13 day trips from Edinburgh

Are you in Edinburgh and want to explore the area? Here are the 13 day trips from Edinburgh that we recommend!

Famous for its magnificent landscapes, Scotland is a journey to escape, enjoy the pure air of the Highlands and discover unique places. On the positive side, the capital Edinburgh is a beautiful city with a relaxed atmosphere and an ideal place to have fun!

Edinburgh is also the ideal starting point for day trips. And excursions to Scotland, there are many! So we had to make choices.

Here are the 13 day trips from Edinburgh that we selected for you.

1. Cairngorms National Park

Quite far from the Scottish capital, Cairngorms National Park remains a great day trip from Edinburgh. Located in the cultural heart of Scotland, this is where the Highlands Folk Museum presents the traditions of the region.

The national park also houses some castles, the largest being Balmoral. Finally, if the weather permits, you can go on some nice hikes.

2. Loch Lomond

Visit Scotland without seeing a Loch , it’s kind of like going to Naples without tasting pizza. The loch is usually a lake, but not always. If it is not possible to take a trip from Edinburgh to see the most famous of them, the Loch Ness, you can admire the most beautiful.

Loch Lomond offers fantastic landscapes. The best thing is to make a cruise of a few hours to immerse yourself in places. During your visit, you will also have the opportunity to see some monuments, such as the castles of Dumberton and Balloch.

3. Northumberland National Park

The only day trip from Edinburgh in England can be divided into two. In the north of the park, it is possible to hike and reach the highest peak of the park.

In the south, we discover the Roman ruins of forts here on the wall of Hadrian, the old “border” between Scotland and England. Still south is the Sycamore Gap Tree, a famous maple offering a splendid panorama.

4. St Andrews

Among the excursions from Edinburgh, St Andrews is the most historic of all. The city is famous for the ruins of its castle and cathedral, located on a hill and probably the most beautiful in the region.

St Andrews also allows a small walk along the harbour, the discovery of the botanical garden and the aquarium. Finally, it is in St Andrews that is the oldest golf course in the world, simply called Old Course !

5. Dundee

Dundee is a small St Andrews, another day trip from Edinburgh to a historic city. Dundee is more modern, with museums, including the famous McManus, Broughty Castle and an important observatory.

The city of Dundee is also discovered through its city centre. There are many pubs and a cool atmosphere in the Scottish!

6. Scottish Borders Region

Despite its name, the Scottish Borders does not form the border between Scotland and England. It is a rural area, composed of small villages. You can hike and admire beautiful landscapes.

The most famous villages are Melrose , with the ruins of his abbey, and Selkirk, small village perched. A trip from Edinburgh to escape and take a bowl of fresh air!

7. Glasgow

The second largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is a traditional day trip from Edinburgh. Apart from the landscapes of the Highlands, Glasgow is a condensed of what can be found in Scotland: museums, cathedral, distillery, brewery, lively streets!

In Glasgow, whisky and beer can easily be enjoyed while discovering their way of manufacture. One can also eat one or the other, with moderation of course, in one of the many pubs in the city. Glasgow is appreciated for its festive and jovial atmosphere, which gives us a smile!

8. Castle Tour: Craigmillar, Blackness, Thilestane, Stirling, Doune

Scotland houses more than a dozen castles. If it is impossible to see them all on a trip from Edinburgh, we have selected four.

Let's start with Doune , castle of the 15th century and famous place of shooting. He represents Winterfell during the first season Game of Thrones .

Then, the Blackness , located on the estuary of the North Sea, is another castle of the 15th century, place of shooting of the series Outlander .

Otherwise, close to Edinburgh is the Castle of Craigmillar dating from the 14th century. Beautifully preserved, it brings us back to Scottish history.

Finally, the Stirling Castle is one of the largest, best preserved and most important in Scottish history.

9. Stirling

Stirling is also a charming Scottish town, famous for its recently mentioned castle. It is widely worth a day trip from Edinburgh. In particular, we visit the Holy Rude Church and its cemetery, and the Cambuskenneth Abbey.

Stirling is on foot, through its narrow streets, pubs and cultural places.

10. Whisky Distilleries: Glenkinchie, Deanston, Glenturret, Glengoyne

It's hard to miss the whisky in Scotland! There are many distilleries. So we had to choose four. The choices focused on the distance for a day trip from Edinburgh, their accessibility, popularity and, of course, the possibility to taste!

Glenkinchie, Deanston, Glenturret and Glengoyne are famous whisky that are not necessarily known in France . A real discovery for amateurs. Of course, you can adapt your distillery tour, Wanderlix simply offers you an idea of itinerary.

11. North Berwick

Classic excursion from Edinburgh to the locals, North Berwick is taken for its sandy beach. In height, after walking along the cliffs, discover the ruins of the few castles that once dominated the places.

North Berwick is also famous for its Scottish Seabird Centre, a nature reserve and bird paradise. An indispensable visit for nature lovers.

12. Falkirk

Falkirk is the amazing day trip from Edinburgh. There are monuments as strange as the Falkirk Wheel , a famous lock with special design. Show guaranteed! Also, you can discover it The Kelpies , huge sculptures of horse busts.

Around Callendar House , we like to discover a park sheltering ruins of the Antonin wall, which dates from the Roman era.

13. Roslin

Last excursion from Edinburgh of our selection, Roslin is a famous village for its chapel and the ruins of the castle. You can also enjoy beautiful hikes around the castle taking the time you need. Roslin is very close to the Scottish capital.