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Day trips from Edinburgh
Select Your Experience
- Set off on a full-day guided trip to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Highlands where rugged mountains and sweeping moors await you.
- Get ready to bask in the ultimate itinerary as the air-conditioned coach takes you over 15 sights including the historic Glencoe.
- Spot the iconic Highland coo up close in Callander, adding a touch of local wildlife and uncovering stories with a guide.
- Soak in the breathtaking views from the Urquhart Castle and cap off your trip with a Loch Ness cruise.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip around Loch Ness, Glencoe & The Highlands
- Expert English-speaking driver-guide
- Digital translation in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian & Chinese (Mandarin)
- Pick-up from Green Ensign Ewart pub in Edinburgh
- Round-trip luxury modern air-conditioned coach transfer
Exclusions
- Tickets to Urquhart Castle/Loch Ness cruise (available for purchase on-site)
- Lunch and drinks
Meeting point
- Green Ensign Ewart pub at 8am
Callander
- part of Trossachs National Park, first stop, light refreshments at your own expense, spot Highland coo
Glencoe
- famous valley known for waterfalls and breathtaking trails, photo stop
Fort Willian
- Stop for a lunch at your own expense
Loch Ness
- Scotland’s most famous loch
- Visit Urquhart Castle, tickets can be purchased on-site
- Hop on a Loch Ness cruise, tickets can be purchased on-site
- Simply hang out on the pier and grab a coffee with gorgeous views
Pitlochry
- the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, stop for refreshments at your own expense
Ending point
- Green Ensign Ewart pub at 8:30pm
- Tip: You can carry a cold-packed lunch if you wish to make the most of your time at each stop.
- Keep in mind hot food & beverages are not allowed on the coaches.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 4 years.
- Parts of this experience are not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Your guide dogs are welcome on the coaches.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Off you go on a guided-day day trip from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and Kelpies filled with sightseeing and folklore legends.
- Board the luxury coach and pass by iconic sites including Trossachs National Park known for breathtaking lochs, mountains, and forests.
- Fancy an age-old myth? Learn all about shape-shifters appearing as horses from your local guide at your stop at Kelpies sculptures.
- Cruise through Loch Lomond, the largest in Scotland and visit the mighty Stirling Castle, sitting atop a volcanic rock.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip around Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies
- Expert English-speaking driver-guide
- Digital translation in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian & Chinese (Mandarin)
- Pick-up from Green Ensign Ewart pub in Edinburgh
- Round-trip luxury modern air-conditioned coach transfer
Exclusions
- Tickets to Loch Lomond Boat Cruise/Stirling Castle (available for purchase on-site)
- Lunch and drinks
Meeting point
- Green Ensign Ewart pub at 8:45am
Kelpies
- 30m tall horse-head sculptures, first stop
Loch Lomond
- Scotland’s largest loch, optional cruise, tickets can be purchased on-site
Trossachs National Park
- Highlands in Miniature, free time to explore, lunch at your own expense
Stirling Castle
- royal residence of Scottish royals, free time to explore, tickets can be purchased on-site
Ending point
- Green Ensign Ewart pub at 6:15pm
- Tip: Check for any special events or workshops happening at the Stirling Castle to enhance your visit.
- Keep in mind hot food & beverages are not allowed on the coaches. You can carry a cold-packed lunch if you don’t wish to indulge in a meal at the restaurant.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 4 years.
- Parts of this experience are not accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers.
- Due to weather conditions or during peak days the tour may run in reverse itinerary.
- Parts of Stirling Castle may remain closed for safety reasons, check out their official website for full details.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Come on an exhilarating full-day trip to Glencoe, Fort William, and Glenfinnan, with round-trip transfers from Edinburgh.
- Explore the legendary filming locations of James Bond and Harry Potter in Glencoe while traveling in an air-conditioned luxury coach.
- A local expert will lead you through the area's rich history during your stops at the magnificent Glenfinnan Monument.
- Take a moment to admire the stunning architecture of the well-known Glenfinnan Viaduct, also called as the Harry Potter Bridge.
