20 Places To Visit Near Edinburgh For A Wholesome Expedition

Places To Visit Near Edinburgh

Crichton Castle, Hopetoun House, Jedburgh Abbey, Floors Castle, Cairngorms National Park, Doune Castle, The Kelpies, Pentland Hills, and many more.

Your Scottish vacation can be spent in a pleasurable manner by visiting some of the spectacular places to visit near Edinburgh which include romantic palaces, fine stately homes, and churches of the bygone eras. Scotland is well known for its spectacular landscape and buildings with awe-inspiring architecture from ancient times. To relish the beauty of picturesque towns of the country, you can visit some of its coastal towns with mesmerizing churches, abbeys, etc. You can also find some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites amongst them during your day visit to these places.

Also, your vacation would never be complete if you do not visit some of the romantic castles and palaces and learn about the ancient royalties who resided there. A famous royal couple whose romance you will come to know during your visit is Mary Stuart and Lord Darnley. Apart from the palaces and castles, there are few other stately homes whose grandeur will enchant you almost as much as the castles. Among places to visit around Edinburg, there are many places where you will not only be a spectator but will also be able to participate in fun activities such as enacting shows, adventure activities, and more.

Here are some of the best places to visit near Edinburgh:

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Roslin

One of the places to visit near Edinburgh is the tranquil village of Roslin, located seven miles south of Edinburgh.

The serene village has gained fame for its renowned Roslin Institute and the beautiful Rosslyn Chapel.

Visit the Roslin Institute that rose to fame in 1997, when the world's first cloned sheep, Dolly, was created there.

The richly decorated late-Gothic Rosslyn Chapel catapulted to fame when its presence was found in the famous book, Da Vinci Code.

Location: Midlothian, Scotland

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South Queensferry

One of the places to visit near Edinburgh is the famous coastal town of South Queensferry, popularly known as “Ferry”, which is located west of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Explore the beautiful town with its array of charming houses, shops, picturesque harbor, and breathtaking views of the River Forth and its bridges.

Feel awe-struck as you take a look at the spectacular feat of the architecture of The Forth Bridge, a railway bridge that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Learn more about the village at the Queensferry Museum.

Take a boat tour to explore the wildlife of the island.

Visit the two fine stately homes - Dalmeny House and Hopetoun House.

Location: South Queensferry, Scotland

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North Berwick

Take a trip to North Berwick, a seaside town, which is one of the most beautiful places near Edinburgh.

Explore the town which boasts amazing beaches and coastal scenery and look around to find an eclectic mix of cafes, bars, shops, and also world-renowned golf courses.

Feel enchanted looking at the stunning views of the Firth of Forth and the Bass Rock, the world’s largest northern gannet colony.

Other attractions include the 5-star Scottish Seabird Centre, Tantallon Castle, Dirleton Castle, etc.

Location: North Berwick, Scotland

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St Abbs

Enjoy exploring St Abbs, a fishing village which is one of the places to visit near Edinburgh.

Journey to the north of Eyemouth on the Berwickshire coast to reach the remote village with rugged settings, surrounded by rough cliffs.

Explore the village that has been named after a 7th-century Northumbrian princess, Æbbe, who had reached this island after being shipwrecked and founded a nunnery.

Feel delighted as you reach Coldingham Bay, located in the south of St Abbs, and find yourself on a sandy beach popular with surfers.

Climb the cliffs and take a look at the spectacular view of the Berwickshire coast from 300 ft above the water.

Opt to go for sub-aqua diving, sea angling, boat trips, bird-watching, and others during your trip.

Location: St Abbs, Scotland

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Pentland Hills

Adventure seekers would surely like to visit Pentland Hills, one of the places to visit around Edinburgh, offering a range of hills located southwest of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Visit the Pentland Hills Regional Park which stretches for 10,000 hectares of countryside and has 100 km of paths.

Choose one of the four well-marked paths such as Capital View Walk, Glencorse View Walk, Torduff Water Walk, and Harlaw Woodland Walk.

Journey through woodland paths and spectacular reservoirs and get a view of the Lothians and surroundings.

Opt to go cycling, horse riding, orienteering, or fishing if you are not happy, only walking.

Location: Pentland Hills Regional Park, Hermitage of Braid, 69a Braid Road, Edinburgh, EH10 6JF

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The Kelpies

Visit The Helix Park, one of the places near Edinburgh, to take a look at The Kelpies, a set of 30-meter-high horse-head sculptures.

Feel awe-struck as you look at the largest equine sculptures in the world, an amazing engineering feat that is 100 ft tall and weighs more than 300 tonnes each.

