The sun is out, and cramming up with the crowds on Portobello Beach just doesn’t seem too appealing. Instead, a lovely day trip walking through some adorable places not too far from the city sounds way more pleasant. Luckily, Scotland is abundant with plenty of pretty villages to choose from, so we have gathered a list of the very best picturesque towns to visit that are less than two hours away from Edinburgh.
1. North Berwick
North Berwick is a quaint seaside town easily accessible via both car and train and is located only 25 miles away from Edinburgh. With a beautiful beach walk and plenty of wee pubs and restaurants to choose from, the pretty town was named the best place in Scotland in 2021. Plus, that’s where Fringe By The Sea takes place, where visitors and locals alike can experience a quieter version of the Edinburgh Fringe. In 2023, it is taking place between August 4 and 13.
How to get there: around 40 minutes by car and 35 minutes by train.
2. St Andrews
St Andrews is also a seaside town dating back a whopping 900 years. Located around one hour and 20 minutes drive away from Edinburgh Northbound, St Andrews is the golf capital of Scotland. What is more, it is one of the pretty villages and towns truly worth a visit from Edinburgh on a sunny day with its cobbled streets, a long sandy beach and the ruins of a historic cathedral nearby. The place is also home to the famous St Andrews University is the oldest in Scotland, where a lot of royalty went to study: it is also the third-oldest university in the English-speaking world, followed by Oxford and Cambridge.
How to get there: one hour 20 minutes by car, or take the train to Leuchars (1 hour 15 minutes) and then change to buses 42A, 94 or 99 to St Andrews Bus Station which take 10 minutes.
3. Culross
Culross is a village in Fife filled with heritage, worth wandering its peaceful streets. The place was once a busy port on the River Forth in the 17th century and looks out towards the water. What is more, Culross Palace, a late 16th to early 17th-century merchant’s house, is a The National Trust of Scotland site with its bright yellow walls and a must-see whilst exploring Culross. But magnificent sights don’t stop there as Culross is surrounded by several historic landmarks such as the Dunimarle Castle, Blair Castle and Culross Abbey. Plus, Culross was one of the ‘Outlander’ filming locations for the series, so might as well relive them while there.
How to get there: 45 minutes by car, or one hour 45 minutes via two buses changing in Dunfermline Bus Station.
4. Callander
It wouldn’t be a ‘pretty villages near Edinburgh’ list without Callander, a wee village near Stirling known as the “gateway to the Highlands“. The pretty town is often the first stop for tours heading up to the Highlands, and those going on their own can explore not only its historic streets but also try out the scenic walking trails, like the Bracklinn Falls. Because who doesn’t love a good waterfall! And those who have plenty of time on their hands can also explore Lake Katrine, a 13km long freshwater loch with beautiful vistas.
How to get there: one hour and 15 minutes by car.
5. Dunkeld
The Sunday Times annual list of the ‘Best Places To Live In The UK‘ named Dunkeld the best place to live in all of Scotland. Located in Perthshire, around one hour and a half’s drive from Edinburgh, the village is a wonderful option for a day out, with plenty of refreshing nature walks, soothing scenery and a friendly atmosphere in the town. Dunkeld boasts a population of slightly over one thousand, so it’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, and you will be treated like a welcome guest.
How to get there: one hour and a half by car.