Planning your trip to Scotland and wondering what could be the best day trips from Edinburgh for you? Below is my selection of the top 10 destinations within a day - with options to join an organized tour or complete the day trip by car depending on if you want to drive or not. Time to plan!
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Exploring Scotland with the best day trips from Edinburgh
Best day trips from Edinburgh Scotland
If you don't want to read the whole article, I think the best tours from Edinburgh you could enjoy are:
- Glencoe and the Highlands - the scenery is breathtaking!
- The Scottish Borders - a long history to admire in the ruins of this magnificent abbeys
- The West Highlands with one of my favorite Scottish Castles: Inveraray
Find out photos and tips further down.
Visiting Edinburgh
For those who do not want to go on a road trip and change base every night, staying in Edinburgh is a great option.
There is much to see in the city and a wide variety of options for one day tours from Edinburgh with scenery, architecture, history and tasty whisky 🙂
You can find ideas for your accommodation in Edinburgh at the end of this article
Visiting Edinburgh
Day trips from Edinburgh by car - planning road trips
Below you will see the 10 options with information to complete the day trips by car:
- time on the road
- best stops
- my personal rating (but know that I love scenery above all...)
- ...
If you are worried about driving in Scotland, check out my article with videos and practical info.
Note:
Sadly the Isle of Skye is not one of them because it is too far away for only one day but if you have several days, head to my article about choosing your Isle of Skye tour.
Driving in Scotland
Organized Tour Options and Selection
However, if you do not want to drive and (have to find parking in the city every evening), organized excursions from Edinburgh are a great options. There are so many places to visit outside of Edinburgh.
When I book tours and often use Viator and GetYourGuide because I get a lot of first hand reviews from people who have really done the tour (no fake reviews like on TripAdvisor). So I looked at all the day tours from Edinburgh they offer, checked the programs and the reviews in detail to pick for you options.
Day trips from Edinburgh by train
If you don't want to drive or join a group, your other options is the train.
There are some famous train ride in Scotland, especially the Jacobite steam train. However most of them would require more than a day of travel.
If you have just a day, you can go to nearby towns by train. It is much harder to see nature highlights by train.
- Glasgow
- Stirling to see its castle
- Saint Andrews (train to Luechers + bus)
#1 - Glencoe & Highlands - day trip from Edinburgh to the Highlands
Type : Nature
Highlights
- Drive by Stirling Castle and in Trossachs National Park
- Small and larger lochs of all shapes and atmosphere
- Stunning valley of Glen Coe - With the famous muntain of Buachaille Etive Mor, the Three sisters ridge, the Meeting of the 3 waters falls and so much more...
Self Drive Information
Time on Road: 6h
- On route, you will drive past the Stirling Castle on M9 and the Trossachs National Park on A85
- Once you enter the Glencoe protected area, you can stop along A82 for some amazing views - check my article about the best stops along the road
- At Glencoe, turn right onto B863 to tour the magnificent Loch Leven surrounded my high peaks, one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland
- You can return via the same road with different perspective driving the other way around, you you can drive a bit longer and return via A82 along Loch Lomond.
- Compare rental prices on Auto Europe
Want to stay overnight?
You can stay in the Glencoe town or more out of the way at Kinlochleven. This way you can enjoy some hikes in the are.
Organized Tours Options
Head towards the Town of Glencoe to discover some of the most beautiful scenery of the Highlands.
There are many day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands. Many drive through Glencoe. However they don't tour Loch Leven but continue on to other highlands destinations. You will spend a lot of time on the road but you will see a lot of the beautiful Scottish Highland landscapes.
I picked a tour clockwise for you because I think the views are better.
All of them are Loch Ness Tours from Edinburgh - They combine Glencoe with the famous Loch Ness and driving through the Cairngorm National Park. The day will be long, but you will see so much beauty!!!! And will you see Nessie the monster?
Small group tour (less than 16 people) - Long Drives
"Great way to see the Highlands in a short time!"
"Absolutely beautiful and worth every minute and penny."
#2 - The Scottish Borders
Type : Architecture/History
Highlights
- Old Abbeys that were powerful in this region close to the border with England
- Beautiful views of the lowlands countryside with rolling hills
Self Drive Information
Time on Road: 3h30
On a very different style, you can head South to discover the ruins of several magnificent Abbeys which used to be very powerful in running the Scottish Borders.
- Make your way South on A68
- Visit Melrose Abbey and climb to the top of the remaining tower to find the pig
- Head to the Walter Scott viewpoint over the beautiful region
- History lover will particularly appreciate the ruins of the Dryburgh Abbey nearby
- Then head to the magnificent double arch Jedburgh Abbey (personally my favorite) and imagine how life was in this magnificent structure
- (And if you are not yet tired of Abbeys, you can head to a last one in Kelso.)
