Trains and Planes Edinburgh Day Shore Excursion

Edinburgh , Scotland

Trains and Planes Edinburgh Day Shore Excursion

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Led by our History buff, Spencer, who's a mine of knowledge about all things Trains and Planes this tour is squarely aimed at visitors to Scotland that want to do something a wee bit different to the usual Bagpipes and Whisky tours.

If you've a fascination with things that go 'Bang', 'Whoosh' or 'Chuff' then this tour is for you. You'll see, feel, touch and sit in unique aircraft like the Concorde, and gaze up into the massive Vulcan V Bomber where Britain's nuclear deterrent was strapped to the underside throughout the Cold War.

You'll get the chance to ride behind a working heritage steam locomotive, with the historical explanations of where it was built and where it worked during it's service life.

Spencer will also point out other marvels of Scottish Engineering like the 3 Bridges including the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. Depending on cruise departure time we may have the opportunity to cross the Forth on the new Queensferry Crossing for a Photostop on the north bank of the Forth

Available options

Trains and Planes Edinburgh Day Shore Excursion

Pickup included

What's included

In-person guide is also the driver

Bottled water

Ticket on Steam Railway

Air-conditioned vehicle

Museum Entrance - National Museum of Flight

Museum Entrance Scottish Rail Preservation Museum

Detailed itinerary

We first head along Edinburgh's shore line before joining the A1 to get to the National Museum of Flight based at the old World War 2 airfield at East Fortune, which is around 30 miles east of Edinburgh.

Explore and get your hands on over 30 iconic preserved aircraft including Harriers; Tornados, Jaguars, a World War 2 Spitfire, a Red Arrows Gnat Display Aircraft, and the Stars of the Show: an Avro Vulcan that took part in the 1982 Falklands War bombing of Port Stanley Airport and the iconic Concorde - the World's greatest supersonic passenger aircraft.

We take the 60 minute journey westwards to the town of Bo'ness and the historic preserved railway. We then take a 70 minute return journey along the shore of the Firth of Forth behind a preserved steam locomotive with a short stop at Manuel for photos and watching the train being turned for it's return journey back to Bo'ness. Depending on Cruise Ship timings we would then have up to an hour to explore the Scottish Rail Preservation Museum at Bo'ness or even a stroll around the quaint town.

Stop 3

A visit and photo stop at the iconic Kelpies sculptures adjoining the Firth and Clyde canal where some working canal narrowboats might be available to view.

What's not included

Lunch

Gratuities

Snacks

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN

Important information

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meet outside Terminal Building at silver MiniVan with Sailaway logo

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, is a city of historic and cultural significance. Known for its medieval Old Town and elegant Georgian New Town, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Edinburgh offers a unique blend of ancient and modern. The city is famous for its annual festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe, and its iconic Edinburgh Castle.

Top Attractions

Edinburgh Castle

A historic fortress that dominates the city's skyline. It houses the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny.

Historical 2-3 hours £18 (adult), £11 (child)

Royal Mile

A historic street connecting Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Lined with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Historical/Cultural Several hours to explore fully Free to walk, attractions vary

Arthur's Seat

An extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city. A popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-2 hours (hike) Free

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The former royal yacht of the British monarchy, now a museum docked in Edinburgh's port.

Historical 2 hours £19 (adult), £10 (child)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Haggis

A traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's offal, oats, and spices, typically served with neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).

Main Course Not vegetarian or vegan.

Scotch Pie

A small, double-crust meat pie filled with minced mutton or beef.

Snack Contains meat.

Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert made with whipped cream, raspberries, honey, and toasted oats.

Dessert Contains dairy and gluten.

Irn-Bru

Scotland's iconic bright orange, fizzy soft drink with a unique flavor.

Drink Contains caffeine and sugar.

Popular Activities

Hiking Arthur's Seat Kayaking on the Water of Leith Cycling the National Cycle Network Afternoon tea at The Dome Visiting the Royal Botanic Garden Strolling along Princes Street Gardens Exploring the National Museum of Scotland Visiting the Scottish National Gallery

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season, with long daylight hours and numerous festivals. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) 59°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Scottish Gaelic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Edinburgh is generally safe for tourists, but as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty crime.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings at night
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Edinburgh Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By train

Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket

By bus

Edinburgh Bus Station (Stance 20)

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and frequent bus services cover the entire city. Key routes include the Airlink 100 to the airport.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FREE NOW

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town New Town Leith

Day trips

Lothian

10-20 km (6-12 miles) • Half day to full day

Lothian offers a mix of historic sites, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities. Visit historic castles, explore picturesque villages, and enjoy the beautiful countryside.

Fife

30-50 km (18-31 miles) • Full day

Fife is known for its beautiful coastline, historic towns, and the famous St. Andrews, home to the University of St. Andrews and the Old Course golf course.

Stirling

60 km (37 miles) • Full day

Stirling is a historic city known for its castle and its role in Scottish history. It's a great destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in Scotland's past.

Festivals

Edinburgh Festival Fringe • August Edinburgh International Festival • August Hogmanay • December 31

Pro tips

Visit the camera obscura for a unique view of the city
Explore the underground closes for a glimpse into Edinburgh's past
Try a whisky tasting at one of the city's many whisky bars
Walk the Royal Mile at night for a quieter and more atmospheric experience
Visit the National Museum of Scotland for a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture