Roslin
Home to the iconic and beautiful Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin is an excellent destination for those seeking to discover a captivating small town. One of Scotland’s architectural gems, the small chapel and its intricate stonework has attracted many visitors over the centuries. After touring the chapel, why not stop for a drink in one of the town’s many traditional pubs?
How to get there; 50 minutes by bus from Princes Street, 29 minutes by car
Best time to visit; July
Glasgow
Just a short train ride away from Edinburgh, Scotland’s largest city Glasgow needs little introduction. Popular attractions here include the medieval Glasgow Cathedral and Merchant City, where you will find all kinds of boutique shops and stylish restaurants, including Mharsanta who specialise in a genuine taste of Scottish cuisine using local produce.
How to get there; 50 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley, one hour 10 minutes by car
Best time to visit; March to August
Play 18 Holes with PGA Professional Golfer at the Home of Golf, St Andrews
Channel your inner golfer and get yourself over to the Home of Golf in St Andrews where you can enjoy a round of golf (18 holes) with a a PGA Professional Golfer. Whether you are a complete novice, or a seasoned golfer, you’ll get the chance to play a round with former Tour Professional Bill McColl or Advanced PGA Professional George Finlayson.
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St Andrews
Famous for being the birthplace of modern golf and Scotland’s oldest university, where Will and Kate met, St Andrews is an internationally renowned town. Perched on the northeast coast of Fife, there is plenty to keep you busy, from museums and shops to a host of other cultural attractions. Naturally, you will also find an abundance of golf courses, so prepare to tee off in any of the seven splendid options.
How to get there; One hour 15 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley and one hour 30 minutes by car
Best time to visit; April to May and September to October
Dundee
Situated on the banks of the River Tay, Dundee has evolved in recent years to become a cultural hub. Scotland’s sunniest city, the V&A museum earnt Dundee the UK’s first and only UNESCO City of Design status. If you want to sightsee the city in style, we recommend a 30 minute helicopter tour to enjoy a unique bird’s eye view of the area.
How to get there; One hour 24 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley, one hour 20 minutes by car
Best time to visit; July, August and September
Loch Ness and the Highlands
A household name thanks to the numerous reported sightings of a Loch Ness monster, the Loch Ness is a freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands. There are several things to do in and around the loch, and one of the most popular is a coach tour to Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Great Glen, where you can pass Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis.
How to get there; Approximately 4 hours by train from Edinburgh Waverley, 3 hour 30 minutes by car
Best time to visit; May, July, August and September
Themed Helicopter Pleasure Flight for Two - 30 minutes
Nothing compares to the unusual sensation of being suspended mid-air in an almighty, agile helicopter. These creatures don’t just fly forward, they are the only aircraft capable of flying sideways and backwardundefined what better way to sightsee than with a tour in a helicopter like this?
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South Queensferry
Just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh, South Queensferry is known for its three bridges: Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing. After capturing some spectacular pictures of the bridges, meander along the cobbled streets and their aesthetically pleasing houses before stopping for a bite to eat.
How to get there; Approximately 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley, 15 minutes by car
Best time to visit; June to August
Falkirk
Another popular destination less than 30 minutes away from Edinburgh is Falkirk. Although unassuming at first glance, the city began turning heads with the 2014 introduction of the Kelpies. The pair of 100-foot-tall horse sculptures pays homage to Scotland’s industrial past and are quite a sight to behold.
How to get there; approximately 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley, 50 minutes by car
Best time to visit; July and August
Loch Lomond
People often assume Loch Lomond, the UK’s largest body of freshwater, is only accessible by car, but you can get the train to Balloch in just under two hours. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is a popular place for hiking, camping, boat cruises and watersports such as kayaking.
How to get there; 2 hours by train from Edinburgh Waverley, 1 hour 40 minutes by car
Best time to visit; late June to late August.
North Berwick
The perfect antidote to Edinburgh’s urban bustle, North Berwick is an alluring seaside town just over 30 minutes away from the city centre. Discover all kinds of shops, cafes and galleries, in addition to a pristine beach. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to make a beeline for the views from the conical North Berwick Law, the town’s award-winning gardens and the Scottish Seabird Centre.
How to get there; 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley, 50 minutes by car
Best time to visit; July and August
Aberfeldy
Whisky is the drink most associated with Scotland and while there are many places in Edinburgh to sample the popular tipple, there are currently no distilleries in the city open to the public. Located just a two hour drive from Edinburgh, Dewar's Aberfeldy Distillery is the place to go for an award-winning insight into the fascinating world of whisky. It produces single malt whisky and offers tours and tastings.
How to get there; 2 hour 50 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley, one hour 45 minutes by car
Best time to visit; June or April
Aberdour
The gateway to the stunning Fife trail, Aberdour is the personification of everything a seaside town should be. A short walk from the train station will lead you to the harbour, and the Aberdour Castle and Gardens is a must for any history buff. Foodies will also be satisfied by the extensive choice of restaurants, including The Woodside pub and Sands, A Place by the Sea.
How to get there; 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley, 45 minutes by car
Best time to visit; June through August
Dunbar
Another town that is easily reached from Edinburgh is Dunbar, which is renowned for its magnificent coastal rock formations. After making the most of the picture-perfect photo opportunities, step back in time at the Dunbar Castle - one of the strongest castles in the whole of Scotland. There is also a host of family-friendly attractions, including East Links Family Park featuring all manner of farm animals to pet.
How to get there; 20 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley, 45 minutes by car
Best time to visit; early July to late August
PURE Spa & Beauty Express 30 minute Spa Package for Two
Sometimes all you need is a quick pick-me-up. Grab a friend and head to one of PURE Spa’s luxury locations for this Express Spa package, where you’ll both be totally relaxed in no time at all. In this package, you’ll enjoy a treatment of your choice each with a total time of 30 minutes.
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Aberdeen
Slightly further afield but well worth it, Aberdeen is a multi-faceted city that caters to a variety of interests. From the Aberdeen train station, it is just a short walk to many of the city’s attractions, including the harbour where lucky visitors may spot a dolphin or two. For those wanting a quick respite from all the sightseeing, PURE Spa offers an express 30 minute massage or facial package, guaranteed to leave you ready to continue adventuring.
How to get there; 2 hour 20 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley, 2 hour 40 minutes by car
Best time to visit; June to August
Stirling
Magnificent scenery, a bustling cultural scene, and plenty of history to boot: what it lacks in size, Stirling makes up for in character. Known as the gateway to the Highlands, Stirling is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Scottish history. A must-see is the striking Stirling Castle, where you can learn of the exploits of several key historical figures.
How to get there; 50 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley, one hour by car
Best time to visit; September to November
Perth
Once Scotland's ancient capital, Perth is now one of the country's most exciting modern cities, boasting a sparkling riverside location, beautiful Georgian architecture, and a good helping of cosmopolitan charm. A popular activity in the area is a sightseeing cruise, where you can discover the incredible wildlife and nature of the loch from a viewpoint in a modern, custom built cabin RIB.
How to get there; One hour 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley, one hour by car
Best time to visit; September
Summary
Hopefully by now, you have discovered your next day trip destination from Edinburgh. Don’t forget to check out our full range of Edinburgh experiences too, to help make the most of your time in the city.
