Lady’s 13 Day Trips from Edinburgh

Today I want to share 13 day trips from Edinburgh with you. If you’re looking to escape the Scottish capital for a fun day out, these are just the places. From fairy-tale castles to seaside towns and fishing villages, there are a lot of great days out near Edinburgh for you to choose from.

Day Trips from Edinburgh

Edinburgh is one of my favorite cities. Between the beautiful streets, hilltop castle, and secret villages, I could spend a lifetime exploring.

But there are lots of nearby places that are worth a visit, too. If I can tear myself away, I like getting out into the towns and countryside around the Scottish capital.

I’ve traveled to all these destinations over the years, and each one has something special to offer. From stunning castles to seaside charm, there’s a day trip to fit every mood.

1. North Berwick Day Trip

One of my favorite day trips from Edinburgh is North Berwick. This colorful town sits on the Firth of Forth and is an easy train ride from the Scottish capital.

With sandy beaches, pastel houses, and sweeping views of the Bass Rock in the distance, it’s easy to fall in love with this place.

2. Dunbar Day Trip

Just down the coast from North Berwick, Dunbar is an under-the-radar coastal gem and a great day trip from Edinburgh.

It’s also the birthplace of John Muir, who played a major role in the establishment of America’s national parks.

It’s easy to see where his love of nature came from, as the seaside landscapes and walking paths are both dramatic and inspiring. And that’s to say nothing of the colorful homes and castle around the harbor.

3. St Andrews Day Trip

Just north of Edinburgh, St Andrews is one of the most famous places to visit in Scotland. While many know it for golf, there’s a lot more to do than play 18 holes.

The ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and nearby castle are beautiful, as is the university. The town itself has great shops and cafes, and there’s even a beach for when the sun comes out.

4. Kellie Castle and Falkland Day Trip

Near St Andrews lie Kellie Castle and Falkland, which can be combined into a day trip from Edinburgh.

Kellie Castle is everything I’ve ever wanted from a Scottish fortress, with the added bonus of Arts & Crafts Movement interiors by Sir Robert Lorimer and a spectacular walled garden.

Nearby Falkland is another of Fife’s highlights. This village has everything from turrets to palaces, and has been used as a filming location for Outlander.

Steeped in history, the streets are lovely to walk down and Falkland Palace is worth touring for its expansive grounds and historic interiors.

5. Dundee Day Trip

Dundee often gets overlooked, but this city is a good one for day trips from Edinburgh to visit the V&A Dundee museum. Housed in a contemporary building on the waterfront, it showcases the best of Scottish design.

Nearby, I love seeing the Dundee-built RRS Discovery, the ship responsible for conveying Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton on their first expedition to Antarctica.

6. Stirling Day Trip

One of my earliest memories of Scotland is a day trip from Edinburgh to Stirling Castle when I was five. I fell in love with the fortress back then, and have discovered a lot more to do around the area since.

One highlight is The National Wallace Monument, which pays tribute to 13th-century Scottish hero William Wallace (of Braveheart fame).

If there’s time after visiting Stirling, I like stopping to see The Kelpies in Falkirk. These eye-catching artworks are the largest equine sculptures in the world.

7. Glasgow Day Trip

My Glaswegian grandmother once told me that the best thing about Edinburgh is the train to Glasgow. She might have been a wee bit biased, but she wasn’t wrong in believing Glasgow has a lot going for it.

Given how close it is to the capital, it’s easy to hop on a train for a day trip from Edinburgh (and even easier to be tempted to stay longer).

With amazing architecture, loads of hip shops and restaurants, world-class museums, and a beautiful university, there’s a lot to see and do in Glasgow.

8. Berwick-upon-Tweed Day Trip

In the other direction, England’s Berwick-upon-Tweed is only a 45-minute train ride from the Scottish capital and is perfect for day trips from Edinburgh.

Another underrated seaside town, Berwick is home to stunning bridges, fortified walls, and charming streets.

I spent a lot of time here when I made frequent trips to the the Scottish Borders, and I found something new to love about the town on every visit.

9. Rosslyn Chapel Day Trip

Da Vinci Code fans will remember Rosslyn Chapel from Dan Brown’s best-selling novel. But the chapel isn’t just part of a fictional narrative; it’s a landmark in its own right.

The symbolism in the carvings and artwork rivals the mysteries Brown came up with in his story, and the exterior of the building is as attractive as the interior is intriguing. It’s a great day trip from Edinburgh for history lovers.

10. Abbotsford House Day Trip

A direct train line from Edinburgh to Tweedbank means the Scottish Borders are easy to visit on day trips from Edinburgh. My favorite place in the area is Abbotsford House. It’s one of the best under-the-radar places to travel in Scotland.

The home of Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott, the house and its adjacent gardens are straight out of a fairy tale. Just wait ’till you see the library.

11. Melrose Abbey Day Trip

Not far from Abbotsford House, Melrose Abbey is another of the best places to visit in the Scottish Borders (and can be combined with Abbotsford on a day trip from Edinburgh).

The ruins of this Cistercian monastery are hauntingly beautiful, and it’s rumored that the heart of Robert the Bruce, one of the most famous Scottish kings, is buried here.

The pretty town of Melrose is worth visiting in its own right, too. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes on the high street.

12. Culross Day Trip

On the Firth of Forth in Fife, Culross is one of the closest and easiest day trips from Edinburgh. This historic seaside village is full of charm.

With bright yellow facades, cobblestone streets, and abbey ruins, Culross is said to be Scotland’s most complete example of a burgh of the 17th and 18th centuries.

The village is also known for being an Outlander filming location. Culross played the part of the fictional village of Cranesmuir near Castle Leoch in the TV show.

13. Pittenweem Day Trip

Also on the Firth of Forth, Pittenweem is a fishing village in the East Neuk of Fife. It’s home to a scenic harbor, pastel houses, and beautiful coastline. They make this place one of the best day trips from Edinburgh.

From the cafes on the high street to the charming lanes leading down the hill to the waterfront, there’s a lot to discover here.

The harbor is full of colorful boats, and the Fife Coastal Path is a great place for a walk along the water. There are lots of pastel houses to admire, too.

Day Trips from Edinburgh

I hope these day trips from Edinburgh have given you inspiration for your time in Scotland. They’ve certainly inspired me, and I can’t wait to explore more of the areas around the city. If I can persuade myself to leave, that is.

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