Today’s the day when you’ll discover all about the best day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands, day trips by train, by bus, and some of the most beautiful places in Scotland – all in one go.
If you have been around for a while, you know that I am absolutely and irrevocably in love with Scotland.
I have actually written a few guides for The Working Line about the most instagrammable places in Edinburgh, along with super instagrammable cafes in Edinburgh you really won’t want to miss.
This is something that I enjoy doing, it’s like writing my own love letters to Scotland, and honestly, it leaves space for me to constantly learn something new about this country.
So why not expand your horizons and hold dear to that calling we all embrace in Scotland, and dive into what’s waiting for you to explore?
I promise ye feel like a new person when you get to know all the beautiful lochs and hills set just a few hours away from Edinburgh, those that unveil lovely legends, history and of course, all kinds of beautiful photo shots.
18 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands & More
Edinburgh itself is a beautiful capital with lots of quiet places and green scenery, perfect spots for you to hide from the hustle of the city center.
With that said, one must not deny that Edinburgh’s surroundings are also some of the most beautiful natural places in the world, and it might just expand yer horizon a wee bit more.
So, whether you take a tour bus, hop on a train or drive yourself, come meet with me the best day trips from Edinburgh. Don’t forget to pack that camera of yours – you will thank me later!
Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Take a bus tour to the famous Loch Ness!
One of the best ways to meet Scotland hassle-free is to hop on a tour bus. The buses usually departs from Lawnmarket, Edinburgh early in the morning and arrive in the evening.
I personally loved one of the top-rated best bus tours in Scotland: the Hairy Coo bus tour.
You have lots of itineraries and various tours to pick from, but the Loch Ness tour was and still is a must if you’re new to the Highlands.
You’ve probably heard about Loch Ness before, haven’t you?
Loch Ness is the home to the famous legend of the sea monster Ness (or my favourite term because she ain’t no monster – Nessie).
It is located in a cute, very small and picturesque town called Fort Augustus and makes for one of the best and most famous day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands.
Loch Ness is a large freshwater loch situated southwest of Inverness, which took its name from the River Ness that flows from the northern end.
You can take a boat tour and cross the river while learning all there is to know about Nessie, and even try to spot her for a wee picture.
Paying a visit to Loch Ness is also one of the best day trips from Edinburgh in winter, and you will understand why when you’re there, whether the river is frozen or not.
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Glencoe
My absolute favourite… Glencoe. It’s just one of the best day trips from Edinburgh, and one of the most beautiful places in Scotland for anyone who wishes to be at one with nature.
Have you ever been fortunate enough to visit a place and without even knowing it, you feel in absolute peace, comfortable and quiet like there is nothing between you and the serene landscape?
Well, Glencoe was my heaven on Earth, my own very favourite place in this world. It is a village in western Scotland which lies in Glencoe Valley, in the Scottish Highlands.
This art piece of land is known for its stunning mountains and waterfalls. For the more adventurous ones, you can climb trails such as Buachaille Etive Mor and Bidean nam Bian.
At the village, you will find the Glencoe Folk museum with 18th-century cottages and displays on the local heritage, and the Glencoe massacre of 1692. In this dreamy destination, you will most likely also see red deer and golden eagles.
Tip: If you wish to stay in the nearby area make sure to check out the magnificent Glencoe Inn, it’s a cosy rustic and rather luxurious hotel where you can enjoy a good glass of wine and a warm bath looking at this breathtaking view.
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Best Places to Visit near Edinburgh in Winter: Fife
Is it winter and you really feel like escaping the hustle that is Edinburgh during Christmas, or the preparations for Hogmanay?
Then a visit to Fife is perfect for you – it is quite literally on the outskirts of Edinburgh and can be a super vibrant destination to visit. They have plenty of activities for you to be entertained, for starters.
You can book a distillery tour and then, with a good pair of walking boots, come and enjoy the scenic walk to wake up those muscles of yours. You will feel quite warm afterwards.
You can enjoy the parks and coastal areas in Fife if you’re not into that much of an adventure; the views are incredible!
As for you hikers out there, you can go hiking on the Lomond Hills, and take the trails of the forest nearby.
Between golf activities and lots of good food with a stunning white background, you will have plenty to do for a fun day trip from Edinburgh in winter.
