Top Edinburgh Outdoor Activities

This walking tour of Edinburgh is a great choice for first-time visitors who want to get their bearings of the city and learn more about its history. By exploring the city with a guide, you’ll be able to stop looking at a map and focus on enjoying the sites around you. Your guide will teach you about secret places locals love, as well as the Old Town’s most famous sites. Highlights include St. Giles’ Cathedral, the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh Castle, and much more.

Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands on a full-day excursion that includes Glencoe and Loch Ness. Set out from Edinburgh aboard a comfortable coach to experience some of the area's top sights and attractions. Visit Callander, the "Gateway to the Highlands," learn the fascinating history of Glencoe—a village made famous as a setting for movies in the “James Bond” and “Harry Potter” series—and see the world-renowned Loch Ness too.

Discover the magic of the Scottish Highlands on an unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks, where you’ll be transported to the world of Harry Potter and James Bond. When exploring Scotland on your 1-Day Glenfinnan, Glencoe and Highlands Tour, you will get to savor the dramatic beauty of Glencoe, and marvel at the breathtaking Glenfinnan Viaduct, a must-see for film enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the history of this picturesque area and enjoy the fresh Highland air and scenic vistas. Unwind in the charming village of Pitlochry and experience the rich heritage and natural splendor of Scotland in one remarkable adventure. Every twist and turn of the winding Scottish road has a new photo opportunity, a new story to be told and a new experience to be had. Due to the vast area covered, a large portion of the tour is spent on the bus, taking in the scenery of Scotland. Minimum passenger age is 7.

Beat the crowds of Edinburgh's city center and discover off-the-beaten-path locations and secret spots on small-group cycling tour. Traveling on two wheels (either on a traditional or e-bike), you'll be able to access places buses cannot reach. Cycle out of the city, around Arthur's Seat, and to the (sometimes) sunny seaside all while your guide fills you in on fascinating facts about the city.

Experience the Scottish Highlands with your own guide to show you the best of what this area has to offer, from castles to the famous Highland cows. This private tour takes you from Edinburgh to Craigie’s Farm, Luss, Inveraray Castle, the Three Sisters, and more. Travel from attraction to attraction in a comfortable car with included snacks and bottled water.

If you only have one day to journey into the Scottish Highlands from Edinburgh, don't waste time or effort navigating public transport or renting a car. This guided tour takes you from the capital to the "bonnie banks" of Loch Lomond, the village of Luss and some of the country's finest castles and glens.

This 'Harry Potter' walking tour gets fans closer to spots in Edinburgh that inspired J.K Rowling’s famous books. Walk past key sites that inspired places such as Diagon Alley, and even see the cafes and hotels where the writer wrote her book series. Your guide knows the quickest ways to get around the city on foot to fit more into your time, as well as fun facts about Harry Potter.

With a centuries-long history, the Scottish capital of Edinburgh has lots of different historic, cultural, and architectural hotspots for tourists to discover. Meet your guide at a central location near the Royal Mile and set out on a walk of the city’s storied streets on this half-day small-group walking tour.

This tour is a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the most historic and best-preserved areas of green space in the UK. Firstly, this walk will take you to Calton Hill with its historic monuments and spectacular views. Then see Holyrood Palace before entering Holyrood Park, Edinburgh’s finest park with thousands of years of natural and human history. The climb will then begin to the summit of Arthur’s Seat (251m/823ft), using the most relaxed and picturesque route. Be rewarded with stunning panoramic views from the peak across Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside. The descent will take in further historic sites and wildlife prior to concluding the walk. The walk is at a gentle pace and includes plenty of stops to admire the views and historic sites. Perfect for individuals and groups of all ages interested in seeing Edinburgh’s amazing landscape and hearing about its history.

Planning a multi-day journey through the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye can be challenging, especially when it involves long drives and accommodation logistics. However, this 3-day tour from Edinburgh takes care of everything for you—so you can focus on making the most of the sweeping Highland scenery. Along the way, gain insight into Scotland’s past at locations such as Culloden Battlefield, and choose to enhance your experience with an optional cruise on Loch Ness and entry to Urquhart Castle.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlights on this small-group tour from Edinburgh that takes you to Trossachs National Park, Glencoe, and Loch Ness. Soak up the scenery as you journey through dramatic landscapes, make plenty of photo stops, and enjoy the freedom to explore Fort Augustus, set on the banks of Loch Ness, at your own pace.

