Day Trips from Edinburgh — Castles, Coast & Border Country Compared
Beyond the Highlands, Edinburgh reaches St Andrews, Rosslyn Chapel, Alnwick Castle, Holy Island, and the Borders — book a guided tour for the history and the driving.
Available
27 options
Avg. rating
4.6 - 19,447 reviews
From
$49 GBP
Cancellation
Free up to 24h before
Day Trips from Edinburgh: what to know before booking
Beyond the Highlands, Edinburgh reaches St Andrews, Rosslyn Chapel, Alnwick Castle, Holy Island, and the Borders — book a guided tour for the history and the driving.
- Availability
- 27 ticket options compared
- Starting price
- Tickets currently start around $49 GBP before checkout fees.
- Rating signal
- Compared options average 4.6 stars across 19,447 traveler reviews.
- Location
- Departures from central Edinburgh pickup points (confirmed at booking)
- Best time
- Spring to autumn for longer days; book ahead in peak summer and festival season
- Ticket note
- Date-specific; arrive 15 minutes before the stated meeting time
Day Trips from Edinburgh in Edinburgh
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Everything you should know before you book
Edinburgh's central-belt location puts dozens of destinations within day-trip range. South of the city are Rosslyn Chapel (of Da Vinci Code fame), Hadrian's Wall, and the English border castles of Alnwick and Bamburgh. East and north lie St Andrews, the home of golf, and the fishing villages of Fife. The Kelpies and Stirling Castle round out the classic list.
Match the trip to your interest. Castle fans should look at the Scottish castles and Alnwick routes; history buffs at Rosslyn and Hadrian's Wall; golfers and coast-lovers at St Andrews and Fife. Most tours are full-day with an early start, and a guide handles the driving and the back-story so you can just look out the window.
Frequently asked questions
Which day trip is best for first-timers?
If you've done the Highlands, the Scottish castles or St Andrews and Fife trips give variety. Rosslyn Chapel with Hadrian's Wall suits history and film fans.
Do these tours include attraction entry?
It varies by tour — some include castle or chapel admission, others leave it optional. Check the inclusions on each listing before booking.
Are day trips suitable in winter?
Yes, though daylight is short and some routes are weather-dependent. A free-cancellation booking is worth it for winter dates.