Planning a trip to Edinburgh? Take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. Scotland’s capital is the starting point for many excursions that will take you through beautiful landscapes and old buildings steeped in history. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about how Scotch whisky is made.
Use our practical tips and photos to plan your ideal getaway. See our selection of the 10 best excursions from Edinburgh to make your choice!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 3 favourite excursions from Edinburgh
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 3 favorites:
- Glencoe and the Highlands through spectacular scenery, See prices, photos and availability
- Borders Abbeys to explore the history of the border between Scotland and England, See prices, photos and availability
- The Western Highlands and the fairytale castle ofInveraray, See prices, photos and availability
1. Glencoe and the Highlands
Why do we recommend this tour?
We recommend this tour, as it allows you to discover one of the most beautiful faces of Scotland in just a few hours. You’ll cross spectacular landscapes: lochs, moors, mountains and deep valleys, with stops at iconic places like Glencoe, marked by the history of the clans. This tour offers a stark contrast to the urban ambience of Edinburgh, allowing you to experience the raw, silent beauty of the Highlands.
What you will see
- On the road, Stirling Castle and the Trossachs National Park
- Lochs of all shapes and sizes, each with its own special atmosphere
- The beautiful Glen Coe valley, with the famous Buachaille Etive Mor mountain, the Three Sisters ridge, the meeting of the three waterfalls and much more…
How much time should I allow?
- A full day’s excursion to Glencoe and the Highlands from Edinburgh is recommended.
- Depart early in the morning and return in the early evening, with a 6-hour round trip and stops in iconic landscapes.
- However, you can decide to spend the night in the town of Glencoe or further up the mountain at Kinlochleven. You’ll also be able to go hiking in the area.
- Glencoe House Hotel is a unique opportunity to sleep in a manor house: see prices, photos and availability.
Why not take a day trip by bus with a guide?
Check prices, photos and availability and make a reservation
2. Abbeys of the Scottish Borders
Why do we recommend this tour?
From Edinburgh, you can discover a peaceful and little-known region, marked by the history of the borders between Scotland and England. The ruins of the great abbeys of the Borders provide a romantic, emotionally-charged backdrop. We enjoyed a more leisurely pace, between gentle hills and picturesque villages, while exploring an important part of Scotland’s past. It’s an outing that brings serenity and a change of scenery.
What you will see
- Powerful ancient abbeys near the English border
- Magnificent views of the Lowlands countryside, punctuated by gently rolling hills
How much time should I allow?
- Allow a full day to explore the abbeys of the Borders from Edinburgh.
- With a total driving time of around 3h30, the itinerary allows you to visit several iconic sites such as Melrose, Dryburgh, Jedburgh and eventually Kelso, while enjoying a few panoramic breaks.
- It’s a busy but accessible day trip.
Why not take a day trip in a small group with a guide?
Check prices, photos and availability and make a reservation
3. The West Highlands and Inveraray Castle
Why do we recommend this tour?
This excursion offered us a beautiful escape to the west of Scotland, between lush green valleys, calm riverbanks and picturesque villages. The route leads to Inveraray, a small town of Georgian charm on the shores of Loch Fyne. This is an opportunity to discover another face of the Highlands, more serene and refined, with the elegant silhouette of Inveraray Castle in peaceful surroundings. It’s a day that combines scenery and culture in a setting less crowded than the northern Highlands.
What you will see
- Stirling Castle
- The landscapes of the Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond.
- The view from the “Rest and Be Thankful” stop
- The fairytale castle ofInveraray , with its green wall, magical park (in the old trees area) and weapons display.
- The typical Highland landscape of Loch Awe with the ruins of Kilchurn Castle.
How much time should I allow?
- Plan a full day for this excursion to the Western Highlands
- Allow about 5 hours total driving time
- The route passes through a variety of iconic landscapes, with lochs, mountains, ruins and castles.
- It offers a great overview of Scotland in a single loop, with no downtime but several key stops.
Why not take a day trip with an English guide?
Check prices, photos and availability and make a reservation
4. Stirling Castle and the Trossachs
Why do we recommend this tour?