You can spot snow-speckled hills and frosty forests that give you that dreamy enchanting landscape. And since Fife is also surrounded by a coastline, you have the opportunity to witness a beautiful sunset at the end of a well-spent day in the city.
This is one of those ‘bring your camera’ moments, and there is no denying how stunning it looks on pictures!
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Best Day trips from Edinburgh: Glenfinnan Viaduct
Most of us grew up watching and reading the Harry Potter saga, and for me, it always goes back to that magical moment where we can spot wee Harry all excited to go to Hogwarts for the first time.
There is this specific part where you can see the Hogwarts express crossing a beautiful circular viaduct in an enchanting land.
Well, the world-famous spot is nonetheless than Glenfinnan Viaduct.
Smaller than it appears on the screens, but as magical as one could expect!
The Glanfinnan Viaduct is a beautiful place to show your photography skills.
If you go at a certain time of the year, you might even spot the train passing by – make sure to film or take as many pictures as you can before you miss the train!
You have different viewpoints to capture the most stunning pictures, however, one of the most famous ones is closer to the viaduct, where you can see the train above you.
This railway viaduct built between 1897-1901 is located on the west Highland line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire.
Situated at the top of Loch Schiel in the west Scottish Highlands, the viaduct overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument and the water of Loch Shiel.
This is one of the most instagrammable places in Scotland, and dare I say, in the whole world due to its role in the famous saga. So don’t forget your wand and marvelous robes; this one is going to be a bumpy ride!
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: North Berwick
One of the best day trips from Edinburgh is to North Berwick, just a short 30-minute ride by train from the Scottish capital.
This picturesque seaside town is a former royal burgh in East Lothian, Scotland, and situated on the South Shore of the Firth of Forth.
There, you will be able to enjoy some walks alongside the sea, maybe surf or paddle in those waves, and why not visit Bass Rock, an iconic bird settlement in the region?
Bass Rock, or simply Bass, is a beautiful island in the outer part of the Firth of Forth, in the east of Scotland, and if you enjoy bird watching, you’ll find it’s a really lovely spot.
In there, and especially if you take a cruise tour, you will spot Puffins, Guillemots, Kittiwakes and Gannets. You might also find Eiders, various Gulls, Shags, Cormorants, Fulmars & Grey Seals!
In North Berwick, you will also find many cute coffee shops as well as really local places to eat and shop. In North Berwick, you will also find many cute coffee shops as well as really local places to eat and shop. The town offers a perfect mix of charm and creativity, making it a delightful spot for both tourists and locals. While you’re soaking in the small-town vibe, it might remind you of the cozy atmosphere often found in the best cafes to work in Brooklyn, where productivity and comfort go hand in hand. North Berwick’s unique character ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Small town feels, wide nature surrounding you – this is definitely one of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train.
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Perth
Perth is a lovely city located beside the serene river Tay, the longest river in Scotland, and was once was considered the Scottish capital.
This city still blooms in its former glory with really popular attractions, and totally instagrammable sights.
There is a lot to se, like The Fergusson Gallery, set in a former circular water tower, the Black Watch Museum, and the Perth Museum & Art Gallery.
The Scone Palace and the Stone of Destiny are also wonderful attractions.
For the ones that don’t know, the Scone Stone or Stone of Destiny (Lia Fail in Gaelic) is referred to in England as the Coronation Stone. It’s a block of red sandstone that has been used for centuries in the coronation of monarchs. A must-see.
This less-than-two-hour train ride is a lovely way to explore another one of the most beautiful cities near Edinburgh and spend a really lovely day!
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Linlithgow
Ah, Linlithgow – the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots!
In less than half an hour from Waverley, Edinburgh, you can reach Linlithgow, in West Lothian.
This pleasant town is rich in history, since the ruins of the Linlithgow Palace are the birthplace of the only queen Scotland has ever had.
The palace also used to be one of the principal residences of the monarchs back in the 15th and 16th centuries, and is a spot you really can’t miss.
Linlithgowshire offers visitors wonderful events, shopping, beautiful relaxing sights and a vast dining variety for you to pick from.
If you like architecture, pay a visit to the ruins of the Palace, and check out the old port, too. It connects Edinburgh with Falkirk and the Forth Clyde Canal, and dates back to 1822.
You can take a boat trip on the Union Canal at the Linlithgow Canal centre which is also a museum and tea room – and really forget all about the city life!
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Callander
Oh, Callander, the beautiful gateway to the Highlands.
Here is something I once heard from one of the tour guides I met in Scotland when visiting Callander.
Do you want to know the best place for a date? It’s called a Calendar.
Scottish people and their humor, am I right?
Callander is a small town in the council area of Stirling, Scotland, and situated on the River Teith.
The town is located in the historic county of Perthshire and it is considered to be the very gate to the Highlands.
Even though there are no actual gates, you can feel in the air this is really the place that divides the Lowlands and the magnificent Scottish Highlands.
A very small town where you can spot the beautiful mountains on the horizon whilst walking alongside the river. At Callander, you will also see cute swans and ducks, and in the summer, you might even be able to enjoy a picnic there.
This place is a tourist attraction for many people going or coming from the Scottish Highlands.
During the winter months, you will be able to see the frozen mountains as a killer background for your pictures. Just because of that, I believe Callander is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland.
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: The Kelpies
If you’re looking for one of the best spots for your day trips from Edinburgh, make sure to pass by the majestic Kelpies.
The Kelpies are situated in The Helix, a new parkland project built to connect sixteen communities in the Falkirk Council Area.
The 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures can be found between Falkirk and Grangemouth, standing next to a new extension to the Forth and Clyde Canal – and they mix street art with rich history.
In Scottish folklore, a Kelpie is angerous shape-shifting water creature that can appear on land as a horse.
It appears to its human victims as a grey or white horse, entices them to ride on their back then carries them down to an underwater grave.
You can visit the Kelpies free of charge at any time of the day throughout the year, since the area has been designed to give access to all, which means everyone can come and see them up close.
The Kelpies are one of the most instagrammable places in Scotland, and personally, I think they are stunning during the night with all the lights and colors coming from the sculptures.
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Pitlochry
Pitlochry is a town in the Perthshire and Kinross council area of Scotland.
Located close to the river Tummel, Pitlochry is known for the dam and fish ladder, which offers the most incredible views, and if you come at the right time of the year, you’ll witness the opening celebrations of salmon season!
There are plenty of castles turned into hotels in the area, if you’ve ever wanted to live the royal life too – the picture above is actually a hotel!
In Pitlochry, you’ll also check out the Festival theatre; it is considered one of the best venues in Scotland, if not Britain.
One of the most glorious battles in Jacobite history took place at Killiecrankie Gorge, and you can learn more about this place, the battle, the wildlife, and the geology of the area in the Pitlochry visitor center.
Then, you can take a short walk and spot breathtaking green scenery at the falls beneath the Soldier’s Leap.
With mountain Ben Vrackie as a background, this town will make you want to return to the Highlands again and again – it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland, and utterly mesmerizing.
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Stirling
Just 60km from the Scottish capital, there is yet another one the most beautiful places to visit in Scotland: Stirling.
It might not be a big city, but this small town in central Scotland is surrounded by farmland, medieval buildings, and must-see spots, especially the majestic Stirling Castle.
The castle sits atop a volcanic rock in the centre of the town. The views are stunning, and inside the castle, you’ll be able to check out the armory along with other exhibitions.
On another note, and since I told you about the most iconic cemeteries in London some time ago, the Holy Rude Cemetery is another place to visit in Stirling, as it is oh-so-peaceful and beautiful.
The Wallace Monument, the Pentland Hills, restaurants, medieval buildings, as well as the former prison Tolbooth are all other amazing places to visit in Stirling.
Really, really – a day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling which has got to be on your bucket list!
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park
If you have the heart of an adventurous being, and are up for a hiking day away from the capital, then the Trossachs National Park might might very well be one of the best day trips from Edinburgh for you.
This spot is relatively close to The Kelpies, so if you wish to see the beautiful horse-head statues, now is your time!
Established in 2002 as one of the recognized National Parks in Scotland by none other than the Scottish Parliament, Trossachs National Park is centered around Loch Lomond.
That means that while you’re hiking, you’ll be able to take in some of the most beautiful natural places in the world!
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Windermere, England
In two hours or so from the capital, you will find another one of the best places to visit just outside of Scotland: Windermere, a beautiful English town.
Windermere is a good spot if you’re looking into the best day trips from Edinburgh by train.
Situated between both countries, Wintermere is part of the lake Windermere district, and the lake is considered the largest natural lake in England.
There are a lot of beautiful places to explore in the surroundings, and you’ll get panoramic views just outside of town.
