Best Day Trips from Edinburgh: Loch Ness, St Andrews & Rosslyn Chapel

I’ve taken all three of these day trips from Edinburgh more than once, and each time I’ve found something that surprised me — whether it’s the actual size of Loch Ness (it’s huge), the quiet corners of St Andrews beyond the golf course, or the carvings at Rosslyn Chapel that no photo can capture. Here’s what I’d tell a friend planning the same.

Is Loch Ness worth the long drive from Edinburgh?

The short answer: yes, if you go in with realistic expectations. It’s a 3.5-hour bus or car ride each way, so you’ll spend most of the day traveling. But the scenery across the Highlands — past the Forth Bridge, through Cairngorms National Park, and along the Great Glen — makes the journey part of the experience. I’ve done this trip twice: once with a large coach tour and once with a small-group tour from Rabbie’s. The small group was better. We stopped at places the big buses skip, like the Falls of Dochart in Killin and the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore.

Loch Ness Cruises from Fort Augustus — take the 1-hour boat trip. You won’t see Nessie, but the loch from the water is a different world.
Urquhart Castle ruins on the loch’s shore — worth the entry fee for the views, but arrive early to beat the crowds.
The Clansman Harbour Hotel in Fort Augustus — decent pub lunch with loch views. Their fish and chips is solid.
Rabbie’s Loch Ness & Highlands tour — my pick for a small-group experience. Max 16 people, and the drivers know the backroads.

If you’re short on time, skip the big coach tours that promise “Loch Ness plus three castles.” You’ll spend more time queuing than looking.

What’s the best way to visit St Andrews from Edinburgh?

St Andrews is the easiest day trip on this list — just over an hour by train from Edinburgh Waverley to Leuchars station, then a 10-minute bus or taxi into town. I’ve done it by train twice and once by car. The train wins for convenience: no parking hassle, and you can grab a coffee at the station café before boarding. ScotRail runs direct trains roughly every hour.

Once you’re there, the town is compact enough to walk everywhere. The Old Course is the obvious draw, but I spent more time wandering the ruined cathedral and the castle. Both are free with a Historic Scotland membership, or about £10 each for admission.

St Andrews Cathedral — the remains are hauntingly beautiful. Climb the tower for a view of the town and the North Sea.
The Old Course — you can walk the public footpath along the fairways. For tee time, you need to book months ahead or enter the daily ballot.
Northpoint Café on North Street — best coffee in town and their smoked salmon bagel is excellent.
The Jigger Inn — a cozy pub right on the Old Course. Good for a pint and a burger after walking the links.
St Andrews Castle — the bottle dungeon and the mine-and-countermine tunnels are genuinely interesting, not just a photo op.

If you have time, walk out to the West Sands beach. It’s where the opening scene of Chariots of Fire was filmed, but more importantly, it’s a great spot to sit and watch the waves.

Is Rosslyn Chapel overrated or worth the trip?

I’ll be honest: I went to Rosslyn Chapel expecting to be underwhelmed. It’s small, it’s 30 minutes from Edinburgh, and the Da Vinci Code hype has made it a tourist magnet. But I was wrong. The carvings are extraordinary — every inch of the interior is covered in stonework that took generations of masons to complete. The “Apprentice Pillar” is the highlight, but I spent just as long staring at the Green Man carvings in the ceiling.

The chapel is still an active place of worship, so there’s a quiet, respectful atmosphere inside. Photography isn’t allowed, which actually forces you to look instead of snapping. I’d recommend the audio guide (£3.50) — it explains the symbolism in the carvings without the conspiracy-theory nonsense.

Rosslyn Chapel — book tickets online in advance. They sell out, especially in summer.
Rosslyn Castle ruins nearby — a 10-minute walk from the chapel. Free to explore, and usually empty.
The Original Rosslyn Inn — a 10-minute walk down the hill. Their steak pie is the real deal, and it’s cheaper than the café at the chapel.
Lothian Buses 37 or N37 from Edinburgh city center — takes about 45 minutes. The bus stop is a short walk from the chapel.

Combine Rosslyn with a visit to the nearby village of Roslin. It’s small, but the walk along the River North Esk is lovely on a clear day.

How do these day trips compare for time and cost?

I’ve broken this down from my own experience. The numbers are rough, but they’ll help you decide which trip fits your schedule and budget.

| Trip | Travel Time (round trip) | Typical Tour Cost (per person) | DIY Cost (train/bus + entry) | |------|--------------------------|-------------------------------|-------------------------------| | Loch Ness | 7 hours | £50–£70 | Not practical by public transport | | St Andrews | 2.5 hours | £40–£60 | £25–£35 | | Rosslyn Chapel | 1.5 hours | £30–£45 | £10–£15 |

Loch Ness is the most expensive and time-consuming. St Andrews is the best value for a full day out. Rosslyn is a half-day trip — pair it with something else, like a walk in the Pentland Hills or a visit to the National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange.

What should I pack for these day trips?

Scottish weather changes fast. I’ve had sun, rain, and wind all within the same hour on all three trips. Layers are non-negotiable.

Waterproof jacket — not an umbrella. The wind on the Fife coast and Loch Ness will destroy an umbrella.
Comfortable walking shoes — you’ll walk 8,000–12,000 steps on each trip. St Andrews has cobblestones; Rosslyn has gravel paths.
A small backpack — for water, snacks, and a spare layer. The Highland Folk Museum stop on the Loch Ness trip has a decent café, but it’s not cheap.
Portable charger — your phone will be your camera, map, and ticket holder. The train to Leuchars has USB ports in newer carriages, but don’t count on it.

FAQ

Can I do Loch Ness, St Andrews, and Rosslyn Chapel in one day? No. That would be 12+ hours of driving with almost no time at any site. Pick one per day. If you only have one day, do St Andrews — it’s the most rewarding for the least travel time.

Do I need to book tours in advance for these day trips? Yes, especially in summer (May–September). Rabbie’s and Highland Experience Tours sell out weeks ahead for Loch Ness. Rosslyn Chapel tickets need to be booked online at least a day in advance. St Andrews is easier — you can buy train tickets same-day, but booking ahead on ScotRail saves money.

Is Rosslyn Chapel suitable for kids? It’s small and quiet, so younger children might get bored quickly. The chapel has a small activity sheet for kids, but I’d recommend it for ages 10 and up. St Andrews is better for families — there’s more space to run around, and the beach is a natural playground.

Conclusion

Loch Ness is a full-day commitment. Go with a small-group tour like Rabbie’s, and don’t expect the monster — enjoy the Highlands instead.
St Andrews is the most efficient day trip. Train from Waverley to Leuchars, then walk the town, the cathedral, and the Old Course. Northpoint Café for lunch.
Rosslyn Chapel is worth the short trip, but book tickets ahead. Combine it with a walk in Roslin village or a visit to the castle ruins.
Pack for all weather on every trip. Waterproof jacket, good shoes, and a portable charger are non-negotiable.
Book in advance for Loch Ness tours and Rosslyn Chapel. St Andrews is more flexible, but train tickets are cheaper if you book early.