Things to Do Near Edinburgh: 30-Minute Day Trips

The capital of Scotland is lovely, and if you are looking for things to do near Edinburgh, this article is for you. I am glad our road trip by car gave us the freedom to explore other beautiful places, and we also got to see the adorable Highland cows.

As mentioned in my previous article, which you can read here, we spent a week in Edinburgh. On the sixth day we wanted to do something different: drive beyond the city and plan a few day trips from Edinburgh. Before going on this holiday, I knew for sure that I wanted to see the famous Highland cows, but apart from that, I was open to any other places that were not too far from the city and did not require much driving.

Swanston Farm: Highland Cows 5 Miles from Edinburgh

Swanston Farm was our first stop for two reasons: they had Highland cows, and it was only 5 miles from Edinburgh.

I was very excited about this stop because seeing the Highland cows was one of the things I most wanted to do during our trip to Scotland. Swanston Farm is a family-run farm on the outskirts of Edinburgh, with the Highland cows just a short walk from the Brasserie. There is no entrance fee to see them, and there are three Highland cows in the nearby field.

Of course, I wanted to take one home on my way back to England!

Cramond Island: A Tidal Island Among the Most Interesting Things to Do Near Edinburgh

Cramond Island is one of the must-visit places within 30 minutes of Edinburgh and definitely one of the more interesting ones.

Why do I say this? You can only cross the causeway to and from the island at low tide, so you need to check the tide times before you go. If the tide is already coming in, you can still enjoy the views and walk along the causeway for a while, but make sure you turn back in plenty of time before the water covers it.

We did not get the chance to cross to Cramond Island because we arrived too late and the tide was already in. We still enjoyed our time at Cramond Beach, though. We walked along the shore, collected some seashells and admired the views towards the island. Even without crossing over, it was a lovely place to stop and spend some time.

I will soon create a PDF that you can download once you subscribe to my newsletter. It will be a kind of travel cheat sheet with useful information for planning your own trips. I’m not a big fan of the term “cheat sheet,” but I have not found a better name for it yet!

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The Forth Bridges and South Queensferry

The Forth Bridges are in the Scottish town of South Queensferry, 22 minutes by car from Cramond Island.

We stopped at a car park with a perfect view of the three bridges. South Queensferry is a charming town with cobbled streets (if you have been reading me for a while, you know I love those), colourful buildings, little shops, cafés and restaurants. That is why I recommend having a walk around and stopping for something to eat, rather than making it a quick stop just to see the bridges.

South Queensferry’s story goes back centuries. Long before the famous Forth Bridge, ferries had been carrying people across the Forth between North and South Queensferry since at least the 12th century. For hundreds of years, this was an important crossing point, connecting the two sides of the Firth of Forth. Then, in 1890, the Forth Bridge transformed the town once again, bringing a new era of travel, trade and prosperity..

Rosslyn Chapel: A Film Star 30 Minutes from Edinburgh

Rosslyn Chapel is one of the must-visit places within 30 minutes of Edinburgh. There is a good chance you have seen it in a film, especially if you have watched The Da Vinci Code, but the chapel is interesting for much more than its connection to the movie.

Founded in 1446 by Sir William St Clair, Rosslyn Chapel is known for its incredibly detailed stone carvings. Almost every surface, inside and outside, is decorated with figures, plants, symbols and scenes, so there is always something new to discover.

One of its most famous features is the Apprentice Pillar, a beautifully carved column surrounded by a rather dramatic legend involving a master mason, his apprentice and jealousy. You can also look for the many Green Man carvings, angels playing musical instruments (including bagpipes) and other unusual details hidden around the chapel.

For me, this is what makes Rosslyn Chapel worth visiting. Even if you have no interest in The Da Vinci Code, the combination of history, architecture and mysterious carvings makes it a fascinating place to explore.

Craigmillar Castle: One for the Next Trip

Craigmillar Castle was recommended to me by a local as one of the best things to do near Edinburgh. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to visit, but it is definitely on my list for our next trip to Scotland.

The castle is about 15 minutes by car from Edinburgh, and from what I have seen, it looks like a lovely place to spend a few hours. It is one of Scotland’s oldest surviving castles, with parts dating back to the 14th century. I love places where you can wander around old rooms, towers and courtyards rather than just look at them from the outside, and this looks like exactly that kind of place.

If you have a few hours to spare outside Edinburgh, Craigmillar Castle is another place worth adding to your itinerary.

Edinburgh has so much to offer, but if you have a car and some extra time, I definitely recommend exploring the things to do near Edinburgh too. From Highland cows and a tidal island to the Forth Bridges, a charming town and a historic chapel, there is plenty to discover without driving far from the city.

I hope you enjoyed coming along with us, and that I have given you some ideas for day trips from Edinburgh on your own trip.

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