7 Best Daytrips from Edinburgh for History Lovers
When it comes to visiting Scotland, most people will spend at least some time in Edinburgh. As somebody who lived there for almost 10 years, I know just how much the city has to offer! However, if you’re like me, you’ll also want the chance to get out there and see more of the country.
Fortunately, there are plenty of amazing tours and daytrips from Edinburgh for history lovers. These are my top picks that cut through the fluff and take you to some of the most important places in Scotland. From Highlands to Lowlands, ruined castles to historic abbeys, there’s a little bit of everything here.
If you want to find out how to make the most of a trip to Edinburgh on a budget – give this guide a read!
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St Andrews & Fife’s Fishing Villages
As a proud Fifer, this is always going to be my top recommendation for daytrips from Edinburgh for history lovers! While people associate St Andrews with golf these days, that’s just the latest chapter in a history stretching back well over 1000 years. This town is home to Scotland’s largest cathedral and oldest university! – Here’s my complete St Andrews Guide!
Along with St Andrews, any trip here from Edinburgh should include the East Neuk of Fife! This corner of the region is crammed with tiny fishing villages full of stories and scenic spots. This Guide will help you get the most of the East Neuk!
If you don’t have your own transport, book onto this well-priced tour of St Andrews & The East Neuk!
Rosslyn Chapel & the Scottish Borders
For another history-led tour from Edinburgh, head in the other direction down to Rosslyn Chapel & the Scottish Borders! It’s a short journey outside of Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel, built in the 15th century by the Sinclair family. Known as a Bible in Stone, there’s nothing else like in Scotland. Here’s my Rosslyn Chapel Guide!
After Rosslyn Chapel, it’s worth heading down to the oft-ignored Scottish Borders. All four of the Borders Abbeys are fantastic, but if time is tight you should prioritise Melrose and Dryburgh. Melrose is home to Robert the Bruce’s heart, while Dryburgh offers a much more tranquil spot. Here’s some stories behind each of the Borders Abbeys!
Here’s an affordable tour from Edinburgh for history lovers to Rosslyn & The Borders!
Stirling Castle & Loch Lomond
No trip to Scotland for lovers of history would be complete without a visit to Stirling Castle! Even though I lived in the capital for 10 years, I prefer it to Edinburgh Castle. There are just so many nationally significant stories and battles that took place here. If all you want to visit is the castle, it’s a short journey by train and here’s a guide to the stories.
However, if you’re heading west from Edinburgh then it makes sense to carry on all the way to Loch Lomond. This is the largest loch in Scotland and Rob Roy Macgregor country – a famous outlaw and Jacobite (with his own film). There are dozens of islands on the loch, each with a different historical tale!
Take this tour from Edinburgh to Stirling, Loch Lomond and the Kelpies!
Glencoe, Loch Ness & The Highlands
Most visitors to Scotland will want to see Glencoe and Loch Ness given the chance. It makes a very long day to include these on daytrips from Edinburgh, but for history lovers they’re worth the effort. Not only is Glencoe beautiful, the story of the Massacre in 1692 is one of the most infamous from Scottish history.
Loch Ness sits in the Great Glen, a poker straight fault line cutting through the Highlands from Fort William to Inverness. Urquhart Castle has guarded passage along the loch for around 800 years and it’s one of the most dramatic fortresses in the country. It’s worth knowing what you’re looking for when you reach the ruins, so give this guide to Urquhart a read first!
Jump on this tour from Edinburgh to Glencoe, Loch Ness & The Highlands!
West Highlands, Inveraray & Doune Castle
The West Highlands are a stunning place and one of my favourites to spend a day exploring from Edinburgh. Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond makes the perfect break point, filled with history of Clan Colquhoun and Viking graves. A drive over the Rest & Be Thankful leads to Inveraray, the heart of Campbell territory. There’s so much in that one small town – this guide should keep you right!
To the north, the epic story of Kilchurn Castle was what clinched me a commission for the Scotland’s Stories Book! Finally, a visit to Doune Castle on the return takes you to the best preserved medieval stronghold in the country. The story of its previous owner the Duke of Albany isn’t quite as pleasant…
Take this daytrip from Edinburgh to the West Highlands, Inveraray & Doune Castle!
The Outlander Experience – With REAL History!
I know this might seem odd as one of the best tours from Edinburgh for history lovers, but this is more than just a TV tour. Aside from the chance to follow in Jamie & Claire’s footsteps, all of the filming locations have genuinely impressive historical stories! Here’s my complete guide for the true stories behind these real sites!
The real highlights to me are always the impressive Blackness Castle – the ship that never sailed – as well as Culross. This village on the southern shore of Fife is almost perfectly preserved from the 17th century. Walk the cobbled streets and discover the stories of daring sea-captains, mining monks and brutal witch trials. Here’s the complete guide to Culross!
Take this Outlander Experience tour from Edinburgh to uncover the real history!
Inchcolm Abbey & The Three Bridges
Not many people will have heard about one of the most incredible daytrips from Edinburgh that’s perfect for history lovers. Sitting on an island in the Firth of Forth is Inchcolm Abbey, founded around 900 years ago! King Alexander I was stranded here during a storm in 1123 and looked after by a hermit living on the island.
He was so grateful that he founded Incholm Abbey which has survived well due to its isolated position. It’s such a holy spot that it’s often known as the Iona of the East! As well as a chance to visit the abbey and wander the island, the boat tour gives a great view of the three bridges crossing the Forth along with a commentary of their history!
Jump on a boat to Inchcolm with this tour from South Queensferry, near Edinburgh!
If there’s anywhere that you want to visit on a daytrip from Edinburgh which isn’t covered here, how about booking a private tour?
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