You don’t have to travel far to experience the best of Scotland. Head just a few hours outside of Edinburgh, and you’ll find yourself amidst mountains and forests, national parks, and placid seaside towns.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape from the city, an adventurous and active weekend, or an indulgent weekend away, you’ll love these weekend getaway destinations – all of which are an easy commute from Edinburgh.
Isle of Mull
Mull’s landscape is rugged and varied – the west side of the island is dominated by steep cliffs and rocky shore, while the east is softer with lush greenery. Its coastline is stunning – it boasts countless beaches and bays, which are characterized by white sand and crystal clear turquoise and emerald-toned seas. The waters surrounding the Isle of Mull are a prime place to spot a variety of wildlife – especially between the months of April and October, when minke whales, basking sharks, and bottlenose dolphins are most commonly seen. Fresh, locally-sourced food abounds on Mull, and freshly caught seafood is one of the island’s many specialities. Be sure to reserve a table at Cafe Fish for phenomenal seafood dishes.
North Berwick
This charming seaside village is located less than an hour outside of Edinburgh, on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. Its main street is filled with independent boutiques and cafes – my favourite of which is Steampunk for a fantastic cup of artisan roast coffee. Berwick Law – a prominent 613 foot hill composed of volcanic rock – offers a beautiful, sweeping view of the Firth of Forth and the North Sea from its peak. For dinner, head to The Lobster Shack – one of the best seafood restaurants in town. They serve delicious daily specials, including seafood chowder, mussels, and freshly grilled North Berwick local lobster.
Isle of Arran
Situated on the west coast, Arran is known as ‘Scotland in miniature,’ as the line between the Highlands and Lowlands divides the island into two distinct regions, with landscapes that mirror mainland Scotland. Renowned for its malt whisky, traditionally made cheddar cheese, and handmade ice cream, Arran is a great spot for foodies. Whisky distillery tours are offered daily, and cheese can be sampled from the Arran Cheese Shop. The island is also a playground for adrenaline junkies, with a variety of adventure activities available, from mountain biking to gorge-scrambling, kayaking and guided wildlife walks.
St. Andrews
There’s more to St. Andrews than golf and the university where Prince William studied; this beautiful town boasts the ruins of a cathedral and castle, and a two-mile-long sandy beach. The striking main town centre is peppered with Medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and winding alleys. If you are a golf aficionado, you’ll love St. Andrews – it’s home to one of the most renowned golf courses in the world, which dates back to the 15th century. You’ll also find an array of cozy pubs, charming cafes, and fantastic restaurants; head to Gorgeous Cafe for scones the size of your face, freshly baked with delicious flavour combinations like raspberry, lemon, and white chocolate. Tailend is another must-visit restaurant in St. Andrews – their award-winning fish & chips are a local delicacy!
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
The Trossachs National Park is one of the most scenic spots in the country, and it’s the perfect place to get away from it all. Sprawling over 1,865 square kilometres, its natural setting is stunning, defined by forests and foliage, verdant hills, and towering mountains. Water activities are popular in the summer – everything from paddleboarding to windsurfing to kayaking. There are walks for every skill level, from relaxed, leisurely trails to challenging mountain hikes. Ben Lomond is the highest munro (mountain over 3,000 ft) in the park, and the summit offers beautiful panoramic views of Loch Lomond and the surrounding park.
Weekends Away, Dialled-In: Tips, Planner & Logistics
Pick-Your-Weekend: Fast Match Guide
| If you want… | Go to… | Why this one wins | Car-free friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea air + artisan coffee + easy train | North Berwick | Beach strolls, cliff views, indie high street, seafood hut lunches. | Yes – direct trains from Waverley (~30–35 min). |
| Island feels + wildlife + white-sand bays | Isle of Mull | Tobermory’s rainbow harbour, cliffy west coast, puffins (in season). | Possible, but smoother with a car once on Mull. |
| “Scotland in miniature” + cheese & whisky | Isle of Arran | Highland/Lowland split, distillery tours, coastal paths. | Yes – rail to ferry, buses loop the island. |
| Medieval lanes + beach + food crawl | St Andrews | Cathedral ruins, dune-backed West Sands, student town buzz. | Yes – train to Leuchars + quick bus. |
| Loch views + hill walks + paddles | Loch Lomond & The Trossachs | Forested lochs, Ben Lomond, watersports hubs. | Yes to Balloch/Luss; deeper hikes easier by car. |
Getting There, Simply
| Destination | From Edinburgh (typical) | Duration* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Berwick | Train Edinburgh Waverley → North Berwick | ~0:35 | Trains run frequently; station is 5–10 min from the sand. |
| St Andrews | Train Waverley → Leuchars + bus/taxi | ~1:15–1:30 | The bus to town is ~10–15 min; taxis queue at Leuchars. |
| Loch Lomond (Balloch) | Train Waverley → Queen St (Glasgow) → Balloch | ~1:50–2:10 | Balloch sits at the south end—great for first-timers. |
| Isle of Arran | Train Waverley → Ardrossan Harbour + ferry to Brodick | ~3:00–3:30 | Rail/ferry usually time well; book ferries in summer. |
| Isle of Mull | Train Waverley → Oban + ferry to Craignure | ~4:30–5:15 | It’s a longer hop; the reward is big. Book ferry ahead. |
*Durations are door-to-door ballparks; always check live times when you book.
