Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Scenic view of Edinburgh’s countryside with hills, lochs, and castles under a cloudy sky. There are several places to visit near Edinburgh that offer a breathtaking mix of nature, history, and culture within easy reach of Scotland’s capital. From royal castles and tranquil coastal villages to mysterious chapels and breathtaking national parks, the area around Edinburgh is a tourist’s paradise. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply someone looking for a rejuvenating day out, these locations are perfect for day trips and weekend getaways. Each site possesses beauty, historic significance, and a peaceful sanctuary, capturing the varied allure of Scotland.
10 Places To Visit Near Edinburgh
Uncover 10 places to visit near Edinburgh, ranging from medieval ruins and beaches to enchanting villages and woodlands, ideal for a well-rounded Scottish experience.
1. Linlithgow
Photo: Marsupium Photography/ Wikimedia Commons
The beautiful historic town of Linlithgow is one of the most charming places to visit near Edinburgh, renowned for its majestic Linlithgow Palace, which is the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Though now a love ruin, the palace remains charged with the Scottish royal past, its great halls and walls strong, once home to monarchs. Visitors can walk to the top to view the surrounding countryside and the serene Linlithgow Loch. The nearby paths along the loch are perfect for birdwatching, picnics, and walking. The town itself boasts cosy cafes, heritage sites, and welcoming green spaces, which offer a peaceful escape from the city.
Distance From Edinburgh: 30.6 km
Major Attractions: Linlithgow Palace, St Michael’s Church, Linlithgow Loch
Cost: £8 / ₹935
2. North Berwick & Tantallon Castle
North Berwick, an attractive seaside village with just the right combination of natural beauty and historic intrigue. Its wide sandy beaches are ideal for strolls, but overpowering cliff fronts enclose the imposing 14th-century ruins of Tantallon Castle, looking out over the North Sea. Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the Scottish Seabird Centre or a walk up to Berwick Law to enjoy the views. Quaint cafés and restaurants serving freshly caught seafood can be found in the town. Whether you feel like an outdoor adventure, a history discovery, or a tranquil time on the ocean, this lively wee town is a day trip to remember out of Edinburgh.
Distance From Edinburgh: 49.7 km
Major Attractions: Scottish Seabird Centre, Tantallon Castle, Berwick Law
Cost: £7 / ₹820
3. Stirling
Photo: DeFacto / Wikimedia Commons
Stirling, the city embedded in Scotland’s most defining moments in the history of Edinburgh and stands out as one of the top places to see near Edinburgh. Looming above all of this is Stirling Castle, once a royal palace and now an imposing spectacle of Renaissance architecture. Beyond the city is the iconic Wallace Monument, which honours the legendary William Wallace. Visitors can walk the cobblestone streets in the Old Town, visit the Bannockburn battlefield, and enjoy panoramic views over the countryside. Stirling has a wonderful mix of heritage and natural beauty. Whether visiting Scotland’s stormy capital or taking a peaceful getaway, Stirling offers an enriching and enjoyable day out of Edinburgh.
Distance From Edinburgh: 60.4 km
Major Attractions: Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument, Old Town
Cost: £18 / ₹2100 for the castle & £10 / ₹1200 for the monument
4. Rosslyn Chapel & Roslin Glen
Photo: Anthonyrandell / Wikimedia Commons
Rosslyn Chapel is one of the most fascinating tourist attractions near Edinburgh, steeped in mystery and adorned with exquisite Gothic architecture. Built-in the 15th century, the chapel is renowned for its sophisticated stone carvings, symbolised by biblical scenes as well as otherworldly symbols, that have bred myths, speculation, and global intrigue, particularly since their popularisation in The Da Vinci Code. Travellers are drawn not only to the religious atmosphere inside the chapel but also to the peaceful Roslin Glen that lies all around it. This stunning wooded glen offers nature walks, ancient ruins, and wildlife, offering a peaceful contrast to the intricate workmanship of the chapel.
Distance From Edinburgh: 13.1 km
Major Attractions: Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin Glen, Castle ruins
Cost: £9 / ₹1050
5. St Andrews
Photo: Aleksi Partanen / Unsplash
St Andrews is a traditional seaside town steeped in tradition, heritage, and academic fame. Best regarded as the place of golf and the seat of Scotland’s oldest university, it balances coastal splendour with cultural richness. The ruins of old St Andrews Cathedral and the cliff-top castle dramatic setting, providing a glimpse of the town’s great history, while West Sands Beach is the spot to spend hours taking long, peaceful walks along the sea. The British Golf Museum provides excellent insight into the sport’s history. Summer and autumn host the town with festivals, student nightlife, and a vibrant local culture. Whatever your passion is, whether golf, learning, or history, St Andrews promises a day trip from Edinburgh with something for each visitor.
