Day Trips from Edinburgh
While Edinburgh is a fantastic place, a number of other great places outside the city centre can easily be reached in easy day trips. Our suggestions below include high level travel information; all trains depart from Waverley Station; buses leave from several departure points, so it is best to check with your hotel or the tourist bureau for the closest stop to your location.
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and full of cultural attractions; it was named the third UNESCO City of Music, a nod to the flourishing music scene. Most tourists start their visit in George Square, a city focal point similar to the squares found in Edinburgh.
It is here you find the magnificent City Chambers, built in grandiose Italian Renaissance style; art museums surround the square in each direction. Further to the west is the bustling Sauchiehall Street, a road so full of shops and buskers it easily resembles an outdoor mall.
Further along to the west end features one of Glasgow's best galleries, the Kelvingrove; the venue itself is a Victorian masterpiece and the museum is full of arts in several collections. Connecting it all is the Glasgow underground, one of the first built in Europe; nicknamed 'Clockwork Orange', it is an attraction in itself.
Getting There: Train or Bus, approx. 50 minutes
Saint Andrews
This is a small village on the east coast, known as home to the oldest university in Scotland and famous across the world as the home of golf. One of the oldest golf clubs in the world, The Royal and Ancient, is here; the R&A -golf's "rules and development body" is also based here.
Golf fans will also enjoy the British Golf Museum. However, non-golfers will find Saint Andrews a charming hamlet full of cosy pubs and boutique shops. Both Saint Andrews Castle and the ruins of Saint Andrews Cathedral are both worth exploring.
Getting There: Bus, approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
Stirling
Known as the 'gateway to the Highlands', Stirling has one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, a very comparable and well-preserved sibling to Edinburgh Castle. The city's old historic centre is a charming district of shops, cafes, and even an old Victorian jail to be explored.
Stirling is also a good base for hiking or walking; the views are spectacular on a sunny day. A famous battle between the Scots and the English, the Battle of Stirling Bridge, was fought here and is commemorated by the Wallace Monument on the outskirts of the city.
Getting There: Train, approx. 1 hour
Berwick-upon-Tweed
You'll find yourself in England during this day trip! One of the closest and easiest to reach cities over the English border, Berwick has flavours of both English and Scottish culture as the city has been a part of each nation over the history of time.
The most defining characteristic of the city centre is the three bridges, best viewed from the shoreline. The ramparts, still strong and intact, surround the city and continue to protect it; they are now a park and make for an excellent stroll and a nice way to enjoy the sea views.
Getting There: Train, approx. 45 minutes
Peebles
Although nestled in a rural setting within the Scottish Borders, Peebles is very accessible from Edinburgh. The village has a charming, rustic feel; the high street is full of old world pubs and restaurants serving up friendly smiles and loads of ambience.
One popular activity in Peebles is walking the River Tweed valley; indeed it is possible to spend the entire day walking along the river and the old Caledonian railway lines that are not longer in use before returning to town to enjoy a hot meal and a cold drink.
Getting There: Bus, approx. 1 hour
Falkirk
Trains from Edinburgh to Falkirk usually stop at Falkirk High, approximately a 10 minute walk into the city centre. While the city centre is worth a visit to confirm its claim as home to the shortest street in the UK, this station is just steps away from the Union Canal.
The canal is wonderful to walk along and the route leads to the Falkirk Wheel, the world's only rotating boat lift. Visitors can take trips on the wheel; a lovely café and shop is located inside the visitors centre. This is one of the most unique attractions in Scotland and is an engineering marvel that should not be missed.
Getting There: Train, approx. 15 minutes
South Queensferry
Located on the shores of the Firth of Forth, South Queensferry was home to ferry services for hundreds of years before the more modern crossings were built. The most impressive sights here are, of course, the Forth Road Bridge (built in 1964) and the Forth Rail Bridge (built in 1890).
Over 100 years old, the rail bridge's distinctive red colour and unique cantilever design has continued to grace the firth crossing. The best views of the bridge are had by walking across the road bridge, which is open to pedestrians. South Queensferry has a beautiful, antique-styled High Street; on a sunny day grab an ice cream and enjoy the views and fresh sea air.
Getting There: Bus, approx. 30 minutes
North Berwick
The village of North Berwick can be spotted for miles, even from Edinburgh; this is due to the extinct volcano, named North Berwick Law, which sits at the southern edge of town. The volcano can be climbed for amazing views across both sea and land.
The beaches and shoreline in this area are relatively unspoilt and peaceful. However, most tourists arrive to visit the Scottish Seabird Centre http://www.seabird.org/, one of the most influential centres for seabird observation in Europe.
The centre has telescopes to allow visitors to watch the massive gannet colony nesting in the enormous Bass Rock. There are also webcams and other exhibits that explore the lives of seabirds, such as puffins, razorbills, and even baby seals. Boat tours can be arranged to explore the various colonies up close.
Getting There: Train, approx. 30 minutes
Roslin
Roslin is a very tiny village that until only recently has been a quiet place. However, in 2003 Dan Brown's book Davinci Code was published and Roslin soared to fame as home to Rosslyn Chapel. The chapel is now the defining attraction in the area, although the surrounding valley is wonderful woodland to be enjoyed.
The chapel was somewhat inaccurately depicted in the book (and subsequent movie); however, visitors will be comforted to know that the actual history of this ancient place is far more interesting.
Be sure to ask about the free talks in the chapel that are given throughout the day; knowledgeable guides tell visitors about the history of the chapel and point out important features that one can see more closely afterwards.
Getting There: Bus, approx. 40 minutes
