Family Days out in Scotland

Scotland is brilliant for day trips—whether you want castles, mountains, beaches, or cute towns. Here are some of the best days out to enjoy with your family!

Scenic & nature day trips

Perfect if you want those classic Scotland views

Glencoe & the Highlands

• Dramatic mountains, waterfalls, and iconic scenery
• Often done as a guided day trip from Edinburgh/Glasgow
• Feels like proper “wild Scotland”

Many tours combine this with Loch Ness in one long day.

 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs

• Easy from Glasgow (~45–50 mins)
• Walks, boat trips, and stunning loch views
• Great if you want nature without a long journey

 Isle of Skye (long day or overnight)

• Fairy pools, cliffs, colourful villages
• Stunning but best with a car or overnight stay due to distance.

History & culture trips

Stirling

• One of Scotland’s most important castles
• Links to William Wallace & Robert the Bruce
• Less crowded than Edinburgh but just as impressive

 St Andrews

• Famous university town + “home of golf”
• Ruins of cathedral + lovely beach walks
• Around 1–1.5 hours from Edinburgh.

 Falkirk (The Kelpies & Falkirk Wheel)

• Giant horse-head sculptures + unique boat lift
• Great quick trip, especially for photos

 Coastal & seaside days

North Berwick

• Cute seaside town near Edinburgh
• Beaches, seabirds, and coastal walks

 Isle of Arran

• Often called “Scotland in miniature”
• Mountains, beaches, castles
• Ferry from the west coast

Dundee

• Regenerated waterfront city
• Home to the V&A Museum + coastal views.

Easy, chill day trips (short travel)

Pentland Hills (near Edinburgh)

• Great for hiking without leaving the city area

Linlithgow

• Pretty town with a palace and loch
• Relaxed, less touristy vibe

Peebles

• Woodland walks + botanic gardens
• Nice slow-paced countryside escape

Quick city-to-city trips

Super easy by train

• Edinburgh ↔ Glasgow (under 1 hour)
• Edinburgh → Dundee (~1 hour)
• Edinburgh → Stirling (~1 hour)
• Hidden gem: Linlithgow or Peebles

Whatever family day out you decide on, we hope you have a great Raring2go! time…