
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Edinburgh, Edinburgh, City of, United Kingdom
1. St Andrews
Historic university town on the east coast known for its golf courses, including the Old Course at St Andrews Links.
- Golfing Paradise: Home to seven golf courses, offering a variety of challenging experiences.
- Rich History: Steeped in history dating back to the 12th century, St Andrews offers numerous historic sites to explore.
- Seaside Charm: Enjoy picturesque coastal views and seafood delights in this quaint town.
2. Dunkeld & Birnam
A picturesque village located where the River Tay meets the Tilt, known for its associations with Macbeth and scenic beauty.
- Literary Connection: Visit Birnam Wood, made famous by Shakespeare's Macbeth.
- Natural Beauty: Take a scenic walk through the Dunkeld & Birnam Hills for stunning views of the valley and river.
- Historic Landmark: Explore the ruined cathedral and castle, dating back to the 13th century.
3. Northumberland National Park
Breathtaking national park in England featuring rugged landscapes, historic castles, and abundant wildlife.
- Wildlife Spotting: Spot red squirrels, red deer, and over 50 bird species within the park.
- Castle Exploration: Visit historic castles like Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh Castle for a glimpse into the past.
- Hiking Opportunities: Explore over 400 square miles of stunning moorland, forest, and coastline on foot.
4. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Scottish national park featuring a large freshwater loch surrounded by mountains and forests.
- Water Sports: Enjoy activities like sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding on Loch Lomond.
- Hiking & Cycling: Explore over 720 square miles of mountains, forests, and lochs by foot or bike.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Spot red squirrels, red deer, otters, and over 20,000 species of wildlife in the park.
5. Falkirk
A town with a rich industrial heritage known for its impressive Falkirk Wheel and historic callendar house.
- Engineering Marvel: Witness the Falkirk Wheel, an incredible rotating boat lift connecting two canals.
- Historic House Museum: Explore Callendar House, a historic mansion with collections spanning the last 400 years.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and water sports in the nearby Helix Park.
6. Dundee
A vibrant city on the east coast of Scotland known for its RRS Discovery and V&A Dundee museums.
- Maritime History: Visit the RRS Discovery, the ship that carried Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton on their Antarctic expedition.
- Modern Architecture: Admire the V&A Dundee, an innovative design by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
- Waterfront Development: Explore Dundee's revitalized waterfront with shops, restaurants, and outdoor spaces.
7. Stirling
A city in central Scotland known for its historic castles and the National Wallace Monument.
- Historic Castles: Visit Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important in Scotland.
- William Wallace Memorial: Climb to the top of the National Wallace Monument for stunning views of Stirling.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the surrounding hills and forests.
8. Glasgow
Scotland's largest city known for its vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and shopping.
- Arts & Culture: Visit the Glasgow School of Art, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and more.
- Historic Landmarks: Explore Glasgow Cathedral, Provand's Lordship, and other historic sites.
- Shopping & Dining: Indulge in shopping and dining experiences in the city's bustling streets.
9. Aberdeen
Agricultural hub with a picturesque coastline, historic castles, and the Drum Castle.
- Scenic Coastline: Enjoy stunning views of the North Sea from Aberdeen's beaches.
- Historic Castles: Visit Craigievar Castle, a fairy-tale castle in the countryside near Aberdeen.
- Cultural Experiences: Explore Aberdeen Art Gallery and Aberdeen Maritime Museum for a taste of local culture.
10. Perth
A city in central Scotland with historic sites, museums, and the Scone Palace.
- Historic Sites: Visit Scone Palace, the ancestral home of the Scottish kings.
- Museums & Culture: Explore Perth Museum and Art Gallery for insights into local history and art.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing in the surrounding area.
11. Inverness
A city in northern Scotland with Loch Ness, Culloden Battlefield, and the Highland Folk Museum.
- Loch Ness & Monsters: Search for the legendary Loch Ness Monster while taking a boat tour.
- Historic Battlefield: Visit Culloden Battlefield, site of the last major Jacobite uprising in 1746.
- Highland Heritage: Learn about Scotland's Highland culture at the Highland Folk Museum.
12. Ayrshire
Coastal region in southwestern Scotland with sandy beaches, historic castles, and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum.
- Beachside Getaway: Relax on Ayrshire's beautiful sandy beaches.
- Historic Castles: Visit Culzean Castle, a clifftop castle with stunning views of the Firth of Clyde.
- Literary Landmarks: Explore the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum to learn about Scotland's national poet.
13. Peebles
A charming town in the Scottish Borders with scenic beauty and historic sites.
- Scenic Beauty: Enjoy beautiful walks around the River Tweed and Talla Reservoir.
- Historic Sites: Visit Neidpath Castle, a medieval castle with stunning views of Peebles.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding in the surrounding hills and forests.
14. Dunbar
A seaside town with a sandy beach, Dunbar Castle, and John Muir Country Park.
- Seaside Charm: Relax on Dunbar's beautiful sandy beach.
- Historic Castle: Visit Dunbar Castle, a ruin perched on cliffs overlooking the town.
- Nature Reserve: Explore John Muir Country Park for stunning coastal views and abundant wildlife.
15. Hawick
A market town in the Scottish Borders known for its wool industry, historic sites, and Cheviot Hills.
- Wool Industry Heritage: Visit Hawick's textile mills to learn about Scotland's wool tradition.
- Historic Sites: Explore Wilton Lodge Stable Museum and Howick Hall, a 14th-century castle.
- Outdoor Adventures: Hike or bike in the Cheviot Hills for breathtaking views of the Scottish Borders.