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Sitting in the lowlands southeast of the country and bounded by the Firth of Fourth estuary in the north is the historic capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh. The city is the second largest city by population and biggest by land mass in Scotland. The origin of the city dates back to the Middle Stone Age. Today, the city showcases abundant remains of nearly every historical period through its architecture and numerous cultural and historical sites.
This, combined with its beautiful climate, has earned the city a top place in the rank of tourist destinations on the continent and a reputation as one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.
Why a Road Trip from Edinburgh?
Among the various ways to explore Scotland, you will particularly enjoy taking road trips to enjoy the scenic landscapes of Edinburgh. This article will show you why you should centre your road adventure plans in the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
1. Visit Cultural and historical attractions while in the city
Edinburgh is a blend of historical houses and sites, cultural institutions and urban vitality. While in the city, you can visit the most popular historical site the Edinburgh Castle, an 11th-century fortress standing on Castle Rock. The Castle doubled as military barracks and now houses the National War Museum, the Honour of Scotland and Britain’s oldest Crown Jewels. You can explore other architectural wonders including the Lauriston Castle which takes you back to the Edwardian era, the Craigmillar Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse among others.
If you are a fan of gallery shows, you will enjoy the Scottish National Portrait Gallery which showcases centuries-old portraits of famous Scots in history spanning several periods. The National Gallery of Modern Art displays collections from more recent artists around the world. And at the Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions Museum, you can experience a mix of art and architecture that will leave you amazed.
Additionally, you can participate in any of the city’s many festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo and International Film Festival, among others. The festivals cover a variety of themes and attract performers, artists and participants from around the world so you can be sure of world-class entertainment and activities to keep you occupied at any time of the year.
Edinburgh is also known for its famous writers, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Walter Scott, Sir James Matthew Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan and JK Rowling, the author of Harry Potter.
2. Close access to top destinations
Edinburgh sits at a prime location where you can easily access top tourist destinations across Scotland. You can opt for a luxury motorhome hire Edinburgh starting point for a relatively short drive to the historic town of Stirling which is home to the Royal Place and the house in which Mary Queen of Scots was raised.
The city is less than an hour to the East Lothian coast, where you can explore Yellowcraig and other beaches of North Berwick and see the Bass Rock. To the north of Edinburgh, about one hour by car, is the Perthshire region popular for its lush forests and scenic spots like Loch Tay. For an immersive experience into traditional Scottish culture and picture-worthy landscapes, you can stop off at quaint towns along the Scottish Borders like Peebles, Melrose, Kelso and Jedburgh.
3. Scenic landscapes along road drives
Edinburgh offers access to some of Scotland’s most iconic scenic drives. The Fife Coastal Route features fishing villages like Anstruther and St. Andrews, with breathtaking views over the North Sea.
If you’re up for an adventure through rugged landscapes, the journey north along the A82 route towards Glencoe and Fort William provides colourful mountain and loch scenery. The Borders Historic Route, following the A7 south to the English border, will take you through picturesque towns such as Melrose and Jedburgh. For a longer drive, the North Coast 500 winds around the far north of Scotland, showcasing dramatic coastlines, cliffs and remote beaches.
4. Accessibility and Connectivity of Roads
Edinburgh’s accessibility and connectivity for road trips make it an ideal base for exploring Scotland and nearby regions. The well-maintained road networks extending from the capital ensure a smooth journey through coastal towns, national parks, and historic sites. The coastal route from Edinburgh to Eyemouth, for instance, presents a picturesque journey with stunning cliff views, perfect for short excursions.
There are several major highways in different regions within and outside the city. The highways are complemented by the A-roads identified by the A-road numbering system used for connecting different parts of the city. You can also take advantage of the park facilities for comfortable pit stops during your journey.
