Edinburgh City Breaks - Outside the City

Edinburgh is surrounded by stunning countryside so make sure you spend some time getting out and about to our choice of the top ten attractions outwith the city as part of your Edinburgh city break.

Rosslyn Chapel 
Is the Holy Grail hidden in this medieval chapel? Famous for its unique stone carvings, and for being a key filming location for the Da Vinci Code, a trip to Rosslyn makes a fascinating family day out. More info

Step back in time 
If wandering through ruins of once-impressive castles is your idea of fun, there are plenty within easy reach of Edinburgh. There's Dirleton and Tantallon Castles in East Lothian, Crichton Castle in Midlothian and Linlithgow Palace or Blackness Castle in West Lothian. More info

Pentland Hills 
Forming the backdrop to Scotland's capital, the Pentland Hills have long been a popular attraction for walkers. If you're feeling more active, there's hill climbing, horse riding and golf too. More info

Beaches in East Lothian 
Edinburgh's not far from some terrific beaches. So if you like to be by the seaside, head to the sheltered sandy bay of Yellowcraig or nearby North Berwick. Had a big night? A dip in the sea is guaranteed to shake off the cobwebs. 

Beecraigs and Polkemmet Country Parks 
If outdoor pursuits are your thing, you'll find loads to do at these rambling country parks. From archery to kayaking, climbing to golf, there's something for everyone. Camping and caravans welcome at Beecraigs. More info

Glenkinchie Distillery 
Come and see how one of the world's top five malts is made. There'll be plenty of opportunities to try the whisky, and a great selection of malts on sale, if you really get a taste for it. More info

John Muir Way
Now you can walk almost the entire coastal stretch of East Lothian. The route's over 50 kilometres long and offers walkers a chance to see the natural history of this unique landscape. More info

Concorde at the Museum of Flight 
Get nose-to-nose with the grand dame of supersonic flight. There's so much to see here, the sky's the limit when it comes to having fun. More info

Scottish Mining Museum
This 5* visitor attraction in nearby Newtongrange has one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian colliery in Europe. All the guides are ex-miners, so you're in for a fun, educational day out. More info

Hopetoun House 
One of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in Britain, this stately home is set in 150 acres of rolling parkland. Take a tour of the magnificent interiors then pop into the Stables Tearoom for a champagne afternoon tea. In a word, splendid. More info