Within minutes of boarding at stately Waverley station, youll be awed as the train snakes its way through the glens and rolling verdant hillsides of the Borders, one of Scotlands most overlooked regions. From the train station you can easily walk to Blair Athol Distillery, one of the oldest working distilleries in Scotland. You'll also be able to see across to Edinburgh and the Pentlands on a clear day. From the centre, look across to the Bass Rock - a volcanic rock two miles from the shore which is home to a colony of gannets. There are also plenty of eating options available, making it the perfect place to visit for foodies. Quickly access bookings. edinburgh scotland guide travel station traveler 2747 You don't have to be a golf fan though to enjoy this seaside retreat. If you're feeling energetic, climb to the top of the conical North Berwick Law for spectacular views over the coast. You can also watch salmon travelling upstream on the fish ladder during breeding season. From Edinburgh, the train to Inverness takes three and a half hours and whisks you away north from urban sprawl in the capital through the dense forests of Perthshire, past mist-shrouded lochs and the snow-crested peaks of the Cairngorms.
This gorgeous Scottish town is also perfect for walking or hiking because there are beautiful parks with walking trails that go through them. . One of the best train routes from Edinburgh is to Livingston. This coastal hub is best known for its proximity to the Bass Rock, a beloved local landmark that is home to tens of thousands of gannets and guillemots. There are also family-friendly activities like bowling, indoor rock climbing, or visiting beautiful gardens. One of the nicest parts of Glasgow to wander around is the West End, which is easily accessed on the subway. In the city centre, make sure you check out the medieval Glasgow Cathedral and Merchant City where youll find designer boutiques and stylish restaurants that were once old warehouses. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". When it officially opened, the Forth Bridge was the pinnacle of Victorian engineering and considered one of the industrial wonders of the age. Spanning the Firth of Forth, it remains the keystone of Edinburghs rail network, with some 200 trains between the Scottish capital and the north trundling across the red colossus every day. Theres also a nearby aquarium and a cafe with views over the loch. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Loch Dunmore or follow any of the signposted paths. After, hop back on the ScotRail but take the one towards Balloch and get off at Balloch. The striking, red coloured Forth Bridge, a World Heritage Site built in the 1800s to transport rail passengers across the Forth Estuary, is one of Scotland's most famous landmarks. The beauty of Scotland is that you are never far away from, well, natural beauty. Your email address will not be published. If youre looking to stay in the area by Loch Ness, consider spending the night at The Lovat Loch Ness in Fort Augustus. Try a fish supper from the local chippy or check out one of the town's many cafes. There are so many incredible day trips from Edinburgh by Train. Stop in quaint towns for refreshments and optional whisky tastings, and soak up the stunning landscape amosaicof verdant glens, loch, and rivers. Perhaps take a lake cruise or enjoy capturing the pretty town of Luss on camera before the journey back to Edinburgh. Youll pass lovely waterfalls, distinctive due to the lime deposits left by the falling water. scotland edinburgh west highland line train clarke passengers matthew journey takes coast alamy To get back to the city centre, simply jump back on the subway at Byres Road. It has an impressive selection of museums, art galleries, and cafes that are great for the whole family. If youre in the mood to explore some of Scotlands stunning natural beauty, take a walk along part of the Water of Leith or partake in a guided kayaking trip along the River Almond. The town sits at the base of Mount Blair near Scotlands largest lake, Loch Rannoch. 2022 Volumes & Voyages Journey Theme by Restored 316 Brand Design by Inkpot Creative, 13 Best Restaurants in Edinburgh Scotland, Where to Stay in Edinburgh, Scotland | Ultimate Accommodation Guide. Find tickets & tours worldwide. Discover pretty coastal villages, then visit Anstruther with a guide. Dunbar is a small coastal village in the East Lothian region of Scotland. Of course, the star of the show is the Stirling Castle, which overlooks the town and is impossible to miss. Be sure to book a nights stay at the Royal Station Hotel if you plan on spending more than a day in Newcastle! See more of our posts below. Whats not to like? In a small group, travel to the charming town of Melrose and through the Scottish borderlands. Wind through the Scottish Lowlands to a historic whisky-producing region, and visit Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery for informative tasting sessions and tours. The Scottish city of Livingston is a great place to visit, with tons of fun things to do like exploring the Livingston Skate Park, the Almond Valley Heritage