andrews Castle in town too, which is around 450 years old. 

If you have the time, I’d also suggest heading on a tour with St Andrews Ghost Tours, as you’ll learn so much about the town’s history and paranormal activity. Don’t forget about Scotland’s Secret Bunker either which is a really unique spot.

For delicious local cuisine, dine at Forgan’s St Andrews.

The Kelpies are the most popular attraction in this area and are a must-visit. These two statues are the world’s largest equine sculptures and are named after a shape-shifting water creature in Scottish folklore that can take the appearance of a horse on land. 

Each statue stands over 100 feet (30 metres) tall and weighs over 300 tonnes so they’re very impressive. Honestly, this place is such an awesome photography spot! 

Other places to visit in and around Falkirk include the Falkirk Wheel, Helix Park, and Callendar House. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, make sure you visit The Lonely Broomstick too! 

It’s here that you’ll find Linlithgow Palace, a 15th-century ruin that’s located alongside Linlithgow Loch. Not only is this palace breathtaking, but it’s also steeped in history, as this was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. 

Visitors can explore the ruins and even take a leisurely walk around the loch, making it a must-visit. If you’re into history, then don’t miss out on the Linlithgow Museum either, where you can learn about the local people, their trades, and the royals.

There’s also the Linlithgow Canal Centre which offers boat trips along the canal.

Despite being a small town, Linlithgow has some great pubs and restaurants perfect for foodie day trips from Edinburgh. I’d suggest the Four Marys, a charming little pub that dates back to the 1500s. It’s named after the ladies-in-waiting for Mary Queen of Scots.

This forest park is perfect for those who want to get out into nature and take a break from the hustle and bustle of Scotland’s capital. It’s the largest forest park in the UK and is often referred to as the ‘Highlands of the Lowlands’.

Boasting ancient woodlands, dramatic landscapes, excellent hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife, this gorgeous place has a lot to offer. There are also two visitor centres within the park.

If you don’t mind driving back to Edinburgh at night, Galloway Forest Park is famous for its stargazing opportunities too. It’s actually one of the best stargazing destinations in Europe and was Scotland’s first-ever Dark Sky Park.

While in the city, you’ll want to visit Torry Battery. This historical landmark is considered one of the best dolphin-watching locations in the United Kingdom, and you’ll be treated to panoramic sea views. 

There are plenty of other awesome attractions here including the Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Duthie Park, and St. Machar’s Cathedral. Don’t forget about The Gordon Highlanders Museum either. 

Aberdeen Beach is another must-visit, famed for its golden sands and panoramic views! Honestly, this city has something for everyone. Just make sure you leave Edinburgh early so you’ve got a full day to explore.

Stirling Castle is the main attraction as it’s one of Scotland’s most important historic sites, with over 900 years of history. Throughout the years, various kings and queens lived in this castle including Mary Queen of Scots. 

The National Wallace Monument is another great place to visit. It commemorates the life of Sir William Wallace, a national hero, who you can learn all about inside. There’s also Bannockburn which is a historic battlefield. The battle of Bannockburn took place in 1314 when Robert the Bruce and the Scottish army were victorious against the English. 

Stirling has so much history, making it a fantastic day trip from Edinburgh! 

Although a very new attraction, the Perth Museum already has an excellent reputation. The centrepiece of this museum is the Stone of Destiny (often referred to as the Stone of Scone), as it’s one of the most significant historical objects in the United Kingdom.

For those looking to appreciate the great outdoors, check out Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park. It was the country’s first official woodland park and offers a variety of flora and fauna, jaw-dropping viewpoints, and marked nature trails.

Other popular attractions in Perth include the Black Watch Castle and Museum, Scone Palace, Perth Art Gallery, and The Fair Maid’s House.

Finally, we have Northumberland, a charming English county. Although you’ll be hopping back over the border for this one, it’s certainly worth a visit. 

First of all, you’ve got Northumberland National Park, which offers untouched landscapes, astounding wildlife, stargazing opportunities, and various outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding.  

While exploring this part of the United Kingdom, make sure you visit Hadrian’s Wall. This impressive fortification stretches for 73 miles and was built during the Roman Empire.

Northumberland is also famous for its castles, with Alnwick Castle being one of the most popular. It’s the UK’s second-largest inhabited castle and has 700 years of history. Other charming castles include Bamburgh, Lindisfarne, and Warkworth.

Now, you won’t be able to explore all this county has to offer in just one day, but you can certainly see the highlights.

I hope this list gives you plenty of ideas for day trips from Edinburgh to do!

• For more of my related posts see:
• The Perfect One Day Edinburgh Itinerary
• 5 Day Scotland Itinerary seeing Scotlands Highlights
• AMAZING 3 Day Isle of Skye Tour with Rabbies | Review!