Edinburgh , Scotland

Beyond Edinburgh (Half Day Tour)

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(19 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover what is beyond the city walls on your very own half day private tour of the surrounding areas of Edinburgh in our superb Land Rover Discovery. Our flexible routes takes you to the imposing Crichton Castle or Craigmillar Castle, the enchanting Rosslyn Chapel. After seeing some of the sites, we head to Dalkeith Country Park and the Restoration yard for lunch and a bit of shopping.

Based on one of our other tours, this has proven to be a superb option for the traveler that wants to venture out of Edinburgh City centre, to see the sites, possibly do a distillery tour and even be dropped of at some of the great shopping locations Edinburgh has to offer. We have toured antique stores, art galleries, and even a few coffee shops. Jokingly nicknamed the Golf Widows Tours by some of the guests, this offers one of the best ways to do something with a later start and earlier finish than other private driving tours with a price that reflects this (10am Start - 3/4pm drop off).

Available options

Beyond Edinburgh (Half Day Tour)

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Bottled water

Land Rover Discovery for up to 6 adults

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Option - Visit the mythical Rosslyn Chapel made famous for its part in the Dan Brown film the Da Vinci Code, with Orcadian roots, connections to the Knights Templar, Aliens, theories of Jesus Christ's head entombed in a secret chamber under the chapel. There are too many reasons to visit this amazing place.

Option - See the diamond-faceted façade of Crichton Castle, a 14th century tower house. (Not open during the winter, but you can go for a wander around the grounds)

Option - Stop off at the Restoration Yard, a converted stables from the 1700's for a spot of shopping and lunch.

Stop 4

Option - Tope of the day by visiting our local-ish lowland distillery, Glenkinchie. Here you can do a tour around this beautiful distillery and finish up with a sample of what it has to offer.

What's not included

Entry to the sites are not included (Castles, Distilleries etc)

Gratuities

Bottled water is available in the car free of charge (all other food and drink is not included within the tour)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

You will be collected from you choice of start point or accommodation

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