Edinburgh is a picturesque city, but we all need a break from our regular routines; it’s hard to take in the beautiful architecture, fashion, cuisine, and culture of the Scottish capital while stuck in the library balancing numerous assessment deadlines. Thankfully, one of the beautiful things about Edinburgh is how well-connected the transport is to the rest of Scotland, the UK, and Europe. Here are some amazing day trips that can be made, to break the regular routines:
Pentland Hills: For hiking
My all-time favourite place outside of Edinburgh is just a stone’s throw away from the city and very easy to get to by bus. The Pentlands are a majestic hill range, with numerous peaks to scale and sites to see. Accessible for any level of hiker, the Pentlands are a sight to behold where you can immerse yourself in miles of beautiful nature on one of the many paths bisecting the range. You can get to the Pentlands via the 44, 4, 101, 101A, or 102 buses from Princes Street.
Portobello Beach: For relaxing
Portobello offers an exceptional day-out as finals finish up and the temperature warms. The Civerino’s nearby provides some great snacks while you and your friends relax on the beach. The Portobello Bookshop is also a well-decorated and well-stocked bookstore – worth a visit if you’re looking for something new to read. There are many bus links from Princes Street and the number 12 from Bristo Square can take you straight there.
Alnwick: For site-seeing
An hour away from Edinburgh Waverley by train, Alnwick is a wonderful town to visit- perfect for a 24-hour jaunt. Taking the train from Waverley to Alnmouth and a further bus from Alnmouth to Alnwick, reveals a wonderful small town with great pubs and cafes. The main attraction- Alnwick Castle -provides a lovely experience, with the option to roam the grounds and tour the rooms. I would highly recommend doing a tour of the Alnwick Gardens and grabbing a quick bite at the café there – the horticulture is stunning and adorns tremendous fountains.
Stockbridge: For shopping
Located in Edinburgh, Stockbridge is an amazing neighbourhood to uncover, with tons to do on virtually every street. There is an impressive row of charity shops on Raeburn Place which often have cheaper and nicer garments than can be found in the busy areas surrounding the University. Every Sunday, the Stockbridge Market graces the Jubilee Garden with some of Edinburgh’s finest artisanal artists, bakers, and chefs. Stockbridge is also near the Botanical Gardens, Circus Lane, and the Walkway of Leith, making it a perfect intersection between other activities that can be managed in a day.
Lindisfarne: For something new
Though tricky to get to, Lindisfarne is an underrated gem. It takes a bus from Berwick-upon-Tweed to get to and can only be accessed if the tides are low enough. But if you brave the complex travel, you’ll find yourself in one of Britain’s most phenomenal nature reserves. Lindisfarne is a tidal island with an astonishing castle, views of the north sea, and a variety of national markers well worth a visit. Unlike most things you’ll see in your everyday, Lindisfarne is a truly special experience that will take your breath away while being close enough to do in a day.
Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash