Winding stone steps on your way to lectures. Secret, lamp-lit alleyways to meet friends at the pub. A world-famous castle just visible from your bedroom.
It’s all a standard day in the life of an Edinburgh student.
So, if living in the Scottish capital has whet your appetite for dramatic landscapes and cultural gems, we’re not surprised.
The exciting part is that there’s plenty more where that came from. Here’s a little inspiration for some of the best day trips for students living in Edinburgh.
Portobello
It’s easy to forget when you’re wrapped up in the magic of the city, but Edinburgh is on the coast. Hop on a bus, and you can be whisked away to salty shores in no time.
Portobello is your closest beach, and you won’t be disappointed by its long, sandy stretches, colourful pier-side cottages, and stunning views across the Firth of Forth.
Come prepared with a picnic in the summer months. Or, if windswept beach walks in autumn are more your thing, warm up at The Beach House with a hot chocolate and a tremendous slice of cake.
How to get there: Jump on the bus to Portobello Town Hall and it’s just a five-minute walk to the sea.
Journey time: Around 30 minutes.
Pentland Hills
Edinburgh really does give you the best of both worlds.
While the seaside beckons off to the east, the Pentland Hills watch over the city from the south, promising big views and beautiful hikes for intrepid day-trippers.
This Regional Park is quite something to say it’s so close to the capital. Expect rolling hills, shimmering reservoirs and fluffy Highland cows as you follow footpaths through fields and woodland.
And you don’t have to be a top athlete to enjoy the experience, either. The Pentland Hills website gives details on a range of walks, including gentle loops.
How to get there: Take the 101 or 102 bus from the city centre to Flotterstone Inn for a good starting point.
Journey time: Around 40 minutes.
Stirling Castle
You might wonder why this one’s on here. Surely the famous Edinburgh Castle is more than enough for anyone?
But listen up: Scotland has, quite literally, thousands of castles. So, it’s worth seeing more than just the one on your doorstep while you’re here.
Stirling Castle is a firm favourite.
Not only is it easy to reach from Edinburgh, it’s also full of legends and stories, links to Braveheart’s William Wallace, and views across Stirlingshire (often called the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’).
Oh, and it’s yellow (or, at least, part of it is).
How to get there: Catch a direct train from Edinburgh to Stirling, then walk 15 minutes up the hill to the castle.
Journey time: 55 minutes.
Jupiter Artland
If you prefer bright new ideas to stories from the past, spend a day exploring Jupiter Artland, just outside Edinburgh.
The 120-acre sculpture park promises surprises at every turn and will drag you out of even the deepest essay slump, with its thought-provoking creations set within a lush green landscape.
Check the Jupiter Artland website to see their latest exhibitions and events (including everything from creative, hands-on workshops to wild-swimming days!).
How to get there: Take two buses from the centre of Edinburgh to the Jupiter Artland bus stop.
Journey time: Around 45 minutes.
North Berwick
Sometimes, the joy of a day trip is in the journey itself.
While it isn’t far to the pretty seaside town of North Berwick, the train journey to get there treats passengers to the most gorgeous views along Scotland’s east coast. Sit on the left-hand side on the way down, and make sure you bag a window seat.
Once you’re there, North Berwick will continue to delight. It’s a haven for independent shops and cafés, with a picture-perfect harbour and a soft, sandy beach.
Keep your eyes peeled for seabirds and dolphins on a boat trip past Bass Island, and look across to Fidra, the original Treasure Island that inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novel.
How to get there: Hop on the train from Edinburgh to North Berwick.
Journey time: 35 minutes.
Rosslyn Chapel
To experience a sight unlike anything else, pack a day bag and head to the mysterious Rosslyn Chapel.
Founded in 1446, it’s not just a building; it’s an entire work of art.
If you’re in need of a bit of motivation to get through exams, this is the perfect reminder that hard work pays off. Almost every surface in the chapel is intricately carved, telling stories through stone that have lasted around 600 years.
Unsurprisingly, Rosslyn Chapel has inspired artists and writers alike for centuries. Most famously, Dan Brown set his world-wide best-seller, The Da Vinci Code, in its secretive walls.
How to get there: Take a bus from Edinburgh to the Original Rosslyn Hotel, then walk a couple of minutes down the road to the chapel.
Journey time: 1 hour.
Dunkeld
For a taste of the Scottish Highlands less than two hours from Edinburgh by train, you can’t go wrong in Dunkeld.
This is the Scotland of movie screens; all towering pine trees, cute streets lined with cosy shops, and majestic hills in the distance.
While you’re soaking up the scenery, pop into one of the town’s artisan bakeries or traditional pubs for some Scottish fare. Or stride out a little further, on walking trails into the woods or along the peaceful River Tay.
How to get there: Jump on the train from Edinburgh to Dunkeld and Birnam, then walk over the bridge into Dunkeld.
Journey time: 1 hour 50 mins.
Putting you just minutes away from Edinburgh Waverely – the city’s main train station – living at Vita Student New Waverley makes it easy-peasy to explore Scotland beyond the capital.
And with weekday breakfasts, regular housekeeping, a 24/7 gym, and a ready-made community, there’s no better place to bring together your student experience.
