Day Trips from Edinburgh: Packing List, Tips & Recommends

Edinburgh has become a place that most people can't give up because of its long history, profound culture, intense artistic atmosphere and beautiful scenery.

But if you want to get away from the busy city and the crowds, it is also a good choice to experience a more comfortable day trip to the surrounding areas of Edinburgh. Whether it is a majestic castle, a quiet coastal trail, a towering mountain or a clear lake, you can find a day trip destination that meets your expectations from Edinburgh.

This article will provide more people with Edinburgh's best day trip destinations and preparation guides. We highly recommend Jackery Portable Power Station, a portable power supply with lighter weight and greater portability, to power your electronics and devices during your trip, especially a self-driving trip.  

Best Time for Day Trips from Edinburgh 

Edinburgh is also a world-renowned leisure and business destination that is always busy. For example, Edinburgh and its surrounding areas receive more than 4 million tourists annually. Many people plan to visit Edinburgh or take a day trip.

However, many people always wonder when planning day trips from Edinburgh. When is the best time? There is usually no standard answer. It depends entirely on personal preferences and vacation time. However, most people take day trips to Edinburgh and its surrounding areas during the summer and autumn.

Why Choose Summer for Day Trips from Edinburgh?

From June to August, Edinburgh has mild temperatures (about 20℃), up to 16 hours of daylight, and a high frequency of sunny days, suitable for outdoor exploration. The Fringe Festival in August is also a highlight of Edinburgh in summer. During this three-week festival, you can enjoy performances from world-class performers.

Why Choose Autumn for Day Trips from Edinburgh?

Edinburgh is usually mild in early autumn (the average temperature is about 10-15°C), but it may drop in temperature and rainfall frequency in late September. However, the wooded areas around Edinburgh are wrapped in burnt orange and crimson maple leaves at this time, which is an excellent opportunity for photos. At the same time, migratory birds in coastal areas also provide unique observation opportunities for eco-enthusiasts.

How to Plan a Perfect Day Trip from Edinburgh? 

Although a day trip is an ideal way to experience the Scottish style of Edinburgh and its surrounding areas, you must also carefully arrange the following things to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Step 1: Book Accommodation

Edinburgh offers a variety of accommodation options, so you won't worry about whether to book too far in advance (1-2 weeks in advance). You must avoid the peak summer and art festival season, and booking accommodation in Edinburgh is straightforward. Here are the best accommodation options in Edinburgh for different budgets.

Luxury: Leonardo Royal Hotel

Mid-Range: Haymarket Hub Hotel

Value for Money: High Street Hostel

Step 2: Determine the Destination

Determining the destination is crucial to planning day trips from Edinburgh. It directly affects the efficiency of the journey, the depth of experience and personalised needs. The time for a day trip is limited, and a clear destination can optimise route planning. For example, choosing Glasgow, which is closer (1 hour by car), can ensure a balance between round-trip transportation and sightseeing time.

Step 3: Packing

Are you looking for an ideal day trip from Edinburgh packing list but unsure what to pack for a city that experiences four seasons in one day? Don't worry; bring the essentials to ensure your day trip from Edinburgh is smooth and enjoyable.

The above packing list is for reference only. Add waterproof bags, poles, and other equipment if the plan involves hiking or seaside activities.

Step 4: Buy Travel Insurance

Although the trip is shorter, the risks are still there. If you don't have insurance, the high medical costs in the event of an accident will ruin your trip. Travel insurance can cover emergency medical expenses, especially when international tourists cannot use local benefits. Insurance products for short-term trips are usually low-priced (5-10 pounds). For example, Safetywing is an insurance company that is friendly to short trips and has low prices.

Top 10 Day Trips from Edinburgh 

Whether it's a weekend getaway or to get away from the crowds, you can take the opportunity to experience different day trips from Edinburgh. Here are the top 10 most popular day trips from Edinburgh:

Day Trip from Edinburgh to South Queensferry

Distance from Edinburgh: about 11 miles

Highlights: Inchcolm Abbey and Island, Hopetoun House, Forth Road Bridge, Midhope Castle, Queensferry Crossing, Dundas Castle

Going to South Queensferry from Edinburgh, you can experience a short trip with picturesque sea views. Here, you can enjoy the iconic Scottish Red Bridge (Forth Railway Bridge) and the magnificent view of the Firth of Forth.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Linlithgow

Distance from Edinburgh: about 22 miles

Highlights: Linlithgow Palace, Blackness Castle, Beecraigs Country Park, The House of the Binns, Linlithgow Canal Centre, St. Michael's Parish Church, Kingsfield Golf Centre, Linlithgow Loch

Linlithgow is a historic and bustling town in Scotland. If you want to learn about Scottish royal history, you can visit this place where Mary Queen of Scots and Princess Elizabeth were born. In addition, you can also see the popular royal residence (Linlithgow Palace) built in 1424. Linlithgow Loch is the perfect place to enjoy walking, fishing and admiring the local lake wildlife.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to North Berwick

Distance from Edinburgh: about 28 miles

Highlights: National Museum of Flight, Tantallon Castle, Scottish Seabird Centre, Dirleton Castle, Yellowcraig Beach, Seacliff Beach, North Berwick Law, Bass Rock

No matter the season, North Berwick, with its stunning views of Bass Rock, is an excellent place for a leisurely walk. If you want to go for a longer walk, you can go to the ruins of Tantallon Castle on the cliff top. In addition, you can also observe northern gannets up close in North Berwick.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Glasgow

Distance from Edinburgh: about 47 miles

Highlights: Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow School of Art, Riverside Museum and Tall Ship, Kibble Palace and Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Pollok House and Pollok Country Park, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Glasgow is full of art, from the stunning red sandstone Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to the architectural works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. You can also admire beautiful Gothic architecture here. If you want to relax, you can walk in Kelvingrove Park or the Hilltop Cemetery.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to St. Andrews

Distance from Edinburgh: about 57 miles

Highlights: Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre, The Swilcan Bridge, St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews Castle, St Andrews West Sands Beach, Craigtoun Country Park, Eden Mill St Andrews

St. Andrews is an ancient town with a rich history, churches, ports, castles, and quaint streets. It is also the birthplace of golf, and you can visit the golf course and play a round of golf here.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

Distance from Edinburgh: about 79 miles

Highlights: Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, SEA LIFE Loch Lomond, TreeZone aerial adventure course, Loch Lomond Pony Trekking, Loch Lomond Water Ski Club, Loch Lomond Shores

Compared to Loch Ness, Loch Lomond is visited less often. However, you can't deny that Loch Lomond is one of Scotland's most beautiful and spectacular lochs. Located on the fault line of the Scottish Highlands, Loch Lomond's landscape varies from rolling hills and forests to steep and narrow canyons and mountains. There are also quaint little cafes, quaint villages, beautiful beaches, lakeside walks, and cycling paths of varying difficulty around Loch Lomond.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Glencoe

Distance from Edinburgh: about 118 miles

Highlights: Inchcolm Abbey and Island, Hopetoun House, Forth Road Bridge, Midhope Castle, Queensferry Crossing, Dundas Castle

Many consider Glencoe the most beautiful place in Scotland, thanks to its rich history, picturesque natural scenery, and epic hiking routes. Located northwest of the Scottish Highlands, it is characterised by deep valleys and towering rugged mountains formed by glaciers and volcanic eruptions.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Fort William

Distance from Edinburgh: about 146 miles

Highlights: Ben Nevis, Steall Waterfall, Nevis Range Mountain Experience, West Highland Museum, Neptune's Staircase, Ben Nevis Distillery, Treasures of the Earth, Old Inverlochy Castle

Fort William is a beautiful town in the West Highlands between Glencoe and Glenfinnan. It is also near villages such as Inverlochy, Cowle, Barnaby, and Captchi. Couples and families can also take a boat trip to Loch Linnhe and see seals, otters, and dolphins.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Glenfinnan Viaduct

Distance from Edinburgh: about 150 miles

Highlights: Watch the Jacobite Steam Train, Take A Train Ride Over Glenfinnan Viaduct, Explore Glenfinnan Visitor Centre, Visit the Glenfinnan Monument, Hiking and Walking Trails, Boat Tours on Loch Shiel, Glenfinnan Dining Car & Station Museum

Glenfinnan Viaduct is Scotland's longest concrete bridge (a Victorian engineering marvel) and a scenic spot on the West Highland Line. You can climb the nearby hills to overlook and photograph the panoramic views of the Glenfinnan Viaduct from above.

Day Trip from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

Distance from Edinburgh: about 169 miles

Highlights: Urquhart Castle, The Loch Ness Centre, The Falls of Foyers, Invermoriston Falls, Loch Ness Hub & Travel, Corrimony Chambered Cairn, Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus

Loch Ness is the most iconic loch in Scotland. You can walk or cycle around the famous Loch Ness and enjoy its natural beauty. In addition, you can freely wander the walking trails and viewpoints around Loch Ness. For nature lovers, the stunning Foyers Falls is not to be missed. And for history lovers, a trip to Urquhart Castle is a must.

Jackery Portable Power Station for Day Trips

Day trips often involve extensive use of smartphones for navigation, photography, and communication. A portable power station ensures your devices stay charged throughout the day, eliminating the worry of running out of battery.

A reliable power source is essential for those capturing memories with cameras or using tablets for entertainment during travel if your day trip involves outdoor activities like hiking or camping, a portable power station can power lighting equipment, speakers for music, or even small fans for comfort.

We highly recommend the Jackery Portable Power Station for powering essential appliances and electronics during your day trips, especially for some self-driving trips.       

Jackery Explorer 240 v2

With 256Wh capacity and a weight of 3.5 kg, Jackery Explorer 240 v2 provides dependable energy accessibility. The 300W AC output ensures the efficient operation of everyday devices. The LiFePO4 battery features a notable lifespan of 10 years and supports up to 3,000 charging cycles, indicating that this outdoor generator is designed for long-term durability.

- Fast Charging: Efficiently enhance charging capabilities with adaptable options. A one-hour fast charging feature managed through an application promptly achieves a full battery charge, while two-hour AC wall charging extends battery longevity. Additionally, three-hour solar charging utilising a 100W panel ensures continuous connectivity and readiness for outdoor and off-grid situations.

- Multiple Output Ports: The Jackery Explorer 240 v2 eliminates the need for bulky power bricks. It offers 100W PD fast USB-C charging for direct and efficient power delivery. Multiple charging ports facilitate simultaneous device charging, while the camping light functions effectively as an outdoor companion, offering crucial emergency illumination.

- Reliability & Safety: Jackery's Power Station, certified to IEC 62368 and UL94V-0 standards, is engineered for comprehensive shock and fire resistance, ensuring a dependable power supply in demanding environments. A 20ms UPS restores power instantly, safeguarding desktop data and reducing interruptions from unforeseen outages.

- Smart App Control: Monitor your Explorer 240 v2 Portable Power Station through WiFi or Bluetooth to obtain precise information regarding the remaining battery level and charging status. The portable power supply offers highly customisable features, including an auto turn-off function and a battery-saving mode, allowing for personal adaptation to specific needs and requirements.

The following are the working hours for using Jackery Explorer 240 v2:

(*The working hours are only for reference; the actual working hours depend on your usage.)

Review from Our User:

It is the third generator addition to the Jackery family: 250, 1000 v2, and now 2000 v2. I find the solar charging of these gadgets incredibly fast (even with the UK weather). It's fantastic to power numerous high-demand devices off the 2000, and it provides me with peace of mind if we encounter any power outages.  

Transport Options for Day Trips from Edinburgh

Your destination, budget, timetable, and personal preferences determine transportation options for a day trip from Edinburgh. Flying, for example, is more suited to long-distance destinations (such as London) than day visits. Here is an analysis of the three primary transport modes for day trips from Edinburgh:

Train

Edinburgh is centrally positioned on Scotland's railway network, directly connected to critical surrounding cities such as Glasgow, Newcastle, and York. If you take a train for a day excursion from Edinburgh, you will be able to appreciate the Scottish landscape along the way.

Most train stations are in the city centre, which might lower transit costs. Day trips from Edinburgh can typically be made to Waverley Station or Haymarket in the West End. However, rail tickets must be ordered in advance, normally 14 days. Buying tickets through platforms like Trainline generally offers savings.

Bus

The bus is a more cost-effective transit choice than trains. Bus service is also relatively widespread, linking Edinburgh to other parts of Scotland and key cities in England.

