21 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: What's Worth It?

Edinburgh is stunning — but what if you want to see more than Edinburgh while in Scotland? The answer is to take a day trip from Edinburgh!

There are so many places near Edinburgh that you can travel to in a day.

Since you may have only one extra day to spend, you need to know which ones are worth it.

Since I moved to Edinburgh, I’ve been frequently going on day trips around Scotland, and I’ve personally gone on all of the ones below.

I’ve rated and detailed my experience at each one to help you decide where to go.

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Have an Extra Day in Edinburgh? Here’s What to Do

If you are planning to spend 4 or more days in Edinburgh (3 is the minimum I’d recommend), and you want a chance to get out of the city and see more of Scotland, I’ve got some great ideas for a day trip.

Want to see a castle? Head to Lauriston Castle, Abbotsford, Blair Castle, Stirling Castle, or Alnwick Castle.

Want to see ruins? Check out Linlithgow Palace, Craigmillar Castle, Tantallon Castle, or Inchcolm Abbey.

Want to frolic in a Scottish garden? Visit Drummond Castle Gardens, Abbotsford, or Blair Castle.

Want to see Scotland’s natural beauty? Head to the Hermitage, North Berwick, Loch Lomond, or the Pentland Hills.

In the list below, I’ve ranked and detailed these day trips to help you decide which one to visit!

View of Edinburgh Castle from Scott Monument

Map of Day Trips from Edinburgh

Rating the Day Trips from Edinburgh: Which Are Worth Doing?

I rated the first few day trips a 10/10 because I love Scotland and find most places here incredibly interesting and beautiful.

It’s hard to rate them lower!

If you decide to visit any of these places, I hope your experience goes just as well as mine did.

Update: As I’ve visited more places, these rankings have shifted and I will continue to rearrange them accordingly.

Blair Castle

Rating: 10/10
Worth a day trip? Yes!
Biggest draws: Historic castle, gardens, woodlands
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 80 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own via train or join a group tour that visits Blair Castle.
Recommended tour: Heart of Scotland’s Best of Scotland in a Day Tour

Blair Castle is the farthest into the Highlands I’d suggest to go on a day trip from Edinburgh.

It is a 750-year-old castle, home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries.

And while the castle is interesting, the real star of visiting Blair Castle is its incredible gardens and woodlands.

You’ll see sheep and hairy coos grazing in the fields, golden leaves falling from the trees, and a walled garden that is too stunning for words.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Blair Castle from my post, “Day Trip to Blair Castle in Scotland, an Autumn Wonderland.”

girl standing in front of Blair Castle, a white-washed castle in Scots baronial style — Blair Castle

girl standing in the middle of a leaf-littered pathway with golden autumn trees lining one side and a fence lining the other — Blair Castle

apple trees and hedges inside the walled garden at Blair Castle — Blair Castle

Inchcolm Abbey and Island

Rating: 10/10
Worth a day trip? Yes!
Biggest draws: Close to Edinburgh, fascinating history, lots of nature
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 9 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? You’ll have to get to the dock on your own, but purchase your ferry ticket and landing pass with Forth Boat Tours or Maid of the Forth — (I went with Forth Boat Tours).

One of the most interesting day trips you can take from Edinburgh is to a medieval abbey on an island.

Just a quick 45-minute ferry ride will land you at Inchcolm Island, where you can explore not only a 12th century abbey but a World War I tunnel as well as the island’s wildlife (like seals and puffins).

I did this trip from Edinburgh and had an incredible day on an island that has seen so much history.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Inchcolm Abbey from my post, “Complete Guide to Visiting Inchcolm Abbey and Island near Edinburgh.”

girl standing by the shore on an island looking at an abbey — Inchcolm Abbey

girl standing by a table in the refectory of Inchcolm Abbey — Inchcolm Abbey

girl sitting by a caged window inside Inchcolm Abbey — Inchcolm Abbey

Abbotsford

Rating: 10/10
Worth a day trip? Yes!
Biggest draws: Historic home of an author, gardens, woodlands
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 35 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to get to Abbotsford on your own via public transport.

Abbotsford is the home of Sir Walter Scott, the best-selling Scottish author of his time.

Even if you’ve never read one of Sir Walter Scott’s books, the most famous being Ivanhoe and Rob Roy, you’ll get so much out of a visit to his estate.

There are elaborate gardens and beautiful woodlands in addition to a historic home.

Abbotsford is only an hour from Edinburgh by train, near the Scottish Borders, but it’s well worth the journey to this truly enchanting place.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Abbotsford from my post, “Day Trip to Abbotsford House in Melrose Scotland.”

A woman with long brown hair stands smiling in front of a historic stone castle surrounded by manicured gardens, flowering bushes, and trimmed hedges on a cloudy day. — Abbotsford

A woman with long dark hair walks along a garden path lined with colorful flowers and greenery, with a large historic castle-like building in the background. — Abbotsford

Outlander Tour

Rating: 10/10
Worth a day trip? Yes!
Biggest draws: Midhope Castle and other Outlander filming locations
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 0-40 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? The easiest way to see as many Outlander locations as possible in a day is to drive yourself or go with a group tour.
Recommended tour: Rabbie’s Outlander Day Tour

Taking an Outlander tour is a must while in Scotland, particularly for Outlander fans.

But most of these locations are real places with real history that are just as fascinating — if not more so — than the role they played in a fictional series.

So while a fictional series may have brought you to Scotland, the real-life beauty of this country will make it all the more worth it.

I went on an Outlander Day Tour, visiting five filming locations, and I’ve also been able to visit a few more Outlander filming locations on my own via day trips.

Learn more about what it’s like on an Outlander tour from my post, “Best Outlander Tour in Scotland: Which Sites Are Worth Seeing?“

A woman stands in front of a large stone archway entrance to Midhope Castle with weathered stone walls and steep, peaked roofs under a partly cloudy sky. — Midhope Castle

A woman with a brown bag sits on stone steps in front of a Midhope Castle, an old stone castle, on an Outlander tour Scotland, with a wooden door, two rectangular windows, and surrounded by grass and cobblestones. — Midhope Castle

A cluster of historic yellow houses with red tile roofs stands behind a lush green hedge, with more buildings, a grassy area, and a body of water visible in the background under sunlight. — Culross

North Berwick and Tantallon Castle

Rating: 10/10
Worth a day trip? Yes!
Biggest draws: Puffins (in summer), castle ruins, coastal views
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 30 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own via bus/train or join a group tour that visits North Berwick and Tantallon Castle.
Recommended tour: Experience Scotland’s Wild’s Puffin Boat Trip & Tantallon Castle

When it’s a rare, sunny day in Edinburgh, where do the locals go? Probably North Berwick.

I visited during a recent heat wave and was floored at how charming North Berwick is. I mean, it’s a gorgeous coastal town.

What is there to do in North Berwick? Lots!

Take a boat tour to see the puffins on Craigleith Island or the gannets on Bass Rock.
Take a bus to Tantallon Castle, a stunning coastal ruin, which is just 3 miles down the road.
Or join a tour group to do all of this and more.

A sandy beach with seaweed leads to a row of colorful seaside buildings and a large brick warehouse by a harbor under a blue sky with clouds; a couple of people walk along the shore. — North Berwick

A large, rocky island rises from the blue sea, topped with white bird droppings. A white lighthouse and stone buildings sit at the island’s base, while a small boat sails nearby under a partly cloudy sky. — Bass Rock

A lighthouse stands on a rocky, stone-walled cliff under a blue sky, with many white seabirds nesting on the rocks below. — Bass Rock

An Atlantic puffin with a colorful beak floats on the surface of rippling blue water. — Puffin near Craigleith Island

A group of white seabirds with yellow heads, likely Northern Gannets, perched and resting on rugged, rocky cliffs. Two birds in the foreground stand upright, while others sit or preen among the rocks. — Gannets on Bass Rock

A person with long hair walks across a grassy field toward the ruins of a large, old stone castle under a clear blue sky. — Tantallon Castle

View of a tall, old stone castle wall framed by a rough window or opening in another stone wall, with a grassy courtyard and blue sky visible beyond. — Tantallon Castle

Ruins of a stone castle stand on a cliff above the sea, with green grass, rocky shoreline, and blue water visible in the background under a clear sky. — Tantallon Castle

Drummond Castle Gardens

Rating: 9/10
Worth a day trip? Yes
Biggest draws: Elaborate gardens, Outlander filming location
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 58 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to visit Drummond Castle Gardens on your own, either by car or public transportation.

