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Day Trips From Edinburgh by Train

Hop on a train from Edinburgh to the surrounding areas, with stunning scenery and bustling towns to explore

There’s tons to see and do in Edinburgh (see our Visit Edinburgh by Train page). But if you fancy venturing a bit further afield, see our pick of destinations that you can get to by train from Edinburgh for a short day trip.

From quiet coastal walks to scenic countryside, historic buildings, culture, restaurants and shopping, you’re bound to find something to enjoy.

You can plan your train journey here, and don’t forget if you have a Railcard you can get 1/3 off your rail fares. If you require additional support when travelling, the Passenger Assist service can help you.

Day trips from Edinburgh in 1 hour or under

Glasgow

Scotland’s largest city is not only packed full of galleries, museums, comedy clubs, city parks and restaurants, but it always promises a great night out.

Visit the leafy Kelvingrove Park(external link, opens in a new tab), home to the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum(external link, opens in a new tab), which has everything from natural history to works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Salvador Dalí in its collections. Stroll around the Glasgow Necropolis(external link, opens in a new tab), a Victorian garden cemetery next to Glasgow Cathedral(external link, opens in a new tab) that has breathtaking views of the city.

Take in some nature at the beautiful Glasgow Botanic Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab) or have a kickabout at the impressive Scottish Football Museum(external link, opens in a new tab) at Hampden Park.


Nearest station: Glasgow Central

Berwick-upon-Tweed

One of the most important fortified towns in the UK (it was part of Scotland for more than 3 centuries before being captured by the English in 1482), Berwick-upon-Tweed sits at the mouth of the River Tweed and is surrounded by the remains of a medieval castle.

Walk around the largely intact Berwick-upon-Tweed Castle and Ramparts(external link, opens in a new tab) or follow in the footsteps of LS Lowry on The Lowry Trail(external link, opens in a new tab), which offers a guided tour of the artist’s favoured holiday destination.

Nearest station: Berwick-upon-Tweed

Stirling

Northeast of Glasgow, Stirling is positioned on the River Forth and is often referred to as the gateway to the Highlands. It’s dominated by Stirling Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), which sits on top of a volcanic crag and was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots.

Visit The National Wallace Monument(external link, opens in a new tab), which looks out over the land where William Wallace led his Scottish army to victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and explore the cultural history of Stirling, Stirlingshire and the Trossachs at the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest station: Stirling

North Berwick

North Berwick is a scenic harbour town north east of Edinburgh that is home to both the North Berwick Golf Club(external link, opens in a new tab) and the Glen Golf Club(external link, opens in a new tab). Once known as the ‘Biarritz of the North’, North Berwick has views out to the Firth of Forth and Fidra, the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Treasure Island.

You can also see Bass Rock(external link, opens in a new tab), home to the world’s largest gannet colony, which led Sir David Attenborough to pronounce it as one of the ‘wildlife wonders of the world’. For great views across the water, walk up North Berwick Law(external link, opens in a new tab), a conical hill with a replica whale’s jawbone at the summit.

Or take a boat trip around the rock – you can get 20% OFF entry to the award-winning Scottish Seabird Centre(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train.

Nearest station: North Berwick

Dunfermline

The gateway to Fife, Dunfermline was once the ancient capital of Scotland. Walk around Dunfermline Abbey and Palace(external link, opens in a new tab), the resting place of several Scottish kings including Robert the Bruce, or visit Abbot House(external link, opens in a new tab), which dates back to the 16th century and has a lovely walled garden with views of the abbey.

Explore the city with Discover Dunfermline Tours(external link, opens in a new tab) and learn about St Margaret, the only Scottish female saint.

Nearest station: Dunfermline Town

Day trips from Edinburgh in 1 to 2 hours

Dumbarton

West of Glasgow on the River Clyde, Dumbarton was once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde. Walk up to Dumbarton Castle(external link, opens in a new tab), built high up on a volcanic rock that was active 350 million years ago, and climb the White Tower Crag which sometimes allows views of Ben Lomond, nearly 50 miles to the north.

Visit the Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank(external link, opens in a new tab) to see the world’s first commercial ship model experiment tank, which is the length of a football pitch, learn how to design your own ship or carve a real wax model.

Nearest station: Dumbarton Central

Carlisle

Located on the border of England and Scotland, between the Lake District National Park and Hadrian’s Wall, is the bustling town of Carlisle.

As well as a vibrant city centre with great shopping and dining, you can visit the famous visit the famous Carlisle Castle(external link, opens in a new tab) (where Mary Queen of Scots was once held) and the beautiful Carlisle Cathedral(external link, opens in a new tab).

Nearest station: Carlisle

York

In this beautiful historical city north east of Leeds, you will find plenty of great restaurants and lively bars, alongside the 13th century marvel that is York Minster(external link, opens in a new tab) and a Cold War Bunker(external link, opens in a new tab) with blast-proof doors that was in active service from the 1960s to the 90s.

For something less claustrophobic, a cruise along the River Ouse is a perfect way to enjoy the city, especially at sunset. You can get 2FOR1 tickets for City Cruises York(external link, opens in a new tab) with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you go by train.

Nearest station: York

Newcastle

It might be most famous for football and a colourful nightlife, but there’s far more to this northern city, which boasts world-class concert halls and fantastic art galleries in the regenerated Gateshead Quayside.

Visit the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art(external link, opens in a new tab), renovated from a flour mill and offering four floors of ever-changing art or take a guided heritage walk with Newcastle City Guides(external link, opens in a new tab), covering central Newcastle and Gateshead. Embrace nature in Town Moor(external link, opens in a new tab), an impressive 1,000 acres of open space just to the north of the city.

Nearest station: Newcastle

Find out more

Plan Your Journey

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Journey times and offers are correct at time of publication but subject to change.

Top image credit: © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Kelvingrove Park image credit: © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Stirling Castle image credit: © Historic Environment Scotland

North Berwick image credit: © VisitScotland / Grant Paterson

Dunfermline Abbey image credit: © Fife Council / Damian Shields

Carlisle Castle image credit: © visitlakedistrict.com

York Minster image credit: © York Minster

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