The 5 day trips from Edinburgh that are worth taking

Last Updated on July 10, 2026 by Ioana

One of the best things about visiting Edinburgh is how easy it is to explore the rest of Scotland by taking day trips from Edinburgh.

Within a few hours, you can be standing on the shores of Loch Ness, watching the Jacobite Steam Train cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, exploring medieval castles, or driving through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Scottish Highlands.

Many of the best day trips from Edinburgh depart directly from the city centre, making them an easy addition to your itinerary even if you’re only spending a few days in the Scottish capital.

While there are plenty of destinations you can reach by public transport, joining a guided tour lets you cover far more ground in a single day without worrying about driving Scotland’s winding roads.

I only had 3 days in Edinburgh, so I decided to dedicate one full day to leaving Edinburgh behind. I chose the Loch Ness and Highlands tour, and while it was a long day, I don’t regret it for a second.

If you’re wondering which day trips are actually worth your time, these are my top picks. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

1. Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands (my top pick)

If you’re only going to take one day trip from Edinburgh, this would be my pick.

Yes, it’s a long day. You’ll spend several hours on the bus because Loch Ness is quite far from Edinburgh. At times it can feel a little rushed since the schedule is built around arriving in time for the boat departures.

But I still think it’s worth it.

This was the tour I personally chose during my Edinburgh solo trip, and seeing the Scottish Highlands had been on my bucket list for years.

One of my favorite parts actually happened before we even reached Loch Ness. Driving through Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands almost felt like watching a movie. Every time I thought the scenery couldn’t get any better, we’d round another corner and discover even more panoramic views.

We had multiple scenic stops throughout the Highlands for photos, including several chances to see Highland cows. Meeting these shaggy, fluffy cows had been one of my biggest goals for the trip, and I may have taken way too many pictures.

Another stop came with one of my favorite stories from the guide.

We pulled over beside what looked like an ordinary house sitting completely alone in the middle of nowhere. Our guide explained that the woman living there had moved from the city hoping for a quiet, peaceful life.

The only problem? Tour buses now stop there every day because the scenery is so beautiful. She went from escaping civilization to having hundreds of tourists staring at her house daily. Poor woman! Apparently the house still isn’t connected to the electricity grid either.

Loch Ness experience

Of course, the highlight is Loch Ness itself.

When you arrive, you can choose between two options:

• a one-hour cruise on Loch Ness
• a shorter 30-minute cruise combined with free time to explore Urquhart Castle

I chose the second option because I wanted to experience both.

After exploring the castle ruins, I walked all the way down the stone steps to the edge of the loch so I could touch the water with my hand. Sadly, I didn’t spot Nessie, but the scenery alone made the trip worthwhile.

The boat trip itself was fantastic, with beautiful views across one of Scotland’s most famous lochs.

Overall, I thought the tour was extremely well organized. The guide kept us entertained throughout the long drive with stories about Scottish history, folklore, and the places we were passing.

If it’s your first trip to Scotland, I honestly think this is one of the best day tours you can take from Edinburgh. If you want some restaurant recommendations for dinner once you’re back in Edinburgh, check out my guide on the best restaurants and foods in Edinburgh.

Perfect for: First-time visitors who want to experience the Scottish Highlands and tick Loch Ness off their bucket list.

2. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Glencoe, and Highlands Day Trip

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, this is probably the tour you’ll want to see the famous filming location.

The biggest highlight is visiting Glenfinnan Viaduct, the famous railway bridge featured in the Harry Potter films as the route taken by the Hogwarts Express.

Depending on the schedule and time of year, you’ll even have the chance to watch the Jacobite Steam Train crossing the viaduct, one of the most photographed moments in Scotland.

The tour also includes spectacular scenery in Glencoe, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Scottish Highlands, along with several scenic stops where you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos.

Even if you’ve never watched Harry Potter, the landscapes alone make this trip worthwhile.

Perfect for: Harry Potter fans and anyone wanting dramatic Highland scenery without focusing on Loch Ness.

3. Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

If you’d prefer spending less time on the bus, this is an excellent alternative.

Instead of driving all the way to Loch Ness, this itinerary explores some of Central Scotland’s most famous landmarks.

You’ll visit Stirling Castle, once home to Scottish royalty, and hear stories about William Wallace before continuing to Loch Lomond, located inside Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the largest national park in Scotland.

You’ll also stop at the iconic Kelpies, the enormous horse-head sculptures that have become one of Scotland’s most recognizable modern landmarks.

Compared to the Loch Ness tours, you’ll spend less time on the bus and more time exploring.

It’s a nice mix of Scottish history, castles, and beautiful scenery without the extremely long drive north.

Perfect for: Travelers who want castles, lochs, and iconic Scottish landmarks while minimizing time on the road.

4. Outlander, Palaces, and Jacobites Day Trip

If you’re an Outlander fan, this tour is hard to beat.

You’ll visit several famous filming locations, including Doune Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross, and Falkland while learning about Scotland’s Jacobite history.

Even if you haven’t watched the series, you’ll still explore beautiful villages, historic palaces, and fascinating historic sites that many visitors miss.

You’ll learn about one of the most important periods in Scottish history while exploring places many visitors never reach on a standard trip.

Perfect for: Outlander fans and anyone interested in Scottish history beyond the Highlands.

5. West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour

If your goal is simply to experience beautiful Scottish scenery without driving all the way to Loch Ness, I actually think this is one of the best options.

The itinerary takes you through the western Highlands with stops at picturesque villages, lochs, and castles, including Doune Castle, the conservation village of Luss on Loch Lomond, the dramatic viewpoint known as Rest and Be Thankful, Kilchurn Castle, and the charming town of Inveraray.

Because you don’t travel as far north, you’ll generally spend less time sitting on the coach and more time actually exploring.

The scenery is every bit as impressive, with mountain passes, mirror-like lochs, ancient castles, and postcard-perfect villages throughout the day.

If someone told me they had already seen Loch Ness or simply weren’t interested in it, this is probably the tour I’d recommend instead.

Perfect for: Travelers who want incredible Highland scenery with more sightseeing stops and less driving.

Which Day Trip Would I Choose?

If it’s your first time in Scotland, I’d still choose Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Scottish Highlands.

Yes, it’s the longest day on this list.

Yes, you’ll spend a lot of time on the bus.

But I came home with memories of Highland cows, Glencoe, Loch Ness, castle ruins, incredible scenery, and stories I’ll never forget. For me, it was one of the highlights of my entire Scotland trip.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, I’d pick the Glenfinnan Viaduct tour instead.

And if you prefer shorter drives with plenty of castles and lochs, the West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour is an excellent alternative.

Before you go, make sure to read my guides on where to stay in Edinburgh, best things to do in Edinburgh and my 3-day Edinburgh itinerary to help you choose the best neighborhood and make the most of your time in Scotland’s capital.

Other Day Trips Worth Considering

If you’ve already visited the Highlands or you’re spending longer in Scotland, there are plenty of other excellent day trips from Edinburgh.

Some of the most popular include:

• St Andrews, the home of golf, with its famous golf courses and beautiful seaside setting.
• Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by The Da Vinci Code and known for its intricate stone carvings.
• The Scottish Borders, where you can visit places like Melrose Abbey and learn about the region’s rich history.
• North Berwick, a charming seaside town famous for its beaches and views of Bass Rock.
• Alnwick Castle in northern England, another filming location used in the Harry Potter movies.
• Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, where you can visit attractions like Glasgow Cathedral, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and the Riverside Museum.

These are all worth visiting, especially if you’ve already seen the Highlands or are planning multiple trips to Scotland.