Looking for some side trips from Edinburgh
 

Hi,

My mom is visiting us in Edinburgh for two weeks and I'm looking for a little trip for the two of us. Somewhere on the rail lines since I don't have a car here, and definately something relaxing for my mom. We're hoping to find some little village near the beach maybe? She loves walking around and visiting little stores and having lunch at a cute restaurant, as opposed to visiting castles and such.

My husband and I just moved to Edinburgh a few months ago so I'm not too familiar with the area. Any suggestions would be welcome!

Thanks,
Gila

Hi Gila - welcome to Edinburgh ! Do you mean just day trips or staying for a night or two ?

Thanks Caroline!
We'd like to stay a night or so. And perhaps longer (like stay 1/2 nights at one place and then move on to another place for another 1/2 nights).

Hi,
How about St Andrews? Although it's not on the rail line it's easy enough to get to from Edinburgh and it would certainly fit your criteria. You get the train from Edinburgh to Leuchars, and from there you can get a regular bus service to St Andrews, five miles away. There's also a direct bus service from Edinburgh to St Andrews, but I believe the train is quicker.

I would also recommend St Andrews.

Again not actually on a train line, but about about Anstruther ? I'm sure there must be buses there. It's the one of the scenic East Nrek of Fife coastal villages and has a number of nice pubs & restaurants, plus the fanmous Anstruther Fish Bar (fish & chip shop). There are a few shops but not lots, but it's just quite a nice place to stroll along the seafront.

Or closer to Edinburgh, maybe for a day trip, North Berwick or Berwick Upon Tweed.

Or go into the Tourist Office in Princes Mall & ask if they have any other suggestions ? They should know all about transport links too.

For what you want St Andrews and/or one of the fishing villages definitely a good choice. Train to Leuchars and local bus or cab to St Andrews. And then local buses to Crail (my choice) or Anstruther or Pittenweem. The TIC in St Andrews or Edinburgh can give you the bus schedules. Say 2 nights in St Andrews, 1 night in one of the villages and then bus/train back to Edinburgh. This would be a lovely break. if you stayed 2 days in the village you would have time to take a boat trip out to the Isle of May. Sea birds, ruined light houses, etc.

Another option might be Oban. You could take the ferry to Mull/Iona.

But for me - I'd probably choose Crail or Anstruther and St Andrews.

North Berwick is another option, as is Stonehaven. North Berwick is closer, and not as twee, but still nice.

Stonehaven has its own charm. You could stay in the Harbour or somewhere and eat in the (blast! what's the name of the fish place on the quayside?)

North Berwick is a nice town and has the added attraction of the Bass Rock with its incredible colony of seabirds. The same guys have been running the boat trips out there since i was a kid and it's a fun thing to do.

However, I don't really think it's worth spending a night there as there's not *that* much to see, especially if you're not interested in castles (many people visit nearby Tantallon castle when in N Berwick). Still, it's easily accessible from Edinburgh - train takes about half an hour and there's at least one every hour - so it's a good day trip option.

Yes - if it was a golfing/castles weekend, N. Berwick would be great. But just a place to stroll/shop/eat - not so much.

Another vote for North Berwick. There is an excellent train service from Waverley station and it is an excellent small town. There are some super putting greens that will give you extra entertainment. Even the public washrooms are superb with fresh flowers on the counters. No contest in my opinion.

Hi,
I just wanted to let everyone know my mother and I went to St Andrews for a night and it was perfect - thanks so much for all the suggestions. She loved it, and we had perfect weather!