2-Day Mini-Itineraries (Row-by-Row)
North Berwick (Train-Easy Coast)
| Time | Plan | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 AM | Train to North Berwick; coffee on High St; walk the beach boardwalk. | Grab takeaway and watch the gannets dive. |
| Midday | Seafood shack lunch by the harbour. | Daily specials move fast—go early. |
| PM | Hike The Law for the 360° view; drop into indie galleries. | It’s short but steep—good trainers suffice. |
| Evening | Sunset on the sands + cosy pub dinner. | Book dinner on weekends. |
| Day 2 AM | Coastal path to Tantallon Castle outlook or beachcombing at Seacliff. | Bring a light windproof layer. |
| PM | Gelato, last-minute shopping, back to Edinburgh. | Trains fill mid-afternoon; off-peak tickets are flexible. |
St Andrews (Ruins + Sands + Scones)
| Time | Plan | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 AM | Train to Leuchars, bus to town; wander cathedral & castle ruins. | Combo tickets save a few pounds. |
| Midday | Coffee + giant scones in town. | Share one; they’re enormous. |
| PM | Walk West Sands (Chariots of Fire vibes), pop into quaint lanes. | Tide low? Walk a bit farther north for quiet. |
| Evening | Fish & chips feast; student pub crawl if you fancy. | Early dinners help avoid queues. |
| Day 2 AM | Museum or gardens; optional Old Course photo stop. | Respect golfers; paths are clearly marked. |
| PM | Ice cream on South St; bus to Leuchars, train home. | If raining, nip into museums/cafés; everything’s close. |
Isle of Arran (Whisky, Cheese, and Coastal Loops)
| Time | Plan | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 AM | Rail to Ardrossan Harbour; ferry to Brodick; seaside stroll. | Snag a window seat—Arran appears dramatically. |
| Midday | Cheese shop samples + picnic items. | Pair with oatcakes for a perfect lunch. |
| PM | Distillery tour (Brodick or Lochranza); short Glen Rosa walk. | Book tours in summer. |
| Evening | Pub dinner; sunset on Brodick Bay. | Look for red squirrels in the trees at dusk. |
| Day 2 AM | Island bus up the scenic coast; Lochranza castle photo stop. | Buses loop hourly-ish; check Sunday service. |
| PM | Coastal ramble (seals often haul out), ferry back; rail to Edinburgh. | Weather flips quickly—pack waterproofs. |
Isle of Mull (Harbour Colours & Wild Coasts)
| Time | Plan | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 AM | Rail to Oban; ferry to Craignure; bus or drive to Tobermory. | Tobermory’s waterfront is your base. |
| Midday | Harbour lunch; explore lanes and the distillery shop. | Keep an eye out for otters below the quay. |
| PM | Clifftop walk or Calgary Bay beach if you have wheels. | West side roads are narrow—go slow. |
| Evening | Seafood dinner; harbour at blue hour—magic. | Book ahead in peak months. |
| Day 2 AM | Wildlife boat (seasonal) or coastal hike; coffee with a view. | Puffins peak late spring–summer (off-island tours). |
| PM | Bus/drive back to Craignure; ferry to Oban; train home. | Build buffer time for the rail connection. |
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs (Loch-Side & Low-Stress)
| Time | Plan | Tiny Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 AM | Train to Balloch; lakeside wander; Loch Lomond Shores for lunch. | SUP/kayak rentals right on the loch. |
| PM | Boat cruise or Conic Hill (from Balmaha) for ridge views. | Buses to Balmaha are limited—plan timing. |
| Evening | Dinner in Balloch; quiet loch-edge stroll. | Golden hour reflections are gorgeous. |
| Day 2 AM | Forest walk (Waymarked routes near Luss); village café stop. | Park-&-pay in Luss; arrive early in summer. |
| PM | Picnic, paddle, or short cycle; train back. | If stormy, swap to aquarium/museums. |
Where to Base (and Why)
| Place | Base Area | Vibe | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mull | Tobermory | Rainbow harbour, eateries, small-town charm. | Car or confident bus users. |
| Arran | Brodick or Lochranza | Ferry hub vs. quiet castle nook. | Brodick for amenities; Lochranza for slow time. |
| St Andrews | Town centre | Walkable medieval core near sands. | Car-free travellers; café hoppers. |
| North Berwick | Near the station/beach | Easy beach access + high street. | Day-trippers & 1-night escapers. |
| Loch Lomond | Balloch | Train-friendly, family-friendly base. | First-timers without a car. |
Best Time by Place (Short & Honest)
| Place | Sweet Spot | Why |
|---|---|---|
| North Berwick | Apr–Sep | Long evenings, seabirds galore, lively high street. |
| St Andrews | Mar–Jun & Sep | Shoulder months = fewer crowds, gentler weather. |
| Arran | May–Sep | Reliable ferries, buses, full menus, long days. |
| Mull | May–Jul | Wildlife peak; book ferries and stays early. |
| Loch Lomond | Apr–Oct | Trails dry out, watersports open; autumn colours are superb. |
Weekend Getaway FAQs: Planning Your Perfect Escape from Edinburgh
Before you pack your bags, here are answers to the most common questions travelers have when planning a short break from Edinburgh. Whether you’re dreaming of island adventures, seaside strolls, or a cozy weekend surrounded by nature, these tips will help you plan with confidence.
What’s the best time of year to take a weekend getaway from Edinburgh?
The sweet spot for most destinations is late spring through early autumn (April–September). You’ll enjoy longer daylight hours, milder temperatures, and better ferry/train schedules. Wildlife watching on Mull peaks in late spring and summer, while St Andrews and North Berwick are especially lively during warmer months.
Can I do these weekend trips without a car?
Yes — most of these destinations are very car-friendly and some are easily reached by train or bus. North Berwick and Loch Lomond (Balloch) have direct train links from Edinburgh, while St Andrews requires a quick train-plus-bus combo. Even Arran and Mull can be done car-free thanks to well-timed rail–ferry connections and local buses.
How far in advance should I book ferries for the islands?
For Mull and Arran, it’s wise to book ferries at least 1–2 weeks ahead during May–September, especially if you’re bringing a car. Foot passengers usually have more flexibility, but summer weekends can sell out fast — particularly the Oban–Craignure route to Mull.
What’s the easiest island to visit from Edinburgh for a short trip?
Arran is often the easiest pick. You can catch a train to Ardrossan Harbour and hop on a ferry, all in about 3–3.5 hours door to door. The island has excellent bus service looping around, so you don’t need to drive to explore distilleries, cheese shops, and coastal walks.
How much time should I plan for travel vs. sightseeing?
For nearby spots like North Berwick or St Andrews, you’ll spend under two hours total on travel — leaving plenty of time to explore. Islands and national parks usually involve 3–5 hours each way, so leave Edinburgh early on Day 1 to maximize your time at the destination.
What should I pack for a weekend getaway in Scotland?
Even in summer, pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. A lightweight scarf, sunglasses (yes, really!), and a small daypack also come in handy. For islands, bring a windproof layer for ferry decks, and for Loch Lomond, don’t forget hiking gear if you plan to hit the trails.
Do I need to worry about midges on these trips?
If you’re traveling between May and September, yes — especially in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs or on Mull. Bring midge repellent, wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk, and consider a head net if you’ll be out hiking in more remote areas.
Are these destinations suitable for families with kids?
Absolutely. North Berwick and Loch Lomond are especially good for families thanks to their easy access, gentle walks, and water activities. St Andrews has sandy beaches and castle ruins to explore, while Arran offers short walks, wildlife spotting, and cheese/ice cream tastings kids love.
Can I combine more than one destination in a single weekend?
For most travelers, one destination per weekend is best so you don’t spend all your time on transport. The exception is North Berwick + Edinburgh, which works well as a day trip add-on or a 1-night escape. Mull and Arran each deserve their own focused weekend.
How budget-friendly are these getaways?
They can be surprisingly affordable. Train day returns to North Berwick start around a few pounds, and St Andrews can be done on a modest budget with B&B stays and pub meals. Island trips cost more due to ferry fares and accommodation, but traveling car-free and booking early helps keep costs in check.
What kinds of activities can I expect on these trips?
It depends on your vibe. You can hike Ben Lomond, taste whisky and cheese on Arran, walk historic ruins in St Andrews, spot dolphins on Mull, or sip coffee by the sea in North Berwick. Each place has a mix of outdoor scenery, food experiences, and local charm.
How far ahead should I book accommodation?
For summer weekends, book 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for islands and popular seaside towns. Shoulder season (March–June, September–October) offers more flexibility. If you’re winging it, St Andrews and North Berwick have same-day options, but Mull and Arran are less forgiving in peak season.
What’s your favourite weekend getaway in Scotland?
Great post, My favorite will be Isle of Mull. Definitely gonna try all of them. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Prithvi! Mull is a beautiful spot 🙂
I just got in from Scotland, LOVED it. The highlands are incredible. I missed out on Isle of Arran but that was a top one I wanted to see, I went to Oban and Fort William though which were incredible.
Glad to hear you enjoyed Scotland, Ryan 🙂 The highlands are ridiculously beautiful, eh? I stayed in Fort William briefly this summer after climbing Ben Nevis and loved it as well!
I love Scotland so much. I can’t wait to go back and see even more of it. Thanks for the great ideas!!
You’re welcome, Valen! Hopefully you’ll make it back soon 🙂