Day Trips from Edinburgh
Although we love the picturesque City of Edinburgh, we also advocate for stepping outside of the city and exploring the surrounding areas, where you’ll get a glimpse of the life and beauty of Scotland, all within a short journey using public transport from the city centre.
Edinburgh and Scotland has a brilliant and affordable public transport network. With a short journey using the Scottish train service Scotrail or the National Bus Service – Citylink, you can easily explore the surrounding areas of Edinburgh within a day, and travel back to your Edinburgh based accommodation in the evening.
Here are our favourite day trips from Edinburgh and how to get there:
Check out some of our other Edinburgh-based blogs:
Welcome to Edinburgh: A Guide to the Scottish Capital
The Best Coffee Shops in Edinbugrh
A Guide to Hen Parties in Edinburgh
A Guide to Stag Parties in Edinburgh
City to City: Visit Glasgow
Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, captivates visitors with its vibrant energy and rich cultural heritage. From its striking Victorian architecture to its thriving arts scene and lively nightlife, Glasgow offers a dynamic urban experience infused with warmth and charm, and visiting Glasgow from Edinburgh is a breeze with multiple transportation options.
Use Scotrail to catch a train from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station to Glasgow Queen Street Train station which offers a scenic journey through Scotland’s heartland in just over an hour. Alternatively, hopping on a comfortable CityLink bus provides an affordable and convenient way to traverse the M8 motorway, delivering you to Glasgow’s city center in roughly the same amount of time.
Book your train tickets to Glasgow – Here
Things to do in Glasgow
In Glasgow, visitors can explore a wealth of cultural attractions, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, showcasing diverse exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to modern art. Wander along the vibrant streets of the West End, filled with trendy cafes, boutiques, and the picturesque Kelvingrove Park, offering a serene escape from the city bustle.
Head to the beach: Visit North Berwick
North Berwick, a charming seaside town in East Lothian, Scotland, enchants visitors with its stunning coastal scenery and rich history. From its golden sandy beaches to the towering cliffs of the nearby Scottish Seabird Centre, North Berwick offers a tranquil retreat and serves as a gateway to explore the natural beauty of the East Lothian coast.
Embarking on a day trip from Edinburgh to North Berwick via public transport unveils a scenic journey through the picturesque East Lothian countryside. Hop aboard a train from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, and within just over half an hour, you’ll find yourself strolling along North Berwick’s sandy shores, enjoying its charming coastal atmosphere and iconic landmarks like the Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle.
Book your train tickets to North Berwick – Here
Things to do in North Berwick
In North Berwick, visitors can embark on a delightful array of activities, from relaxing on its pristine beaches and exploring the quaint shops and cafes along the High Street to indulging in outdoor adventures like Coastal Walks and Wildlife Boat Trips to nearby islands. History enthusiasts can delve into the town’s rich heritage by visiting landmarks such as the 13th-century North Berwick Castle or immersing themselves in the interactive exhibits at the Scottish Seabird Centre.
Head North: Visit St Andrews
St Andrews, situated on the east coast of Scotland, is renowned for its historic charm and prestigious university. As the birthplace of golf, it attracts enthusiasts from around the globe to its iconic Old Course, while its medieval streets, ancient cathedral ruins, and stunning coastal views offer a captivating blend of history and natural beauty.
Embarking on a day trip from Edinburgh to St Andrews via train is a scenic journey through the Scottish countryside. Departing from Edinburgh’s Waverley Station, travelers can sit back and enjoy the picturesque route along the Fife coastline before arriving in St Andrews, where they can explore its historic landmarks, renowned golf courses, and charming streets at their leisure.
Book your train tickets to St Andrews – Here
Things to do in St Andrews
In St Andrews, visitors can immerse themselves in a wealth of experiences, from exploring the medieval ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle to strolling along the stunning West Sands beach. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the iconic Old Course or visit the British Golf Museum, while history buffs can delve into the town’s rich heritage at the St Andrews Museum.
Leave the city for the ultimate adventure
Intrepidus Outdoors is an outdoor activities tour provider specialising in Canyoning, Coasteering, Mountain Biking and Hillwalking. Based on the outskirts of Edinburgh, we take clients on high-thrill adventures across Scotland with door to door transport included, so you don’t need to worry about getting there… we’ll come to you!
Join us on a Canyoning Adventure
Cascade down canyons by sliding, abseiling, cliff jumping and exploring hidden caves makes Canyoning one of the most popular adventures at Intrepidus Outdoors- as well as making it a firm favourite for some of our instructors.
Book your Canyoning Adventure HERE
Join us on a Coasteering Adventure
Our Coasteering adventure takes you, your friends and family on a thrilling venture traversing around the craggy cliffs of Scotlands coasts- navigating by swimming, jumping and climbing, Coasteering is the boss way to experience Scotland’s coast.
Book your Coasteering Adventure HERE
Intrepidus Outdoors is an adventure tours and outdoor experience providers, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, that specialises in private and open canyoning, coasteering, mountain biking and hill walking tours.
My Adventure Edinburgh (Part of the Intrepidus Group) is an outdoor tours provider that specialises in canyoning, coasteering, canoeing and hillwalking tours. As well as delivering these adventurous experiences across Scotland, My Adventure is also a provider of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions where we run bronze, silver and gold level awards for young people.
If you are looking for additional information about adventures from Edinburgh, we have published a number of blogs:
- Open Coasteering guide here
- Adventures in Edinburgh here
- A guide to Wild Swimming in Scotland here
- Eight Scottish Wonders- by Paul Lamarra here
- High and Mighty- Bouldering in Scotland here
- Top tips for backpacking Scotland here
- 6 steps to being happy like a Scot here
- You’ll never get bored in Edinburgh here
- Best Budget Hotels and Hostels Edinburgh here
- Hen Party Adventures Edinburgh: here
- Stag Party Outdoor Adventures Edinburgh Essentials: here
If you haven’t already seen it, check out the our Trip Advisor, Youtube channeland check us out on Visit Scotland.