Learn about the sculptures that were created by artist Andy Scott, and were modeled on yesterday's real-life icons - Clydesdale horses Duke and Baron.

Take a tour inside a kelpie to take a closer look at their intricate engineering work.

Location: Visitor Centre The Helix, Falkirk FK2 7ZT, United Kingdom

Timing: Monday to Friday: 09:30 am - 8:00 pm; Saturday & Sunday: 09:30 am - 5:00 pm

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Stirling Castle

One of the places to visit near Edinburgh that those interested in historical sites would surely want to visit is Stirling Castle.

Visit the Castle which was once the favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens and is today featured at one of Scotland's most historically important sites.

Experience 16th-century life as you enter the castle and be welcomed by costumed characters playing the role of the court officials, bodyguards, servants and maids of honour of the bygone period.

Explore the castle on a guided tour and take a look at its highlights such as the Great Hall, Great Kitchens, Regimental Museum, Chapel Royal, Castle Exhibition, and Tapestry Studio.

Admire the beautiful gardens and magnificent sculptures as you go around.

Opt to take part in fun activities such as dressing in period costumes and playing mediaeval instruments.

Location: Castle Wynd, Stirling FK8 1EJ, United Kingdom

Timing: 9:30 am to 6 pm

Entry Fee:

Family Ticket (1 Adult + 2 Children): £32.50 per booking

Family Ticket (2 Adult + 2 Children): £47.50 per booking

Family Ticket (2 Adults + 3 Children): £56.50

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Loch Ness And The Scottish Highlands

Visit Loch Ness, one of the loveliest attractions near Edinburgh, located in the Scottish Highlands.

Take an hour-long boat trip from Fort Augustus or Inverness to admire the large freshwater loch which extends for approximately 37 kilometers southwest of Inverness.

Feel enchanted as you get the view of the rocky peaks of the Scottish Highlands during your journey.

You will also be able to get a stunning view of the ruins of Urquhart Castle as you explore the place.

Location: Loch Ness, Scottish Highlands, Scotland

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Linlithgow Palace

One of the places near Edinburgh which you would love to visit is the Linlithgow Palace.

You might have heard of this amazing place which was a star in the popular Outlander TV series and gained popularity for being the birthplace of Mary Stuart.

Visit the spectacular lakeside location and also do not forget to check out the gatehouse on the east front as you enter.

You will find the front of the gatehouse to be still bearing the royal coat of arms.

Wander inside the palace to take a look at its splendor and walk towards the long Great Hall and then to the room where the future queen was born.

Explore the towers of the palace and walk on the castle's ramparts.

Location: Kirkgate, Linlithgow, Scotland

Timing: Tuesday to Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm; Sunday & Monday: Closed

Entry Fee: Adult: £7.20 per person; Child (Above 5 years): £4.30; Child (Upto 5 years): Free

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St. Andrews And Fife

The seaside town St. Andrews, in Fife, located in the northeast of Edinburgh, is one of the attractions near Edinburgh that you will love visiting.

Take a 90-minute scenic drive to the north of Edinburgh to reach the old university town.

Explore the town which has earned its fame for having many golf courses, including the Old Course, popular for having the landmark Swilcan Bridge at the 18th hole.

Visit the British Golf Museum to learn the history of golf in the UK and head towards the nearby ruins of St. Andrews Castle which has a medieval bottle dungeon.

You must also visit the University of St. Andrews, Scotland's first university, which was founded in 1413 and is the third oldest English-speaking university in the world.

Location: St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland

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National Mining Museum Scotland

One of the most interesting places to visit near Edinburgh is the National Mining Museum Scotland, which you can reach by traveling around 16 kilometers south of Edinburgh.

Take pleasure in getting an opportunity to explore one of the best preserved Victorian Collieries in Europe which had earned fame for being one of the best mines you can visit in Scotland.

Tour the place to learn about the developments in mining over several generations.

Take a look at the Grant-Richie winding engine, which is a highlight of the museum, and was used to lift coal from a depth of around 1,640 feet.

You will also be thrilled to take a look at the well-preserved set of Lancashire Boilers along with Europe's only extant timber dredger while on your pithead tour.

Location: Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Dalkeith, Scotland

Timing: Daily 10 am to 5 pm;

Entry Fee: Adult: £9.50 per person; Children 8 to 16 years old: £4.00 per child; Children 7 and under (up to 2 children per adult): Free

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Melrose Abbey And Rosslyn Chapel

Take a day trip to visit two fascinating places, Melrose Abbey and Rosslyn Chapel, located near each other.

