6 easy must-do weekend trips from Edinburgh
The Scottish capital of Edinburgh is a historic and atmospheric city where you can experience the very best of this fascinating country. Edinburgh is home to many of Scotland's top cultural institutions and historic buildings, including Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament, and the National Gallery of Scotland. So as you would probably imagine, Edinburgh is an easy place to find things to do, whether you're in town for a couple of days or for weeks at a time.
However, Scotland is a relatively small country, and one of the benefits of that is being able to easily access lots of different locations on weekend getaways. Whether you're looking to get out in nature, explore atmospheric castles, or voyage over the gloomy waters of Loch Ness in search of the fabled Loch Ness monster, the best weekend getaways from Edinburgh can show you a whole other side of Scotland. Edinburgh's Waverley Station is your gateway for some great weekend trips, thanks to Scotland's well-established rail network. Alternatively, you can rent a car and explore independently.
And you can make your weekend trip much easier on yourself by leaving your bags behind at a luggage storage near Edinburgh city centre. Bounce partners with local businesses in Edinburgh and in hundreds of cities around the world to make sure you always have a place to leave your things. Bring only what you need for your weekend trip and leave the rest of your bags behind, knowing they'll be safely stored until you're ready to pick them up again after your weekend getaway.
Loch Lomond
An excellent weekend getaway for nature lovers, Loch Lomond is one of Scotland's many stunning lakes. This is a perfect spot for water sports and is also ideal for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers to explore the scenery of Scotland not far from the capital.
Distance from Edinburgh:
Loch Lomond sits around 80 miles from Edinburgh, taking about two hours to drive. You can also get to this popular lake by train and then by bus, which will take around two hours.
Our activity recommendations:
Water sports: Loch Lomond is known throughout Scotland as an excellent destination for water sports. Head out on the water and take part in waterskiing, kayaking, fishing, or other activities, and you'll see why this lake remains so popular for both day trips and weekend getaways.
Hiking: There are lots of great hiking trails you can use to explore this area, including the long-distance West Highland Way, which runs past Loch Lomond on its way to Fort William near Scotland's West Coast. But there are also lots of shorter hiking trails that are ideal for every level of fitness, so you can embark on everything from a gentle stroll to a multi-day expedition.
SEA LIFE: This fascinating aquarium is home to Scotland's largest collection of sharks, along with lots of other marine wildlife from both the North Sea and the Atlantic. Get up close and personal with marine wildlife and learn more about the waters around Scotland as you explore beneath the waves without getting wet.
Best season to visit:
Loch Lomond is known for its great outdoor activities, so summer is probably the best time to visit so you can get the most out of the hiking and biking trails or spend some time on the beach.
Trossachs National Park
As impressive as Loch Lomond is, it's just part of a wider region of incredible natural beauty. Trossachs National Park contains Loch Lomond on its southern edge, but it also has so much more to offer. This iconic national park is likely to be a highlight of any trip to Scotland, so make sure you don't miss out while you're in the area.
Distance from Edinburgh:
One of the best weekend getaways you can take from either Edinburgh or Glasgow, Trossachs National Park is not far from either city. It's only around 70 miles from Edinburgh to the southern edge of the park, although from there, there's much more to explore.
Our activity recommendations:
Hiking: As you might expect from a National Park, Trossachs is home to some incredible hiking trails. Whether you want to explore the mountains, hike along lakeshores, go on multi-day expeditions, or just enjoy a gentle stroll through the forest, you're sure to find the perfect hike for your weekend getaway here.
Camping: Trossachs National Park offers a range of campsites, so whether you're looking to pitch a simple tent or would rather stay in a luxurious motorhome, you'll find an idyllic campsite just for you. In the National Park, camping is only allowed in designated areas, so make sure you book your site ahead of time so that you won't be disappointed when you arrive.
Fishing: The National Park is home to 22 lakes and also stretches to the coastal waters of Scotland's West Coast. Therefore, it's an incredible destination for fishing. Fish for trout or salmon in summer in Scotland's most fertile waters, and you'll likely make a spectacular catch here.
Best season to visit:
Since outdoor activities are the order of the day here, summer is the best time to visit. However, it's also the busiest time in this popular park, so it can be hard to get away from the crowds. Scotland's weather can be unpredictable, but you may find some fine days in the spring and fall that are also good times to visit this park without the crowds.
Stirling
Located in the center of the country, Stirling is a city steeped in history. Explore the fascinating history of the country amid the medieval architecture of this historic town, and you'll feel almost as if you've taken a weekend break back in time. One of the best weekend breaks for history lovers, this historic town is a fascinating place to explore.
Distance from Edinburgh:
Stirling is quite close to Edinburgh, less than 40 miles away. You can reach the city by car in around an hour or by train in slightly less than an hour.
Our activity recommendations:
Stirling Castle: This impressive castle dates back to at least the 12th century, though most of its current form dates to the 15th. Either way, this castle has seen plenty of action in its time, as it was once a stronghold of Scottish royalty. Now, the castle is open to the public as a museum to Scottish royalty, and costumed interpreters will help you understand the interesting and complex history of Stirling and of Scotland as a whole.
William Wallace Monument: Built in the 19th century thanks to a renewed interest in Scottish independence, this monument to the semi-legendary warrior immortalized in the movie Braveheart overlooks the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge, where Scottish forces led by Wallace defeated the English. The tower offers impressive views over this part of mainland Scotland and gives you a glimpse into the history of the Scottish independence movement.
Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum: This small but interesting museum collects a range of fine art and historical artifacts from across Scotland. Along with Stirling Castle, it's a great place to come to understand more about the history of the region.
Best season to visit:
This historic city is a great place to visit at any time of year. Most of the attractions here are indoors, so you can escape Scotland's winter weather as you go back in time.
Fort William
At the northern end of Loch Linnhe, which provides a link to the sea, Fort William is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands and the UK's highest peak, Ben Nevis. But there's more on offer here than just the great outdoors. Fort William is also a historic town that oozes coastal charm.
Distance from Edinburgh:
It's nearly 150 miles from Edinburgh to Fort William, which puts it out of reach for day trips but a decent distance for a weekend break. It will take just over three hours to drive, and while Fort William is also reachable by public transport, it will take over four hours to make the journey.
Our activity recommendations:
Ben Nevis: This mountain is one of the major attractions that draws visitors to Fort William. At 1344 m, this mountain is big enough to provide a challenge but small enough to be scaled without specialist equipment or training. You will need to be in good shape and have some navigational skills, though. Whether you reach the top or not, Ben Nevis provides dramatic mountain scenery and beautiful views everywhere you turn.
Ben Nevis Distillery: Is it really a trip to Scotland if you don't try at least some whiskey? This distillery is one of Scotland's oldest, and it's a great place to learn more about the ancient craft of whiskey production and try a dram or two for yourself.
Best season to visit:
If you're planning to scale Ben Nevis, summer is probably the best time to make your attempt. However, Fort William is a historic town with some great museums and restaurants, so it can also be a good place to visit in the winter.
Inverness
This city in the north of Scotland combines a quaint old town loaded with historic charm with some excellent outdoor activities. Plus, if you're a fan of mysteries, you'll have a great time searching for the world's most famous mythical beasts here.
Distance from Edinburgh:
Located more than three hours north of Edinburgh by car, Inverness takes a while to get to. However, it's a spectacular drive through the Scottish Highlands, and the destination is well worth the time it takes to reach.
Our activity recommendations:
Loch Ness: Inverness is the closest town to the famous Loch Ness, the reputed home of the mysterious Loch Ness monster. Sightings of the monster cannot be guaranteed, but taking a boat cruise over the lake to look for it is a thrilling experience either way. Plus, the beautiful scenery of this lake makes the trip worthwhile, even without a monster to search for.
Inverness Museum & Art Gallery: Explore the art and history of the Scottish Highlands at this interesting museum. Among antique bagpipes and ancient weapons, you'll learn more about the unique culture of this mountainous region.
Best season to visit:
This far north, winter days can be cold and short. Better to time your visit in the summer, or at least during spring or autumn, to make the most of the fleeting warm weather.
North Berwick
If you're looking for a seaside break from the Scottish capital, you can't do much better than North Berwick. An enduringly popular place for weekend breaks from the capital, this city has everything you want in a coastal vacation.
Distance from Edinburgh:
At less than 30 miles from the city, North Berwick can be reached with around half an hour of driving and around the same amount of time on public transit. This makes this seaside town a great destination for day trips as well as weekend getaways.
Our activity recommendations:
Beaches: This isn't exactly the Caribbean, but the North sea beaches of Scotland have a rugged beauty that makes them great places to explore. Wander among the tide pools or enjoy views of spectacular Bass Rock as you soak up the sun.
Tantallon Castle: This cliff-top castle could hardly ask for a more spectacular location. The impressive fortification is a great place to explore, and along the way, you'll be treated to some incredible views.
Best season to visit:
As a beach destination, this is a place better visited in summer. Many of the shops and restaurants are closed during the winter season, and you'll enjoy your time on the beach much more during the warmer months.
Conclusion
If you only have three days in Edinburgh, you'll want to maximize your time enjoying everything the city offers. But if you have a little more time in the city, or you live in the area, it's good to know that there are some excellent locations for the best day trips from Edinburgh and some stunning weekend breaks.
Leave your heavy bags behind at an Edinburgh luggage storage and try some of these great weekend getaways on your next Scottish trip.