Whether you are an Outlander fan or just a fan of elaborate gardens, you need to add Drummond Castle Gardens to your Scotland itinerary.

This garden is absolutely gorgeous, and it’s so easy to reach Drummond Castle Gardens on a day trip from Edinburgh (I did it successfully).

While you can stroll around the gardens to your heart’s content, the castle is not open to the public.

However, there is so much to see in the gardens that it’s still well worth a visit.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Drummond Castle Gardens from my post, “Day Trip to Drummond Castle Gardens in Scotland.”

A person with long hair leans on a stone railing, overlooking a formal garden with manicured shrubs, pathways, and statues surrounded by colorful autumn trees. — Drummond Castle Gardens

a girl standing in the middle of a pathway looking up at Drummond Castle — Drummond Castle Gardens

a bridge near a river with Drummond Castle just beyond it — Drummond Castle Gardens

Alnwick Castle and Poison Garden

Rating: 9/10
Worth a day trip? Yes
Biggest draws: Medieval castle, poison garden
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 87 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own to the castle and garden via train or join a group tour that will visit Alnwick Castle.
Recommended tour: Timberbush’s From Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria (stops at both castle and garden)

Alnwick Castle in northern England makes for a great day trip from Edinburgh Scotland.

It may be hard to leave Scotland, but if you are interested in also visiting northern England, Alnwick is your best bet.

It not only has a medieval castle and a charming historic town but also a poison garden.

I traveled to Alnwick and back to Edinburgh in a day and it was well worth it.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Alnwick Castle from my post, “Day Trip to Alnwick Castle and Garden in Northern England.”

A woman in a black dress walks through a field of yellow daffodils in front of a large stone castle with battlements and a British flag flying above it under a cloudy sky. — Alnwick Castle (Note there was a pathway in the middle of the flowers, I’m not trampling!)

A person stands under a large stone archway in a historic building, surrounded by yellowish brick walls and additional arches in the background. The scene is lit with natural daylight. — Alnwick Castle

A person with long hair, wearing a jacket and carrying a white tote bag, stands on a paved garden path, framed by a circular, leafy tunnel. A stone wall and greenery are visible in the background. — Poison Garden

A woman stands smiling on a winding stone path in a lush garden with green hedges, an autumn tree with orange leaves, and a stone wall in the background. — Poison Garden

Pentland Hills

Rating: 9/10
Worth a day trip? Yes
Biggest draws: Close to Edinburgh, hairy coos, alpine coaster
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 5 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to get to the Pentland Hills on your own via public transport.

In the Pentland Hills, you’ll find hairy coos at Swanston Farm as well as incredible views of Edinburgh. On a clear day, you can see the castle, Arthur’s Seat, and even the ocean.

And did I mention there’s an alpine coaster there as well?

While you’re in the Pentland Hills, definitely make a day of it by walking over to the Midlothian Snowsports Centre, which is about a mile away from Swanston Farm.

A coaster in the hills with incredible views of Edinburgh? Yes, please.

It’s well worth a trip from Edinburgh city centre for a day.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting the Pentland Hills from my post, “Where to See Hairy Coos in Edinburgh.”

A woman kneels in a grassy field beside a resting Highland cow, with rolling hills, trees, and a distant town visible under a blue sky with scattered clouds. — Swanston Farm, Pentland Hills

A person rides a single-seat rail coaster uphill on a metal track surrounded by grassy hills under a cloudy sky. The scene includes fencing and a partially visible railing in the foreground. — Alpine Coaster

A Highland cow with long horns and shaggy reddish fur lies on a grassy hillside, with trees nearby and a distant town visible under a partly cloudy sky. — Pentland Hills

Lauriston Castle

Rating: 9/10
Worth a day trip? Yes!
Biggest draws: Close to Edinburgh, Japanese garden, interesting house tour
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 4 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? There aren’t any group tours that visit Lauriston Castle, but the good news is it’s incredibly easy to reach on your own.

The Japanese Friendship Garden at Lauriston Castle is a highlight, especially during cherry blossom season.

But I’d still highly recommend booking a guided tour of Lauriston Castle before heading out as it makes your visit so much richer.