The route took us to one of the most symbolic sites in Scottish history, Stirling Castle, before plunging into the landscapes of the Trossachs National Park. It’s an itinerary that blends gentle relief, peaceful lochs and villages nestled between hills. We enjoyed the contrast between the power of a perched fortress and the tranquility of wide open spaces. All this less than two hours from Edinburgh. A well-paced day, without too much driving.
What you will see
- The impressive medieval fortress of Stirling
- Trossachs National Park and Loch Lomond
- Loch Katrine and its historic steamboat (self-drive only)
How much time should I allow?
- Allow a full day for this excursion from Edinburgh
- Approximately 4h30 total drive
- The itinerary combines a visit to Stirling Castle with a drive through the Trossachs National Park.
- Several stops available: lochs, walks, cruises or waterfalls.
- The pace remains pleasant if you select your breaks carefully.
Why not take a day trip by bus with a guide?
Check prices, photos and availability and make a reservation
5. Queen’s View and Loch Tummel
Why do we recommend this tour?
This getaway takes you to a more intimate Scotland of leafy hills, tranquil valleys and elegant homes. Queen’s View offers spectacular views of Loch Tummel. It owes its name to Queen Victoria, who is said to have been moved by this landscape during her visit in 1866. This moment suspended in the mist of the lochs contrasts with the surrounding manicured gardens and woodland. A soothing excursion full of charm.
What you will see
- One of Scotland’s finest views at Queen’s View.
- Discover the famous Scotch whisky and its production process
How much time should I allow?
- Allow a full day for this loop north of Edinburgh.
- About 5 hours drive
- The itinerary combines superb panoramas such as Queen’s View, nature stops around Tummel, Tay and Earn lochs, and a cultural break at a distillery such as Crieff or Aberfeldy.
- The route is varied, punctuated by viewpoints and small villages, but remains dense: best to leave early to enjoy it without rushing.
Why not take a day trip in a minibus with a guide?
Check prices, photos and availability and make a reservation
RENT YOUR CAR IN Scotland
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that’s not too wide, as some roads have only one lane.
- Book early for choice.
See our tips (coming soon)
6. Glasgow by train from Edinburgh
Why do we recommend this tour?
From Edinburgh, Glasgow is worth a day’s visit to discover another facet of urban Scotland, more industrial, but also artistic and, above all, modern. The energy here is different. It’s driven by a lively cultural scene, bold architecture and a slightly rawer atmosphere. We loved its lively streets. The city breaks the sometimes too-smooth image of Scotland.
What you will see
- The Gothic architecture of Glasgow Cathedral and the surrounding cemetery
- The West End for a stroll through boutiques and cafés
- The street art scene, with large-scale murals on downtown walls
- The People’s Palace and its superb conservatory under glass
- The banks of the River Clyde to admire designer bridges, contemporary buildings and unobstructed views of the city.
How much time should I allow?
- Glasgow is easily accessible from Edinburgh thanks to frequent train services.
- The journey takes about 50 minutes.
- A full day’s visit to the city’s main sights
- To optimize your travels, the multi-stop tourist bus is a practical option.
Book your bus ticket
See prices, photos and availability and book.
7. St Andrews
Why do we recommend this tour?
A trip to St Andrews gave us the opportunity to discover a coastal town rich in history. Considered the cradle of golf, it is home to the iconic Old Course, which attracts enthusiasts from all over the world. Its university, founded in 1413, is the oldest in Scotland and has welcomed many notable figures. It’s where Prince William and Kate Middleton met! But what impressed us most were the majestic, romantic ruins of its cathedral.
What you will see
- Forth Road Bridge, a famous 1.5-mile-long suspension bridge
- The historic center with the cathedral ruins and Scotland’s oldest university
- The history of golf
How much time should I allow?
- Allow around 3 hours round trip by car.
- The route includes a crossing of the Forth Road Bridge, with a view of the famous red railway bridge, the Forth Bridge.
- The combination of driving and sightseeing allows you to discover the main attractions of St Andrews in a single day.
