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This article was written when one of our authors, without a driving licence, asked themselves: “If I only have a few days in Edinburgh, is it possible to explore Scotland by train?” In other words, are there worthwhile places to visit within an hour, two hours at most, from the Scottish capital? It’s a question that often comes up among tourists visiting Scotland because if you want to travel by road, you need to rent a car and therefore… drive on the left! A challenge many travellers aren’t too keen on taking. So, we’re sharing a few ideas for destinations in Scotland that you can reach by train from Edinburgh.
📺 Unusual Scotland. If you are looking for atypical places in Scotland, this video is for you.
Stirling
Travel time from Edinburgh : 50 minutes
To visit Scotland without going to Stirling (📖 read our guide) would be a mistake, because Stirling is sure to charm you. This magnificent city, a former royal capital, is world-famous for its castle. You can explore the royal apartments, including the Great Hall and the Renaissance Palace, walk the “Back Walk” through the Old Town, or climb the 246 steps of the Wallace Monument to reward yourself with a stunning panoramic view.
🔝 What to do in Edinburgh? Do not leave the Scottish capital too quickly, we have listed in this article some essential activities to do in the city.
Falkirk
Travel time from Edinburgh : 25 minutes
Falkirk offers an exciting contrast. It’s a delightful blend of past and future. First, there’s the must-see attraction of the imposing metal structures of the Kelpies, and the Falkirk Wheel, whose ingenious design will dazzle you. History buffs can also visit the Antonine Wall, a fortification built by Emperor Antoninus Pius around 140 AD in “Britannia” (modern-day Great Britain).
Linlithgow Palace
Travel time from Edinburgh : 20 minutes
The former royal residence of Scotland in West Lothian welcomes visitors each week. The current building dates from the early 15th century and is the birthplace of Queen Mary Stuart in 1542. The palace has been owned by the English Crown for over four centuries, and visitors can tour the grounds (for a small fee). The nearby loch also merits a visit.
🛎️ Find a hotel near Linlithgow Palace
The village of St Abbs
Journey time from Edinburgh : 1h50 (so a short section by bus, from Berwick-upon-Tweed)
Fancy a little sea breeze? You can savour it from Edinburgh by visiting the small fishing village of St Abbs. The place is teeming with small paths offering views of the open sea – a perfect place for daydreaming.
What if I want to go for a ride in the Highlands?
Let’s make it clear right away: the train journey to the Highlands is breathtaking but takes time. Count on about 3 hours to admire the first lochs. The journey to Aviemore, north of the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, takes 2h40, and to reach Inverness (the city closest to the famous Loch Ness), you’ll be approaching or exceeding 4 hours. We therefore recommend planning for at least one night there.
Our short list of destinations reachable by train from Edinburgh is finished, but there are surely other accessible places. So if you have any ideas, please feel free to share them in the comments.