The interiors of Lauriston Castle were left pretty much untouched since the last owners (William and Margaret Reid) passed away in the 1920s; and let me tell you, the Reids knew how to decorate. It is gorgeous inside. Do not miss it!

Without the guided tour, this day trip would be more like a 6/10.

A woman in jeans and a black top walks on a path across a sunlit lawn in front of Lauriston Castle, a large, historic stone building with multiple chimneys and gabled roofs, surrounded by trees and blue sky. — Lauriston Castle

A person stands on cut tree trunks in a sunlit, leafy forest clearing, facing Lauriston Castle, a large, historic stone building with tall chimneys in the background. Autumn leaves cover the ground. — Lauriston Castle

A person stands on rocks beside a reflective stream, surrounded by lush green plants and vibrant autumn trees, with sunlight streaming through the branches overhead. — Japanese Friendship Garden, Lauriston Castle

A person wearing a floral kimono walks along a sunlit path under blossoming cherry trees in a park, surrounded by green grass and scattered petals. — Japanese Friendship Garden, Lauriston Castle (in April)

Stirling Castle

Rating: 9/10
Worth a day trip? Yes!
Biggest draws: Historic castle, incredible views
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 40 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own via train or join a group tour that will visit Stirling Castle.
Recommended tour: Timberbush’s Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle & Kelpies Tour

Stirling Castle is one of the most historically important castles in Scotland and was the most used royal residence before Scotland united with England.

The castle sits up on a hill, overlooking the town of Stirling, and has incredible views you have to see.

Visiting Stirling Castle was one of my favorite day trips in Scotland, so I’m hoping to help you have an amazing time in Stirling, too.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Stirling Castle from my post, “Day Trip to Stirling Castle in Scotland.”

girl standing on a hill overlooking a castle — Stirling Castle

A person stands on a stone walkway next to an old stone building, overlooking a town, fields, and distant mountains under a bright blue sky. — Stirling Castle

Linlithgow Palace

Rating: 9/10
Worth a day trip? Yes
Biggest draws: Historical palace ruin, beautiful loch, charming town
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 18 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own via train or join a group tour that will visit Linlithgow Palace.
Recommended tour: Rabbie’s Outlander Adventure Day Tour

Linlithgow Palace is a fascinating and huge ruin, and, most famously, it’s the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

Nearby, you’ll find Linlithgow Loch, which has a beautiful 2.5-mile pathway encircling it as well as the gorgeous, gothic St Michael’s Parish Church.

I went on Rabbie’s Outlander Adventure Day Tour, and Linlithgow was our lunch stop. I didn’t have enough time to eat lunch and explore the palace, which was a bummer.

However, Linlithgow is easily accessible from Edinburgh by train, so I was able to return another day on my own, where I spent 4.5 hours exploring the palace, loch, and town. About 1 hour and 15 minutes of that time was spent just in the palace.

A large, historic castle with scaffolding on part of its walls stands on a grassy hill beside a calm lake, with clear blue sky and tree branches framing the scene. — Linlithgow Palace

A person with long hair stands near a wooden bench on a path in front of a large, old stone castle with arched entryways and multiple windows on a sunny day. — Linlithgow Palace

Aerial view of a large stone castle with weathered walls and a central tower, surrounded by scaffolding. In the background are trees, rooftops, and a distant landscape under a clear sky. — Linlithgow Palace

Dunkeld and the Hermitage

Rating: 9/10
Worth a day trip? Yes
Biggest draws: Forest trails, river, waterfalls
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 60 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own via public transportation or join a group tour that will visit the Hermitage.
Recommended tour: Heart of Scotland’s Best of Scotland in a Day Tour

The Hermitage is a gorgeous national forest with miles of trails for hiking. There are bridges, waterfalls, and amazing views.

In autumn, the trees turn golden and orange and cannot be missed. The fall foliage is truly a 10/10.

I loved exploring the Hermitage on a group tour and feel very lucky to have seen it during autumn.

Nearby, the town of Dunkeld is incredibly charming with a historic cathedral and lots of cute cafes for lunch.

