East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (2024)

East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (1)

Want a real flavour of Scotland? Coastlines and castles, beaches and breweries, cathedrals and cashmere, whisky and walks; all this lies ahead of you (and much more) as you spend seven days exploring the east coast of Scotland. Taking in a range of cities and towns, stretching from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, you can explore St Andrews, Dundee, Pitlochry and more. You'll also explore miles of countryside, weave through rural communities and even journey through one of our National Parks! Are you ready to tour the north east coast of Scotland?

Start / Finish
Edinburgh - City Centre / Edinburgh
  • Days

    7

  • Distance

    295Miles

    472km

  • Transport

    Car

  • Main theme

    Sightseeing

Highlights
Edinburgh's attractions
Fishing village of East neuk
St Andrews
RRS Discovery
Arbroath Abbey
Dunnottar Castle
Strathisla Distillery
The Hermitage
Areas covered
East

Day 1Take in the highlights of Scotland's capital

Transport:
Bus
Walking

Edinburgh, Scotland's historic capital city, is bound to leave an impression on you. You could easily spend weeks discovering its many fantasticattractions,hidden gemsand vibrant cultural scene. Today's stops will give you a real feel for this beautiful city's unique character, fascinating past and unbridled charm.

  • 1

    Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh - City Centre

    East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (2)

    Towering over the city, you won't be able to miss Edinburgh Castle. As well as offering spectacular views of the skyline, it's home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. On your visit, uncover Scotland's military history in the National War Museum and take in the haunting National War Memorial. Once you've explored the castle, wander down theRoyal Mileto take in this famous thoroughfare - it's lined with an eclectic range of shops, pubs, eateries and historic closes, and you can also findSt Giles' Cathedralin the middle and thePalace of Holyroodhouseat the bottom of the street.

    Plan your trip to Edinburgh Castle
    Castle Hill,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 2NG

    Key facilities

    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • 2

    National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh - City Centre

    Not only is the National Museum of Scotland free to visit and full of thousands of incredible objects, the building is an architectural masterpiece that should not be missed by fans of design. Take in the vast airy space of the Grand Gallery before moving into the galleries on art, design and science, which covers everything fromDolly the Sheep, a marvel of genetics, to the couture fashions of the late Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen. There are also fantastic temporary exhibitions to see. It's a real treasure trove!

    Discover the National Museum of Scotland
    Chambers Street,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 1JF

    Key facilities

    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • 3

    Calton Hill and the National Monument Edinburgh

    East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (4)

    Edinburgh is a city best explored on foot, and for budding photographers or those keen to admire the stunning cityscape, it's time to head to Calton Hill to enjoy great views in the lingering light of the late afternoon. You'll see the National Monument, and art lovers can also pop into the Collective Gallery, one of the city's manyart galleries. Afterwards, if you are ready for dinner, you could catch the tram to theLeitharea of the city. It's one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the UK and boasts three Michelin-starrestaurants. Alternatively, wander along Princes Street or George Street to the city'sWest End.

    Walk up Calton Hill
    32 Greenside Road,Edinburgh,EH1 3AJ
  • 4

    Real Mary King's Close Edinburgh - City Centre

    East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (5)

    If you're keen to pack in one more attraction in the evening and want to find out more about the history of Edinburgh'sOld Town, then take a tour of the Real Mary King's Close. Step into the past as you head below the Royal Mile to discover a warren of old streets and living and working quarters from the 17th century which have been forgotten for hundreds of years. As well as fascinating and detailed accounts of the people who occupied the close, there are also a few chilling tales to unearth - a must for any history lover or fans of the macabre! Alternatively, take asupernatural-themed walking tourto uncover more of Edinburgh's spooky side.

    Experience the Real Mary King's Close
    High Street,2 Warriston's Close,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 1PG

    Key facilities

    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible toilets
    • Cafe or Restaurant
    Nearby places to eat Nearby places to stay

Day 2Explore Fife & St Andrews

Transport:
Car
Walking

Leave Edinburgh and venture out into theKingdom of Fife, taking the Queensferry Crossing. Look out for the remarkable structure of theForth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Forth Road Bridge. Follow the brown signs for theFife Coastal Routeto take in the sparkling coastline and the picturesque villages of theEast Neuk.