- Compare rental prices on Auto Europe
Organized Tours Option
Get Your Guide does not have a tour with Jedburgh Abbey. But you can hop on this small group day tour from Edinburgh to Melrose Abbey, the Scott view and the very beautiful Rosselyn Chapel (and you don't have to be a Da Vinci Code of Holy Grail myth fan to enjoy the tour LOL)
Small group tour (less than 16 people)
"A great combination of history and countryside"
"From beginning to end a wonderful tour."
#3 - West Highlands & Inveraray - beautiful road trip from Edinburgh
Type : Nature/Architecture
Highlights
- Drive past Stirling
- Discover the Scenery of the Trossachs National Park ad Loch Lomond
- Enjoy the view at 'Rest and Be Thankful' stop
- Explore the Fairy tale castle of Inveraray with its green wall, magical park (in the old trees area) and arms display.
- Admire the typical highlands scenery of Loch Awe with the ruins of Kilchurn Castle
Self Drive Information
Time on Road: 5h
This tour has a little bit of everything of Scotland - It could be Scotland in Miniature... Highlands, ruins, castle, lochs...
- Head North West on M9 towards Stirling - drive past the Stirling Castle - no time to visit if you want to see the rest
- Enter the Trossachs National Park on A85 and enjoy its beautiful scenery
- Continue on A85 towards Loch Awe to discover the ruins of Kilchurn castle in that typical highland scenery: the ruins are in the middle of the loch surrounded with high summits
- Drive on A819 towards Inveraray. Explore the town and visit the Green Fairytale Castle of Inveraray
- Head back towards Edinburgh on A83 throug Glen Croe and enjoy the view at the 'Rest and Be Thankful' viewpoint and then A82 along Loch Lomond
- Finish with a little big of Motorway on M8
- Compare rental prices on Auto Europe
Organized Tours Options
A similar program is offered on a small group excursion from Edinburgh to the West Highlands including a visit to the Inveraray Castle.
Small group tour (less than 16 people) - Long drives
"Beautiful trip through the West Highlands"
"Like a totally different world"
#4 - Stirling Castle & The Trossachs
Type : Nature/Architecture
Highlights
- Visit of the impressive medieval fortress of Stirling
- Tour of the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond
- Loch Katrine and its historical steamboat (self drive only)
Self Drive Information
Time on Road: 4H30
On this Edinburgh Day Trips, your can enjoy one of the most impressive Castles in Scotland and discover the weekend nature gateway of the Scottish people.
- Take M9 to Stirling and visit the Stirling Castle on top of the hill
- Head North on A84 towards the Trossachs National Park
- Stop at Loch Katrine and consider a cruise on the historical steamboat
- Continue in the Trossachs on A85 and then A82. Stop for a short walk to the enchanting Falls of Falloch
- Head South and enjoy the shores of Loch Lomond. If you did not cruise Loch Katrine, you can do so on Loch Lomond from the town of Tarbet.
- Compare rental prices on Auto Europe
Organized Tours Option
Most organized day tours from Edinburgh focus on Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle. Loch Katrine and the Falls of Falloch are not included.
But they already cover a lot and you will learn a lot about Scottish history thanks to your guide.
Small group tour (less than 16 people)
"Awesome views"
"Wonderful nature and interesting historical castle"
And don't forget to purchase Travel insurance! I wish you a very smooth trip, but my policy is: better be prepared.
I personally use World Nomads. Get a quote online here.
#5 - Queen's View and Whisky
Type : Nature/Culture
Highlights
- Enjoy one of the best views in Scotland at the Queen's view
- Taste famous Scottish Whisky and learn the process of making it
Self Drive
Time on Road: 5h
On this day tours from Edinburgh you will discover what is considered one of the best views in Scotland, admire beautiful scenery and learn more about whisky. But don't drive and drink!
- Head North towards Perth and Pitlorchy on A9
- Head towards the beginning of Loch Tummel to enjoy the famous Queen's view
- Head South towards and Enjoy the shores of Loch Tay
- Stop a Killin to see the famous Falls of Dochart
- Join A85 and drive along Loch Earn. Enjoy the magnificent view for the East Tip at St Fillans
- Stop at Crieff to discover the Famous Grouse Experience distillery. A bit touristy but the visit is quite enjoyable and accessible to Whisky novices.
- Compare rental prices on Auto Europe
Organized Tours Option
This organized tour does not have reviews yet, but the program is promissing with the Edradour distillery, the Queen's view and beautiful views of the region
#6 - Glasgow - best day trip from Edinburgh by train
Type : City/Culture
Time on Road: 2h train return
Head to Glasgow with a short train ride: 51 min every 15 minutes
Once in this vibrant town you can discover the many sights:
- The Glasgow Cathedral and its lower church
- The beautiful Garden of the People's Palace
- And the very impressive Glasgow University
- Check out my article about spending one day in Glasgow
Once in Glasgow the easiest way to hit all the major sights in to take a hop on hop off bus.
