***All distances are from Edinburgh
*** Highly recommend purchasing the Scotland Historic Explorer pass for either 3 days (29 euros) or 7 days (38 euros)

1. Linlithgow and Stirling

Linlithgow Palace 

Distance: 25 min by train or 45 min by car
Price: 7.20 Euros or free with historic Scotland pass

The first time my group ventured out of Edinburgh, was for a day trip to both Linlithgow and Stirling. Our first stop was to Linlithgow to see the Palace. 

Located in between both the Edinburgh and Stirling Castles, the Palace acted as a resting place for many royals during their journey to and from each place. While the palace is in ruins now, it is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. 

This was one of my favorite stops outside of Edinburgh. I loved using my imagination to picture how the royals once lived their lives. The fountain in the middle of the palace is still intact and is so beautiful; the history behind this place is really fascinating. 

Stirling Castle

Distance: 1 hr by train or car – (1 hr train or 30 min car from Linlithgow) 

Price: 14 euros or free with historic Scotland pass

We hopped back on the train and just a short ride later, we arrived in Stirling. Stirling Castle is labeled as one of Scotland’s ‘must see places’ by many different tourism websites. The castle itself, holds a lot of power in the history of the country; it was a major point of focus during wars of independence between Scotland and England. 

The view from the castle walls are breathtaking. Although it was a pretty rainy day when we visited, it was still such a surreal place to be. The castle is known to have been the childhood home to many of the most famous royals. 

**If you get the chance to explore some of the shops, I highly recommend Far From the Madding Crowd. It is a book shop and also has locally made items; I was able to buy a lonely planet coloring book and a handmade Harry Potter necklace.

The National Wallace Monument

Distance: 1 hr 30 min train or 1 hr car

Price: 10.75 euros

Just about a 2 mile walk away from the Stirling Castle (or a 10 minute bus ride) is the National Wallace Monument. In 1297, the Battle of Stirling Bridge took place. Scotland prevailed over England; the victory was led by William Wallace, who quickly became a hero. 

The monument was built in honor of Wallace and stands on a hilltop overlooking the city of Stirling. At the very top of the monument visitors can spot the famous Stirling Bridge, along with many other important landmarks within the city.

2. Abbotsford, Scotts View, Rosslyn Chapel, Melrose Abbey

Abbotsford

Distance: 1 hr 23 train/bus or 1 hr 10 min car

Price: About 12 euros

Abbotsford was the home of the famous 19th century novelist Sir Walter Scott. We started our tour by making our way around the inside of the estate. Sir Walter Scott was an interesting human; he collected everything from ancient furniture to armor. However, my favorite part of the entire experience was walking around the outside of the mansion and sitting in the gardens. 

I wouldn’t say this is a must for anyone visiting Scotland, but if you’ve got some extra time definitely make time to go. 

Scott’s View

Distance: 2 hr train/bus or 1 hr car (should have a car from Abbotsford 12 min drive)

Price: Free

Continuing with our day filled with the Sir Walter Scott theme, we made a quick stop at Scott’s view. It was said to be the favorite view of the famous author and that he would stop so often on his way home to Abbotsford, that his horses would automatically know to let him out.  

You’ll most likely need a car for this one (we had a bus driver), the viewpoint overlooks the River Tweed and is located in the Scottish borders.

Rosslyn Chapel 

Distance: 54 min vis bus or 35 min via car (should have a car if coming from Abbotsford) 

Price: 9.5 Euros

Most famous for being one of the locations in the novel/film The Da Vinci Code, this church has been around since 1446 and still holds mass today.  

The church has puzzled many historians and theorists over the years; there is a theory the church has ties to the Knights of Templar, the Holy Grail, and maybe even Jesus himself. Rosslyn Chapel could very easily be one of Scotland’s most controversial structures. 

Aside from the conspiracies tied to aliens, a murdered apprentice, and a hidden musical masterpiece… The chapel is beautiful, especially when in the direct sunlight. I believe this is the perfect place for anyone who enjoys a mystery.

Melrose Abbey

Distance: 1 hr 45 min via train/bus or 1 hr via car (not practical to get from Rosslyn Chapel without a car, can do in 2.5 hrs via bus)

Price: 6 Euros Free with Historic Scotland Pass (make sure to schedule the day online)

Located in the Scottish borders, the Melrose Abbey was founded by the Cistercian monks in 1136 as ordered by King David the I. The Abbey is now pretty much in ruins, but holds great significance in the history of Scotland. 

Many Scottish Kings and other nobles are buried on the grounds, including Alexander II. The heart of Robert the Bruce is also said to have been buried there; you can find the little plaque just outside where the heart rests.

3. St. Andrews- Castle, Cathedral, Golf Museum

Distance: 1 hour 20 min via train/bus (everything else is walkable distance)

If you’ve heard of St. Andrews, it was most likely because of its famous golf courses. Located on the eastern coast of Scotland, this city is home to the St. Andrews college and Castle. 

St. Andrews Castle

Price: 8 Euros or free with historic Scotland pass

There’s not much left to the St. Andrews Castle, but it sure is picturesque walking along the edges of the water and imagining what once was. The castle is known to have been the home of many wealthy Bishop’s, James I of Scotland, and was the birthplace of James III of Scotland.

**Make sure to check out the castle’s bottle dungeon, which is said to be “one of Scotland’s most infamous castle prisons”.

St. Andrews Cathedral

Price: 5 euros or free with historic Scotland pass

One of my favorite memories from my entire two week trip was standing at the top of St. Rules Tower (located on the premises of St. Andrews Cathedral) and letting the wind blow through my hair, while looking out in every direction of St. Andrews. In one direction is the castle and the city, in the other, the ocean. 

While the castle was the home to many of Scotland’s most powerful Bishops, the cathedral was the seat of many of them as well. Up until about 1560, St. Andrew’s Cathedral was the command of the medieval Scottish church.

Golf Course/museum:

 If you’re a fan of golf, chances are you’ve heard of the St. Andrew’s golf course. Golfers from all over the world travel here just to have their turn to golf at what is said to be the “oldest golf course in the world”. I’d be lying if I said I knew a thing about golf, but it was interesting to take a walk through the museum and learn a bit about the history and how it plays a part in Scotland’s past/present/future. 

4. Glasgow- Cathedral/cemetery, Kelvingrove art museum, shopping

Distance: About 1 hour and 20 min via train (walk to everything once there)

One day in Glasgow, was simply not enough time. As I have said many times before, my trip was a pre planned itinerary by University professors. I highly recommend spending 2-3 days here if your time frame allows for it. 

Cathedral/cemetery:

Price: Free with historic Scotland pass

I remember standing in front of the Glasgow cathedral and being in awe of the architecture; in many ways it was different from the other places I had previously gotten the opportunity to see in Scotland. The church is different because it is an example of Scottish gothic architecture and one of the only churches to have survived the reformation, intact. The inside holds so much history and views of some of the most stunning stained glass. The church still holds mass today.

I surprisingly enjoyed taking a stroll through the cemetery, just on top of the hill, behind the church. A little creepy, but also home to some of the best views of Glasgow- don’t surpass this part of the tour.

Kelvingrove Art Museum:

Price: Free- but you must pre book online before going

Just about a 2.5 mile walk from the cathedral (not bad if you stop in the city center), is the Kelvingrove Art Museum. I really don’t know much about art, but I really do think this was a memorable experience. I’m glad this stop was factored into our pre planned itinerary because I probably would have skipped over it. 

The museum holds a wide range of exhibits and does a superior job of providing background on each section/piece that it displays (so even people who are unfamiliar like me, can engage in the artwork). This wasn’t a “must see” for me, but if you have some extra time, it’s a great stop.

Downtown

(middle point between the cathedral and art museum)

We had some free time to explore the downtown after doing the two activities above as a group. Glasgow is a wonderful city to walk around and take in the monuments, try different restaurants, or go shopping ( all of which we did). This is where I’d wish I had a little more time to explore; if you have any future recommendations I’d love to hear in the comments! 

My friends and I enjoyed lunch at an Italian Restaurant called La Vita and strolled through the city square- I’ve included a few pictures below. 

5. Highlands- Kilmahog, Ben Nevis, and Fort Augustus

Distance: maybe a bit more than a day trip but you’ll need a car for this one- 3.5 hr drive (one way)

Kilmahog’s Trossachs Woolen Mill and a highland cow farm

Price: Unknown

HIGHLAND COWS! I am obsessed. A quick little pitstop on our journey to Fort Augustus, we got to stop and pet several of the highland cows. I really don’t have anything else to say… just do this if you have the chance.

Ben Nevis:

Price: Free

Another quick stop on our way to Fort Augustus was to see the Ben Nevis Mountains. A beautiful stop where we got out to stretch and take pictures. We were lucky enough to hear a local scottish man playing the bagpipes. 

Fort Augustus- Loch Ness boat ride:

Price: 23-26 Euros

Have you heard of the Loch Ness Monster? It is known as one of the world’s most famous folklore stories. Also known as Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster is said to have lived/still lives in the Loch Ness- a large freshwater Loch that stays about 5 degrees celsius year round (41 degrees). People describe Nessie as a huge water creature that lives in the depths of the black river. 

It’s really all fun and games- you get to ride on a boat along the Loch in the Highlands seeing what life is like in the area, while learning about the ancient folklore story. 

6. Pentland hills

Price: Free

Distance: 40 min. bus or 23 min drive – Really more of a half day trip for us, but can easily be made longer. 

Just outside of Edinburgh, lies the Pentland Hills Regional Park. One of my favorite things about Scotland is how modern it is, yet how untouched it feels. Pentland Hills are a great example; just outside one of the country’s major cities, stands a piece of nature that is so beautiful. I barely took any pictures here because I just wanted to take in the scenery around me with my own two eyes. Everything is so green- I highly recommend taking a half a day to walk around and see the stunning views.