🏰 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Exploring Scotland's Castles, History, and Countryside
Just outside Edinburgh, and easily accessible for a day trip, are some fantastic Scottish attractions. If you have the time, these are all worth a visit. If your time is limited, choose the one that is most aligned with your interests, as each of these places is very different from the other. The Scottish countryside is vibrantly green year-round, and with its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, these trips are as much about the journey as the destination.
Stirling, City in Central Scotland
Tantallon Castle, Berwick, Scotland
Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Scotland
Stirling: Castle, History, and National Heroes
The City of Stirling is about an hour west of Edinburgh. Getting to Stirling via train from Edinburgh is relatively easy, making it a busy tourist destination. Once you arrive, the Stirling Hop on Hop off City Bus will get you to the top attractions.
Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is a magnificent, restored Renaissance Palace. Most of the current structures were built during the Renaissance, showing influences from English, French, and German styles. As one of the grandest castles of its time, it served as the principal royal center and was the site of the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots. You can uncover this deep royal history via guided or audio tours. Docents in period dress are also available to provide information as you wander the rooms.
Stirling Castle sits on top of a 'crag' (a rugged cliff or rock face), providing stunning views of the surrounding Scottish countryside. The restorations and period dress truly make you feel as if you are stepping back in time.
Stirling Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
Stirling Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
Stirling Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
Stirling Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
The Church of the Holy Rude
Just a short walk from Stirling Castle is the Church of the Holy Rude, the medieval parish church of Stirling, Scotland. It is named after the Holy Rood (a relic of the cross on which Jesus was crucified). This is a historically significant site, as it is where James VI was crowned the King of Scotland after Mary Queen of Scots was forced to abdicate.
Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
The National Wallace Monument
Also nearby is the National Wallace Monument, which commemorates the site where William Wallace led his troops to victory at Stirling Bridge. William Wallace became Scotland's National Hero after defeating the English during the First War of Scottish Independence (as fictionalized in the movie Braveheart). If you are willing to climb the stairs, you are rewarded with stunning views of Stirling and the Scottish countryside from the top of the monument.
National Wallace Monument, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
National Wallace Monument, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
National Wallace Monument, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
National Wallace Monument, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
Tantallon Castle: A Coastal Ruin Experience
Tantallon Castle is a dramatic castle ruin perched right on the North Sea. It met every one of my expectations of a classic Scottish castle ruin with its crumbling structures set against the backdrop of the rough, blue, icy cold sea. This place is truly stunning! (Note: While you can still visit the grounds, the castle structures were restricted for masonry inspections during my visit, though hopefully this will change in the future.)
Travel Tip: Without a car, Tantallon Castle is not an easy place to reach. I took the train from Edinburgh to North Berwick and then caught a bus. However, the bus doesn’t have regular stops at the castle, so you must let the driver know you wish to stop there. Getting back into town via public transportation proved even more difficult, leading me to walk the three miles along the water back into town.
I may have been starving when I arrived in North Berwick to take the train back to Edinburgh, but the fish pie at The Ship Inn was superb.
Tantallon Castle, North Berwick, North Sea, Scotland, United Kingdom
Tantallon Castle, North Berwick, North Sea, Scotland, United Kingdom
Tantallon Castle, North Berwick, North Sea, Scotland, United Kingdom
Tantallon Castle, North Berwick, North Sea, Scotland, United Kingdom
Rosslyn Chapel: History and the Da Vinci Code
If you are a Dan Brown Da Vinci Code fan, Rosslyn Chapel is a must-visit. Founded in 1446 as a family chapel, it remains a working church today, in addition to being a major tourist attraction thanks to the novel and subsequent movie.
“When I decided to write The Da Vinci Code, I knew that its finale would have to take place at the most mysterious and magical chapel on earth — Rosslyn.”
The visit includes a map for a self-guided tour of the grounds and the chapel. While there are some short informational talks, you are mostly on your own to explore.
Travel Tip: To get to the Rosslyn Chapel without a car requires about an hour on both a train and a bus, but it's always interesting to get out of the major cities to see the surrounding suburbs. To make the most of our time in Roslin, we had lunch at The Original Rosslyn Inn before returning to Edinburgh.
💬 Which of these Edinburgh day trips best fits your interests? Are you interested in the royal history of Stirling Castle or the ancient mystery of Rosslyn Chapel? Share your top pick in the comments below!
