There are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh, Scotland other than just walking around or running after poltergeists along Old Town’s Royal Mile.

If you are in the city, you are just minutes away from exciting activities. You can jump on a train and go beach-hopping or wildlife watching. You can also swim with sharks in gigantic aquariums, explore magnificent palaces or hike around scenic trails. Of course, don’t forget about playing a round of golf at striking world-class courses. These are just some of the many options available for enthusiastic tourists visiting Scotland’s capital.

Just seven miles east of Edinburgh lies Musselburgh, an ancient Roman settlement dating back to 80 AD. The town still boasts of the working Old Bridge that, although rebuilt throughout the centuries, still stands on the original Roman foundations back in the day. Aside from its Roman beginnings, the town is also famous for its seaside scenery, lovely views of the River Forth and the New Bridge. It is also home to what many claim to be the world’s first proper golf course, the Musselburgh Old Course, which dates back to 1672.

If you are up for nature hikes, then Linlithgow is the perfect destination for you. It is just a short 20-minute train ride from Edinburgh, so you can get there and be back in a jiffy. Walk around woodlands or go kayaking and canoeing around Beecraigs Country Park. You can also cast some lines at the park’s trout-rich spring loch. If you are into archery, there are facilities on site that will keep you occupied.

If you are not a hiker, just hop on a barge at the Canal Centre and take a scenic trip around the Avon Aqueduct. If you want to see spectacular views of the region’s striking landscape, proceed to the 15th-century Blackness Castle and enjoy the breathtaking vistas it affords. If you are more interested in the local history, then make sure to pass by the Linlithgow Story Museum to gain insight into the town’s history from the vast collections on display.

Also minutes away by bus from Edinburgh is the small town of Innerleithen. It is famous for the grand Tranquair House, believed to be the oldest continually inhabited house in the country. The house also features a brewery and relics of Mary Queen of Scots. It is also home to an interesting maze garden that will give you quite a challenge figuring it out from the inside.

If you want to take a breather from old towns and would like to spend a quiet time by the beach, take a boat trip to Inchcolm Island in the Firth of Forth. The island is also home to a well-preserved 12th-century abbey that is a must-see when you get there. Walk around the covered cloisters and check out for yourself if monastic life suits you well.

If wildlife watching is a must in your itinerary, then you can’t miss the Scottish Seabird Centre located in the town of North Berwick. It is just 30 minutes by train from the capital and you get to see an amazing array of wildlife species such as puffins and gannets as well as playful seals. If lady luck is on your side, you just might catch sight of dolphins and whales in the distance.

However, if watching wildlife from afar is not enough for you, then go shark diving in Fife’s Deep Sea World! Don’t worry, these sharks do not bite but you still get a full adrenalin rush from the thrilling experience.

Edinburgh and its surrounding areas are calling! Let us help you escape to the land of whisky, nature, golf, and history. Contact us today!

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