9 Excursions to do from Edinburgh

Edinburgh it is the gateway to Scotland. In addition to being a magnet for travelers like you, from here you can take advantage of excursions of one or more days around the country.

Here you will find the perfect combination of nature, history, magic and even... time travel! Join me for a tour of 9 excursions from edinburgh and discover the beauty of Scotland.

Excursions from Edinburgh

the highlands

Close your eyes and imagine: lonely valleys of intense green, majestic mountains and enchanted lakes. Add to it imposing castles with centuries of history. Wars, legends. That place is the Highlands, a large area north of Edinburgh.

Here some of the highlands tours from edinburgh most recommended.

1- Excursion to Loch Ness and the Highlands

Loch Ness is a deep lake with murky and dark waters. The combination of cold, fog, and mountains set the stage for legends dating back to the year 565. This mysterious lake is home to the famous sea monster nicknamed Nessie.

On the shores of the lake you can visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle. From its viewpoint you can have beautiful views of Loch Ness. Maybe you'll get lucky and get to see Nessie!

On this tour you will get to know the Valley of Glencoe, and its viewpoints. These landscapes were part of the bloody Scottish clan wars. Postcards that are a recurring part in famous movies, including Harry Potter.

there is a day trip that I do not recommend because you will spend a lot of time on the bus.

But don't worry because this excursion also has its extended version, the 2-day tour of Loch Ness and the Highlands.

2- Excursion to Loch Ness, Highlands and Inverness

This version includes the city of inverness, known as the capital of the Highlands. It is a picturesque city, where you can visit the cathedral of Saint Andrews and its castle.

I recommend the early departure tour from edinburgh.

3- Excursion to Stirling, the Mirador de la Reina and Highlands

Stirling is located an hour from Edinburgh, in the central region of Scotland. This means that you can go on your own on a train or you can hire a tour.

For me it is one of the most beautiful cities in Scotland. It is also of great importance in Scottish history. Although it is a bit removed if you go on your own, from here you can go to visit the national monument to William Wallace.

The Queen's Lookout is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland. Here you can appreciate the charm of this country in all its splendor

4- 3-day tour of Skye and the Highlands

Skye It is known as the island of fairies. This wonderful island has the most spectacular scenery in the Highlands. The cliffs, rocks, waterfalls and hidden forests are the absolute protagonists. So are gusts of wind.

Glencoe Valley, or Valley of Tears, is a place of landscapes dotted with ponds and waterfalls. Its name comes from the tragedy of the MacDonald clan. After harboring their supposed allies, they were killed. This was the punishment imposed by the king because of his delay in the oath of allegiance.

on this excursion you can also know the fairy valleywhich seems to be taken from a story, with its ponds and small rounded miniature mountains.

On this tour you will visit Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed place in Scotland. It is located in the village of Dornie, which connects Loch Ness to the Isle of Skye.

Another stop is the Castle of dunvegan. Here you will thoroughly know the history of the bloody clan war.

5- Excursion to Oban and the Highlands

Oban is a fishing town in the western highlands. This city is known as Little Bay and is the seafood capital of Scotland. Here you can find Dunollie Castle and McCaig Tower, shaped like a Roman amphitheatre.

They will also contemplate the valleys and mountains that surround Loch Lomond from their viewpoints.

If you want to know more you can see this tour here.

movie landscapes

Scotland is the land of inspiration for great works of literature. His landscapes have that cinematic magic. Perhaps a literary saga, series or movie comes to mind.

Here are some examples to live an unforgettable experience, especially for fans.

6- Outlander Tour

Outlander is a literary saga that was brought to the screen in series format. Full of romance, time travel and a bit of history. He conquered the hearts of the public and became a social phenomenon.

On this excursion you will get to know the landscapes and places where Jamie and Claire spend their days. You will be able to feel part of its history!

If you are a big fan, I recommend the 2-day Tour of the Outlander scenes. You will also visit Inverness, Falkland, Culloden Battlefield and Craigh Na Dun.

In this article tells you everything what you need to know to do the Outlander route through Scotland, on your own or with a paid tour.

7- Tour of Harry Potter and the English castles

Scotland and especially Edinburgh was a source of inspiration for JK Rowling at the time of writing Harry Potter. then the movies brought those magical landscapes to the big screen.

On this tour you will visit the Castle of alnwick, where the first films of the famous magician were filmed. You will recognize the places where the magic began.

In this tour you will be able to know in detail about the castle where scenes from movies like Robin Hodd and Elizabeth were also filmed. Another castle you will meet is Bamburgh Castle, where Russell Crowe played Robin Hodd.

8- Harry Potter Train

Have you ever dreamed of being a wizard and having to attend the school of witchcraft and wizardry on the Hogwarts express? Well, prepare your wand and join this adventure through the highlands in the famous Harry Potter train!

You will travel on the Jacobite train, traveling through the wonderful landscapes of the Highlands. This train is recognized for its famous steam locomotive. You are going to cross the Glenfinnan Viaduct, hoping to cross a flying car. This is a unique experience that a good Harry Potter fan cannot miss.

9- Excursion to Rosslyn and Hadrian's Wall

The rosslyn chapel It is located south of Edinburgh. It is world famous for the book “The Da Vinci Code”. This story made Rosslyn Chapel the most famous church in Scotland. It is an intriguing city. Full of masonic symbols, and pagan culture. Discover the myths of the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail.

As part of this tour, you will know the Rosslyn Castle. It is still home to the Masonic lodge in Scotland today. Without a doubt, the perfect plan for lovers of stories of intrigue and secrets.

Further south you will visit Hadrian's Wall. It is one of the most famous Roman monuments in the world. This construction marked the limit of the Roman Empire. The Vindolanda camp is the best preserved area of ​​these ruins.

In conclusion

You will find many more options Excursions in Scotland as:

Excursion to Stirling and Saint Andrews or Excursion to Glasgow, Lochs Lomond and Katrine

Magic everywhere, centuries of history. a dream place for you to live your next trip. The best excursions from edinburgh they are waiting for you!

Arol

I am a traveler, photographer and writer, I like getting lost in cities, traveling to strange places and above all meeting interesting people.