10 Exciting Day Trips from Edinburgh
Edinburgh is not only a wonderful city to explore, it's also the perfect starting point for some amazing day trips. Let's explore 10 fantastic places you can visit and still be back in time for a good night's rest. Remember The Haymarket Hotel Tour Desk can book tickets and tours for you.
1. St Andrews: Golf and Ancient Ruins
Just a 90-minute drive from Edinburgh, St Andrews is a must-visit. Here's why it's special:
It's the "Home of Golf": The Old Course is where the sport was born over 600 years ago. Even if you don't play, you can feel the history in the air!
Ancient ruins with a view: St Andrews Cathedral was once the largest church in Scotland. Now, you can climb St Rule's Tower for breathtaking views of the town and sea.
Beach famous for a movie: West Sands Beach is where they filmed the opening scene of "Chariots of Fire". Try running along it in slow motion!
Quirky traditions: Look out for students in red gowns - it's a centuries-old tradition at the University of St Andrews.
Don't forget to grab some ice cream from Jannettas Gelateria - it's been serving scoops since 1908!
2. Stirling: Castles and Heroes
About an hour's drive from Edinburgh, Stirling is packed with history:
A castle fit for kings and queens: Stirling Castle sits high on a volcanic rock, overlooking the city. It was a favourite residence of Scottish royalty - you might even spot costumed characters bringing history to life!
Scotland's national hero: The National Wallace Monument is a tower honouring William Wallace (the real Braveheart!). Climb to the top for views that stretch for miles.
A battle that changed history: Visit the Battle of Bannockburn Experience, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314. There's a high-tech battle experience that puts you right in the action!
Unique wildlife: Keep an eye out for the Highland ponies - not the giant horse sculptures, but a rare breed of wild pony that roams nearby hills.
3. Glasgow: Scotland's Biggest City
Just an hour by train from Haymarket Station, Glasgow offers:
Art and dinosaurs under one roof: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is like several museums in one. You can see a Spitfire plane hanging from the ceiling, famous paintings, and a 2,000-year-old Egyptian mummy!
Science made fun: Glasgow Science Centre has hundreds of hands-on exhibits. You can present a weather forecast, pilot a submarine, or even launch a rocket!
Music everywhere: Glasgow was named a UNESCO City of Music. From buskers on Buchanan Street to gigs in world-famous venues, there's always a tune in the air.
Unique architecture: Look out for buildings designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Glasgow's famous architect. His style is so unique, it's like spotting real-life magic buildings!
4. North Berwick: Beaches and Birds
Less than an hour from Edinburgh, this cute seaside town has:
Bird-watching paradise: The Scottish Seabird Centre lets you control live cameras to zoom in on puffins, gannets, and seals on nearby islands. It's like being a wildlife spy!
A "law" you'll want to break: Climbing North Berwick Law (a hill, not a rule!) rewards you with amazing views. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Edinburgh!
Beaches galore: With west, east, and Milsey Bay beaches, you're spoiled for choice. Build sandcastles, hunt for seashells, or try your hand at surfing.
Lobster love: North Berwick is famous for its lobster. Watch the boats come in with their catch, then try some at a local restaurant like the Lobster Shack.
5. Rosslyn Chapel: Mystery and History
Just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel is a place of wonder:
Da Vinci Code fame: This chapel starred in Dan Brown's famous book and the movie adaptation. Can you spot the carvings featured in the story?
Mysterious carvings: The chapel's walls are covered in intricate stone carvings that have puzzled people for centuries. Look out for the famous Apprentice Pillar and see if you can find the carvings of American corn - made before Columbus sailed to America!
Green Men galore: There are over 100 carvings of "Green Men" - faces with foliage sprouting from them. Try to count them all!
Cats and mice: Keep an eye out for the carving of a cat chasing a mouse - it's said to keep the building's mice under control.
6. Falkirk: Kelpies and Canals
About 40 minutes from Edinburgh, Falkirk has some unique attractions:
Horse power: The Kelpies are two giant horse-head sculptures, each as tall as a 6-story building! They're magical at night when they light up.
Boat elevator: The Falkirk Wheel is the world's only rotating boat lift. It's like a giant Ferris wheel for boats, lifting them 24 meters from one canal to another.
