12 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh You Can’t Miss in 2025

Need a little escape from the city?

Edinburgh is amazing, no doubt, but every now and then, a quick day trip can do wonders. Maybe you want to clear your head, see something new, or just spend quality time with people you care about.

Scotland is full of stunning spots that are closer than you think. From peaceful lochs and fairytale castles to cute towns and quiet beaches, there’s so much to discover, even if you only have a day.

Now, here’s where we come in—because we know it’s not just about where you go, but how you get there. At Hire Society, we’re more than just a transport company. We truly care about making your trip easy, comfortable, and enjoyable from the moment you leave your door. 

For over 25 years, we’ve been helping people travel together without stress, without confusion, and without hassle. We take care of the little things, so you can focus on the fun stuff.

So, if you’re planning a family outing, a friends’ getaway, or a relaxed group adventure, let’s check out the best day trips from Edinburgh—and how to enjoy them with zero worries.

Why Take a Day Trip from Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is amazing. But sometimes, a change of scene is just what you need. Here’s why Edinburgh day trips make sense:

• You can visit a new place and return the same day.

• You save money on hotels.

• There’s a lot to see just 1–2 hours away.

• It’s perfect for families, schools, work teams, or friend groups.

How Do You Get Around?

You have a few travel options. Each comes with its pros and cons:

Transport Option	Good For	Not Ideal For
Train or Bus	Solo travellers or couples	Groups, flexible timings
Car Rental	2–5 people	Large groups, parking struggles
Minibus or Coach Hire	Groups of 16 to 74	It might feel unnecessary for 1–2 people

Why Coach or Minibus Hire?

If you’re planning a day trip from Edinburgh with friends, family, or a group, hiring a luxury coach, a reliable private coach, or a minibus just makes sense. It’s way more relaxed than taking separate cars, and no one has to worry about directions, parking, or who’s driving. You all stay together, enjoy the views, chat, and even take a nap on the way back if you want. 

At Hire Society, our friendly, professional drivers handle everything, so you can focus on having a good time. Doesn’t matter if it’s a small group heading to a nearby castle or a big bunch off to the Highlands, we’ve got the right vehicle to keep everyone comfy and the day stress-free.

Basically, choosing the right coach hire company is key to a smooth trip; find tips in our guide here.

12 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh – Easy and Beautiful Places to Visit

If you’re in Edinburgh and wondering what else you can explore nearby, you’re in for a treat! There are many beautiful places you can visit in just a day, from magical castles and peaceful lakes to amazing mountain views and pretty beaches. 

So let’s talk about the 12 best day trips from Edinburgh that you’ll absolutely love.

1. Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands

This trip is perfect if you love nature, beautiful mountains, and mysterious lakes. The Scottish Highlands are wild and peaceful, with lots of history and amazing views.

The star of this trip is Loch Ness, Scotland’s most famous lake. People know it because of the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. But even if you don’t believe in monsters, the loch is stunning; It’s really long (almost 40 km), very deep (over 220 meters), and super wide in places.

You’ll also see Glencoe, a valley with tall, rugged mountains shaped by old volcanoes and glaciers. Glencoe is so beautiful that it has been used in movies like Skyfall and Harry Potter.

Perfect for: nature lovers, photographers, and movie fans.

2. Loch Lomond & Stirling Castle

1. Total round-trip distance: About 145 miles 2. Edinburgh to Stirling Castle: Around 35 miles 3. Stirling Castle to Loch Lomond: About 25 to 30 miles 4. Trip includes a return to Edinburgh 5. A whole day trip takes around nine and a half hours 6. Includes travel time, sightseeing, and breaks

Loch Lomond is Scotland’s biggest lake, surrounded by the beautiful Trossachs National Park. It’s a lovely place for a peaceful walk or boat ride. You can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the views of nature.

You’ll also visit Stirling Castle, which sits on a hill and was once home to Scottish kings and queens. The castle is full of history, and you can walk through its rooms and gardens.

Perfect for: families and anyone who loves castles and lakes.

3. Rosslyn Chapel

1. Road distance: Around 7.9 miles 2. Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel

Only a short drive, basically a half-day trip from Edinburgh, Rosslyn Chapel is a small but amazing church with lots of carved details. It was built in 1446 and is connected to the Knights Templar, which makes it a bit mysterious. It was even featured in The Da Vinci Code movie.

Even though it’s small, the place feels very special. The chapel is peaceful, historic, and great if you like stories full of mystery.

Perfect for: history lovers and fans of hidden secrets.

4. Firth of Forth & Inchcolm Abbey

1. The distance from Edinburgh to Inchcolm Abbey is 20 miles. 2. It’s about a 40-minute drive.

If you like boats and sea views, this trip is for you. You’ll go on a relaxing boat ride across the Firth of Forth, which is the water that leads into Edinburgh from the North Sea.

Along the way, you’ll see the famous three bridges and visit Inchcolm Island, which has a well-preserved old monastery. Sometimes you might even see puffins and seals on the island!

Perfect for: boat lovers and people who enjoy peaceful islands.

5. Alnwick Castle

1. The distance from Edinburgh to Alnwick Castle is 93 miles. 2. It’s about a 2-hour drive.

Alnwick Castle is in Northumberland, England, and it’s one of the biggest castles still lived in today. You might recognise it from the Harry Potter movies. It was used for scenes in The Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.