  • 5

    The villages of the East Neuk of Fife Pittenweem

    East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (6)

    The East Neuk refers to a scattering of quaint fishing villages in the north east corner of Fife. With curious winding streets, ancient stone harbours, and original white-washed fisherman's cottages, they make the perfect place to stop, breathe in the sea air, and perhaps grab a refreshing cup of tea or coffee. In Pittenweem, wander to the pier to see colourful bobbing boats, or walk up Cove Wynd to find the tiny St Fillan's Cave, said to have been used as a chapel by the saint in the eighth century. Head toAnstrutherto try famous fish and chips, before visiting the town'sScottish Fisheries Museum. It's here that you can hop on board The Reaper, a Fife sailing herring drifter featured in the TV seriesOutlander(access available by prior arrangement).

    Explore the East Neuk
    Pittenweem
  • 6

    St Andrews West Sands and Town Centre St Andrews

    East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (7)

    Next, head to beautiful St Andrews, a historic university town. Work up an appetite before lunch with a bracing stroll along the town's iconic West Sands - a long, flat beach famously featured inChariots of Fire(1981). West Sands lines the town's world-famous golf courses and lying not far from the south end of the beach is the famous Swilcan Bridge on theOld Course. Wander through the streets of the town and you'll find a range of boutique shops, cosy pubs, cafés and restaurants, as well as the ancient university campus,St Andrews CathedralandSt Andrews Castle.

    Visit St Andrews
    St Andrews
  • 7

    Eden Mill Distillery & Brewery Guardbridge

    If you fancy trying a local tipple, then book a late afternoon tour at Eden Mill Distillery & Brewery, just a10 minute drive from St Andrews' town centre. Producing craft beer, small-batch gin and Scotch whisky, there's bound to be the perfect tour to match your palate. Perhaps you'll fall head over heels for the Love Gin, or enjoy a fusion of flavours as you sample the whisky barrel beer (but remember: it's against the law to drink and drive). From Eden Mill, head north and take the Tay Bridge across the waters of the silveryRiver Tayto Dundee.

    Main Street,Guardbridge,Guardbridge,KY16 0US
    Nearby places to eat Nearby places to stay

Day 3Make Discoveries in Dundee

Day 4Head north to Aberdeen

Day 5Adventure from Aberdeen to Elgin

Day 6Weave through Royal Deeside to Highland Perthshire

Day 7Journey from Pitlochry to Edinburgh

Find experiences

Search a wide range of accommodation, events, food & drink options and things to do from indoor and outdoor attractions to activities, tours and more.

JavaScript needs to be enabled to see this product search form. You can turn this on in your browser settings.

Other things you might like

East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (9)

7Days

Boat

Category: Travel & planning

7 Days of Iconic Sightseeing in the West of Scotland

East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (10)

Category: Things to do

11 of the best beaches in Scotland

East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (11)

Category: Things to do

Castles to Visit in Scotland

East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (12)

Category: Travel & planning

Train Holidays in Scotland - Getting Around by Rail

East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (13)

Category: Things to do

14 Iconic Scottish Views

East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (14)

Category: Travel & planning

North Coast 500

East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (15)

Category: Travel & planning

Best Road Trips in Scotland

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter

East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (16)

East Coast of Scotland 7-Day Road TripItinerary (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Kerri Lueilwitz

Last Updated:

Views: 5569

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (67 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kerri Lueilwitz

Birthday: 1992-10-31

Address: Suite 878 3699 Chantelle Roads, Colebury, NC 68599

Phone: +6111989609516

Job: Chief Farming Manager

Hobby: Mycology, Stone skipping, Dowsing, Whittling, Taxidermy, Sand art, Roller skating

Introduction: My name is Kerri Lueilwitz, I am a courageous, gentle, quaint, thankful, outstanding, brave, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.