Bonnie Scotland

National Rail’s Days Out Guide are delighted to partner with The National Trust for Scotland, offering 2FOR1 entry to some of their most magnificent homes, gardens, glens, and castles, when you travel by train.

Since 1931, The National Trust for Scotland, a conservation charity that cares for, shares and speaks up for Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage, has pioneered access to some of Scotland’s most remarkable landscapes, buildings and collections.

A land of captivating terrain, ancient castles, vibrant cities, rich heritage and wildlife, Scotland is a firm favourite for holiday makers of all ages seeking unique and memorable experiences. Easily accessible by train, a whole new world is waiting to be explored and enjoyed by those looking for something different.

Whether you’re a history buff, culture vulture, keen crafter, wildlife and walking enthusiast, or simply want to take in Scotland’s beautiful vistas – let us whet your appetite for your next travel trip to Scotland with some of our favourite 2FOR1 offers from Days Out Guide and The National Trust for Scotland.

When you're ready to book your ticket, check the full Days Out Guide travel advice.

Weaver’s Cottage

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

Transport back to a time when hand-woven textiles were the pride of Scotland’s weaving industry, at this traditional Kilbarchan weaver’s cottage. The property vividly re-creates the living and working conditions of a typical handloom weaver, giving an insight into life before the Industrial Revolution. Today, the weavers specialise in making tartan on a 200-year-old loom.

The cottage is also home to a beautiful garden, where traditional dye plants including woad and madder are grown, alongside a wide range of cottage garden plants – perfect for autumnal exploration. 

Nearest station: Johnstone (Renfrewshire) 

The Battle of Bannockburn

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

This experience puts you at the heart of the action so you can discover more about this crucial event in Scottish history.

Outside, the layout of the parkland around the centre allows visitors to appreciate the surrounding landscape and restored commemorative monuments, including the iconic statue of Robert the Bruce by Pilkington Jackson, cast in shimmering bronze. 

Nearest station: Stirling 

Gladstone’s Land

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

Gladstone’s Land has been a commercial and social hub for more than 500 years, while witnessing momentous social and political change as well as war, fire and disease.

Join one of the National Trust for Scotland’s specialist tours to find out more about specific aspects of Old Town history and then relax in the ground-floor ice cream parlour and coffee shop, which is inspired by the rich trading history of the building.

After your visit, why not wander through the streets of Edinburgh following their app-based walking tour to the Georgian House in the New Town.

Nearest station: Haymarket

Leith Hall, Garden and Estate

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

Leith Hall has played witness to Scottish history since 1650, with 10 generations of the Leith-Hay family having lived at the estate until just after World War II. The family donated the house to the National Trust for Scotland along with their furnishings and art, making it one of the most complete collections in the charity’s care.

Your visit to Leith Hall will be by guided tour, giving a fascinating insight into the changing aspirations, needs and tastes of the Leith-Hay family over the centuries.

Outside, the beautiful grounds are one of the Trust’s hidden gems and contain their highest altitude garden, at 186m above sea level. From the top of the garden there are spectacular views of Aberdeenshire and the surrounding hills.

Nearest station: Aberdeen

The Hill House

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

The Hill House is considered to be Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s domestic masterpiece. Commissioned by Glasgow book publisher Walter Blackie, up-and-coming architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh and artist Margaret Macdonald worked collaboratively to create almost everything you see here, from the building itself to the furniture and textiles.

Explore inside the Box and see the Hill House and Helensburgh like never before from the walkways around the house and over the roof.

Nearest station: Helensburgh Central

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

This Museum offers a truly unique encounter with Scotland’s favourite son. As Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns’s poetry and songs are renowned at home and internationally, but who was Robert Burns and what made him tick? The best place to learn and understand his genius is his birthplace in the beautiful village of Alloway. The flagship museum starts a journey that weaves through the village, taking you from historical buildings to landmarks known to Burns.

Whether you’re a die-hard Burnsian or brand new to the bard, a day immersing yourself here will open your eyes and ears to an enduring hero of Scotland’s literary heritage.

Nearest station: Ayr

Newhailes House & Gardens

• Get 2FOR1 entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide

With its rococo interiors, Italian marble fireplaces, Chinese sitting room and impressive fine art collection, Newhailes House has always been a place of innovation and creativity. The house keeps this spirit of creativity alive by regularly collaborating with local artists today. As you take a relaxing stroll through the grounds, see what wildlife you can spot as you pass the Shell Grotto, Tea House, and Ladies’ Walk.

With a playpark for younger explorers, a fun-filled day for all the family can be rounded off with an ice cream from The Dairy.

Nearest station: Musselburgh