A person with a backpack stands on mossy rocks by a calm river, surrounded by autumn trees with yellow and orange leaves, near an old stone bridge under a blue sky. — The Hermitage

A person with long dark hair and a red backpack stands by a wooden fence, looking at a waterfall surrounded by autumn trees with orange and yellow leaves. A brown dog is partly visible to the left. — The Hermitage

Hopetoun House

Rating: 9/10
Worth a day trip? Yes
Biggest draws: Historic grand estate, gardens
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 12 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own via train/taxi or join a group tour that will visit Hopetoun House.
Recommended tour: Highland Experience Tours’ 1-Day Outlander Experience with Attractions

Hopetoun House is so much more than an Outlander filming location (as cool as that is).

I wasn’t drawn to Hopetoun House because of its Outlander connection but because of its snowdrops (and, well, it looked like a really pretty house!).

I wandered around Hopetoun House one day from opening until closing time, and after all that — do I think it’s worth one of your precious days away from Edinburgh?

Final verdict: Possibly.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Hopetoun House from my post, “Day Trip to Hopetoun House from Edinburgh (Is It Worth It?)“

A person with long hair stands by a pond, gazing at a grand historic mansion with symmetrical architecture, reflected in the water. The large lawn and cloudy sky create a serene atmosphere. — Hopetoun House

A person with long brown hair stands on a balcony overlooking a grand historic building with columns and a clock tower, surrounded by trees and rolling hills under a cloudy sky. — Hopetoun House

Dalkeith Country Park

Rating: 8/10
Worth a day trip? Yes
Biggest draws: Nature walks, seasonal wildflowers
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 8 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to visit Dalkeith Country Park on your own via public transportation.

Dalkeith Country Park is a bit of a hidden gem near Edinburgh, but the key is to visit during the wildflower months.

In February, snowdrops blanket sections of the woods, and it is truly magical.
Then in May, a sea of bluebells takes over, and it is a sight to behold.

I feel so lucky to have seen it in both months and couldn’t recommend it more. Bring a picnic and make a day of wandering in the woods.

Occasionally, Dalkeith Palace opens to the public for tours, so keep an eye out for that.

A young woman stands on rocks by a small waterfall in a lush, green riverside setting. Behind her is a large stone arch bridge, with a stately building and lawn visible through the arch. — Dalkeith Palace

A woman with long hair, wearing a light blue skirt and white top, walks along a narrow path through a lush green forest with blue wildflowers covering the ground. — Dalkeith Country Park (in May)

A person with long dark hair walks along a leaf-covered path through a forest lined with tall trees and blooming white wildflowers on the ground. — Dalkeith Country Park (in February)

A woman in a dark dress stands among blooming white flowers in a sunlit forest with tall trees and patches of moss on the ground. — Dalkeith Country Park (in February)

Cramond Causeway to Cramond Island

Rating: 8/10
Worth a day trip? Yes
Biggest draws: Low-tide walkway to an island, nature
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 5 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to visit Cramond Island on your own via public transportation.

Cramond Causeway is such a unique experience. I mean, how often can you walk to an island at low tide?

And Cramond Island is actually quite big! There are trees, wildflowers, and a beach. Plus amazing views of the Firth of Forth.

It only takes 20 minutes to walk across the causeway (if you’re not stopping often to look for hermit crabs and take photos), but do keep an eye on the time to make it back across before the tide comes in again. You don’t want to get stranded!

Be sure to check tide times before you go!

A woman with long hair stands in tall grass on a hillside, overlooking a lush green landscape, a river, and a long bridge under a cloudy sky. — Cramond Island

A long concrete walkway stretches into the distance between shallow tidal water and large angular sea defenses, with people walking toward a green, tree-covered hill under a blue sky with scattered clouds. — Cramond Causeway

Loch Lomond and Balloch Castle Park

Rating: 8/10
Worth a day trip? Yes
Biggest draws: Beautiful loch, nature
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 70 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own via train or join a group tour that will visit Loch Lomond.
Recommended tour: Rabbie’s Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

Loch Lomond is full of natural beauty and is one of two national parks in Scotland.

The loch is pretty large, and you can access it at several points. I chose to see it via Balloch, a cute Scottish village.

There’s a train station at Balloch, which you can reach from Edinburgh easily.

In Balloch, there’s some nice walking paths around Balloch Castle Park, and a castle, which you can’t enter unfortunately.

One of the main things to do is take a cruise on Loch Lomond to see more of the loch and surrounding area. On the cruise, a narrator will tell you more about the history of the loch.

