5 incredible day trips from Edinburgh that should be on your bucket list
WITH summer so close we can almost feel it, anyone hoping to get a much-needed trip away should look no further GetYourGuide.
GetYourGuide boasts over 140,000 exciting experiences in 150 countries, but if the Scottish Highlands is on your bucket list, we’ve curated a list of some of the top Edinburgh experiences to book now.
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Whether you’re seeking a solo adventure, a romantic evening away, or the perfect family trip in Edinburgh – there are plenty of options to suit all preferences.
Sun readers can unlock a wide range of discounts on fun experiences from Edinburgh, including visiting Loch Ness and taking a gin tour at 56 North Distillery.
You can find a full list of fun days out at GetYourGuide, but we’ve done some of the hard work for you.
5 incredible day trips from Edinburgh
1. Dark History Royal Mile Walking Tour
Dark History Royal Mile Walking Tour
For those who love a little bit of spooky history, this walking tour will allow you to immerse yourself in the dark, hidden history of Edinburgh.
Known as “The Jekyll & Hyde City,” you can explore all of the astonishing architecture and history Edinburgh has to offer while taking in landmarks like the Traverse Old Town and the Canongate.
From tales of murderers, thieves, cannibals, hangings, witches, the Plague and more, this is a one-stop tour to learn about Edinburgh’s most infamous citizens and the origins of its most iconic ghost stories.
Just what I expected from a “dark history” tour. Super informative, entertaining and interesting.
GetYourGuide customer
The tour has rave reviews with one happy customer saying: “I loved the tour. The guide was an excellent storyteller – witty, knowledgable and well-organised.
Adding, “Just what I expected from a “dark history” tour. Super informative, entertaining and interesting.
“I would definitely recommend this if you’re in Edinburgh.”
2. Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour
Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Scottish Highlands Tour
This journey allows you to explore the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh.
On the bus tour, you can sit back and relax as your guide shares entertaining commentary throughout the trip, with plenty of opportunities to get some pictures along the way.
You might even be lucky enough to encounter the famous Highland cows (depending on the time of year) and there’s even a ‘wee’ kilt introduction if you’re interested in Highland culture.
Next, you’ll venture to Loch Ness to try and catch a glimpse of the iconic monster, or relax on the pier with a coffee while taking in the stunning views.
It’s a day filled with adventure, history, and amazing views – perfect for the whole family.
One five-star reviewer said: “We really had a great day. We drove through half of Scotland in a brand new coach, with beautiful views.
“There are several stops along the way to go to the toilet or eat, and to take photos.
“We also visited the remains of the castle on Loch Ness and took the boat trip.”
3. ‘Firth of Forth’ Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise
‘Firth of Forth’ Three Bridges Sightseeing Cruise
If a trip on the water sounds more like your kind of day out, this sightseeing cruise is perfect.
While cruising along visitors can take in panoramic views of the Edinburgh skyline and the historic Inchcolm Island, before admiring the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge (with plenty of time to get the perfect Instagram snap).
The tour also stops at Inchcolm Island where you get to do some exploring and there is also a guided commentary about the iconic Three Bridges, including the Forth Road suspension bridge and Queensferry Crossing, the longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge in the world.
Not only will you get to take in the wonders of engineering but if you’re lucky you may also catch sightings of marine wildlife such as seals, puffins, and seabirds along the way.
My grandson was particularly happy that he saw trains on the Forth Bridge and seals near Inchcolm Island
GetYourGuide customer
One happy customer’s five-star review said: “Myself and my partner took our grandson on what he would call an adventure.
“We live quite near the attraction and I was particularly surprised by some of the history that was brought to our attention by the onboard crew and the automated narration.
“My grandson was particularly happy that he saw trains on the Forth Bridge and seals near Inchcolm Island.”
4. Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery
Guided Gin Tasting at 56 North Distillery
If you enjoy gin but are even more interested in the gin-making process, this trip to Edinburgh’s 56 North Distillery is a good place to start.
56 North Distillery is where award-winning gins are crafted, and visitors will get to step inside Scotland’s oldest dedicated gin bar which has a stunning array of over 300 gins lining its shelves.
While you learn about botanicals, production techniques and the art of gin-making, you will of course get to indulge in a few of the tipples too including three unique gins crafted at the South Loch Gin distillery.
To cap off your visit enjoy a bespoke South Loch Gin cocktail.
The tasting and what to mix the gin with was very informative.
GetYourGuide customer
The popular tour has received many five-star reviews, with one fan sharing: “Learning about Gin and the process of making it was great.
“James was very interesting to listen to and had great knowledge about his craft.
“The tasting and what to mix the gin with was very informative. The blood orange gin went very well with the food we ordered at the bar afterwards.”
Underground Vaults Tour
Underground Vaults Tour
Delve into the dark history of Edinburgh on this tour which takes you beneath the streets of Old Town to the eerie vaults of South Bridge that date back to as far as the 1700s.
Most Haunted Live fans will love that the show was filmed in some of these locations – naming it as one of the scariest places on Earth.
You’ll learn about the vaults’ varied uses over the years, including the harsh living conditions of citizens and the spirits said to still roam the underground chambers.
If you love spooky stories, your guide will share tales of the Burke and Hare murders, witch persecutions and many other chilling stories from Edinburgh’s past.
Would HIGHLY recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see parts of Edinburgh that not many people get to see
GetYourGuide customer
One fan, who gave the tour five stars, raved: “The tour was fascinating and fun Louisa was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and fun.
“Would HIGHLY recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see parts of Edinburgh that not many people get to see.”