I saw an inexpensive fare to Edinburgh from our hometown in Spain so we are going this weekend.

I know we cannot see much in 5 nights, 4 full days, but would like to know of one or two day- trip destinations we could do from Edinburgh easily on train or bus for beautful scenery.

My husband is an avid golfer.. is St Andrews/town also a beautiful area to visit?

We may be going with a dear friend who cannot take hikes, so I would like this to be a scenic venture outside the city with short walks in an urban setting where he can stop and rest and have something to drink if we want to venture further.

We arrive at 8pm and need to go through immigration. Is it worth it to sleep elsewhere one or two nights and then finish in Edinburgh? We have 5 nights, returning around 2:30 pm the 5th day.

Thank you for any ideas. Weather will be crisp but it looks like no rain, so I am encouraged to be able to see some of this amazing scenery, albeit just a taste!.

>>so we are going this weekend.<< Lucky you

St Andrews is easy -- train to Leuchars, then local bus or taxi over to St Andrews.

Or you can do a day trip w/ Rabbies https://www.rabbies.com/en/scotland-...from-edinburgh

They do a lot of great one and multi-day small group tours.

Stirling is also an easy day trip by train. But I'd really look at the Rabbies offerings - there are so many options.

Actually - with an 8PM arrival -- central Edinburgh is just about the easiest place to stay.

that looks great! exactly what we'll do!

I second the suggestion of Stirling for a day trip!

"I second the suggestion of Stirling for a day trip!"

If they go with the friend who can't hike, they'll need to get a cab or uber/lyft from Stirling's train station to get to the Castle - otherwise it's a 1.2 km walk uphill.

>>If they go with the friend who can't hike, they'll need to get a cab or uber/lyft from Stirling's train station to get to the Castle - otherwise it's a 1.2 km walk uphill.<<

I can hike and I'd STILL take a cab up to the castle Stirling is even more uphill than Edinburgh . . .

Just a quick reply of thank you to all who gave ideas. In reality, we did much less than I had hoped but had a nice time. We took a Highlands, Glencoe Valley/Loch Ness tour the next day. Then another day e bought a Stagecoach group bus pass for St Andrew's an dFife area. We went the fastest way on our way to SA then took the more scenic longer, coastal route back that winds among the villages.

If we had been alone we would have go toff in Anstruthers to take the boat to the island to see the seals and puffins, etc., but we were unable to move around too much under the circumstances.

We had exceptional meals and some with views. The Tower, Wildfire, Fargan's ( in St Andrew's), Laila's and our hotel was great ( Marriott Courtyard on Baxter's place almost next ot the Royal Theater.

Uber was our main transport when too tired/ far to walk in twon. It is amazingly inexpensive , especially when four are travelling!

One day we walked from Dean's Village along the path ( Water of Leith?) to Stockbridge. It was fantastic and so relaxing.

Thanks again, everyone. Next trip will definitely be further North to Skye and sights along the way, including Stirling.

Sounds like you had a great tour for such a short time - well done .

One restaurant I should have posted was Bon Vivant. I think it has also been claimed one of the best bars hey have great unusual tapas. Always a small bite 1 GBP bite specials list and then their normal 2 gbp list and then mains and dessert. This is definitely a must visit place IMO.

The Bon Vivant Thistle Street, Edinburgh - Expertly constructed fine cuisine in Edinburgh city centre served in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere reservations a must

The Tower https://www.tower-restaurant.com reservations a must

laila's Lailas Bistro Edinburgh | Bistro Edinburgh

Wildfire Restaurant - Scottish Steak and Seafood Bistro reservations a must

Home | Forgan's St Andrews They have cool private dining rooms ( ask for the bookcase decor one) that cost 50gbp but they take it off your bill. well worth it.