Melrose Abbey, often regarded as one of the popular places to visit near Edinburgh, is one of the four finest Borders region abbeys.

The Rosslyn Chapel, another one of the places to visit around Edinburgh, has earned its fame for being mentioned in the popular movie, The Da Vinci Code.

Feel captivated looking at the Melrose Abbey made of red sandstone having ornate stonework and gargoyle cravings on sculptures and capitals.

Take a look at the beautiful fountain in the shape of the bagpipe-playing pig.

Visit Rosslyn Chapel and admire its unusual stone carvings.

Location:

Melrose Abbey: Abbey St, Melrose TD6 9LG, United Kingdom

Rosslyn Chapel: Chapel Loan, Roslin EH25 9PU, United Kingdom

Timing:

Melrose Abbey: Daily 10 am to 5 pm;

Rosslyn Chapel: Monday to Saturday: 9:30 to 4:30 pm; Sunday: 12 to 4:15 pm

Entry Fee:
Rosslyn Chapel: £9.50 per person
Melrose Abbey: £7.00 per person

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Crichton Castle

Crichton Castle, located at a distance of 12 miles east, is one of the most beautiful places near Edinburgh.

Delight in visiting the castle perched on the top of a hill overlooking the River Tyne, where Mary Stuart and Lord Darnley spent their honeymoon.

Explore the 14th-century tower house having three wings and look out for the carved initial left by the royal couple on a stone over the two central pillars located on the courtyard’s eastern side.

Feel enchanted looking at the Italianate elegance of Florentine arcades with the castle's brickwork and facade enhanced with diamond bosses.

Location: Crichton, Pathhead EH37 5XA, United Kingdom

Timing: 1 April - 30 September: Everyday 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (last entry at 5 pm); October - March: closed

Entry Fee: Adult £ 7 per person; Child £ 4 per child; Senior £ 5.50 per person

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Hopetoun House

Your list of places to visit near Edinburgh must include the Hopetoun House, one of the finest stately homes of Scotland, situated in South Queensferry.

Visit this magnificent house which is the home of the Marquess of Linlithgow, and an important part of European architectural heritage.

Explore the historic ancestral home and admire the stunning work of Scottish architects William Adam and Sir William Bruce.

Take a stroll in the 150 acres of gardens surrounding the house and appreciate its stunning architecture.

Location: Queensferry, South Queensferry EH30 9RW, United Kingdom

Timing:

Thursday to Monday: 11 am to 5 pm; (last entrance 4 pm)
Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed

Entry Fee:

Adult: Grounds Only: £6.00 per person & House & Grounds: £12.50 per person

Children: Grounds Only: £4.00 per child & House & Grounds: £6.50 per child

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Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford House

Sir Walter Scott's Abbotsford House, located on the banks of the Tweed, is listed among the beautiful places near Edinburgh.

Visit the house where Sir Walter Scott wrote the majority of his historical novels and poems after his death in 1832.

Explore the house on a guided tour and feel excited as you take a look at the best-selling writer’s memorabilia such as ballads, portraits, manuscripts, etc.

Take a look at some special items such as Scott's death mask, the sword used by outlaw Rob Roy, and Bonnie Prince Charlie's scotch glass (quaich)

Take a walk through the blooming garden and feel elated looking at the myriads of colors.

Location: Abbotsford House, Melrose TD6 9BQ, United Kingdom

Timing: Daily 10 am to 5 pm (last entry to house 4 pm)

Entry Fee:

Adult: Grounds Only: £6.50 per person & House, Chapel & Grounds: £12.50 per person

Children (Under 17 years): Grounds Only: £3.50 per child & House, Chapel & Grounds: £5.50 per child

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Jedburgh Abbey

The ruins of Jedburgh Abbey are one of the most beautiful places near Edinburgh out of the four 12th-century Border abbeys that were destroyed in 1544.

Embark on an exploration of the ruins and feel awe-struck looking at the architecture of the bygone periods on the two Norman arches along with an enormous rose window, known as the St. Catherine's Wheel, located on the west front.

Take a look at the arcades of the three-story main nave along with the window tracery.

Location: Abbey Bridge End, Jedburgh TD8 6JQ, United Kingdom

Timing:

1 April to 30 September:Everyday: 10 am to 5 pm (Last entry 4.15 pm);

1 October to 31 March: Everyday: 10 am to 4 pm (Last entry 3.30 pm)

Entry Fee:
Adult (16-64yrs): £3.50 per person
Child (5-15yrs): £2.00 per person

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Floors Castle

Visit the beautiful Floors Castle, one of the most famous sightseeing places to visit around Edinburgh.