Distance From Edinburgh: 86.1 km
Major Attractions: Cathedral ruins, Old Course, St Andrews Castle
Cost: £6 / ₹700 for the tower
6. Spittal Of Glenshee & Cairngorms Foothills
Photo: Frederick Adegoke Snr. / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Spittal of Glenshee is an adventure enthusiast’s hidden gem and a picturesque entry point to the Cairngorms National Park. This remote upland area boasts tumultuous mountain terrain, meandering rivers, and rolling valleys, inviting ramblers, cyclists, and landscape photographers. Wildflowers and wildlife animate the trails in finer weather, and golden autumn hues coat the landscape wealthily. There is a lack of public transport, but the scenery from Edinburgh, via rural villages and countryside, is well worth the extra journey. It also has a winter sports reputation, with nearby slopes providing skiing and snowboarding when there is snow. It’s the ideal off-the-beaten-path destination for a nature-filled day trip or a weekend retreat, and a must for anyone searching for attractions near Edinburgh.
Distance From Edinburgh: 126.2 km
Major Attractions: Cairngorms walks, Devil’s Elbow, ski centre (winter only)
Cost: N/A
7. Culross
Photo: Kim Traynor / Wikimedia Commons
Culross is a beautifully restored historic village that appears a step out of time. Renowned for its ochre-hued buildings, cobblestone streets, and peaceful ambience, Culross is a vision of Scottish life in the 17th century. The highlight is Culross Palace, a mustard-coloured mansion with period furnishings and lovely terraced gardens. The village also proves popular with enthusiasts of the Outlander television series, with a number of locations spread around. Peacefully positioned as it is, with its attractive buildings and glorious past, Culross is the perfect destination for a slow-travel vacation. Visitors may walk along a coastal path, visit local craft shops, or just sit and admire the vista of the Firth of Forth from this timeless Scottish gem.
Distance From Edinburgh: 38.4 km
Major Attractions: Culross Palace, Town House, Mercat Cross
Cost: £10 / ₹1200
8. South Queensferry & Forth Bridges
Photo: BesigedB~commonswiki / Wikimedia Commons
The seaside village of South Queensferry offers breathtaking views of the iconic Forth Bridges, including the UNESCO-listed Forth Rail Bridge. Beautiful harbour, painted houses, and a historic setting make the village a great day out. Visitors can relax in riverside cafes, shop in boutique shops, or enjoy a scenic boat trip to Inchcolm Island with an ancient abbey and rich birdlife. The scenic Fife Coastal Path also begins nearby, with coastal strolls through picturesque scenery. It’s especially enchanting at sunset, with golden-lit bridges. Whether your passion is heritage, the outdoors, or a serene waterside escape, South Queensferry is an unforgettable experience filled with Scottish character and maritime beauty.
Distance From Edinburgh: 18.8 km
Major Attractions: Forth Bridge, boat tours, Port Edgar Marina
Cost: £14 / ₹1700 for the boat tour
9. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Photo: Daniel Kraft / Wikimedia Commons
Loch Lomond is a breathtaking natural haven and one of the most iconic places to visit near Edinburgh. Encircled by rolling hills and woods, it is a perfect hideaway for nature lovers. Holidaymakers can kayak on the serene waters, hike the West Highland Way, or enjoy a relaxing boat cruise from the picturesque village of Balloch. The vast shoreline of the loch is dotted with serene picnic spots, nature walks, and picturesque lookouts, making it perfect for adventure as well as peace. The surroundings of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park offer even wider potential for nature pursuits and photography.
Distance From Edinburgh: 109.9 km
Major Attractions: Loch cruises, Ben Lomond, forest walks
Cost: £15 / ₹1750 for the boat tour
10. Dunbar & John Muir Country Park
Photo: Rosser1954 / Wikimedia Commons
Dunbar is an attractive seaside town that has pebble cliffs, sandy shores, and a close affinity with nature. Being the birthplace of renowned naturalist John Muir, the town is proud of the John Muir Birthplace Museum and the expansive John Muir Country Park, ideal for walking, bird watching, and exploring nature. Belhaven Bay is famous for surfing and lengthy walks on the beach, and the castle remains atop the cliff at Dunbar Castle, adding a splash of history to the picturesque views. With its peaceful atmosphere, sailing scenery, and readily accessible proximity from Edinburgh, Dunbar makes for a perfect option for a peaceful, nature-filled day out infused with conservation history and coastal beauty.
Distance From Edinburgh: 46.1 km
Major Attractions: John Muir Birthplace Museum, coastal walks, Belhaven Bay
Cost: N/A
From royal palaces and sacred chapels to forest reserves and dramatic coastal cliffs, the attractions near Edinburgh offer a rich blend of history and natural beauty. These sites tell stories of Scottish monarchs, rebels, inventors, and writers, deepening your connection to the country’s heritage. Whether by train or car, these unforgettable day trips from Edinburgh promise lasting memories. Plan your escape with TripXL and explore the soul of Scotland.
Cover Photo: Andy Hawkins / Wikimedia Commons
