The 10 Best Day Trips from in Scotland, United Kingdom

September 20, 2021 Agatha Simes

– in Europe  (green & dark grey) – in the United Kingdom  (green)
Restaurants in Scotland

1. Private Central Highlands Driving Tour

Iconic Tours
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

This private tour with a local guide allows you to see the Highlands in style at a slow pace that allows you to visit castles, take walks in the fresh to get stunning views, follow in the footsteps of Rob Roy, eat in great local places, visit Outlander locations (optional) and even visit a whisky distillery if you like. As this is a private tour we can tweak it to suit your needs no problem. You will be picked up/dropped off at your hotel/ship and you will tour in an air conditioned Mercedes Vito Tourer which sits up to 7 people comfortably.

Inclusions: All guiding fees and vehicle costs., Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local guide, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Booster seats for up to 2 children., Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Entrance fees for castles/distillery, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By shelleyk739

I had a really good afternoon. My tour guild was Gary. He was knowledgeable, engaging and friendly. As a first timer to Edinburgh I would definitely recommend. Really helped me to get my bearings as well as increase my knowledge of the old town

2. Skye in brief, shorter luxury tour to Isle of Skye

Highland-Excursions
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This well featured tour from Inverness to the Isle of Skye is shorter than my other tour but remains feature packed with visits to iconic locations. Collection from your accomodation , train or bus stations, airport or any other specified place in the Inverness area.

Inclusions: Complimentary Bottled Water and Snacks are routinely carried in the vehicle, WiFi is available where reception allows, Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: There are options/opportunities to visit various paid attractions throughout the tour, such fees are not included, Any required meals are not included

Reviewed By spinart2016

My husband and I had a wonderful day last week (Oct 2020) exploring the Northern Highlands from Inverness with Craig. Prior to our visit, I communicated with Craig via email to plan our day. I had a few things in mind that I wanted to see, such as the Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Dunrobin Castle, but mostly explained that we wanted to get a sense of the history and culture and stop and take in the beautiful landscapes and take photos. Craig delivered all that and more, exceeding our expectations, with his knowledge of the area and his delightful stories. In addition to all of the above, Craig whisked us off to a surprise visit to fascinating Wardlaw Mausoleum to learn more about the Clan Fraser (Outlander fans will understand!), Beauty Priory, Shin Falls to see the salmon leaping (yes, we did get to see actual salmon!). We had another surprise at Dunrobin Castle with a Falconry demonstration, which normally would not be operating this time of year. Many stops along the way to see beautiful vistas, Loch Fleet World Heritage site where we had a good view of the seal colony, and Clootie Well. Craig was the ultimate host, picking us up and dropping us off at our Inverness hotel, driving us in comfort, complete with safety measures of hand sanitizer and masks, and more importantly a picnic hamper full of snacks. He was very responsive and communicative before and after our trip. I highly recommend Craig as your personal tour guide to the delightful Highlands.

3. Central Scotland Driving Tour - Stirlingshire (Private)

Monarch Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Discover whats beyond the city walls on your very own full day private tour of central Scotland in our Land Rover Discovery. See the castles, the lochs, the hills and even some of the filming locations that makes Scotland the stunning country it is today. All our tours can be personalised to your needs and be as action packed or relaxed as you want.

Inclusions: All guiding fees, All vehicle costs including parking (Parking at Midhope castle is not included), Hotel pickup and drop-off , Air-conditioned vehicle, Child Seats (must be pre-arranged), Land Rover Discovery for up to 6 adults, Bottled water

Exclusions: Bottled water is available in the car free of charge (all other food and drink is not included within the tour), Gratuities, Entry to the sites are not included (Castles, Distilleries etc)

Reviewed By janinaw574

we booked an online tour with Chris through Edinburgh. It was really fantastic, thank you! Chris is very knowledgeable and passionate about this beautiful city, it was almost like being there in person. Cannot recommend him enough.

4. Isle of Skye Day Tour

Scotland's Highland Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Private guide/driver will take you to the iconic beauty spots and historical locations on the road to Skye. We have flexibility to alter the tour for any last minute requests you may have and aim to provide you with the most memorable experiences on your Scottish holiday. Options include the Fairy Pools and a spectacular lunch stop. There are a few hidden gems along the way.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Bottled water, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Entrance fees

Reviewed By Damien B

Our good friend and guide Sinead gave us a wonderful two day tour around Inverness and all its outlander related sites.

5. Saint Andrews University Town & Golf Day Tour.

Wee AdvenTours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

University Town & Golfing Mecca. Private tour from Glasgow. En-route marvel at the UNESCO listed Forth railway bridge opened in 1890. Photo stop at Falkland Palace and rest for tea/coffee. Onto Saint Andrews town, located on the east coast of Fife and has a nice West sands beach and surf, for pleasant walk. The town is of course World famous, (pardon the pun) for golfers, better known as ‘The Home of Golf’. A must see place on the bucket list for all golfers to visit the ‘Old Course’ and take photos. Also explore the medieval ruins of a castle and a RC Cathedral which was the largest church built in Scotland and once held holy relics. Also is a charming & romantic University town easy to walk around and lots to offer all visitors, not just for golf fans.Including delicious fudge doughnuts here.

Inclusions: Bottled mineral water., Personal guiding and storytelling., WiFi on board, Private transportation, Glasgow Hotel Address Pick-Up & Return.

Exclusions: Joint ticket into Cathedral & St Rules tower and St. Andrews Castle. Fee approx. £10, Lunch

Reviewed By srallen086

We took the tour the Oban, Highlands, Kilchurn Castle day tour with Frank in early Nov, 2019. The day of the tour was a bit rainy, but most of the rain happened while in the car. Despite the rain, the highlands were absolutely beautiful with the fall colors, clouds, lochs, and plant life. On our way to Oban, we stopped at a few lookout points along Loch Lomond as well as stopped in Inveraray and Kilchurn Castle. Kilchurn Castle was a highlight for us to see a piece of history that you can walk up to out in nature. Because of the time of year and weather, there weren't many other people around and quite peaceful. We were running a bit behind for our Oban distillery tour, but Frank called the distillery and let them know we'd be 5 minutes late and asked for accommodation. The distillery graciously allowed for 5 minutes and we were able to still enjoy the tour. The tour itself and a must and it was impressive to see the process of whisky making and the fact they produce so much just from two stills! Tastings are included as well as a gift glass to enjoy drams on your own later. Lunch at Oban was some of the best fish and chips as the fish was actual whole, fresh haddock fillets. Frank took us to a whisky shop and offered advice on other whiskys to try and purchase. We've returned home with whisky we'll be sharing with family at Thanksgiving. Thank you Frank for the guided tour! Recommended for anyone who wants to see the highlands in comfort.

6. BMW X5 SUV Ultimate Speyside, Macallan, Cardhu, Glenfiddich, Aberlour, Glenlivet

Inverness Whisky Tours
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Gavin Nicholson, the two metre tour guide has been discovering Scotland his whole life and over the last 8 years he has become one of the most sought after tour guides in Scotland. Gavin is a knowledgeable and passionate born and bred Scottish Highlander who will entertain you with stories and anecdotes about growing up in Scotland. Sit back and relax while you tour in one of the most technologically advanced luxury tour vehicles in Scotland. Gavin's BMW X5 M50d 4x4 SUV can take you to parts of Scotland other tour vehicles can only dream of. An elevated vantage point so that you can see more of the beautiful Scottish Highland scenery throughout your tour. Panoramic roof for 360° degree views. Widescreens front and back to view maps and information throughout your journey. Heated seats front and back for those chilly days where you need warmed up. Chocolate paired whisky tastings from Gavin's extensive private collection.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Snacks, Kilted Highland Guide, Whisky and Chocolate Tasting, Face Mask and Hand Sanitiser, Free WIFI so that you can stay connected

Exclusions: Lunch, Entrance Fees

Reviewed By wontonshawn

I honestly do not have enough good things to say about Gavin and his company. He organized a great day of distilleries and sights for us and it was easily the best day of our vacation. It is obvious he does this because he genuinely loves sharing Scotland (and its whisky) with people. We basically left all the planning up to him and it was the correct choice. He was also able to get us last minute reservations at a fantastic restaurant in Inverness and coordinated a taxi driver (John, who was also a lot of fun to spend time with) for us as well. In short, this is the kind of experience one hopes to have when traveling and very rarely gets. Do yourself a favor and book Gavin himself if you have the opportunity, we can't recommend him highly enough.

7. Orkney Mini Tour 5 hours

Orkney Travel
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

This tours take you through some of Orkney’s famous Neolithic sites including Skara Brae, Standing Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar. We then have a drive with scenic views of the sheltered of Scapa Flow which was used by the British Navy during both World Wars and the final resting place of HMS Royal Oak. We then go to the Italian Chapel. Built during the 2nd World War by Italian prisoners of war who were stationed on the island of Lamb Holm and tasked with building the Churchill Barriers. Finally we have a look around the beautiful St Magnus Cathedral in the heart of Kirkwall. Built in 1137 when Orkney was under Norse rule.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi on board, Private transportation, Bottled water

Exclusions: Entry Fee's to Skara Brae and Italian Chapel

Reviewed By gtorkos

My husband and I booked a tour with local Orkney guide Garry for 9-28-19. Prior to our trip Garry sent an email introducing himself and asking if we had any special requests. We arranged for him to pick us up at the Kirkwall airport at 8 am where we would start our 8 hour tour. Garry was inside the airport waiting for us when we landed with a name placard. We got settled (with our luggage) in his car while he reviewed our itinerary. He used a small microphone so that my husband who was seated in the backseat could hear him as well as I could in the front. He was very organized, arranging the sites according to when they were not as busy. He also used laminated maps and photos to help us understand the geography and sites. Garry has lived in Orkney all his life, so he was able to talk about historical facts, historical figures, and landmarks with personal knowledge and experiences which gave the tour a personal touch. Garry was also very flexible, as we talked and he got to know us, he was able to make several unscheduled stops that he thought we would like. We opted to eliminate one scheduled stop to keep us on schedule. He dropped us (and our luggage) off at our hotel at the end of the day. Overall, it was a wonderful tour. Garry was punctual, knowledgeable, flexible, patient and passionate about the Orkney Islands. One thing to consider. If you purchased a Scotland explorer pass, let Garry know in advance. He prepaid for two admissions for us, and we had free admission with our passes. I think he was able to be reimbursed for this, but if we had told him in advance it would have saved him some time getting it all straightened out. I would highly recommend this tour and this excellent tour guide.

8. Full-Day Outlander Experience in the Scottish Highlands from Inverness

Hame Tours
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4.8 based on 28 reviews

The success of Diana Gabeldon’s “Outlander” novels, and the resultant TV series, has been something of a phenomenon and has brought a new focus and a virtual explosion of interest to many of the historic sites throughout Scotland.  The Highlands is the centre stage of the unfolding story both in fact and the tapestry of fictional story. Hame Tours have responded by creating an “Outlander” day, integrating features of our existing tours which have an Outlander connection into an eight-hour itinerary with visits to the actual sites which either feature in the series and books, or are almost certainly the inspiration for the characters and events portrayed.  These are, of necessity, not always where the filming was undertaken but are the real theatre and stage of this romantic, but tragic, period of history. You will visit the following places in the company of our driver/guide whose commentary will bring alive the relevance of these visits. 

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By troythrace

My guide, Seoras, was exceptionally knowledgeable, and his passion for Scottish culture, the Highlands and the Gaelic language is palpable. He is a natural storyteller, eager to regale you with tales both personal and epic.  I had the absolute pleasure of touring Inverness, Culloden and Chanonry Point. Including visits to famous inspirations for the book and tv series Outlander. Serolas was incomparable with his generosity and eagerness to share. Unmissable tours with amazing guides!!

9. Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands Day Tour from Edinburgh

Gray Line Scotland
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4.7 based on 374 reviews

Take the ultimate Scotland tour and see for yourself if the Loch Ness Monster is lurking under the water. During your journey you will catch views of Stirling Castle and The Wallace Monument

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel pickup, Transport

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel drop-off, Boat cruise, Food and drinks

Reviewed By eliset056

I do understand that covid circumstances are very challenging for tourism all over the world but the treatment we received today from Greyline Scotland was really substandard. We were announced late the previous day (too late to book another excursion) by Andy Wilson (a very rude person) that our excursion was cancelled due to too few participants (not financially profitable!) and to be refunded I had to contact GetYourGuide without no clue of their phone number nor e-mail address. Mr Wilson didn’t even make a small effort to answer my last message! I cannot avoin comparing our treatment to Rabbies company in Aberdeen which organised a tour even to only one person. Grayline Scotland, a company really worth avoiding!!

10. Five Scottish Castles Private Tour from Edinburgh

Private Tours Edinburgh
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3.0 based on 1 reviews

Unique private tour of five amazing Scottish castles .   Five Scottish castles visited are   Midhope Castle ( Lallybroch ) , Doune Castle ( Castle Leoch ) , Linlithgow Palace  (Wentworth Prison ) , Stirling Castle   and Blackness Castle ( Fort William army headquarters ) . Spend up to an hour exploring five historic castles . Your guide will give you information about the history of each castle and guidance about the best viewpoints for taking pictures.  Linlithgow Palace  was the birthplace of Mary , Queen of Scots . Doune Castle was rebuilt by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany in the 14th Century Doune has appeared many times on TV and in films including Monty Python and the Holy Grail.   Doune was in Outlander and was the castle Winterfell in Game of Thrones. Souvenir t-shirts , phone cases and photos available to purchase from our website.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir t-shirts, phone cases and photos (available to purchase, ask the driver for details or visit the Private Tours Edinburgh website, entrance tickets, Escort

Reviewed By scotgrl3

These are spectacular structures to go and visit. Take a walk around by the canal and see how impressive these sculptures are up close. There is free parking close by with short walk. Disabled parking is also available and closer to the shop and structures. The gift shop has reasonably priced souvenirs.

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