Trust, and even the Five Sisters Zoo. This post was all about the best day trips from Edinburgh by train. How to Get There: Take the ScotRail from Edinburgh Waverley towards Glasgow Queen Street, get off at Linlithgow. If you choose to go all the way to Mallaig, youll cross the expansive, ethereal wilderness of Rannoch Moor, reaching Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis the UKs highest peak before trundling around the Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous in the Harry Potter films. Attention Outlander fans: this tour was created just for you. If you want to make your trip an overnight trip, consider staying at Five Pilmour Place. While there is no definitive proof that this creature exists, there are many claims of sightings and even photos of it. Uncover the mysteries of Loch Ness on an exciting day-trip from Edinburgh. What are the best Rail Tours in Edinburgh? This post may contain affiliate links, which means Ill receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Dont forget to pin this post and share it for later! Known as the home of golf, St Andrews is an iconic place to enjoy Scotland's national sport. virgin train edinburgh tripadvisor While you should see the Tyne Bridge, there are also other great attractions, like the Living Museum of the North, the Angel of the North, and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. Enjoy a leisurely tour around the premises and a dram of Blair Athol 12-Year-Old whisky. Falkirk is a town in Scotland with lots of things to do, plus, its right on the water. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, This website and its associated newspaper are members of Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). The solution is simple let the train take the strain. This four-star hotel is usually around $100 per night, so it is super affordable for the value that you get. Follow the road to the left until you reach the harbour and then take the path behind the quay gallery along the harbour. How to Get There: Take the ScotRail towards Dundee from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Perth. While youre in Aberdour, you can also explore the 14th-century Aberdour Castle and Gardens and visit the Norman-style 12th-century St Fillans Church next door. With so many things to do, you will never be bored! 
The palace is now a museum and visitor center that takes guests to explore the storied past of this countrys history! Plus, prices are relatively affordable per night. Admire fine views over the Forth Rail Bridge from South Queensferry en route into the Kingdom of Fife. Return tickets from Edinburgh are priced at 93.
Then, take the 94A towards St Andrews and get off at the St Andrews bus station from the station. You can also enjoy a stroll along Gunknowe Loch where ducks and swans bathe on the water. From here you can wander over to the beautiful grounds of the University of Glasgow and down to Byres Road where you can enjoy a bite to eat at one of the West Ends restaurants and cafes or have a drink on trendy Ashton Lane, tucked away behind the main thoroughfare. Your email address will not be published. Read on to learn all about the best day trips from Edinburgh by train! Then, take a bus to get to the part of the park that youd most like to visit. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. edinburgh train london route line rail journey hours times glasgow map speed trains travel leeds cross king minutes nine reach This 4-star hotel is moderately priced and is inside an old eighteenth-century building. This town offers many scenic spots, like the Arbroath Cliffs, which will truly take your breath away. An excellent place to stay in Dundee is the Hotel Indigo Dundee. If you're a keen cyclist, you can enjoy 55 miles of countryside on the 4 Abbeys cycle route, which takes you to Melrose Abbey, Dryburgh Abbey, Kelso Abbey and Jedburgh Abbey. This is one of the top landmarks in the city, and its impossible to miss because it stretches across the river. Explore Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle, and delve into the world of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and Rob Roy on this tour from Edinburgh. Finally, see Glencoes dramatic scenery before your return trip. These Edinburgh experiences are providing additional COVID-19 safety measures: What Rail Tours in Edinburgh are good for avoiding crowds? One of these attractions is the Tyne Bridge, which was built in 1928 after World War I had ended. Be sure to check out the rest of Scotland while youre visiting! First up is a tour of the 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, famously featured in The Da Vinci Code and renowned for its mysterious stone carvings and unique architecture. If you're lucky you might also spot a seal in the water. Keep your eyes peeled for the pagoda roofs of Dalwhinnie, Scotlands highest whisky distillery. Newcastle hosts a myriad of things to do, from museums and concerts to shopping districts and sporting events. With the stunning mountain views and historical places such as The Livingston Manor House and Middle Hill, youll find plenty to see in the area.