A woman with long hair and a backpack stands smiling on a concrete pier by Loch Lomond, a large, calm lake with hills and forests in the background under a cloudy sky. — Loch Lomond

A white tour boat sails on a blue lake, Loch Lomond, surrounded by lush green trees and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky. — Loch Lomond

A stone castle with battlements is partially hidden by dense green trees on a hillside, with a body of water in the foreground and a forested area in the background under a cloudy sky. — Balloch Castle, Loch Lomond

Craigmillar Castle

Rating: 7/10
Worth a day trip? Yes (well, a half-day trip, at least)
Biggest draws: Historic castle ruin, Outlander filming location
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 3 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to visit Craigmillar Castle on your own via public transportation.

Is it worth venturing to the outskirts of Edinburgh to visit Craigmillar Castle? This ruined medieval castle holds a lot of history and many surprises.

While a ruin, Craigmillar Castle reaches four stories in some sections and has a lot of rooms to explore.

From the underground prison to the stunning great hall, you could easily spend a few hours getting lost in this castle.

Learn more about what it’s like visiting Craigmillar Castle from my post, “Day Trip to Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh Scotland.”

girl walking on a short wall in front of a castle — Craigmillar Castle

girl looking out from an alcove at the top of Craigmillar Castle — Craigmillar Castle

girl standing in the doorway of the courtyard which is framed by two yew trees — Craigmillar Castle

Newhailes House

Rating: 7/10
Worth a day trip? Yes (well, a half-day trip, at least)
Biggest draws: Historic estate
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 6 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to visit Newhailes House on your own via public transportation.

Newhailes House is near Portobello in Edinburgh, and it’s a fascinating mini country estate.

Generations of the Dalrymple family lived here since the 1700s and left pretty much everything untouched. They hardly ever renovated or changed decor to keep up with the fashions.

So, stepping inside this house is like stepping back in time. You’ll see the last example of an alcove bedroom in Scotland as well as some of the last James Norie paintings.

I highly recommend taking the tour to learn more (you can only go inside the house via tour).

Tip: For Americans, you can get free entry to National Trust for Scotland sites (including Newhailes!) by joining the Royal Oak Foundation.

A woman in jeans and a black top walks along a path toward a large, historic stone mansion surrounded by grassy fields, trees, and a stone wall on a cloudy day. — Newhailes House

A person takes a mirror selfie in a vintage room, holding up a peace sign. Behind them are dark wood-paneled walls, a fireplace, and a portrait above the mantel. Antique furniture and decor are visible in the cozy scene. — Newhailes House

Ornate room with an elaborate white marble fireplace, classical columns, and large framed portraits, including one of a woman in a pink dress above the mantel. Decorative vases and tapestry chairs surround the fireplace. — Newhailes House

The Kelpies and Callendar House in Falkirk

Rating: 7/10
Worth a day trip? Yes, especially in combination with other attractions
Biggest draws: Artistic metal sculptures, historic home
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 25 miles
Cost: Free
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own via train or join a group tour that will visit the Kelpies.
Recommended tour: Rabbie’s Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

The Kelpies are iconic metal sculptures in Scotland that many pass by on the way to other places. But is it worth stopping in Falkirk to see the Kelpies up close?

I’ve been so curious about seeing these gigantic horse-head sculptures, so I finally headed to Falkirk to see them for myself.

While it’s a quick visit, these sculptures are impressive enough to warrant a stop — perhaps on the way to somewhere else or in combination with another destination in Falkirk (like Callendar House).

Learn more about what it’s like visiting the Kelpies from my post, “Is a Visit to the Kelpies in Scotland Worth It?“

A person stands facing the towering Kelpies Scotland sculptures at sunset. The sky glows with pink and blue hues, while trees and power lines create a striking backdrop behind these iconic horse-head landmarks. — The Kelpies, Falkirk

A person stands on a leaf-covered path leading to a large, castle-like building with pointed towers, Callendar House, surrounded by bare trees and greenery on an overcast day. — Callendar House, Falkirk

Preston Mill in East Linton

Rating: 7/10
Worth a day trip? Yes (well, a half-day trip, at least)
Biggest draws: Historic mill, Outlander filming location, charming town
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 25 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? It’s best to visit Preston Mill on your own via public transportation.

Preston Mill became Lallybroch Mill in the Outlander series, and you can visit it and tour it near Edinburgh.