The castle is beautiful, full of history, and has lovely gardens. It’s also close to charming villages and the countryside. A perfect day trip from Edinburgh by bus.

Perfect for: Harry Potter fans and people who love fairy-tale castles.

6. Hopetoun House

1. The distance from Edinburgh to Hopetoun House is 12 miles. 2. It’s about a 20-minute drive.

Just outside Edinburgh, Hopetoun House is a country house filled with historic furniture, paintings, and beautiful gardens. You can walk through the house and explore the peaceful gardens too.

If you’re an Outlander fan, this house was used in the show and is part of the Outlander-themed tours.

Perfect for: Outlander fans and people who enjoy elegant homes.

7. Craigmillar Castle

1. The distance from Edinburgh to Craigmillar Castle is about 4 miles. 2. It takes around 10-15 minutes to drive.

This old castle is not far from Edinburgh but is often missed by tourists. Craigmillar Castle was where Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, stayed after a tragic event in her life.

The castle is still standing strong and has a lot of rooms, towers, and gardens to explore. It’s quiet, peaceful, and full of history.

Perfect for: quiet history lovers and people who enjoy castles without big crowds.

8. Portobello Beach

1. Portobello is a lovely coastal area, a perfect day trip from Edinburgh 2. It’s only about 3 miles from the city centre. 3. Known for its beach and relaxed vibe.

Yes, Edinburgh has a beach nearby! Portobello Beach is just a short trip from the city centre. You’ll find the sand, the sea, a long promenade, and lots of fun.

There are events like music shows and sports games, plus plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby. It’s great for a relaxing day in the sun or even a bike ride.

Perfect for: beach lovers, families, and cyclists.

9. Glasgow – Scotland’s Largest City

1. Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. 2. It’s about 46 miles from Edinburgh. 3. Known for its vibrant culture and history.

Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city and full of fun things to do. You can visit Kelvingrove Museum and the Riverside Museum and see the Glasgow Cathedral, which is one of the oldest buildings in the city.

Glasgow is also known for art, music, shopping, and football (home to both Rangers and Celtic clubs).

Perfect for: city lovers and museum fans.

10. Jupiter Artland (7 miles)

1. Jupiter Artland is 13 miles from Edinburgh. 2. It’s an art park with sculptures and installations. 3. A great place for art lovers and nature enthusiasts.

If you like modern art and nature, Jupiter Artland is a great mix of both. It’s an outdoor sculpture park and gallery just outside Edinburgh.

Walk through beautiful gardens and see creative art pieces hidden among the trees and fields. It’s fun, a little quirky, and great for both kids and adults.

Perfect for: art lovers and people looking for something different.

11. St. Andrews & Fishing Villages of Fife

1. Total distance: 119 miles from Edinburgh. 2. Visit St. Andrews, famous for its old university and golf course. 3. Explore the charming fishing villages along the Fife coast. 4. A great day trip from Edinburgh.

This trip takes you through cute old fishing villages where you can see what life in medieval Scotland looked like. You’ll end up in St. Andrews, the home of golf and one of Scotland’s most famous towns.

Visit the old castle and cathedral, see the beach, and maybe even visit the university where Prince William met Kate.

Perfect for: golf fans, history lovers, and people who like small towns.

12. Isle of Skye

1. Total distance: 236 miles (380 km) from Edinburgh. 2. A trip to the Isle of Skye. 3. A longer journey, great for a full day or overnight trip.

The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands, with amazing places like the Old Man of Storr, Dunvegan Castle, and wild cliffs and beaches.

Perfect for: people who want a longer adventure and love wild nature.

Planning Tips for a Smooth Day Trip

When planning a day trip, start by choosing a destination everyone in your group will enjoy. Make sure to count how many people are coming so you can pick the right vehicle size. It’s a good idea to book your transport ahead of time, especially during the busy holiday season.

Also, don’t forget to pack light, bring some snacks, and drinks to keep everyone refreshed. Dress for the weather so that you can stay comfortable throughout the day. And while having a basic plan is helpful, it’s also important to stay flexible in case things change along the way.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it—some amazing day trips from Edinburgh that you definitely shouldn’t miss in 2025. No matter if you’re exploring beautiful castles, serene lochs, or charming villages, Scotland has so much to offer just a short drive from the city. Just remember to plan ahead, book your transport early, and enjoy the journey with your friends or family. 

It’s all about making the most of your time and creating memories together. So, pack your bags now and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Besides, for corporate trips and events, do you know how coach hire simplifies logistics? Find out more here.

FAQs What is the best day trip from Edinburgh? The best day trip from Edinburgh is to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands. It’s a beautiful place with stunning views, and you can visit the famous Loch Ness. It’s a fun, scenic day out with lots to explore. What to do in Edinburgh for 2 days? In two days, you can visit Edinburgh Castle, explore the Royal Mile, and hike up Arthur’s Seat for great views. Don’t miss the National Museum and try a local café for a taste of the city. It’s a perfect mix of history and fun! What are the day trips from Edinburgh with kids? For a day trip with kids, try going to the Edinburgh Zoo or the National Museum. You could also visit the beach at Portobello or take a train to the Isle of May for birdwatching and adventure. It’s fun for everyone in the family!