- If you decide to spend the night in St Andrews, the Old Course St Andrews Hotel will be a total immersion in the world of golf: see prices, photos and availability.
Why not take a day trip by bus with a guide?
Check prices, photos and availability and make a reservation
8. Lothians, Dirleton and Tantallon Castles
Why do we recommend this tour?
Exploring the Lothians and visiting Dirleton and Tantallon castles was a real immersion inScottish medieval history, just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh. Dirleton Castle, dating from the XIIIᵉ century, is surrounded by splendid gardens. Tantallon Castle, meanwhile, is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. It impresses with its defensive architecture and spectacular views over the Firth of Forth and the island of Bass Rock.
What you will see
- Dirleton Castle, a medieval fortress surrounded by gardens
- Château de Tantallon, an imposing XIVᵉ century ruin perched on a cliff, with spectacular sea views
- North Berwick, a charming seaside resort with picturesque beaches and the Scottish Seabird Centre dedicated to marine wildlife
- The Yellowcraig Beaches, all golden sand, ideal for walks
- Glenkinchie distillery, in Midlothian, for a taste of Scotch whisky
How much time should I allow?
- Allow around 2 hours for the round trip by car.
- Dirleton Castle, around 40 minutes from Edinburgh, offers rich exploration, especially for children, with its XIIIᵉ century structures still standing.
- 15 minutes away, you’ll find the Château de Tantallon, perched on a cliff.
- The day will allow you to discover medieval history and coastal landscapes, all with a moderate driving time.
Why not take a day trip by bus with a guide?
Check prices, photos and availability and make a reservation
9. Whisky distilleries
Why do we recommend this tour?
A whisky distillery tour is a sensory experience at the heart of Scotland’s heritage. As well as tasting the whisky, you’ll discover the secrets behind the making of this iconic beverage, from grain selection to barrel maturation. Each distillery tells its own unique story, reflecting local traditions and evolving techniques. To explore these sites is also to immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes that surround Edinburgh, making the experience as rewarding for the mind as it is for the palate.
What you will see
- Fermentation tanks where sugars are transformed into alcohol
- Distillation stills
- Ageing warehouses where wooden barrels are stored
- Tasting rooms where you can enjoy Scotland’s famous nectar produced on site
How much time should I allow?
- This will depend on your choice of distillery.
- The best region is Speyside, a 3.5-hour drive from Edinburgh (we had a soft spot for the Aberlour distillery).
- Closer to home, the Glenturret distillery is a 1h30 drive away.
- In any case, don’t drink and drive!
Perhaps it’s safer to take a day trip by bus with a guide?
Check prices, photos and availability and make a reservation
10. Excursion to England (+ filming locations)
Why do we recommend this tour?
A day trip to the north of England offers film enthusiasts the opportunity to visit some iconic film locations. Among them, we recommend Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. It’s famous for being the setting forHarry Potter‘s first broom-flying lesson. It was also used in the Downton Abbey series.
What you will see
- The outdoor courtyards were used as a backdrop for the broom-flying course scenes in the films Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
- The richly decorated ceremonial rooms were used to represent Brancaster Castle in the Downton Abbey series.
- The château gardens: Although not directly related to filming, this is a magnificent setting for strolling and enjoying the château’s exterior architecture.
How much time should I allow?
- Allow around 4 hours round trip by car.
- If possible, stop off on the way at Lindisfarne (Holy Island), which is accessible at low tide.
- At Alnwick Castle, a 2-3 hour visit is recommended to explore its historic rooms and gardens.
Why not take a day trip by bus?
Check prices, photos and availability and make a reservation
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to rent a car or join a guided tour for these excursions?
It all depends on your personal preferences. Renting a car offers greater flexibility, while guided tours allow you to relax and learn more from an experienced guide. It’s also safer if you’re planning a whisky tasting.
Can you visit the Highlands in just one day from Edinburgh?
Yes, but not all the Highlands. It’s a vast region. Only some parts, like Glencoe, are accessible on day trips from Edinburgh.
