The 5 Best Tours And Excursions From Edinburgh

Edinburgh has an enviable number of spots worthy of a day trip, from ethereal lochs to sprawling moors. If you’re looking to escape the city, let someone else do the work for you with a guided tour, where your only worry is sitting back and soaking in the magnificent scenery (or indulging in a dram of whisky).

St Andrews and the Fishing Villages of Fife Day Trip

Tours

Perfect for those wanting to explore this coastal area of the country, this day tour will take you from Edinburgh to St Andrews, crossing the Forth Road Bridge into the Kingdom of Fife and passing the coastal villages of East Neuk. Once you’ve arrived in St Andrews, you’ll see Scotland’s oldest university (and one that has educated a royal or two) along with St Andrew’s Castle and the city’s cathedral ruins. The day trip also includes a visit to the coastal village of Anstruther, where your guide will lead you around the picturesque harbour. To end the day, you’ll travel through the Lomond Hills and past Loch Leven on route back to Edinburgh.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland Coast and Borders Day Trip

Explore the rugged beauty and cultural splendour of the Scottish Borders on this day trip. Starting in the Scottish capital, your first stop is the border town Kelso, home of the biggest market square in the country. You’ll then move onto Alnwick Castle (which fans will recognise as the Hogwarts of the Harry Potter films) before moving down the captivating Northumberland coastline – a stretch of seaside designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The best way to explore some of the most scenic parts of the country and be back in the city by happy hour.

Loch Lomond, Kelpies and Stirling Castle Day Trip

Walk in the footsteps of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Rob Roy, and discover the roles they played in Scottish history and folklore. Over the day, you’ll stop for a guided tour at Stirling Castle – an impressive Medieval fortress – and drive through the Trossachs National Park to the Highland village of Balloch, nestled by the banks of magical Loch Lomond. After a cruise over the loch, you’ll lunch in the pretty riverside village of Aberfoyle. A perfect day combining unforgettable scenery with Scotland’s riveting history.

Whisky Distilleries Day Tour

Treat yourself to a day of whisky appreciation on a full-day tasting tour. Not only will you get to sample a wide range of Scotland’s most famous export, but your driver-guide will also discuss the country’s whisky-making history as you wind through the Scottish Lowlands. You’ll head to a historic whisky-producing region, and visit Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery for informative tasting sessions and tours. Along the way, view warehouses stocked with aged casks and marvel at the quiet beauty of Loch Lomond. Slàinte!