Roman history: Walk along part of the Antonine Wall, a Roman frontier built almost 2,000 years ago. It's like a little brother to Hadrian's Wall!
Callendar House: This mansion looks like a French château but is full of Scottish history. Don't miss the working 19th-century kitchen where you can taste historic recipes!
7. Loch Lomond: Scotland's Natural Beauty
About a 90-minute drive from Edinburgh, Loch Lomond is a slice of Highland heaven:
Bonnie banks: Take a walk along the West Highland Way for stunning loch views. Keep an eye out for the song lyrics carved into benches along the way!
Island adventures: Take a cruise to Inchcailloch island. Legend says there's buried treasure here - will you find it?
Underwater world: Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium lets you see what lives beneath the loch's surface. Say hi to the otters and sharks!
Tree-top fun: Try the TreeZone aerial adventure course. Zip between the trees like Tarzan with views of the loch below!
8. Pitlochry: Highland Town Charm
Two hours from Edinburgh, Pitlochry is a great taste of the Highlands:
Castle splendour: Blair Castle is a brilliant white castle with 700 years of history. Look out for the kilted guards and the castle's private army - the only legal private army in Europe!
Tiny drams: Edradour Distillery is Scotland's smallest traditional distillery. It's like a Hobbit-sized whisky factory! (Whisky tasting is for adults only, but kids can enjoy the tour.)
Fish ladder: Watch salmon leaping up the Pitlochry Dam fish ladder as they swim upstream to spawn. It's like a marathon for fish!
Enchanted Forest: If you visit in autumn, don't miss the Enchanted Forest sound and light show. The woods come alive with magic!
9. Melrose: Romans and Ruins
About an hour from Edinburgh, Melrose is home to:
Heartfelt history: Melrose Abbey is not only beautiful but is said to hold the heart of Robert the Bruce. Can you spot the carving of a pig playing bagpipes?
Roman remains: The Trimontium Roman Museum tells the story of Roman Scotland. Try on Roman armor or write your name in Latin!
Scott's View: Visit Scott's View, Sir Walter Scott's favourite vista. It's so beautiful, his funeral procession stopped here to let the horses admire the view one last time.
Eildon Hills: These three peaks were once a Roman signal station. Now they're a great place for a hike with legendary connections - some say they're the gateway to the fairy kingdom!
10. Linlithgow: Royal Birthplace
Just 20 minutes by train from Haymarket Station, Linlithgow offers:
Royal ruins: Linlithgow Palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Climb to the top of the tower for great views and listen for the ghost of Queen Margaret!
Liquid history: Visit the Linlithgow Canal Centre to see Scotland's oldest canal. You can even take a trip on a canal boat!
Loch life: Linlithgow Loch is perfect for a peaceful walk. Look out for the resident swans and see if you can spot the underwater statues!
Annet House: This museum tells the story of Linlithgow through the ages. Don't miss the beautiful gardens, complete with an orchard of heritage apple trees.
Tips for Your Day Trips:
Check the weather before you go. Scottish weather can change quickly!
Bring a raincoat, just in case.
Buy train or bus tickets in advance to save money.
Pack snacks and water for your journey.
Don't forget your camera - Scotland is beautiful!
Ask the friendly staff at Haymarket Hotel for advice, and use our handy The Haymarket Hotel Tour Desk to book tours and tickets anytime.
Getting Around:
For St Andrews, Stirling, Glasgow, and Pitlochry, trains from Haymarket Station are a great option and 2 mins walk from The Haymarket Hotel.
For closer trips like Rosslyn Chapel or Linlithgow, buses are easy and cheap, also very close to the Haymarket Hotel.
You can rent a car for places like Loch Lomond, but remember - we drive on the left in Scotland!
Remember, all these amazing places are just day trips. At the end of each adventure, you get to come back to your comfy bed at The Haymarket Hotel. It's the perfect home base for exploring the best of Scotland! Visit The Haymarket Hotel Tour Desk to book tours and tickets now.
So, which trip will you choose first? Whether you love history, nature, or city life, there's something for everyone just a short journey from Edinburgh. Get ready for some unforgettable Scottish adventures, and as always, enjoy your stay!
