Before festival season really kicks off though, it’s important to remember that Edinburgh’s unique in a number of ways, not just the cultural ones. We’ve knocked our heads together and come up with this list of the ten best day trips you can go on if you’re in Edinburgh. Some are local, some a little out of town, but all of them get our mark of approval. Enjoy!
1. Island-hopping from South Queensferry
From all over Edinburgh you can get superb views of the Firth of Forth, but nothing can beat actually get out onto it from onboard a boat. Head north out of the city along Queensferry Road and you will soon see signs for this picturesque ‘coastal’ village. Sandwiched right between the two looming Forth bridges, South Queensferry is just the place for a good pub lunch with a view, before jumping on the Maid of the Forth, which will ferry you to Inchcolm Island. Visited by St Columba in the 6th century, the tiny island has played an important defensive role in Edinburgh’s history, right back to Roman times.
2. North Berwick & The Scottish Sea Bird Centre
This time take the train. At only half an hour from Waverley Station, North Berwick is undoubtedly one of the most popular day trips for Edinburgers. Relaxed, compact and with its own good quality beach (and great quality walking inland if that’s your thing), North Berwick feels like a million miles away. Not far out to sea you’ll spot the massive Bass Rock, which David Attenborough described as “one of the wildlife wonders of the world” thanks to its famous gannet population. You can actually take a boat trip out to the rock or, for an easier adventure, head to The Scottish Sea Bird Centre, where telescopes, exhibitions and hands-on experiences await.
3. Linlithgow Palace
Most famous as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots of course, Linlithgow Palace sits overlooking a quaint loch and has the 15th century St Michael’s Church as it’s neighbour. Ravaged and rebuilt throughout history, Bonnie Price Charlie visited the palace some 200 years later, before the Duke of Cumberland largely destroyed it in 1746. A memorable setting for such a piece of Scotland’s history.
4. Gullane
Beaches aren’t really what Scotland’s best known for, but perhaps they should be. Any Scottish outdoors lover would be able to reel off many picture perfect beaches around the country, from the Outer Hebrides golden sands, to surfing up in Truro. But closer to home, our favourite is Gullane beach. The ultimate picnic spot, this large, dune-backed beach is perfect for families thanks to its calm waters, and is right next to an award-winning golf course too.
5. Hopetoun House
Not many houses have their own deer parks, or 150 acres of well-kept parkland and woodland either; but Hopetoun House has all of this and more. With unbeaten views right across the Forth, this is one of Scotland’s very finest estate houses and it’s Georgian architecture is amongst the most impressive of its kind in the UK. Visit the tearoom for a scone, and then spend the day enjoying the vast and varied grounds. An ideal city escape.
6. Traquair Castle, Innerleithen
Not quite as grand and also a little further out of town, Innerleithen’s Traquair Castle is another Mary Queen of Scots haunt, and the oldest castle home in Scotland. This castle is made for visitors though and even hosts it’s own fare every summer, but in-between you cab sample the ale made onsite in the brewery, get lost in the mature maze (which is an acre and a half!) or just enjoy the fresh country air.
7. Musselburgh
Just on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Musselburgh is another beautiful Lothians coastal town, which has earned it’s nickname “the honest toun”. Though it’s probably most famous for its ancient racecourse, visitors today will undoubtedly find their way to Scotland’s most famous ice cream parlour, St Luca, which was founded in 1908.
8. Dive with sharks in Fife
Hopefully not as hair-raising as it sounds, swimming with sharks is something you can actually enjoy and only 15 minutes by train from Edinburgh! Just across the Forth Road Bridge is North Queensferry where, at Deep Sea World, you can come face to face with sharks in the vast aquarium. Without the use of protective cages, you can swim with the apparently harmless Sand Tiger sharks that live there, and without having to brave the cold Fife waters either.
9. Beecraigs Country Park
Sitting in the Bathgate Hills, near Linlithgow, is Beecraigs Park. Another sprawling estate park which has more than first meets the eye for visitors of all ages. Covering over 900 acres, the park is best explored on foot, whereby you can visit the sawmill and deer park, or go fishing in the fishery, climbing, canoeing, try your hand at archery or just take a wonderful walk and picnic in the woods.
10. Glasgow
Edinburgh’s edgier sister, Glasgow is a must if you have the time to see any other cities in Scotland. The opposite to Edinburgh in many ways, Glasgow combines cutting-edge culture with a strong industrial heritage and cool city life vistas. Sitting outdoors drinking an espresso in Merchant City is as cosmopolitan as it gets, and as for shopping, Glasgow deservedly gets Scotland’s crown. But just don’t stay too long…
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