Are you heading to Edinburgh soon and looking for a nice day trip you can do? I’ve got you covered!

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and there is so much you can do here but if you’d like to escape for a day, I’ve got the perfect day trip for you.

It’s also ideal if you’ve watched Outlander because it includes some filming locations! In that having been said, don’t worry if you’re not an Outlander fan, it’s a great day trip regardless.

Please note that you will need a car to access all these locations. You can easily rent one for the day, it’s quite cheap and well worth it.

Alternatively, you can also book an Outlander day tour from Edinburgh and everything will be organised for you.

So, are you ready to explore Scotland? Let’s get started!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Stop 1: Forth Bridge

Forth Bridge in Scotland

From Edinburgh, drive towards Queensferry to see the stunning Forth Bridge and Queensferry Crossing.

This is not an Outlander location but since it’s pretty much on the way and well worth stopping at, I highly recommend taking the time to check it out.

You can park on Hawes Brae. There is a carpark by the pier but it gets full very quickly but don’t worry, there are loads of parking spots on the side of the road so as long as you don’t mind walking for a couple of minutes, you’ll be fine.

Forth Bridge near Edinburgh

From there, you can admire the beautiful views of the bridges, especially Forth Bridge. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was designed by Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker.

It’s such an impressive sight and you can take plenty of beautiful photos there!

If you’d like to grab a drink or lunch, head to Hawes Inn. This pub is located right in front of the bridge which means you get beautiful views of the bridge while you eat or drink.

It’s a very nice pub with delicious food and quite affordable as well.

Once you’re done, head back to the car, it’s time to head to our first Outlander location.

Stop 2: Midhope Castle

Midhope castle near Edinburgh

It only takes 15 minutes to get to Midhope Castle from Forth Bridge. The roads can be a bit narrow and bendy (welcome to Scotland) but it’s quite an easy drive.

When you reach Hopetoun estate, you will find signs of the castle. 

There is a carpark on the right hand side. It’s free so you can park here and then walk down to the castle.

There is an entrance fee of around £7 (subject to change) to go on the grounds. You can pay by card or cash.

Midhope Castle is one of the most iconic Outlander locations because it’s the home of Jamie Fraser, Lallybroch.

Midhope castle near Edinburgh
Midhope castle near Edinburgh

It was featured in iconic scenes in the first 4 seasons as well as in the most recent ones.

The castle was built in the 15th century and is not exactly fully renovated. You can visit inside but it’s still an incredible location if you love the Outlander series because it’s very scenic and you will, undoubtedly, recognise it straight away.

Don’t hesitate to take as many photos as you can because it’s very Instagrammable!

It should take around 30 minutes to visit altogether.

PRO TIP: If you are travelling with a dog, please note that this is dog-friendly!

Stop 3: Linlithgow

Linlithgow

Once you’re done at Midhope Castle, head back to your car to go to the town of Linlithgow. This is a very quaint small town and well worth a day trip from Edinburgh.

You could easily spend the entire day here if you wanted because there are a lot of walking opportunities but for this trip, we will concentrate on the palace and surrounding areas.

Linlithgow Palace is located in the town centre.

You can park nearby as there is a dedicated pay and display car park (free on Sundays).  From there, walk up to the palace grounds.

Linlithgow Palace is famous because it was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. She was only 6 days old when she became queen and had a huge impact on the history of Scotland, France and England.

The palace was also used as an Outlander filming location in the first season. It was the Wentworth Prison where Jamie was tortured by Jack Randall.

Linlithgow street
mary queen of scots Linlithgow street

In terms of visit, you have two options. You can either walk around the palace grounds (for free) where you’ll find fantastic views of the lake, the statue of Mary Queen of Scots and of course the palace. 

If you want to see more (and the filming location itself), you can enter the palace but please note that there is a small entrance fee.

Once you’re done, I highly recommend having a walk around the town because it’s very picturesque and there are a lot of cafés, pubs and shops.

It’s also an excellent place to get lunch if you haven’t yet.

Stop 4: The Kelpies

kelpies in scotland

The Kelpies are located in the town of Falkirk which is 20 minutes drive from Linlithgow. They are the world’s largest equine sculpture and such a beautiful site!

They were inaugurated in 2013 and are both 30 metres high. They are located in Helix Park.

PRO TIP: I recommend parking at Helix Park and not the Kelpies directly because it’s free and only 5 minutes walk.

kelpies in scotland
kelpies in scotland

The Kelpies are truly incredible. They are so much more impressive than you’d ever think they are. Also, they are located on the edge of the canal which makes it more scenic.

Once you’re done you can simply make your way back to Edinburgh and enjoy the rest of your evening there!

Have fun!

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