Other great attractions in the area include the Signal Tower Museum, the Arbroath to Auchmithie Coastal Path, and the West Links Park. The centre also has a Canal Museum and tea room. It only takes slightly less than two hours to get there from Edinburgh, and the drive is pretty scenic along the way, making it the perfect way to spend a day. There are just three trains a day from Glasgow to Mallaig. There are plenty of places to stop for something to eat in North Berwick. The Crown Estate owns much of this area and manages it for outdoor recreation, wildlife, and agriculture. Plus, the rooms are cozy, and its a short walk to the Old Course and St Andrews Castle. As you get closer to the coast, the swaying fields of barley suddenly give rise to North Berwick Law, a tooth-shaped extinct volcano that looms over the town. Finally, take the 305 bus towards Luss from Craiglomond Gardens and get off at the Visitor Center Car Park! Click here to check out the current availability and rates for the Royal Station Hotel! Enjoy a small-group tour, limited to 16 people, for a memorable and personalized experience. It is said that the castle was the first place the monster was seen back in 565 AD. Explore Melrose Abbey and Rosslyn Chapel, and hear intriguing tales of Cistercian monks, the Knights Templar, and Robert the Bruce. The people are amicable and always helpful if you need directions or need help finding anything. There are many stops on the way that would make an ideal extension to your trip, including the picturesque town of Pitlochry or the alpine-style resort of Aviemore. The gardens of the mansion house are impressive and much of the planning and layout was done by Scott. Theres also plenty to see around the Old Town, such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the Caird Hall, and if you fancy some fresh air, take a walk up the 572-ft Dundee Law and take in fantastic views of the city. To make your trip to Livingston longer, consider booking a stay at the 3-star Mercure Livingston Hotel, right near some of the best places to visit in the area. Scotlands largest city is just a 50-minute train ride from Edinburgh so its easy to do a day-trip to enjoy its shopping and attractions. edinburgh scotland train tour london rail weekend guided highland break options short accommodation londontoolkit The most popular place to visit is the Linlithgow Palace, where Mary Queen of Scots lived before becoming Queen of England. Click here to check availability and current rates for Cairngorm Hotel! trains late night edinburgh scotrail festival season caption running august bbc Located on the River Tummel in Highland Perthshire, this pretty little town is easily accessible by train from Edinburgh and punches above its weight in terms of things to do and see. Take a look around Pitlochry Dam Visitor Centre, which explains the rich history of hydro-electricity in the north of Scotland. With a journey time of over five hours, it is impractical as a day trip but is a delightful excuse to extend your Edinburgh trip. Click here to check out current rates and availability for the Hotel Indigo Dundee! Its a popular destination for tourists because it offers many different attractions within a small area. Click here to check current availability and rates for Broomhall Castle! It might be a small town with a population of about 8,000, but it has many things to do for locals and tourists alike. Scotlands Loch Lomond is a lake located in the Central Highlands of Scotland and is one of the largest freshwater lochs in Great Britain. Experience the legend and mystery of Rosslyn Chapel and the Holy Grail on this Da Vinci Code tour from Edinburgh. One of the best places to visit by train near Edinburgh is the small town of Pitlochry. 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There are also plenty of great options if you want to grab a bite to eat. railpage edinburgh And while the open road is exhilarating, drivers can be all too frequently distracted by the head-turning landscapes. There are many shops and restaurants and different pubs for any type of drinker. Its centrally located, has a restaurant, great breakfast, and even a pool. The National Rail Enquiries website has a handy itinerary planner, which you can also use to purchase your tickets. Plus, theres free wifi, an indoor pool, and air conditioning available to all guests. When people go on day-trips from Edinburgh they often head north but the south has plenty to offer too. En route, pass some incredible sights, including the ruins of Linlithgow Palace, Ben NevisBritain's tallest mountainand dramatic Highlands landscapes recognizable from films like 'Skyfall.' One of the best day trips from Edinburgh to the highlands is Cairngorms National Park. The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers questions. In a small-group, visit Scotlands hilly Lowlands and forested Highlands, where you can spot waterfalls and migrating salmon in the River Braan. Each section includes precisely how to get there and the distance, and some fun things to do in the place. People often assume you need a car to visit Loch Lomond - the largest body of fresh water in Great Britain - but you can get the train to Balloch in just two hours from Edinburgh. scotlandtraveloholic Its one of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train! This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Its less than $100 per night and has free wifi, air conditioning, and even a restaurant. In under half an hour from Edinburgh Waverley you can reach Linlithgow in West Lothian, a pleasant town steeped in history. Then, take the Scotrail towards Glasgow Queen Street and get off at Glasgow Queen Street.
After a quick change at Queen Street station, youll be wending your way northwards on the West Highland Line, considered one of the most scenic railways in the world. edinburgh jacobite A great affordable place to stay in town is the Townhouse Hotel. Trade the citys bustle for a magical day in nature on this Harry Potter-themed excursion into the Scottish Highlands. The university itself features gorgeous architecture and outdoor spaces worth exploring. lner responsible Or wander around the town's boutique shops and lovely cafes. An off-peak return ticket to the lines terminus at Tweedbank costs 11.80. Learn how your comment data is processed. Click here to check out current rates and availability for the Orchard Hotel! You can explore the remains of St Andrews Cathedral, Scotlands largest and most magnificent medieval church. train london edinburgh The town has many attractions for visitors, like Arbroath Abbey, which was founded in 1160.
