Explore Leith: Edinburgh’s Most Distinctive Waterfront Neighbourhood

Leith is one of Edinburgh’s most dynamic and historically rich neighbourhoods. Positioned along the edge of the Firth of Forth, the Shore area in particular is a magnet for locals and visitors alike. With its cobbled streets, converted warehouses, award-winning restaurants, and creative spirit, it blends old and new like nowhere else in the city.

What makes Leith even more attractive is its unbeatable connection to Edinburgh’s city centre. Thanks to the modern tram system, the journey from the Shore to St Andrew Square in New Town takes just 7 minutes. This means you can enjoy a peaceful, characterful stay in Leith while having instant access to everything Edinburgh has to offer — including the Royal Mile, Princes Street, and the bustling West End.

But if you’re based in Leith and fancy venturing further afield, here are some unforgettable day trips from Edinburgh that showcase the best of Scotland’s heritage, nature, and culture.

Loch Ness and the Highlands Day Tour

This full-day adventure whisks you north from Edinburgh into the soul-stirring landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. You’ll travel through the dramatic scenery of Glencoe, pass Ben Nevis — the UK’s tallest mountain — and arrive at the legendary Loch Ness, home to the elusive ‘Nessie’.

The tour usually includes a stop in Fort Augustus, a beautiful village at the southern tip of the loch, where you can take a cruise or simply soak in the views of this iconic body of water. Along the way, your guide will share stories about Jacobite battles, clan feuds, and ancient folklore. It’s a long day, but one that delivers cinematic views and unforgettable moments.

St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife

Travel over the Forth Bridges into the Kingdom of Fife and step into the timeless charm of Scotland’s east coast. This tour combines the elegance of St Andrews — famous for its world-class golf course, ancient university, and romantic cathedral ruins — with the picturesque beauty of traditional fishing villages like Anstruther and Crail.

In St Andrews, you’ll have time to wander the cobbled streets, visit local shops, and maybe even spot a student in full gown. Along the coast, you’ll get a feel for a slower pace of life, where colourful boats bob in harbours and fish and chips are still served straight from the fryer. It’s a coastal day out full of character and history.

Scottish Highland E-Bike Tour

Get active and experience the Highlands like never before with this immersive electric bike tour. Designed for all fitness levels, e-bikes make it easier to tackle hilly routes and longer distances, so you can cover more ground without the strain.

You’ll cycle past glens, lochs, and forests, often stopping at local viewpoints, heritage sites, or even Highland cows along the way. Guided by a local expert, this tour provides deep insight into Scotland’s natural environment, flora, and fauna — all while giving you the thrill of open air and expansive views. Perfect for eco-conscious travellers looking for a more intimate connection with the landscape.

Private Tour of the Scottish Highlands

For those who prefer to explore at their own pace, a private Highland tour offers unmatched flexibility and comfort. Whether you’re interested in filming locations, ancestral history, whisky distilleries, or panoramic photo spots, your guide will tailor the itinerary to your interests.

Typically using a comfortable vehicle, you’ll travel through areas like Perthshire, Glencoe, Loch Lomond or even Skye, all while hearing personalised stories from your guide. These tours are ideal for families, couples, or groups who want a deeper, more curated Scottish experience without the time pressures of a group tour.

The Outlander 1 Day Experience

Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie with a one-day tour visiting iconic filming locations from the hit TV series Outlander. Sites like Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Blackness Castle, and the village of Culross (Crainsmuir) are all on the route, with commentary blending behind-the-scenes trivia and actual Scottish history.

Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, this tour offers access to some of the most evocative heritage sites in Scotland. Castles, battlefields, and old market towns bring to life the Jacobite era and offer a richer understanding of Scotland’s tumultuous past.

Loch Lomond, Kelpies & Stirling Castle

This multi-stop tour gives you a real variety of Scottish experiences in a single day. Start with a peaceful stroll around Loch Lomond, one of Scotland’s largest and most beautiful freshwater lochs. Then marvel at the colossal Kelpies — 30-metre-high horse-head sculptures symbolising the industrial heritage and folklore of Scotland.

The day is topped off with a visit to Stirling Castle, once the home of Mary Queen of Scots and a key stronghold during the Wars of Independence. The castle itself is packed with royal chambers, costumed actors, and sweeping views over the surrounding hills. This tour strikes a perfect balance between nature, art, and historical depth.

Private Harry Potter & Glenfinnan Viaduct Tour

Ideal for families and fans of all ages, this magical day trip takes you on a journey through the cinematic world of Harry Potter. The highlight is the Glenfinnan Viaduct — instantly recognisable from the Hogwarts Express scenes — where you’ll often see the Jacobite steam train crossing the bridge just as it does in the films.

The tour may also include visits to filming locations in Glencoe and Fort William, plus plenty of stops for wand-waving photo opportunities. But even if you’re not a Potterhead, the dramatic Highland scenery alone makes this a breathtaking trip.

The Ultimate Whisky Experience Tour

No trip to Scotland is complete without a whisky tasting, and this tour takes things a step further. You’ll visit multiple distilleries, often including some of the most prestigious names in the Lowlands or Highlands, learning about the fermentation, distillation, and ageing processes behind Scotland’s most iconic export.

Expect warm welcomes, atmospheric still rooms, and of course, a few drams to sample — from peaty powerhouses to smooth Speyside classics. Many tours also include picturesque drives through whisky country and behind-the-scenes access that regular visitors don’t get. For whisky lovers, this is as good as it gets.

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