Scotland is stunningly beautiful. It has everything from Caribbean-looking beaches to gorgeously green mountains. Edinburgh itself is breathtaking, with plenty of things to do. But while I adore Edinburgh in all its charm, there’s a lot to explore beyond the capital that can be experienced in one or two easy day trips from Edinburgh.
Experience more of Scotland with one of these easy day trips from Edinburgh. All you need is a sense of adventure, a little curiosity, and maybe a train pass. (Grab yours online here.)
5 Easy Day Trips from Edinburgh
1. Stirling Castle in Stirling, Scotland
Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scottish history. It sits on the top of a cliff overlooking the beautiful city of Stirling, which itself is adorably medieval. Even in the winter, the scenery is beautifully green. I can only imagine what it looks like in the summer!
The first mention of Stirling Castle dates back to 1110. The present castle was built in the 14th Century, but most of what stands today is from the 15th and 16th Centuries. Built to withstand sieges, the castle is full of arrow-slits and defense battlements. There’s also beautiful gardens and courtyards surrounding a palace, chapel, and other buildings. Many people believe King Arthur’s Round Table may have been hidden under the garden.
Getting to Stirling from Edinburgh is a quick hour-long train ride from Waverly Station. The Old Town is worth wandering through too, with quaint pubs, cute buildings, and even an old hospital. Not far away is the William Wallace Monument, the Scottish hero portrayed in the movie Braveheart. (This Stirling day trip tour from Edinburgh guides you through both the monument and the castle, while this tour adds whisky with the castle.)
2. Glenkinchie Distillery in Pencaitland, Scotland
Tons of tourists head to Edinburgh hoping to visit whisky distilleries, but unfortunately most of them aren’t easy to get to from Scotland’s capital city. At least not without some serious time and dedication! While most distilleries are hours away, there’s one close enough to Edinburgh to visit in half a day: Glenkinchie Distillery.
Glenkinchie Distillery sits just 15 miles and 35 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh. And better yet, the distillery has a shuttle to/from Old Town! Tours are offered daily, with options for the slightly curious to the whisky-obsessed. Of course all of them include a taste or two of whisky. It’s a fun way to see outside of the city and experience how the water of life (aka, whisky) is made.
I’m a big fan of Glenkinchie Scotch and even if you haven’t heard of it, you’ve probably tried it. Most of Glenkinchie is blended with Highland whiskies for blends like Dewar’s and Johnny Walker, which you’ve probably tasted.
Related :: Touring Glenkinchie Distillery
3. Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin, Scotland
Rosslyn Chapel is a beautiful church full of intricate carvings built beginning in 1456. The small chapel was never completed according to original plans so it’s smaller than most. But the attention to detail in its interior is striking. It was famously the setting of the dramatic climax in the The Da Vinci Code movie and fans have been visiting ever since.
The chapel is in Roslin, a small village just 7 miles outside of Edinburgh. Even though Rosslyn Chapel brings thousands of tourists to Roslin, the village is adorably quiet. The easiest way there is by bus, which takes about 40 minutes.
Rosslyn Chapel is a few minutes’ walk from the bus stop and not far is Roslin Castle, a partially ruined 14th Century castle also featured in The Da Vinci Code. Before heading back to Edinburgh, stop at The Original Rosslyn Inn near the bus stop. The little restaurant serves Scottish classics in a homey setting. The steak pie and Scottish ale were perfect for the rainy day we visited.
(If you can’t decide between Glenkinchie Distillery and Rosslyn Chapel, you can actually do both in one day with this tour.)
4. Seaside Views and Castle Ruins in North Berwick, Scotland
North Berwick is a seaside town about 25 miles away from Edinburgh. The charming town is full of boutique shops, little restaurants, and a bird sanctuary, but it became a popular destination because of the sandy beaches and top notch golf courses.
The 33-minute train ride from Edinburgh is quick enough for a great change of pace from the touristy city. We walked along the beach up a trail to the cliffs overlooking the town (and brought along macaroons and Prosecco).
Or have lunch in North Berwick and continue on another 3 miles to Tantallon Castle, built in 1350. In 1651 Oliver Cromwell invaded the castle, badly damaging it. The semi-ruined castle sits on cliffs near the ocean. It’s open daily to the public for tours.
5. Tullibardine Distillery in Blackford, Scotland
Tullibardine Distillery is another one of the few distilleries accessible from Edinburgh in a short day trip. Located in Blackford, the Highland distillery is one of the oldest brewing sites in Scotland, originating in 1488!
The distillery makes excellent scotches finished in a variety of different casks. (My favorite is the Burgundy Finish.) And the tour takes you right up close and personal with every step of the distilling process, and ends with a whisky-tasting finale.
To get to Tullibardine from Edinburgh, take the train to Stirling, then take a bus or cab to Blackford. Buses only run every few hours, so make sure you time it right. It’s easier (but pricier) to take a cab, which will run you about 40£ for the 30-minute drive.
Related :: Touring Tullibardine Distillery
More Edinburgh Day Trips
If none of these easy day trips from Edinburgh tickle your fancy, you could always head to Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven, see the birthplace of golf in St. Andrews, explore Aberdeenshire, or Glasgow. Or venture a little further for Alwinck Castle in Northumberland or Newcastle, both across the border in England (but still easily doable in a day). If you’re still stuck for ideas, here are some more great ideas for day trips from Edinburgh.
What are your favorite Edinburgh day trips? Let me know in the comments!
Related :: Where to eat in Edinburgh, What to do in Edinburgh, and more.
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I’d love to visit Rosslyn – I was such a Dan Brown fangirl growing up!
Francesca x | glutenfreehorizons.com