Today, visitors can take a boat ride out on the loch or hike around the hillsides to try to catch a glimpse of it! Spot the famous Urquhart Castle en route and hear about legendary warfare like the battles of William Wallace and the massacre of Glen Coe in the 17th century. There are two services an hour mid-week. How to Get There: Head to Edinburgh Waverley station and hop on the Scotrail towards Dunblane. Head 2km on foot from the train station to Abbotsford House, once home of famous Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Required fields are marked *.
You are viewing Virtual Experiences in Edinburgh. Some of the best attractions in Stirling include the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, the National Wallace Monument, and the Stirling Old Town Jail. Sadly there's no direct train to St Andrews but this shouldn't stop you taking a day-trip to one of Scotland's loveliest towns and the bus connections from Leuchers train station are frequent and quick. Located along the north bank of the Firth of Tay, Dundee has in recent years become a cultural and commercial hub. Glasgow is also home to many amazing museums like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, and The Peoples Palace.
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. After lunch (not included), stop at Melrose Abbey, the burial site of King Robert the Bruces heart, and look out over the English border from Cheviot Hills, before walking along the UNESCO-listed Hadrians Wall. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This 3-star hotel has lavish rooms and even has a great restaurant that features wood pieces from an old historic ship.
Your guide regales you with stories about the area, making for an exciting, informativeand if you're lucky, truly legendarytrip. It is a historic and scenic city in Scotland. Perhaps unjustly bested by the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, the subtle elegance of towns like Galashiels, its historic ruined abbeys and not to forget, of course, its own brand of beauty all played muse to Scotlands greatest author, Sir Walter Scott. For a great place to stay, consider booking a night at the No 12 Hotel & Bistro. Along the way, learn the often dark history of this wild region. National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. Climb to the top and be rewarded with fantastic views of St Andrews and Fife. Check out the ruins of Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots and one of the principal residences of the monarchs of Scotland in the 15th and 16th centuries. tourradar Other fun places to visit include the Blair Athol Distillery, Loch Faskally, and the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Center. Search tours and activities you can do from home. To spend more time near the park, book a stay at the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore. This full-day Scottish Highlands tour takes you on a scenic drive from Edinburgh to the fabled Loch Ness. From the top you can see the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge, where Wallace famously defeated the English Army. The interior will take you back in time, and theres excellent food available on-site, as well as incredibly plush beds, so youll be energized to explore Stirling.
For great views of the city, head to The Lighthouse, a centre for design and architecture, where you can also explore the Mackintosh Centre, a homage to Scotlands most iconic architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. For one of the great train trips from Edinburgh Scotland, head to Dunbar. How to Get There: Getting to Loch Lomond by train is no easy feat, but it is possible. Together, lets chase our wanderlust and see where it takes us next. On a day-trip to Dundee, make sure to check out the museum and its regularly changing design exhibitions.
The rooms are chic, and theres free breakfast, plus two restaurants right on site. Other fun things to do in Dundee include visiting the McManus Art Gallery & Museum, Dundee Contemporary Arts, or Verdant Works. adventuresaroundscotland From there, youll have to rent a car, go on a tour, or use a local bus to get to Loch Ness. Journey duration: 2 hours (with a change at Glasgow Queen Street). The Atholl Villa Guest House is the perfect place to stay here if you want to elongate your trip to Pitlochry. edinburgh scenic train rides most journeys highland rail offers line west scotland railway airport station Set own from Edinburgh aboard a comfortable coach bus to experience some of the area's top sights and attractions. edinburgh london train lner virgin trains lounge class seat61 1st In fact, its even home to a museum dedicated to golfing, called the British Golf Museum! Its a great way to spend some time if youre looking for a getaway from Edinburgh!
The recent rebirth of the Borders Railway has been something of a labour of love. Click here to check availability and rates for the Townhouse Hotel! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Visit Stirling Castlewidely considered among Scotlands most impressive fortresseswith a guide. On weekdays and Sundays, there are hourly services out to the coast from Waverley, with half-hourly services at peak times mid-week and on Saturdays. Visitors will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy renowned golf courses, play a round of tennis, or take a stroll through the beaches and coastal forests that border this seaside town.