Buses are better than trains if you can tolerate slower speeds and poor road conditions. Choosing a well-known bus operator (such as National Express) provides high-quality service.

Self-Driving

Driving yourself allows you to explore Edinburgh's surroundings and outlying destinations (such as the Scottish Highlands) at your leisure. However, if you decide to drive on a day excursion, you will most likely incur significant gasoline, parking, and vehicle rental charges (if applicable). Scottish rural roads can be narrow and difficult to navigate, particularly in the winter.

The following are the expected timeframes for different means of travel for a day journey from Edinburgh:

In brief, evaluating the exact location, time frame, and money is advisable. Book your rail and bus tickets in advance to get the best value for your money. If you are driving yourself, allow extra time.

Tips for Day Trips from Edinburgh

While short day trips don't require as much planning and preparation as overnight trips, there are some tips to make your day trips from Edinburgh a success. Here are some valuable tips for day trips from Edinburgh.

Tip 1: Travel in the Off-season

Day trips are shorter, and you may not get the best experience if you travel during peak season. Travel in the off-season is less crowded and has fewer waiting times. For example, the off-season area around Edinburgh is usually from November to March, when the number of attractions decreases sharply, and the prices of tickets, transportation, and food are more affordable.

Tip 2: Prepare for the Weather

Scotland's weather can be unpredictable, so day trips from Edinburgh should be prepared in advance. The Met Office or BBC Weather is recommended for obtaining detailed weather forecast information for your destination. Regardless of the forecast, bring rain gear to prevent unexpected rainfall. In addition, the sun can be intense in Scotland, so wear sunscreen even on cloudy days.

Tip 3: Prioritize Things and Attractions that Interest You

To make the most of your day trip, it is recommended that you prioritise the attractions and activities that interest you most. For example, if you go to St. Andrews and are a golfer, you can prioritise visiting and experiencing the Old Course at St. Andrews.

Tip 4: Leave Some Flexibility

Don't overschedule your day trips from Edinburgh. Leave some free time to deal with unexpected situations or make changes. If there are traffic delays or queues at attractions, you can flexibly adjust your itinerary and choose other activities.

Tip 5: Organize Your Travel Information in Advance

Please prepare all the travel information you need in advance so you don't have to struggle to find documents or wait for your phone to load pages (especially in places with poor signal). You can print the following information on paper and put it in your folder or pocket. (Or save it somewhere on your phone that you can easily access offline.)

• Accommodation confirmation information

• Accommodation name and address

• Full-day itinerary for the day trip

• Names and locations of places visited on the day trip

• Tickets for attractions or tours booked online in advance

Day Trips from Edinburgh FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about day trips from Edinburgh:

1. What are the best day trips from Edinburgh?

According to VisitScotland, here are the top 6-day trips from Edinburgh:

North Berwick

Melrose

South Queensferry

Linlithgow

Roslin

Dunfermline

2. Is St Andrews worth a day trip from Edinburgh?

St Andrews has a medieval university (the oldest in Scotland), St Andrews Castle, and church ruins. It is also the birthplace of golf (Old Course), with white sandy beaches and sea views. In addition, St Andrews is only about 57 miles away from Edinburgh, a short distance.

Therefore, a day trip to St Andrews is cost-effective if you are interested in history, golf culture, sea views, short-distance leisure, and limited time.

3. Is a day trip to the Highlands from Edinburgh worth it?

You can visit many attractions from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands in one day. However, due to the fast pace of the trip, one day is not enough for you to fully appreciate the excellent scenery of the Scottish Highlands.

In short, if you have limited time and want to quickly appreciate the Scottish Highlands' natural landscape and historical culture, a one-day tour is cost-effective and worth choosing. However, if conditions permit, you can consider a multi-day tour for a more immersive experience.

Final Thoughts

Edinburgh has an intense cultural atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and diverse food, so it is one of the best cities to spend a weekend. However, many people want to escape the city to enjoy a more leisurely vacation in the ancient countryside and seaside towns with more attractive natural scenery. In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, a day trip from Edinburgh can allow you to explore castles and churches, visit whiskey distilleries, tee off on famous golf courses, and even visit the filming locations of popular movies.