The tour covers the real-life history of the mill and how it works, which was fascinating to me (as someone who previously knew nothing about mills).

The area near the mill is also beautiful — you can walk to the nearby doocot or just stroll along the river.

East Linton is a charming little town with cafes and bookshops, so it’s definitely a place worth stopping in for lunch.

Tip: For Americans, you can get free entry to National Trust for Scotland sites (including Preston Mill!) by joining the Royal Oak Foundation.

A woman with long brown hair walks on a grassy path toward a rustic stone building with a conical roof, surrounded by lush greenery and a small pond. — Preston Mill, East Linton

A person with long brown hair, wearing a black jacket and blue jeans, stands facing an old stone building with a water wheel, surrounded by greenery and a wooden fence. — Preston Mill, East Linton

A picturesque village scene featuring a stone church with a tall clock tower rising above red-tiled rooftops, surrounded by lush green trees and set against a cloudy sky. — East Linton

Rosslyn Chapel and Roslin Glen

Rating: 4/10
Worth a day trip? No, but possibly can combine with something nearby
Biggest draws: Historic church, The Da Vinci Code filming location
Distance from Edinburgh city centre: 8 miles
Get there on own or with group tour? You can either go on your own via bus or join a group tour that will visit Rosslyn Chapel.
Recommended tour: Heart of Scotland’s Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall Small Group Day Tour

Rosslyn Chapel is one of the top tourist attractions in Edinburgh, so, yes, it is crowded.

I expected crowds, but I didn’t expect to be so disappointed and underwhelmed.

Rosslyn Chapel is also tiny — you’re having to squeeze by people to look at the features.

In the end, I didn’t understand the fuss. It’s just a chapel. I’ve seen better (like the York Minster or even St Giles Cathedral, which is right in Edinburgh).

I’ve rated it low because it’s something I don’t think you should go out of your way to see — unless, of course, you want to. But it could be worth it if you combine it with other attractions nearby.

A historic stone building with ornate carvings and a large circular window featuring a cross above the entrance, surrounded by trees and partly cloudy skies. — Rosslyn Chapel

A person holds a Rosslyn Chapel brochure in front of the chapel building. The brochure features a stone face, the UK flag, and text inviting visitors to explore the site’s mystery and history. — Rosslyn Chapel

An old stone arch bridge stands in a lush, green woodland, surrounded by dense foliage and trees. Sunlight filters through the leaves, highlighting the weathered stones and moss growing at the base of the structure. — Rosslyn Castle, Roslin Glen

Recommended 1-Day Group Tours from Edinburgh

To try to squeeze in several of these locations into one day trip, consider joining a group tour.

There are several group tours that stop at multiple places in a day, so you can see more of Scotland and get more bang for your buck.

See Multiple Sites in One Day:

Blair Castle, Dunkeld, and the Hermitage — Heart of Scotland’s Best of Scotland in a Day Tour
North Berwick, puffin boat tour, and Tantallon Castle — Experience Scotland’s Wild’s Puffin Boat Trip & Tantallon Castle
Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies — Rabbie’s Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour
Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, Linlithgow Palace, and Culross — Rabbie’s Outlander Adventure Day Tour
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Garden, and Holy Island — Timberbush’s From Edinburgh: Holy Island, Alnwick Castle & Northumbria

Two white Rabble’s tour vans are parked in front of an old stone castle with arched windows. A few people are walking near the entrance under a blue sky with scattered clouds. — Linlithgow Palace

Where to Stay in Edinburgh

If you plan to do a number of day trips from Edinburgh, I’d recommend staying near the Waverley Train Station. It will making traveling a bit more convenient.

For a full, detailed breakdown of the best areas to stay in Edinburgh, see my post, “Where to Stay in Edinburgh the First Time: 5 Best Places + 5 to Avoid.”

Recommended hotels in Edinburgh near Waverley Train Station:

On Princes Street or Waterloo Place (New Town)

Hotel Indigo Edinburgh Princes Street by IHG ($$)
Apex Waterloo Place Hotel ($$)
The Balmoral Hotel ($$$)

On North Bridge (Old Town)

Hilton Edinburgh Carlton ($$)
The Scotsman Hotel ($$$)

On Market Street (Old Town)

21 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: What’s Worth It?