A castle city, the home of golf, Scotland's biggest city and a Highland town, all reachable by train.
Edinburgh Waverley is well placed for day trips, and ScotRail trains run throughout the day. Buy tickets in advance online for the cheapest fares, and check the time of the last train back before you set out.
About 50 minutes · Best for history
Stirling Castle is one of Scotland's most important castles, and it sits on a rock high above the town. The National Wallace Monument stands nearby on a hill. Both are tied to the wars of independence, including the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.
About 50 minutes · Best for a city day
Scotland's largest city has a different feel from Edinburgh, with grand Victorian buildings, street art and a lively music scene. Visit the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which is free, and Glasgow Cathedral. The West End is good for lunch.
About 1 hour 30 minutes · Best for a longer day
The home of golf is a medieval university town beside the sea. Take the train to Leuchars and then a short bus ride into town. Walk the ruins of the cathedral and castle, look at the famous Old Course and stroll along the West Sands beach.
About 2 hours · Best for the Highlands
A pretty Victorian town on the edge of the Highlands, in Perthshire. Visit the Blair Athol or Edradour distilleries, watch for salmon at the fish ladder by the dam and walk by the river. The views from Queen's View, near Loch Tummel, are a short taxi or bus ride away. There are fewer trains here, so check the timetable carefully.
Tip: St Andrews and Pitlochry are longer days, so start early and confirm your last train and bus back before you go.