If you prefer to stay in the village, there are lots of places to park your car for those who want to go on a wee road trip from Edinburgh, lovely cafes with scrumptious cakes, and lively kolsie pubs.
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: The Scottish borders
The Scottish borders are located in an area to the south and east of Edinburgh, and separate Scotland and England.
This is a particularly close trip from Edinburgh, and shouldn’t take you long before you arrive and are able to get to exploring.
You might think there’s not much to do… and you’d be oh-so-wrong.
Even though it’s a border, it has lots of things to see, such as castles and chapels.
You have the Rosslyn Chapel, located in the village of Roslin in Scotland, to start with. This 15-Century chapel was featured in the famous Da Vinci Code, and is so very instagrammable.
Then, you can continue your way down to Hadrian’s Wall, already located in England.
Hadrian’s Wall is filled with ancient history, since it dates back in 122 AD. It was built as a fortification for the Roman province in Britannia and named after the reigning emperor at the time – Hadrian.
Beautiful places to visit between Scotland and England – you can visit two countries in a matter of a few hours, how crazy is that?
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: St. Andrews, the Kingdom of Fife
We already talked about Fife at the beginning of this guide, a beautiful town located on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
Well, St. Andrews is located in the Kingdom of Fife, and is a small town on Scotland’s east coast, just north of Edinburgh.
The town is famous for many things, including the largest golf complex in Europe!
It’s also known for its stunning seaside walking path, its fishing culture, its ruins and museum… and is home to the oldest university in Scotland.
The University of St. Andrews was built in 1413, and to this day, it is a must-see in town.
Plus, there is a strong student population who lives in the area, so St. Andrews does have this youthful spirit – just one of the best day trips from Edinburgh for architecture and history lovers!
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Glasgow
Well, of course. Glasgow.
When you’re in Edinburgh, you can also take a one-day trip to its vibrant neighbor Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland.
It is a port city built on the River Clyde, in Scotland’s Western Lowlands, and it’s known for its culture, art, and magnificent venues.
The Victorian and Art Nouveau architecture give a rich heritage to the city, and some of the home institutions include none other than the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and the National Theatre of Scotland.
You can find all great things to do in the city, from places to go with friends, to tours, services, activities, and grand theatres, among many others!
All of this and just a short ride from the Scottish capital…
I do believe that taking day trips from Edinburgh to Glasgow by train is more elegant, although they might not be as quick as a bus.
But if the point is to relax, why not enjoy the scenery and let the excitement build up as you approach the city?
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Ayrshire
Ayrshire is a historic county in southwest Scotland which features lovely sandy shores and blends in the beauty of countryside life.
Located on the shore of the Firth of Clyde, Ayrshire is known to be the birthplace of the famous poet Robert Burns and Robert the Bruce.
There is a lot to do and see if you decide to stick through Ayrshire and Arran.
Along with the poet’s famous attractions, you can learn about the Vikings who travelled through the same shores you’re walking on, for starters.
The beautiful coastal area is perfect to see a unique sunset and really break away from trouble and city life.
And, in the South Region, you also get to witness the scenic rugged hills of Dumfries and Galloway, also known as the Galloway hills.
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Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Inverness
Inverness is one of the most popular day trips from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands.
The vast region combines an absolutely picturesque combo of hills, lochs, castles, cliffs, hairy coos (cattle) and so much more… and forms the beautiful north of Scotland – the famous Highlands.
The Highlands are where you can find the Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Fort Augustus, and for our last day trip in this guide – Inverness.
The city is considered to be the capital of the Scottish Highlands, and it has been voted several times as one of the happiest places to live in Scotland.
It’s the largest city in the highlands, and may seem rather small, but it is full of treasures.
Pay a visit to the 19th-century cathedral, the old High church from the 18th century, and the Victorian market where they sell lots of clothing, crafts and food.
You’ll see, you’ll feel like you’re traveling through a magical portal when visiting Inverness – it’s one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland overall!
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18 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands & More
With the beautiful Inverness ends our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh to the Highlands and other stunning cities in Scotland.
Whether by car, train or bus, you really have a lot to explore in Scotland and its surroundings.
Thankfully, due to Edinburgh’s perfect location, you will find that it is quite easy to hop on a train and visit most of the places you can recognize from TV shows, movies, or might have even spotted on Instagram!
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