Edinburgh is one of the UK’s best places to live or visit, which is why many people choose to study with us at our English Language college. We asked the team at BSC Edinburgh to tell us some great places to visit from Edinburgh by train or bus, and here are their recommendations for easy day trips from Edinburgh without a car.
Stirling Castle
Explore one of Scotland’s largest and most important castles. It sits impressively on a volcanic hill that overlooks the city and stands high above the surrounding land for miles around. The castle is where Mary, Queen of Scots, was crowned in 1542 and is now preserved by Historic Scotland.
St. Andrews
Head north to the stunning seaside city of St. Andrews and spend a day picnicking on its long sandy beaches or exploring the Cathedral ruins overlooking the sea. Predominantly famous for golf, St. Andrews also hosts traditional Scottish Highland Games in the summer!
Approximate journey time: 1.5 hours by train and bus from Waverley or Haymarket (train to Leuchars, 11-minute bus journey from Leuchars to St. Andrews).
The Islands
Visit the beautiful Isle of Arran for a weekend, arriving at the small town of Brodick by ferry. Here you can explore Brodick Castle, discover the home of Arran Aromatics, take a tour around the Isle of Arran Brewery or even join a Mogabout Safari Day Tour to see more of the island. Alternatively, if you like hiking, there are also plenty of walking routes from Brodick.
Approximate journey time: 4.5 hours by train and ferry from Waverley or Haymarket (train to Ardrossan Ferry Terminal via Glasgow, ferry from Ardrossan to Arran)
The Highlands
There are many organised bus tours leaving from Edinburgh, taking you to unmissable areas of Scotland such as Glencoe, Loch Ness and the Highlands. You can book a day tour, a weekend trip or even a week away, with accommodation included in your package!
Approximate journey time: The journey time may vary depending on where you plan to visit in the Highlands most trips leave from Waterloo Place or the Royal Mile.
South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island
Hop on the Number 40A Stagecoach bus from Princes Street or George Street and head to South Queensferry, a lovely seaside town just on the edge of Edinburgh where you can see the iconic Forth Rail Bridge close up. You can also catch a boat to Inchcolm Island, the most beautiful island in the Firth of Forth, with an impressive Abbey, small sandy beaches, and old wartime fortifications.
Approximate journey time: 30 minutes to South Queensferry by bus + 3 hour boat trip to Inchcolm Island and back.
We hope you have enjoyed this guide to day trips from Edinburgh without a car. Would you like to discover Scotland and improve your English at the same time? Find out more about BSC Education’s English courses in Edinburgh, or contact us for more information.
You might also be interested in:
