Edinburgh · SCOTTISH CASTLES DAY TRIPS

The 15 Best Castle Day Trips from Edinburgh

27 tours  ·  from $54

Stirling, Doune, Blackness and the lochside ruins are all inside two hours. These 15 sort them by how many castles you actually get inside, whether admission is included, and what the day costs once it is.

Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission - Lunch Is Flexible, but Not Included
Loch Lomond & Stirling Day Trips, Scottish Castles Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

1.Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour Including Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,305 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $72Our pick

Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach to the 30-meter Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and Stirling Castle. Your English-speaking driver-guide, perhaps a storyteller like Craig, Martin, or Kieran, adds history, music, and local tales. Lunch is extra, and the day returns to Edinburgh.

“Beautiful scenery and well paced to allow plenty of time at each location. Excellent options for lunch and our driver/guide Paul gave great context!”

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Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour - The Kelpies: a fast stop with a big visual payoff
Loch Lomond & Stirling Day Trips, Scottish Castles Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

2.Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle and the Kelpies Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,198 reviews · 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $63

Travel from Edinburgh with a Timberbush driver-guide such as Ash, John, Adam, or Morag to the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, the Trossachs, Stirling Castle, and South Queensferry. The day includes live commentary, optional cruise time, and a castle visit for an extra fee.

“Covers a lot of ground and all are not to miss stop John was a delight to spend time with, super knowledgeable,very funny, very informative,it was like as huge history lesson”

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West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission - Luss and the first look at Loch Lomond
Oban & West Highlands Tours, Scottish Castles Day Trips, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

3.West Highlands, Lochs and Castles Day Tour Including Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,122 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $68

Travel from Edinburgh in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with an English-speaking driver-guide. Visit Doune Castle, stop in Luss and Inveraray, photograph Kilchurn Castle, and hear stories of Rob Roy, Robert the Bruce, and Clan Campbell. Lunch and Inveraray Castle admission cost extra.

“A well paced, incredibly scenic and enjoyable tour. Thoroughly recommend it. Chris (our driver and guide) was excellent!”

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From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour - Starting at Edinburgh Bus Station
Loch Lomond & Stirling Day Trips, Scottish Castles Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Edinburgh: Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

4.Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,043 reviews · 9 hours · from $57

Travel from Edinburgh in a comfortable 16-seat minibus with an English-speaking guide to see the Kelpies, walk beside Loch Lomond, pass through the Trossachs, and explore Stirling Castle. Guides such as Jim, Martin, David, and Stephen are known for lively stories, music, and Scottish history.

“Very organized and easy to find the tour staff. The bus station is clean and safe. We waited a short spell for our driver. The bus is a small shuttle, like a hotel would use, but very nice and comfortable inside like a tour bus. The driver will lock up the bus any time he or she is away, so feel free to leave your belongings inside. Our driver Mark was very entertaining, knowledgeable and informative. He kept the tour moving the entire time between speaking and playing musical. We were given about 30 minutes at the Kelpies, which is just about right, but don’t spend the entire time gazing…”

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From Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond - Starting at Regent Road in Edinburgh
Loch Lomond & Stirling Day Trips, Scottish Castles Day Trips, Tour Reviews

From Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond

5.Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 895 reviews · from $74

Leave Edinburgh with an English-speaking driver-guide for a full day of Highland scenery, the 30-foot Kelpies, Loch Lomond, and Stirling. You can add a boat cruise and Stirling Castle entry on the day. Expect music, stories, winding roads, comfort stops, and a possible hairy coo sighting.

“The weather was cold and wet, but our guide Fraser was top notch. He was funny engaging and informative.”

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1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh - Tyndrum and the edge of Rannoch Moor
1-Day Tours, Loch Lomond & Stirling Day Trips, Oban & West Highlands Tours, Scottish Castles Day Trips, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh

6.1 Day Castles, West Highlands and Loch Lomond Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 850 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $88Top rated

Spend 10.5 hours with an English-speaking guide exploring Doune Castle, Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray, Loch Fyne, Rest and Be Thankful, and Luss. Small groups of up to 16 use an air-conditioned vehicle, with castle entry, meals, and hotel transfers extra.

“Terrific fun! The guide did a fantastic job telling us about information on each stop…. And more. It was just the right amount of info and was very helpful in answering all questions.”

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Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour - Stirling Castle and two hours of royal Scotland
Loch Lomond & Stirling Day Trips, Rosslyn Chapel Day Trips, Scottish Castles Day Trips, St Andrews & Fife Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour

7.Rosslyn Chapel, Dunfermline Abbey and Stirling Castle Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 649 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $77

Spend about nine hours with Highland Experience Tours visiting Dunfermline Abbey, Stirling Castle, and Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh. Expect Scottish history, castle views, carved stone mysteries, and lively driver-guides such as Steven B, Graham, Alex, and Paul. Attraction tickets cost extra, so plan ahead.

“All three stops were great. The castle ruins were closed at Dunfermline without notice due to staff shortage the day we went on our tour, so that was a bummer, but we really enjoyed the local volunteer at Dunfermline Abbey. He was so knowledgeable and friendly. Stirling Castle was amazing!! However, we were there the day that Storm Amy hit, so we weren't able to really enjoy the Castle grounds due to the wind and rain. Rosslyn Chapel is absolutely stunning! From the outer colors to the grandeur inside, it was amazing.”

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Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh - Balmaha and the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond
1-Day Tours, Loch Lomond & Stirling Day Trips, National Parks, Scottish Castles Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh

8.Day Trip to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park with Optional Stirling Castle Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 626 reviews · 9 hours (approx.)

Travel from Edinburgh by air-conditioned coach to the Kelpies, Loch Lomond at Balmaha, and historic Stirling. Your English-speaking driver-guide, such as Sophie, Connor, Cara, or Ry, provides live commentary. Stirling Castle entry is optional and costs £17.50.

