Edinburgh is one of the best bases in Britain for day trips. In a couple of hours you can be deep in the Highlands, on a Roman wall, at the home of golf or watching a steam train cross a viaduct. To keep things simple we have picked the seven day tours worth taking from the city, each with its own page covering the route, what you see and how to book.
All of the tours below run with licensed operators and include live commentary. Durations range from a relaxed half-day at Rosslyn Chapel to a full 14-hour run to Glenfinnan, so there is something whether you want the greatest hits of the Highlands or a shorter castles-and-coast day close to town. Prices and exact stops vary by operator — always check the current listing before you book.
The 7 Best Day Tours from Edinburgh
The classic full-day Highlands loop — Rannoch Moor, Glencoe, Loch Ness and Ben Nevis in one long, scenic day. The most-reviewed day trip from the city.
Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Kelpies
Family FriendlyA shorter, gentler day taking in Stirling Castle, the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond and the giant Kelpies at Falkirk. Ideal if you want castles and lochs without a 12-hour drive.
Outlander Locations
For FansWalk into Jamie and Claire’s world — Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Falkland, Culross and the other real castles that double as the show’s most famous sets.
Jacobite Steam Train
Harry PotterSee the Hogwarts Express steam over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. A long but spectacular day to the West Highlands, with the option to ride the train itself.
St Andrews & the Fife Coast
Golf & CoastThe home of golf, Scotland’s oldest university and a dramatic clifftop cathedral, usually paired with the pretty fishing villages of the East Neuk.
Head south to walk the Roman frontier along the crags, with a fort or the Vindolanda dig and the abbey country of the Scottish Borders on the way.
Rosslyn Chapel & the Borders
Half-DayThe intricately carved 15th-century chapel of Da Vinci Code fame, just south of the city, often combined with the ruined abbeys of the Borders.
Day Tours from Edinburgh Compared
| Tour | Region | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands | Highlands | ~12 hrs | First-time visitors |
| Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Kelpies | Trossachs & Fife | ~8–9 hrs | Families, shorter day |
| Outlander Locations | Fife & Stirlingshire | ~9–10 hrs | Outlander & history fans |
| Jacobite Steam Train | West Highlands | ~13–14 hrs | Harry Potter & railway fans |
| St Andrews & the Fife Coast | Fife | ~8–9 hrs | Golf & coastal history |
| Hadrian’s Wall & Roman Britain | Borders & Northumberland | ~10–11 hrs | Roman history fans |
| Rosslyn Chapel & the Borders | Midlothian | ~5–8 hrs | Short, history-rich day |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which day tour from Edinburgh is best?
For a first visit, the Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands tour is the classic all-rounder and the most reviewed. If you want something shorter, the Loch Lomond, Stirling and Kelpies day or St Andrews are gentler options.
How far in advance should I book?
Popular tours — especially the Jacobite Steam Train and Highlands trips in summer — sell out days or weeks ahead. Booking early is strongly recommended in peak season.
Do the tours include entry fees and meals?
Usually not. Castle entries, the Loch Ness cruise, the steam train ride and lunch are typically paid extras. Check exactly what each listing includes before booking.
Do I need a full day for these?
Most are full-day trips of 8 to 14 hours. Only the Rosslyn Chapel tour is regularly offered as a half-day, so plan on an early start and a late return for the Highlands options.