The last post on this that I could here find was pre-COVID so thought that I would create a new post...
My wife and I are finishing our GB tour at the end of June in Edinburgh coming from the south so will have seen Scottish Borders and Rosslyn. We have three days in Edinburgh proper of which we plan to spend two in town and would like to take a day trip for the other. I've been looking at Rabbie's, Heart of Scotland, and other tour groups but haven't decided what to book. Looking for suggestions here. We like history, culture and nature. We enjoyed Outlander (TV only) but are not fanatics. First trip to Scotland. Thanks in advance!
Timberbush offers some excellent day trips. Personal favorites are the Highlands tour with ruins, castles, and a lake legend. Also, the Isle of Skye trip was amazing. Good guides and drivers who share the history and keep it fun throughout.
Back in 2019, we took a Heart of Scotland tour of Rosslyn, Melrose Abbey and Hadrian's Wall. It was a long day, but we really enjoyed the day tour and this company.
I also did the Roslyn/Melrose/Hadrian’s wall trip and really enjoyed it. I also did one to Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond. The other thing you could do is take the train to Glasgow and spend the day there on your own. Lots to do there.
Given you have been through the Borders and to Roslin, Stirling may be a good location, or the castles of East Lothian
From what someone at Rabbies' told me the Outlander tour is really about visiting castles and the Highlands, and thus is suitable whether one has seen the series or not. I would just look at the available 1-day tours and pick what suits your fancy.
My favourite day of my 2 weeks in Scotland last year was Stirling Castle. It's an easy daytrip by train from Edinburgh. It's different from Edinburgh Castle because it focuses on Royal history while Edinburgh Castle focused on military history.
Have you thought about St Andrews, a lovely seaside town with univcersity (where william met Catherine) and ruined castle and cathedral. It is easily done as day tripo from Edinburgh - train to Leuchars and bus to St Andrews.
It's not a day trip but we really enjoyed these two on the outskirts of town. They are on opposit sides of the city but you could do one in the AM and one in the PM.
1) Craigmiller Castle https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/craigmillar-castle We took the bus and walked but you could easily take a taxi. It was feature in Outlaw King (Robert the Bruce) film.
2) Dean Village and Stockbridge (loved Mellis Cheese)
Thank you everyone (so far) for your quick and thoughtful replies! I would like to see Stirling Castle but from what I've seen we may be able to do that on our own without too much trouble and thus could book a tour without it.