“Unfortunately it was the most boring tour I've ever attended. Sounds better than the reality It was very uncomfortable that the guide is a driver at the same time. While driving the car, the driver cannot concentrate on landscapes and tell a story. The guide should be in love with the places to which he brings tourists. So that the tourists want to return again and again. It' s my subjective opinion. But for the sake of fairness, it must be said that the views were amazing. We enjoyed Sterling Castle and Loch Lomond.”

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From Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs and Castles Day Trip - Starting at Castle Terrace in Edinburgh
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From Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs and Castles Day Trip

9.West Highland Lochs and Castles Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 623 reviews · 10 hours · from $85

Travel from Edinburgh into the West Highlands with a driver-guide such as Linda, Jamie, or Natalie. Visit Doune and Inveraray, pause at Luss and Kilchurn Castle, and cross the Rest and Be Thankful Pass. The 10-hour route offers castles, lochs, music, stories, and plenty of photo stops.

“It was an incredible trip, the transportation is excellent when it comes to safety and cleanliness. Friendly tour guide and driver namely John and Ash. We were on a samll bus in a small group. I availed this tour with Timberbush for the second time for its affordable price. 💙”

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From Edinburgh: West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour - Leaving Edinburgh and crossing into Highland scenery
Oban & West Highlands Tours, Scottish Castles Day Trips, Scottish Highlands Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Edinburgh: West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour

10.West Highlands, Lochs, and Castles Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 608 reviews · 10 hours · from $54Best value

Travel from Edinburgh into Scotland’s western Highlands with a live English-speaking guide. Expect Loch Lomond, the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint, Inveraray, Kilchurn Castle, Loch Lubnaig, and Doune Castle, plus stories, music, and film history from guides such as Mac, Russell, David, and Simon.

“Went on this trip today with Mac and loved it! He was very knowledgeable and was an amazing storyteller (best one I’ve ever had on a tour!!). The weather was mid but it was still a great tour I can only recommend. Thank you Mac for this great trip!”

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Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles - Doune Castle: a strong opening stop
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Edinburgh: West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles

11.West Highland Lochs, Mountains & Castles

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 556 reviews · 10 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $87

Travel from Edinburgh into the West Highlands with a driver-guide such as Gary, Mary, Marty, or Shafiq. See Doune Castle, Loch Lomond, Inveraray, Kilchurn Castle, and Highland mountain views, with time for photos, food, and short walks. Castle admission is extra.

“Excellent tour. Our guide Linda was awesome. She was super helpful and kept the tour lively and engaging. I highly recommend this experience.”

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Stirling Castle and Whisky Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh - Stirling Castle in 75 minutes
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Stirling Castle and Whisky Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

12.Stirling Castle and Whisky Very Small Group Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 386 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $95

Travel from Edinburgh in a Mercedes mini-coach with a guide such as Angela, Keith, Alan, or Paul. See Stirling Castle, Aberfoyle, Loch Lomond, and Glengoyne Distillery, with a short nature walk and whisky tasting. Admission fees and food are extra.

“Keith was a great trip guide. Funny informative and nothing was up much trouble. Enjoyed ye whole day !”

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Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh - The Kelpies: a quick start with a big visual impact
Loch Lomond & Stirling Day Trips, Scottish Castles Day Trips, Tour Reviews

Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh

13.Stirling Castle, Kelpies and Loch Lomond from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 273 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $62

Travel from Edinburgh with a Hairy Coo driver-guide such as Paul, Jason, Peter, or Mike. Visit the Kelpies, Loch Lomond, Stirling, and South Queensferry, with optional boat and castle admissions. Expect Scottish history, Highland roads, regular comfort stops, and a full day in a small coach.

“Fun family exploring day. Saw some beautiful countryside and Sterling castle was a treat to see. Recommend it!”

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Full-Day Highland Lochs Glens and Castles Tour from Edinburgh - Doune Castle, movie fame and medieval stone
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Full-Day Highland Lochs Glens and Castles Tour from Edinburgh

14.Full-Day Highland Lochs Glens and Castles Tour from Edinburgh

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 256 reviews · 10 hours (approx.) · from $87

Spend 10 hours touring the Highlands from Edinburgh in a small group of up to 16. Visit Doune Castle, Loch Lubnaig, Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray, Rest and Be Thankful, and Luss, with lively guiding from names such as Kyle, Ron, Cameron, Fionn, and Jamie.

“Our guided tour to the Scottish Highlands with Glens and Castles with fantastic! We saw at least 4 castles from afar, and stopped to see 3 close-up. For an additional fee, one could go inside 2 of these: Duone and Inverary. The first was an empty, stone shell inside but rooms and stairs were still delineated. The second was lavishly furnished, as the Duke & Duchess of Argyll still visit there at times. Gary S, our guide and driver, made the entire trip fun and informative. He had an engaging style, great sense of humor, and played both traditional and contemporary Scottish music by artists many will recognize. The Highlands…”

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Edinburgh: Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan 2-Day Tour - Day one: Loch Lomond, Inveraray, and Glencoe
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Edinburgh: Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan 2-Day Tour

15.Eilean Donan, Loch Ness & Glenfinnan 2-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 205 reviews · 2 days · from $157

This two-day Timberbush tour takes you from Edinburgh through Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Eilean Donan, Loch Ness, and Pitlochry, with a night in Fort William. Expect a modern bus, live English commentary, frequent photo stops, and guides such as Stuart, Jamie, or Andrew T, depending on your departure.

“Great Tour! Our Tour guide Andrew do an amazing job! lots of interesting stories and facts during the Tour. highly recommended for all who would like to discover secrets of highlands!”

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