Edinburgh is superbly placed for day trips. Within an hour's drive or train ride you can reach dramatic coastline, historic towns, ancient chapels, and some of Scotland's finest countryside. The Lothians — the counties surrounding Edinburgh — are particularly rewarding, with a mix of seaside escapes, historic sites, and gentle countryside that most visitors never discover.
This guide covers the best day trips from Edinburgh, all achievable without a car (though having one opens up more options).
North Berwick
North Berwick is a handsome seaside town 25 miles east of Edinburgh, reachable in 30 minutes by train. It has everything you want from a coastal day out: a sandy beach, a harbour, excellent fish and chips, and the Scottish Seabird Centre — an award-winning wildlife attraction on the harbour where you can watch live camera feeds from the seabird colonies on the Bass Rock and other islands in the Firth of Forth.
The Bass Rock itself, a volcanic plug rising from the sea two miles offshore, is home to one of the world's largest colonies of northern gannets — historically home to tens of thousands of breeding pairs, though the colony has been significantly affected by avian flu since 2022. Boat trips run from the harbour in summer (the Scottish Seabird Centre organises these), and the sight of tens of thousands of white gannets wheeling around the rock is unforgettable.
Beyond the seabirds, North Berwick has good independent shops, a charming high street, and several excellent eating options. The Rocketeer on Quality Street does superb fish and chips, while Steampunk Coffee on High Street is worth a stop.
North Berwick Law, the volcanic hill behind the town, offers an easy walk with panoramic views across the Firth of Forth.
Getting there: Train from Edinburgh Waverley, approximately 30 minutes. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes. Scottish Seabird Centre: Around £12 for adults.
South Queensferry and the Forth Bridges
South Queensferry is a small historic town on the shore of the Firth of Forth, directly beneath the three Forth Bridges. The views of the bridges — the iconic Victorian Forth Bridge (1890), the Forth Road Bridge (1964), and the Queensferry Crossing (2017) — are spectacular from the town's waterfront.
The town itself is attractive, with a narrow high street of 17th and 18th-century buildings, a harbour, and good pubs. The Hawes Inn, right beneath the rail bridge, features in Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped. Orocco Pier is a more upmarket option with waterfront dining.
The views from South Queensferry are excellent, and you can walk across the Forth Road Bridge on foot for a free, elevated perspective of all three crossings.
Getting there: Bus 43 from Edinburgh (about 30 minutes), or train to Dalmeny station (15 minutes) then a 10-minute walk.
Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel, in the village of Roslin seven miles south of Edinburgh, is one of Scotland's most extraordinary buildings. Construction began in 1456, and the chapel is covered — inside and out — with an astonishing profusion of stone carvings: Green Men, angels, biblical scenes, and mysterious symbols that have fuelled centuries of speculation (and a certain Dan Brown novel).
The carving is genuinely remarkable. The Apprentice Pillar, with its intertwined spirals, is a masterpiece of medieval stonework. Guided tours are included with admission and provide valuable context for the symbolism.
The chapel sits in a wooded glen above the River North Esk, and a walk down to Roslin Glen is a pleasant addition to the visit.
Getting there: Bus 37 from Edinburgh (about 40 minutes). Admission: Around £9.50 for adults. Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9:30–17:00, Sunday 12:00–16:45.
The East Lothian Coast
The East Lothian coast stretches from Musselburgh (practically a suburb of Edinburgh) east to Dunbar, offering a succession of sandy beaches, fishing villages, and coastal walks. The John Muir Way long-distance path follows much of this coastline.
Notable stops along the coast include:
- Gullane: A golfers' paradise with a magnificent sandy beach and dune system. The walk from Gullane beach to Yellowcraig (about 2 miles) is one of the finest coastal walks near Edinburgh.
- Dirleton: A picture-postcard village with a 13th-century castle ruin and a village green that regularly wins 'prettiest village' awards.
- Tantallon Castle: A dramatic ruined fortress on a cliff edge overlooking the Bass Rock. One of the most photogenic castles in Scotland.
- Dunbar: John Muir's birthplace, with a harbour, castle ruins, and access to excellent coastal walking.
Getting there: Trains to North Berwick, Drem, and Dunbar. Local buses serve the smaller villages.
Linlithgow Palace
Linlithgow Palace, 16 miles west of Edinburgh, is a magnificent ruined royal palace that was the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1542. The roofless palace rises above Linlithgow Loch and retains enough of its original grandeur — vast fireplaces, ornate stone fountains, great halls — to convey the wealth and ambition of Scotland's medieval monarchs.
The town of Linlithgow itself is pleasant, with a decent selection of cafes and a path around the loch that makes for a pleasant walk after visiting the palace.
Getting there: Train from Edinburgh Waverley to Linlithgow, approximately 20 minutes. Admission: Around £8 for adults (Historic Environment Scotland).
Cramond and the River Almond
For a half-day trip without leaving Edinburgh's boundaries, Cramond offers a beach, harbour, causeway walk to Cramond Island (at low tide only — check tide times), and a riverside walk along the River Almond to a waterfall. The remains of a Roman fort add historical interest.
The walk from Cramond along the coast to South Queensferry (about 5 miles) is one of the best in the Edinburgh area, following the shoreline of the Firth of Forth with views across to Fife.
Getting there: Bus 41 from Edinburgh city centre (about 30 minutes).
The Pentland Hills
The Pentland Hills rise just south of Edinburgh and offer proper hill walking within sight of the city. The most popular routes start from Flotterstone (about 8 miles south of Edinburgh) and climb to the ridge above, from where you can walk south along the crest with views in every direction.
The walk to Turnhouse Hill and Carnethy Hill from Flotterstone is a classic half-day outing (about 6 miles, 3–4 hours). The hills are exposed and weather can change rapidly — carry waterproofs, warm layers, and a map even on fine days. The Flotterstone Inn at the start provides a welcome pint afterwards.
Getting there: Bus 101 from Princes Street to Flotterstone (about 30 minutes).
Practical Tips
- Train travel: ScotRail runs frequent services to most of the destinations listed here. A return ticket to North Berwick costs around £7–8 (check ScotRail for current fares). Consider a ScotRail day ticket if you plan to make multiple stops.
- Timing: The coast and countryside destinations are best in spring and summer, though winter walks can be stunning in clear weather. Rosslyn Chapel and Linlithgow Palace work year-round.
- Combining trips: North Berwick and the East Lothian coast can be combined into a single day. South Queensferry and Linlithgow are both on the Edinburgh–Glasgow train line and could be combined.