#7 - St Andrews- short day trip from Edinburgh
Type : Golf/History
Highlights
- Forth Road Bridge - Famous suspension bridge for trains - 1.5 miles in Length
- Historical town of Saint Andrews with the ruins of the cathedral and the oldest university in Scotland
- History of Golf
Self Drive Information
Time on Road: 3h
If you enjoy Golf and History then this is the perfect day trip from Edinburgh for you.
- Head North and Cross the water at Forth Road Bridge - stop around to admire the Iconic Suspension railway bridge called Forth Bridge
- Head East to the historical town of St Andrews - Absorb the atmosphere, enjoy the bay and visit the ruins of the once huge cathedral
- Compare rental prices on Auto Europe
Organized Tours Option
Sit down and relax on this one day trip from Edinburgh - Let they guide you to St Andrews and learn more about golf history and the oldest university of Scotland.
And discover small fishing villages which have been settlements for hundreds of years
"Easy paced tour"
"Lots of interesting details about Scottish history"
#8 - Lothians - Dirleton and Tantallon Castles - short trip from Edinburgh
Type : History/Architecture
Self Drive Information
Time on Road: 2h
If you are looking for a quieter day with less driving, head East to visit 2 castles of the Lothians and discover their history.
- Take the A1 out of Edinburgh towards the East Coast
- First stop at Dirleton Castle. Part of its structure is still standing from the 13th century. It has a lot of rooms to explore so kids really enjoy it
- Next head to the coast and discover the very impressive Tantallon Castle. Take the time to explore every staircase. Enjoy the views of the cliffs and towards the island of Bass Rock
- Compare rental prices on Auto Europe
Organized Tours Option
Viator does not offer this experience as an organized tour from Edinburgh yet.
#9 - Whisky Distilleries
Type : Culture
For those who enjoy whisky the best region of the Speyside. However Aberlour is a 3h30 drive away from Edinburgh, so not really manageable in the Day tour.
Self Drive
Don't drink and drive!
Organized Tours Option
However you can still discover the distillery world with this organized day tour from Edinbrugh that takes you to 2 distilleries with a side of beautiful Loch Lomond
#10 - England excursion (+TV/Movie location)
Type : Nature/ Architecture
Self Drive Information
Time on Road: 4h
If you are fan of Downtown Abbey or Harry Potter or simply enjoy a beautiful castle, you can head South cross the Scottish Border and visit the Castle of Anlwick.
- Drive South on A1, cross the in-country border between Scotland and England
- Stop at the beautiful Holy island, only accessible at low tide
- Head to the 'Windsor of the North', the Anlwick Castle which has been featured in Downtown Abbey and Harry Potter
- Compare rental prices on Auto Europe
Organized Tours Option
This exact program is offered as an organized tour from Edinburgh city center:
"Lots of time to explore the castle grounds"
"Stunning countryside and magnificent castle"
Accommodations for your Edinburgh Base
Before you discover all the amazing one Day Trips from Edinburgh I have picked for you, you first need to find a great base in the city.
Best locations to be able to discover the city on foot is to stay in the Old Town or around Princes Street. This way you are close to everything.
Below is my selection of fantastic accommodations in Edinburgh:
- First price - Best rated hostel is the High Street Hostel located in the old town - Check photos and prices
- FAMILY - want to stay on the Royal Mile. The St Giles Apartments will offer you the flexibility of eating in or out - Check photos and prices
- MID-RANGE - The Inn place will offer you good comfort with a great location in the old town - Check photos and prices
- APART HOTEL - The Princes Street Suites are close to everything but more modern than the old town. A great combination - Check photos and prices
- LUXURY and HISTORY - Since 1902, the Balmoral Hotel welcomes guests in Edinburgh - Check photos and prices
- LUXURY and BEST VIEWS - The Waldorf Astoria The Caledonian offers rooms with an unobstructed view of the Castle and the old town. Amazing to wake up to see it - Check photos and prices
Want to choose yourself? Here you go:
- Check out the best rated hotels in Edinburgh
- or Check out the best rated apartments in Edinburgh
Want to see more of SCOTLAND?
Which ones tempt you the most?
Hii Claire,
We are planning to visit UK this September with a stop in Edinburgh (its a must isnt it), im travelling with my wife, 1 y.o infant and my mom..
We would love to do beautiful but relaxing day tours to the nearby places.. is it possible to do that?
Thanks heaps.
Reza Soebagio
Hi Reza,
I am not sure what is relaxing for you…
For less intense program over a day, then organized group tours are not your best options. You should rent a car or use public transportation and just pick one place.
For example, you can just go to the charming town of Stirling for the day and enjoy the views from the Castle.
or You can just drive to the lowlands and visit Melrose and Jedburgh Abbeys.
The Highlands will automatically mean more driving, so not so relaxing.
I wish you a wonderful trip
Claire