Explore More: A Day Trip From Edinburgh
Exploring the City of Edinburgh can be a great way to start your Scottish adventure, especially for your first trip to the country. However, if you’re fancying broadening your horizons, we’ve curated a list of our favourite spots to check out, outside of the City - all less than an hour’s drive or journey via public transport. Some of the best places to visit in Scotland, if we do say so ourselves.
Let’s get started, shall we?
South Queensferry
One of our favourite spots near Edinburgh is South Queensferry, just a 20-minute train ride from Waverley to Dalmeny. The Ferry, as locals call it, offers fantastic views of the River Forth and the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, which connects North and South Queensferry.
Forth Bridges Viewpoint
Once you arrive at the station, take yourself for a stroll to the Forth Bridges Viewpoint to get a great view of the landscape that surrounds it. The location has a full view of all three Forth bridges and is a popular spot amongst Scottish photographers.
South Queensferry offers many well-known food spots, making it ideal for foodies. One of the most popular is Scotts Bar & Restaurant, a renowned Scottish eatery just off the harbour on the Firth of the Forth. Scott’s at Port Edgar Marina blends delicious food and drink in a unique setting. The restaurant is often fully booked, so reserve a seat to avoid disappointment.
Dune Bakery is a recent addition to the town, and is ever growingly popular amongst the locals and the West Edinburgh area. Their deluxe pastries are not just delicious but also breathtakingly beautiful - certainly one to snap a photo of. Make sure to grab a warm drink of your choosing and one of their fresh bakes to complement it; delicious.
If you’re sporting your sea legs and fancy exploring more of the Forth River, make sure to head over to the Maid of the Forth. Enjoy a unique 90-minute sightseeing experience and perhaps spot the local dolphin that swims near the marina. Alternatively, if you’re after a longer exploration, they also offer a 3-hour excursion to Inchcolm Island that resides just outside the Aberdour coast.
Another unique recommendation can be found at the bottom of the Royal Mile - Lighthouse Books. This store is known as Edinburgh’s only Radical Bookstore and has an esteemed collection of LGBTQ+ books as well as heaps of diverse reading to choose from. What will you be picking up?
Culross
Culross, pronounced ‘coo-riss’, is a gorgeous coastal village in the Fife side of the Forth River, famous for being one of the settings for the Scottish series Outlander as the fictional village of Cranesmuir.
A fantastic historic landmark is Culross Abbey, nestled away within the village us a great free activity to enjoy during your day away from the City.
While a great portion of the site is ruins, the main structure is partially still used by the Church of Scotland.
Bessie’s Café is one of Culross’s few eateries, hidden away throughout the small Village. Bessie’s is known for its delicious, fresh breakfasts as well as its baked-in-house sweet treats.
The Red Lion Inn is a traditional pub-style restaurant with a warm, lively atmosphere and, of course, its unique location. Treat yourself to a draft pint and a delicious Steak & Kidney Pie (if you fancy) and finish your trip the right way.
Stirling
Edinburgh Castle is one of the country’s most famous castles, alongside another beauty - Stirling Castle. Situated in the gorgeous cobbled City of Scotland, it is the perfect day trip away from Edinburgh. The Town not only hosts a unique castle, but is also blooming with independent stores and cafes to explore in the high street.
Stirling Castle
Start your trip by heading up to the castle and exploring all of the hidden history that has resided there for over 900 years. The Castle was home to many significant historical figures, such as Mary Queen of Scots, and has had a few refurbishments over the years, including the Great Hall built in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Made in Stirling
Made in Stirling is the perfect shop to secure a unique gift from your exploration; the store not only serves as an independent art and gift shop but also a creative hub for local artists. It’s the perfect spot to find a hidden treasure and support a small business.
The Book Nook
If you are a bookworm on the hunt for your next read, The Book Nook is the perfect location for you! This small independent bookstore and café sells new and second-hand books with a delightful café setting to indulge yourself in.
Stirling Castle, Scotland.
The City of Stirling, Scotland.
The Pentland Hills
Depending on how you travelled to the city, you may have been lucky enough to spot the famous Pentland Hills already. These gorgeous hills make up just a small part of many Scottish greens and lochs throughout the country. This hidden gem technically sits in Edinburgh and runs along the bypass, which makes it the perfect spot for you to explore.
The Pentland Hills Regional Park
This gorgeous park is the perfect setting for exploring the Scottish nature, offering views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside. The location spans a huge stretch of the hillside with both novice and intermediate hiking trails and beautiful reservoirs dotted along the hillscape.
We hope you enjoyed our Day Trip From Edinburgh post - let us know where you head to first!