Day Trips from Edinburgh: Where to Go and What to See

Edinburgh is a beautiful city that is full of history, culture, great architecture, and plenty of things to do and see. But sometimes, it’s nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a change of scenery. Luckily, Edinburgh is surrounded by some of the most stunning countryside in the United Kingdom, and there are plenty of day trips to take from the city to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in the countryside, a day of sightseeing at historic castles and monuments, or an adrenaline-filled adventure, there’s something for everyone when it comes to day trips from Edinburgh. Here are some of the best places to go and what to see.

1. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is a stunning area of Scotland that is just a short drive from Edinburgh. The park is home to some of the most beautiful lochs and forests in the country, and is a great place to go for a peaceful day in the countryside. There are plenty of activities to do in the park, such as hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking. There’s also the chance to spot some of the local wildlife, including red deer, otters, and ospreys.

The park is also home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the imposing Ben Lomond mountain, and the picturesque Loch Katrine. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the views, and plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photographs.

For those looking for a more relaxed day out, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the area, as well as some beautiful gardens and parks to explore.

2. St Andrews

St Andrews is a charming coastal town that is known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and its historic university. It is the perfect place to go for a day of sightseeing and exploring. The town centre is home to some stunning architecture, including the impressive St Andrews Cathedral and the ruins of St Andrews Castle.

There are also some great beaches to explore, such as West Sands Beach, which was famously featured in the movie Chariots of Fire. For those looking for some outdoor activities, there are plenty of golf courses to choose from, as well as some great walking and cycling routes. There are also plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore in the town.

St Andrews is also a great place to go for a spot of history, with the nearby St Andrews Museum, the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, and the British Golf Museum all worth a visit.

3. The Borders

The Borders is a great place to go for a day of sightseeing and exploring. The area is home to some stunning scenery, rolling hills, and plenty of historic monuments and castles. The area is also home to some of the best walking and cycling routes in Scotland, with plenty of trails to explore.

The Borders is also home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as Abbotsford House, the historic home of Sir Walter Scott, and the stunning Melrose Abbey. There are also plenty of quaint towns and villages to explore, such as Peebles, Kelso, and Hawick.

For those looking for an adrenaline-filled day out, the area is also home to some of Scotland’s best mountain bike trails, as well as some great fishing spots.

4. The Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is a stunning area of Scotland that is just a short drive from Edinburgh. It is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and is a great place to go for a day of exploring. The park is home to some of Scotland’s highest mountains, as well as some stunning lochs and forests.

The park is also home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the imposing Cairn Gorm mountain, and the picturesque Loch Morlich. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the views, and plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photographs.

For those looking for a more active day out, there are plenty of activities to do in the park, such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. There’s also the chance to spot some of the local wildlife, including red deer, eagles, and pine martens.

5. The Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is a stunning island just off the west coast of Scotland that is known for its breathtaking landscapes and scenery. It is the perfect place to go for a day of sightseeing and exploring. The island is home to some stunning mountains, lochs, and forests, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland.

The island is also home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, and the Fairy Pools. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the views, and plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photographs.

For those looking for some outdoor activities, there are plenty of walking and cycling routes to explore, as well as some great fishing spots. There are also plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore in the town of Portree.

6. The Isle of Arran

The Isle of Arran is a stunning island just off the west coast of Scotland that is known for its beautiful landscapes and scenery. It is the perfect place to go for a day of sightseeing and exploring. The island is home to some stunning mountains, lochs, and forests, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland.

The island is also home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as Brodick Castle, the Holy Isle, and the Machrie Moor Standing Stones. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the views, and plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photographs.

For those looking for an adrenaline-filled day out, there are plenty of activities to do in the area, such as mountain biking, kayaking, and rock climbing. There’s also the chance to spot some of the local wildlife, including red deer, seals, and ospreys.

7. Glasgow

Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and is just a short drive from Edinburgh. The city is home to some stunning architecture, as well as plenty of things to do and see. The city centre is home to some great museums, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Riverside Museum. There are also plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore, as well as some great walking and cycling routes.

The city is also home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Glasgow Cathedral and the Glasgow School of Art. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the views, and plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photographs.

For those looking for a more active day out, there are plenty of activities to do in the city, such as visiting the Glasgow Science Centre, or going to the iconic Kelvingrove Park.

8. Pitlochry

Pitlochry is a charming town in the heart of Scotland that is known for its stunning scenery and its beautiful lochs and forests. It is the perfect place to go for a day of sightseeing and exploring. The town centre is home to some stunning architecture, including the impressive Pitlochry Dam and the picturesque Pitlochry Fish Ladder.

The area is also home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the impressive Schiehallion mountain, and the picturesque Loch Faskally. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the views, and plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photographs.

For those looking for an adrenaline-filled day out, there are plenty of activities to do in the area, such as mountain biking, fishing, and kayaking. There’s also the chance to spot some of the local wildlife, including red deer, eagles, and ospreys.

9. Aberfoyle

Aberfoyle is a small village in the heart of Scotland that is known for its stunning scenery and its beautiful lochs and forests. It is the perfect place to go for a day of sightseeing and exploring. The village centre is home to some stunning architecture, including the impressive Aberfoyle Bridge and the picturesque River Forth.

The area is also home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the impressive Ben Ledi mountain, and the picturesque Loch Venacher. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the views, and plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photographs.

For those looking for an adrenaline-filled day out, there are plenty of activities to do in the area, such as mountain biking, fishing, and kayaking. There’s also the chance to spot some of the local wildlife, including red deer, eagles, and ospreys.

10. The Highlands

The Scottish Highlands is a stunning area of Scotland that is just a short drive from Edinburgh. It is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and is a great place to go for a day of exploring. The area is home to some of Scotland’s highest mountains, as well as some stunning lochs and forests.

The area is also home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the imposing Ben Nevis mountain, and the picturesque Loch Ness. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the views, and plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photographs.

For those looking for an adrenaline-filled day out, there are plenty of activities to do in the area, such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing. There’s also the chance to spot some of the local wildlife, including red deer, eagles, and pine martens.

11. The Isle of Mull

The Isle of Mull is a stunning island just off the west coast of Scotland that is known for its breathtaking landscapes and scenery. It is the perfect place to go for a day of sightseeing and exploring. The island is home to some stunning mountains, lochs, and forests, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland.

The island is also home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as Duart Castle, the Treshnish Isles, and the Aros Centre. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the views, and plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photographs.

For those looking for some outdoor activities, there are plenty of walking and cycling routes to explore, as well as some great fishing spots. There are also plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore in the town of Tobermory.

12. The Outer Hebrides

The Outer Hebrides is a stunning group of islands just off the west coast of Scotland that is known for its breathtaking landscapes and scenery. It is the perfect place to go for a day of sightseeing and exploring. The islands are home to some stunning mountains, lochs, and forests, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in Scotland.

The islands are also home to some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Callanish Standing Stones, the Blackhouse in Stornoway, and the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the views, and plenty of opportunities to take some stunning photographs.

For those looking for some outdoor activities, there are plenty of walking and cycling routes to explore, as well as some great fishing spots. There are also plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore in the town of Stornoway.

Edinburgh is surrounded by some of the most stunning countryside in the United Kingdom, and there are plenty of great day trips to take from the city to explore the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day in the countryside, a day of sightseeing at historic castles and monuments, or an adrenaline-filled adventure, there’s something for everyone when it comes to day trips from Edinburgh. From Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park to the Outer Hebrides, there are plenty of places to go and things to see.