Towns to stay in near Edinburgh if you don’t want to stay in the city
Since launching this site just under a month ago, a lot of people have messaged me asking for advice on places to stay near Edinburgh that are either an escape from the city and/or are a bit cheaper than Edinburgh city centre . I think particularly for those intending on visiting Edinburgh during the Edinburgh Festival in August, this might be helpful as accommodation prices soar and also become fully booked well in advance. I’ve also tried my best to only include places with good transport links to Edinburgh that also have areas of beauty or things to do in/nearby to the town.
Linlithgow
How far away is Linlithgow from Edinburgh?
Linlithgow town centre is around 17 minutes by train to Edinburgh city centre. You can also get an express bus to/from the main bus station in Edinburgh city centre that will take you around 45 minutes. Linlithgow has good motorway links by car and on a good traffic day will take you around 45 to 50 minutes to get from Linlithgow to Edinburgh city centre.
What are the highlights of staying in Linlithgow?
As I already mentioned in a previous blog post about Linlithgow, the town is a scenic and historic place to stay. The main highlight of being here is viewing and learning about the history behind Linlithgow Palace, birthplace to Mary Queen of Scots. Linlithgow Palace is also set on a hill adjoining the beautiful Linlithgow Loch. You’ll also find a high street abundant in small independent shops, cafes and pubs.
Any downsides of staying in Linlithgow?
Finding long-stay parking in the town can be difficult if you’re coming by car.
Falkirk
How far away is Falkirk from Edinburgh?
By train, it usually takes around 22 to 28 minutes from Falkirk to Edinburgh city centre depending on what train you take/from which train station in Falkirk you’re departing. By car, Falkirk has good links to the motorway and usually takes just under an hour to get into Edinburgh city centre depending on traffic.
What are the highlights of staying in Falkirk?
As I mentioned in a previous blog post about Falkirk, Falkirk has a few major attractions in Scotland including the famous Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel. You’ll also find the town has lots of amenities on hand such as shops, pubs and restaurants.
Any downsides of staying in Falkirk?
This may prove controversial me saying, but I personally don’t find Falkirk town centre all that appealing in terms of character or from a scenic perspective. However, it will be a lot cheaper than Edinburgh to stay here, has good transport links and there are (as mentioned above) some major tourist attractions located within the town that are definitely worth seeing.
North Berwick
How far away is North Berwick from Edinburgh?
North Berwick is around 35 minutes by train from Edinburgh city centre or around an hour’s drive from the city centre depending on traffic.
What are the highlights of staying in North Berwick?
North Berwick is a beautiful wee coastal town. If you want to be by somewhere by the beach that is a lot quieter than Edinburgh, then this is somewhere I’d recommend.
Any downsides of staying in North Berwick?
There’s not really any I can think of to be honest…
Dunbar
How far away is Dunbar from Edinburgh?
Trains to Dunbar usually take around 20 to 37 minutes to get from Edinburgh city centre to Dunbar. By car you’re looking at just under an hour’s drive depending on traffic.
What are the highlights of staying in Dunbar?
Yet another beautiful wee town by the coast near Edinburgh, Dunbar is a popular place to holiday with local Scots.
Any downsides of staying in Dunbar?
Like North Berwick, I can’t really think of any particular downsides…
Dunfermline
How far away is Dunfermline from Edinburgh?
Dunfermline is the first big(ish) town across the Forth Bridge from Edinburgh into Fife. It takes around 32 minutes from Edinburgh city centre to reach Dunfermline by train. If you’re driving to Edinburgh city centre it’ll probably take you 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic.
What are the highlights of staying in Dunfermline?
Dunfermline has lots of amenities typical of a town of its size and you’re also situated close to a lot pretty coastal villages and small towns in Fife. Dunfermline Abbey is also worth a visit if you’re staying in Dunfermline and you are also situated close to the stunning Forth Bridge.
Any downsides of staying in Dunfermline?
Don’t go expecting anything particularly spectacular about much of Dunfermline town centre, but you are close to a lot of beautiful villages/towns in coastal Fife on the upside.
Stirling
How far away is Stirling from Edinburgh?
By train from Stirling, you’ll usually make it into Edinburgh city centre in just over 40 minutes. Driving from Stirling into Edinburgh city centre will usually take you around an hour depending on traffic.
What are the highlights of staying in Stirling?
Stirling is a historic town with lots to see and do. You’ve got the epic and gigantic Wallace Monument, Stirling Castle (which I’d argue is better than Edinburgh Castle) and the site of the Battle of Bannockburn nearby amongst other sites and attractions.
Any downsides of staying in Stirling?
There are not many downsides I can think of to be honest…
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If you’re looking for nearby alternatives to Edinburgh city centre, hopefully this wee guide has helped!