Delight in visiting the fairy-tale castle, with its spectacular chimneys, ornate turrets, and small towers.

Wander around the castle to take a look at its valuable collection made of porcelain and admire the Dresden and Meissen and the Davenport collection of tableware.

Feel mesmerized looking at items from the Ming dynasty of China.

Take a look at the collection of Victorian coaches, prams, portraits, and bathing machines.

Take a stroll across the beautiful gardens which have made this castle one of the popular places to visit near Edinburgh before having a cup of tea in the tearoom.

Location: Floors Castle Golden Gate, Roxburgh St, Kelso TD5 7RL, United Kingdom

Timing: Daily 10:30 am to 5:00 pm

Entry Fees:

Gardens and Grounds: £8 per person
Castle, Gardens & Grounds: £18 per person

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National Museum Of Flight

Take a look at a collection of vintage airplanes at the National Museum of Flight, located in a former RAF airbase.

One of the places to visit around Edinburgh, the museum has 30 such airplanes including a Weir W-2 (1934), De Havilland Puss Moth (1930), a Supermarine Spitfire, a famous Concorde jetliner, a Nimrod, and a Sea Hawk.

While visiting the place, look at the displays related to the two world wars flights.

Listen to the captivating stories of the people who built these planes and flew them in Scotland.

Location: East Fortune Airfield, B1347, North Berwick EH39 5LF, United Kingdom

Timing: Daily 10 am to 5 pm

Entry Fee:
Adult £12.50 per person
Children (5–15) £7.50 per child; Under 5 years: free

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Cairngorms National Park

Spend the day in the wilderness by visiting the Cairngorms National Park, one of the most popular places to visit around Edinburgh.

Drive through Highland Wildlife Park, the largest national park in the British Isles on a day trip and have fun spotting animals such as red deer, elk, bison, and others.

Indulge in activities such as fishing, hiking, bird watching, and more.

Check out the historical sites located inside the park such as the Balmoral Castle, the Highland Folk Museum, Braemar Castle, and the Dalwhinnie Distillery.

Head towards Aviemore Zip Trek Park or Landmark Forest Park for more exciting activities.

Location: Cairngorms National Park Authority, 14 The Square, Grantown on Spey, Scotland PH26 3HG

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Doune Castle

Doune Castle, the filming location of the BBC production of Ivanhoe, Monty Python, the Holy Grail, and others, is one of the most famous places to visit around Edinburgh.

Visit the castle and take a look at its keep-gatehouse which combines with domestic quarters.

Wander around to look at the Lord's Hall with its double fireplace, carved oak screen, and musicians' gallery.

Explore the battlements and catch the breathtaking view of the River Teith and Ben Lomond.

Location: Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA, United Kingdom

Timing: Monday to Sunday: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Entry Fee: Adult (16-64yrs): £9.50 per person; Child (5-15yrs): £5.50 per person

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Edinburgh Top Attractions

Places To Visit In Edinburgh

Explore Edinburgh

Edinburgh Dungeon

The 70-minute interactive, immersive, award-winning underground walk-through experience known as The Edinburgh Dungeon brings thousands of years of Scottish history to life right before your eyes! Discover Edinburgh's most sinister past as you see, hear, and, yes, smell it on the ultimate underground journey! Get ready to confront infamous figures from Scotland's shadowy past, such as the murdering duo Burke and Hare, the neighbourhood cannibal Sawney Bean, and the legendary witch Agnes Finnie while visiting this tourist attractions in Edinburgh. As you laugh, study, and scream your way through the nation's horrifying past, feel the gloomy shadows of the black plague and encounter the terrifying torture chamber!

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle, the most famous fortress among Scottish castles was once the residence of Scottish monarchs and now serves as a museum. This grand building was named after the Marquis of Argyle, imprisoned here. The castle was recently voted top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards and is Scotland’s number one paid-for tourist attraction. It stands 443 feet (135 meters) above sea level and you can enjoy a panoramic view of Edinburgh standing on a volcanic crag called Castle Rock. Can you believe if we say that Castle Rock has been the site of human activity for at least 3,000 years? As you walk into the castle, you will get a glimpse of bronze statues of legendary heroes; Robert the Bruce and William Wallace. The castle overlooks several tourist attractions in the city, including the Royal Mile and the long green swath of Princes Street Gardens and Princes Street.

Edinburgh Castle

Places To Visit In Edinburgh

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Edinburgh Reviews

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