The Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

Bea Foz Asuncion
May 27
4 min read

Finished with exams, and needing a break from the city as crowds flood in for the summer? A day trip out of Edinburgh is the solution.

Glasgow

Glasgow is an easy free bus trip from Princes Street, and has a little bit of everything for everyone. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is host to paintings by history’s greats like Dali, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Moreso, for those keen to learn more about art and architecture in Glasgow, the Kelvingrove celebrates its city’s heritage with displays of the Glasgow Style movement and Scottish modernism, featuring work by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow Boys. While at the Kelvingrove, don’t miss the daily organ recitals either! Like Edinburgh, Glasgow is no stranger to constant movie sets. Walk through Gotham from The Batman (2022) at the Necropolis and Glasgow Cathedral, and when you watch the new Spider-Man movie this summer, look out for St Vincent Street disguised as New York City. When the sun begins to set, consider extending this day trip for just a bit longer. The high-energy Glasgow nightlife might just be the perfect way to let loose after a long day.

North Berwick

North Berwick is a coastal town 20 minutes by train from Edinburgh. While in town, check out The Lobster Shack right on the water, or Bostock Bakery if you fancy a pastry, for a quick bite. The nearby Scottish Seabird Centre offers boat rides to Bass Rock, home to the largest colony of northern gannets, and Isle of May, a popular puffin-populated island. You might even catch a glimpse of a few grey seals lounging about! Venturing a bit further down the coast from town centre sits the beautifully scenic 14th century ruins of Tantallon Castle overlooking the Firth of Forth. Before heading home, don’t forget to stop by Drift, the epitome of ‘food with a view.’

St Andrews

The world renowned home of golf, and Americans, in Scotland. Stop first at Leuchars Railway Station, about an hour from Edinburgh Waverley, and take a quick 10 minute bus to the Old Course in St Andrews, the world’s oldest golf course dating back to the 16th century. The Old Course is a busy port for dads from all over, flocking for photos at Swilcan Bridge like they’re Instagram-famous. In town, Market Street is host to Bouquiniste Books, a small and cozy secondhand bookshop; Bonkers, a gift shop stocked with souvenirs, stationery, and stuffed toys; and to nobody’s surprise, a Black Sheep Coffee. On a sunny day, grab a toastie from the Cheesy Toast Shack, and walk along the sandy St Andrews’ beaches, spotting the ruins of historic monuments like St. Rule’s Tower, the Defence Canon, and St Andrews Castle along the way.

Melrose

Melrose is the perfect day trip for history buffs, or anyone looking to learn more about Scottish history! Sir Walter Scott’s home, Abbotsford House, is emblematic of Scotland’s literary tradition and acts as a relic of the Scots Baronial style that dominated architecture in Scotland during the 19th century. Abbotsford today still houses Scott’s personal library, containing books collected in his childhood all the way to rare manuscripts like the Legenda Aurea. Also located in Melrose, of course, is Melrose Abbey, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture founded in 1135 as Scotland’s first Cisterian monastery. Melrose Abbey is most known as the burial place of the embalmed heart of Robert the Bruce, who was King of Scots during the First War of Scottish Independence. Before heading home, immerse yourself in Roman Age Scotland at the Trimontium Museum, located right in the heart of Melrose.

St Abb's

Another Marvel filming location in Scotland, St Abb’s dressed up as New Asgard for Avengers Endgame. Outside Hollywood movies however, the quaint town and its surrounding areas are perfectly charming. St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve offers stunning coastal views and a prime spot for observing local wildlife. Summer at St Abb’s Head means the nesting of thousands of seabirds while autumn and winter bring grey seals ashore to have their pups. Look closely and you might even spot dolphins and minke whales!

Dunkeld

My personal favourite. About an hour and half to 2 hours from Edinburgh Waverley, Dunkeld is a small, picturesque town on the Tay River. Once arrived at Dunkeld and Birnam station, walk a few minutes to the river to spot the Birnam Oak, an old relic of the Birnam Wood mentioned in Shakespeare’s Macbeth, for any dedicated literature students. Now, across the river is the town of Dunkeld, nestled amongst rolling hills and snuggled between tall trees that still carry tinges of autumn colours well into the spring. In Dunkeld, ARAN Bakery on Atholl Street, is an absolute must. I personally recommend the unconventional and deliciously light Lemon and Basil Danish. On a sunny day, have lunch at one of the restaurants located on Tay Terrace for beautiful views of the river. Afterwards, head off to The Hermitage nearby for a walk amongst Douglas firs of Craigvinean Forest before reaching Ossian’s Hall, with storybook views of the River Braan. At the end of the walk, Full Circle Donut’s melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon sugar donuts will be waiting right at the entrance of the Hermitage for a quick pick me up.

South Queensferry

South Queensferry is a seaside town that sits right beside the Forth Bridge, about 20 minutes from Edinburgh by train. Catch brilliant views of the iconic bridge just a few minutes from the high street, and if you jump into the sea, you might just make a few dolphin friends, at the low price of possibly freezing. Afterwards, head to The Boat House nearby for scran. South Queensferry is also home to the stately Hopetoun House and Dalmeny House, gems of architectural heritage in Scotland.

Loch Lomond

Take an early two hour train out to Balloch, a small village sitting at Loch Lomond’s southernmost point. Balloch Castle Country Park offers panoramic views of Loch Lomond against the backdrop of a historic 19th century home and the surrounding woodlands. On a sunny day, sunbathe and swim at Luss Beach, a short 20 minute bus ride on the 305 from Balloch, or explore the loch even further with a rented kayak or canoe!