Edinburgh days out

Escape the capital and discover something a little different, in under an hour by train.

Explore the ruins of the 15th century palace at Linlithgow. Stand in the shadow of the iconic Forth Bridge at North Queensferry. Eat lobster and chips on the dock, fresh off the boat in North Berwick. Wherever you choose to go, let the train whisk you off on an adventure, less than an hour from Edinburgh.

A ruined palace, and a beautiful walk.

This historic Royal Burgh is famous for Linlithgow Palace, a 15th century ruin beside Linlithgow Loch. Mary Queen of Scots was born here in 1542. Take the kids exploring among the ruins, then try the beautiful circular walk around the loch, a regular haunt for wildfowl.

You could also venture out on a canal boat trip, or walk and cycle along the Union and Forth & Clyde canals.

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For boat trips and the Forth Bridge.

Take the train over the famous Forth Bridge to North Queensferry, where you can also book boat trips on the Firth of Forth.

North Queensferry is the home of Deep Sea World, with Scotland's largest collection of sharks. If you’re brave enough, go on a dive experience to get up close and personal with them. With a Kids Go Free rail ticket you can get one free child entry to Deep Sea World, as well as free off-peak train travel for up to two children.

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Take the Borders Railway.

Galashiels sits in the narrow valley of the Gala Water in the heart of the Scottish Borders. Visit Old Gala House, with a fantastic museum and art gallery, as well as beautiful gardens.

Tweedbank is the final stop on the Borders Railway. From here, it’s a short hop to the market town of Melrose – and don't miss Abbotsford House, the beautifully preserved mansion home of Sir Walter Scott. With a Kids Go Free rail ticket you can get one free child entry to Abbotsford House, as well as free off-peak train travel for up to two children.

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Scotland’s historic heartland.

This beautiful historic city is widely known for the magnificent Stirling Castle, with superb access to the royal apartments enjoyed by kings and queens of old. It's also home to The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum, documenting over 200 years of the famous regiment.

From the castle esplanade there's an unparalleled view of Stirling’s other famous structure, the National Wallace Monument, built in honour of renowned patriot William Wallace (otherwise known as Mel Gibson in Braveheart). With a Kids Go Free rail ticket you can get one free child entry to the National Wallace Monument, as well as free off-peak train travel for up to two children.

Don’t miss the rest of Stirling’s Old Town and the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum.

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For The Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel and the Antonine Wall.

Falkirk has an excellent mix of ancient and modern attractions. You can stand beneath the towering metal structures of The Kelpies, marvel at the Falkirk Wheel, and play at being a Roman soldier at the Antonine Wall.

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A harbour town with excellent seafood, seabirds and beach.

People travel for miles to go to the lobster shack on the dock in North Berwick: you’ll struggle to find fresher, tastier seafood. In town, there’s an eclectic mix of shops, cafes and bars – and an especially good bakery. The long-distance walking route, the John Muir Way, passes through the town – you can try a section for an afternoon stroll.

You can book excellent wildlife spotting boat trips to Bass Rock, home to one of the world’s most important breeding colonies of gannets – and to the Isle of May, for hundreds of puffins and seals.

Don’t miss the Scottish Seabird Centre, a world-leader in remote wildlife viewing. Get 2FOR1 admission when you go by train – download the voucher from this site before you go. And with a Kids Go Free rail ticket you can get one free child entry as well as free off-peak train travel for up to two children.

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Kids for a Quid

Up to four children can travel for just £1 each with every paying adult when you buy a Kids for a Quid ticket.

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2FOR1 Attractions

Great savings at many of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions when you travel with ScotRail.

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Travel Off-Peak

Travel after 9:15 on a weekday or anytime at a weekend with an Off-Peak Day Return and save.

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