There’s so much more to see in Scotland than just Edinburgh. On this private tour, get picked up from your Edinburgh accommodation for a full-day adventure exploring the Kingdom of Fife. Take in the Forth Bridge—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—visit the medieval town of St Andrews, hunt for sea glass on Fife beach, and explore fishing villages and historic sites.

Swap the crowds of the Royal Mile for a more intimate view of Edinburgh. This small-group tour takes you to some of the city's most atmospheric (and less-visited) neighborhoods, including the picturesque Dean Village. You'll discover hidden alleyways, quirky cafes, and historic buildings and take a wander along the city's only river.

Discover the dramatic beauty, history and mystery of Scotland on this full-day trip from Edinburgh. Aboard a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, wind through the Scottish Highlands and marvel at the majesty of Cairngorms National Park and the mysterious Loch Ness—fabled home of the elusive water monster, Nessie. Spot the famous Urquhart Castle en route and hear about legendary warfare like the battles of William Wallace and the massacre of Glen Coe in the 17th century.

While there are lots of historic sights to explore in Edinburgh, there’s so much more to experience outside of the city. On this full-day tour, choose to explore a traditional whisky distillery to learn how one of Scotland’s most popular beverages gets made, or head to Blackness Castle to hear the role the stronghold played in local history.

Listen to Edinburgh’s grisliest tales on a haunted evening or night-time walking tour. Experience the ghastly histories of monsters, madness, and murder that cast a dark shadow on Scotland’s capital. See where witch trials, pagan rituals, and executions took place, then visit the chilling Old Calton Burial Ground or Canongate Kirkyard cemetery to learn about body-snatching and some of the infamous individuals interred here.

Escape the city and see some of Edinburgh’s lesser-known sights on a boat cruise that takes you to Inchcolm Island, home to both a medieval abbey and a colony of sea lions and seals. As well as escaping the crowds on land, you’ll bag the best views of the famous Three Bridges.

Take in Scotland’s dramatic landscapes in just one day from the comfort of your luxury private minivan. Departing from central Edinburgh, enjoy entry to Doune Castle and views over the Cairngorm National Park, Ben Nevis and Fort William—all while relaxing with complimentary refreshments and an expert guide. The tour also includes stops at Loch Ness and Glencoe to explore some of the Highlands’ most stunning scenery.

Explore further afield without having to worry about hiring a car or navigating unfamiliar roads on a tour that reveals attractions that lie outside of Edinburgh’s city center. This private tour comes with the flexibility to tweak your route and itinerary to include historic castles and chapel, scenic natural landscapes, or art galleries and antique stores.

Experience the magic of Scotland on this memorable 3-day tour from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye. Journey through spectacular Highland scenery including Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Glencoe and Glenfinnan, before exploring Skye’s dramatic landscapes, the Fairy Pools, the colourful harbour town of Portree and the breathtaking Trotternish Peninsula. Take in iconic sights such as the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing, Fairy Glen and Mealt Falls, then return through the Highlands via Eilean Donan Castle, Loch Ness and the Cairngorms National Park. Packed with stunning scenery, rich history, local wildlife and legendary folklore, this tour is perfect for travellers who want to experience the very best of Scotland’s Highlands and Islands through spectacular views and iconic landmarks.

Swap the rush of standard group tours for the chance to explore Edinburgh's history-packed Royal Mile at your own pace. Open this audioguide on your smartphone and let it lead you to the most-important landmarks while filling you in on the stories behind each. With your personal guide in hand, see the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles' Cathedral, and Edinburgh Castle, and explore narrow medieval lanes and a unique double-level street.

The Isle of Skye is the largest of Scotland’s Hebrides Islands and this multi-day tour from Edinburgh ensures you take in all the highlights. Admire natural wonders such as Loch Ness, Glencoe, and Ben Nevis; visit Lealt Falls, Dunvegan Castle, and Kilt Rock on the Isle of Skye; and see Eilean Donan Castle, where "Highlander" was filmed.

Experience the history and beauty of Scotland’s Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park on a full-day trip from Edinburgh. Traveling by coach, visit the Kelpies Monument and Stirling Castle, associated with Scottish historical heroes William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Admire the Trossachs’ mountain-and-lake scenery as you meet Scotland’s famous Highland cows. Entrance fees at own expense.