Inclusions
- Full-day trip around Glenfinnan, Glencoe & Fort William
- Expert English-speaking driver-guide
- Digital translations in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian & Chinese (Mandarin)
- Pick-up from Ensign Ewart, Lawnmarket
- Round-trip luxury modern air-conditioned coach transfer
Exclusions
- Tickets to Glenfinnan Monument
- Food & drinks
Meeting point
- Ensign Ewart, Lawnmarket at 7:15am
Callander
- key to the Highlands, quick refreshments
Glencoe
- famous valley known for waterfalls and breathtaking trails, photo stop
Fort William
- explore famous Loch Linhe, lunch at your own expense
Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Harry Potter bridge, photo stop
Glenfinnan Monument
- stone tower on Loch Shiel, free time to explore, tickets can be purchased on-site
Pitlochry
- the Victorian resort town of Pitlochry, stop for refreshments at your own expense
Ending point
- Ensign Ewart, Lawnmarket at 7pm
- Tip: Make sure to look out for local wildlife like red deer and golden eagles at the Glenfinnan Monument.
- Keep in mind hot food & beverages are not allowed on the coaches. You can carry a cold-packed lunch if you don’t wish to make the most of your time at each stop.
- Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 4 years.
- Your guide dogs are welcome on the coaches.
- The schedule is subject to change during busy months to avoid traffic at the attractions and refreshment stops. Reverse running will take you via Pitlochry, making a halt somewhere else for refreshments.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Enjoy a day trip to Alnwick Castle from Edinburgh in an air-conditioned bus. Take a picture in front of the Bamburgh Castle, dating back to the 5th century.
- With an English-speaking guide, experience the magic of the prime filming location for the Harry Potter series at Alnwick Castle.
- Immerse yourself in the rich history of both castles through an in-depth audio guide available in 6 languages.
- Admire the scenic views of the Scottish and English border region with rolling hills, green meadows, and stunning coastline.
- Upgrade to include entry to Alnwick Castle. Explore its grand state rooms and the castle's impressive library, home to over 14000 books.
Inclusions
- Day tour of Alnwick Castle
- Round-trip AC coach transfers from Edinburgh
- Local English-speaking guide
- Audio guide in 6 languages
- Entry ticket to Alnwick Castle (optional)
- Edinburgh
- Lindisfarne or Bamburgh Castle
- Alnwick Castle
- Scottish Borders
- Tip: Choose the ticket option with entry into Alnwick Castle to indulge in a free broomstick training experience!
- Please note the itinerary is subject to change.
- The audio guide is available in Chinese, Portuguese, Italian, French, German, and Spanish.
- The experience is restricted to guests aged 5 and above.
- Collapsible wheelchairs are allowed if accompanied by an assistant for boarding and disembarking.
- Please bring along your photo id. Students are to bring a valid ISIC/ISE/ITIC. Without it, they will be charged the full tour price + 25 GBP admin fee.
- Baggage Allowance: 1 x med case / + 1 x small carry-on bag; Max 15 kg.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- Calling all whisky fanatics! Take a day trip from Edinburgh to a whisky distillery to discover the secrets of Scotland's beloved national drink.
- Ditch the hassle of traveling through public transport and enjoy comfortable transfers and take advantage of the multilingual audio guide.
- Take a journey from Edinburgh to Stirling and explore the National Wallace Monument, a tribute to Scotland's most famous leader, William Wallace.
- Immerse yourself in Scotland's 'water of life' culture at one of its whisky distilleries and take a walk through the woodlands at Hermitage.
- Discover the charming Dunkeld village nestled in Shakespeare's Macbeth country, and witness the cathedral perched along the River Tay.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour of Scottish whisky & waterfalls
- Transfers in AC vehicle
- Local Scottish guide
- Whisky distillery tour
- Hermitage forest walk
- WiFi onboard
Exclusions
- Food & drinks
- Tip: Having in mind a region or whether you want something smoky or fruity will help you find your perfect drink!
- Audio guide available in German, Chinese, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, and Spanish.
- The minimum age for this tour is 18.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
When in Edinburgh, a visit to the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city is absolutely essential. We dare say you haven’t experienced a fraction of what Scotland has to offer without visiting these charming destinations, hidden away in the Scottish Highlands or faraway towns.
With our curated day trips from Edinburgh, we bring the best of them to you. These pre-planned tours bring varied Scottish experiences to you sans the trouble of planning or navigating foreign roads. You are in good hands with our trusted tour operators, who will go to great lengths to deliver exceptional services. Add to the mix, great and diverse tour options, the best prices, and assured support every step of the way. Need we say more? Scan through, choose your pick, and book your ticket to embark on the ultimate adventure from Edinburgh!
Best day trip destinations from Edinburgh
Day trip destinations from Edinburgh map
Day trips from Edinburgh - an overview
Destination
Distance
Things to do
Tickets
The Kelpies
42 km
Catch the light show at Kelpies; check out Helix - the parkland around the Kelpies
Stirling Castle
63 km
Behold pretty views; visit the Chapel Royal & admire its impressive interiors; try on the period costumes & play pretend; learn the castle's interesting history
Loch Lomond
126 km
Loch Lomond cruises; hike up Ben Lomond; visit Trossachs National Park; check out the nearby whisky distilleries
Alnwick Castle
138 km
Marvel at the architectural highlights of the Castle; visit the treehouse cafe - the largest of its kind in the world; stroll through the landscaped gardens
Glencoe
188 km
Loch Leven cruises; hike the mountain trails; catch truly dramatic scenery; go skiing
Fort William
234 km
Hike up Ben Nevis; take the Jacobite Steam Train starting here; explore Lochaber Geopark
Scottish Highlands
252 km (Fort Augustus)
Check out Highland highlights like Glencoe & Loch Ness; hike along the West Highland Way; visit museums that document the distinct Highland culture & histories
Glenfinnan
255 km
Visit the Glenfinnan Monument; ride the Jacobite Steam Train along the Glenfinnan Viaduct; Loch Shiel cruises
Frequently asked questions about day trips from Edinburgh
What type of day trips are available from Edinburgh?
You can opt for full-day trips from Edinburgh with multiple stops, an expert guide, and comfortable round-trip transfers.
How do I choose the right day trip for me?
Check the destinations offered in a day trip ticket and see if they match your interests. Then check the duration and cost of the trip to see if it is a budget and time fit. Later, check the facilities included and you can find the perfect trip from Edinburgh.
Are day trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?
Most day trip service providers aim to make their trips accessible to all passengers. Most day tour tickets are equipped with facilities to make the journey pleasant for persons with disabilities. If there are service limitations, it will be specifically mentioned in the ticket details.
Is transportation to and from the starting point provided?
Most day tours from Edinburgh offer transportation to and from the city onboard comfortable vehicles.
Are there any age restrictions for day trips?
Certain age restrictions may be applicable on day trips from Edinburgh owing to safety concerns. Restrictions may or may not be imposed depending on the ticket. Kindly check your ticket for more information.
What should I bring on a day trip?
Carry your ID and valid ticket while boarding the bus. Check the weather forecast of the visiting destinations beforehand and pack accordingly. Stay hydrated, and carry cash for meals, souvenirs, and entry tickets, wherever applicable.
Are meals included in the day trip, or should I bring my own food?
If meals are included in the day trip from Edinburgh, it will be specifically mentioned on the ticket. You are also free to bring a cold-packed lunch or snacks. Hot food and beverages are typically not allowed on the transfer vehicles.
Where do the day trips start, and where will it end?
The starting point of the day trips will be in Edinburgh and the exact meeting point will be mentioned on the ticket. In most cases, the ending point will be the same Edinburgh location as the boarding point.
Is there any free time allocated for exploration or relaxation?
Yes, once you reach a venue you are allotted ample time to explore on your own, grab meals, or take photos. There are also refreshment breaks in between journeys to stretch your legs and use the loo.
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of during the trip?
Day trip tickets may or may not include attraction entry tickets and meals. Check your ticket details for inclusions. Some tickets have optional attraction entry tickets. In other cases, you will probably have to the option to buy the attraction ticket at the venue. Carry cash for these purchases and for meals, if not included.