Fun weekend trips and exploring Scotland
By Alice, from Taiwan, studying MSc in Banking Innovation and Risk Analytics.
Hello everyone! I’m Alice from Taiwan, studying for an MSc in Banking Innovation and Risk Analytics at Edinburgh Business School. As an international student, adapting to life in a new city can be challenging at times. Taking day trips is one of the best ways to clear your mind and explore Scotland’s beautiful landscapes. Here are some amazing places in and around Edinburgh, as well as across Scotland, that I love and am excited to share with you for your travels during your time here!
Dean Village
This place is absolutely beautiful! Dean Village sits along the Water of Leith, just a 10-minute walk from Princes Street, or you can take a bus. Public transport in Edinburgh is very convenient!
This charming village used to have many mills, and you can still see old water mills while walking around. There are also millstones and stone plaques with bread and pie designs. The stone buildings and narrow paths make the village look stunning. If you love hidden gems, Dean Village is a must-visit!
Here are some tips to help you find bus stops and routes in Edinburgh. You can also download the app to check the latest bus arrival times and possible delays.
Glasgow
Glasgow is just a 50-minute train ride from Edinburgh and has a completely different vibe. Instead of medieval charm, it’s a mix of modern and classic buildings. Here are some must-see spots!
George Square
Right in the city center with monuments of famous Scottish people. The Gallery of Modern Art is nearby which is perfect for art enthusiasts!
- Glasgow Cathedral: A stunning Gothic building that took around 350 years to complete. The stained-glass windows inside are particularly impressive.
- University of Glasgow: Scotland’s second-oldest university. It looks like the scene from Harry Potter! The cloisters and main building are great for photos.
- Pollok Country Park: Glasgow’s biggest park with forest paths, riverside walks, and a farm where you can see the famous and cute Highland cattle.
Glasgow is perfect for a weekend day trip where you can enjoy both city culture and natural beauty!
North Berwick and Dunbar
North Berwick and Dunbar are two lovely seaside towns east of Edinburgh. It takes only 30 minutes by train to reach North Berwick. From there, you can take a short bus to Dunbar and then a 30-minute train back to Edinburgh.
North Berwick has beautiful beaches, cozy cafés, unique shops, and lively bars. Dunbar is known for its sunshine and stunning coastline, perfect for relaxing by the sea.
These towns are great for a break from city life. On sunny days, you can enjoy amazing sea views and stunning sunsets. And don’t forget to try the local fish and chips—they’re delicious! Both towns have a calm and friendly vibe, perfect for unwinding after a busy week of studying.
St Abbs
St Abbs is a small fishing village on Scotland’s southeast coast. It is a great place to escape the crowds. Getting there is easy! Take a 40-minute train from Edinburgh to Berwick-upon-Tweed, then a local bus to St Abbs.
The Cliff-Top Nature Reserve has fresh sea air and beautiful coastal views. The walking paths are stunning, and the place feels wild and peaceful. St Abbs was also the filming location for “New Asgard” in Avengers: Endgame! This is where Thor lived in the movie. If you love Marvel movies, you will recognize some spots from the film! Besides, if you visit in winter (mid-November to January), you might even see baby seals playing on the shore!
If you want a peaceful place with spectacular cliff views and adorable seal pups, St Abbs is an excellent choice!
Travelling in Scotland
These places are great for solo trips or hanging out with friends! The best part is that they are easy to reach by train from Edinburgh Waverley Station, making weekend trips convenient. If you need a break from city life, you should explore these spots and see more of Scotland’s beauty!
Here are some tips for taking the train in Scotland. The train is as convenient as the bus. You can check routes, and timetables, and buy tickets online. There is also an app you can download.
Also, don’t forget to get a Railcard! You can save money when you travel!
Enjoy your life in Edinburgh and happy travels!
