10 Free Things to Do and See Near Edinburgh and Glasgow

It’s no secret that here at Rabbie’s we adore travel. We wouldn’t exist if that weren’t the case. What keeps us interested is that there are so many different ways to travel. Hiking solo in a remote national park, exploring the inner workings of an idyllic village with your partner, discovering history with your friends in the ruins scattered across an ancient landscape, on the hunt for everything fun and fascinating with your young children in a modern city. No matter where you travel to or why, travel is adventure. It’s reinvigorating oneself. It’s both discovery and self-discovery.  

And there are so many things that keep us from those adventures. Our jobs and responsibilities, the availability of time and money... but those things don’t always have to stand in our way.  

If you’re visiting Scotland this summer, as many do for the Fringe Festival or simply to experience this stunning country in the warmer weather, you might be on the lookout for things that don’t break the bank. So, without further ado, here are ten free things you can do and see both in and around Edinburgh and Glasgow. 

Coming up in this blog:

• Things to Do In and Near Edinburgh:

  • The National Museum of Scotland

  • Cramond Island

  • Rosslyn Chapel Grounds

  • St Andrews

  • The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

  • The Kelpies

  • North Berwick

• Things to Do In and Near Glasgow:

  • Glasgow Cathedral

  • Dunure Castle

  • Pollock Country Park

Things to Do In and Near Edinburgh 

The National Museum of Scotland 

When you walk through the doors to the National Museum of Scotland, it’s like being consumed by another world. Tall ceilings loom above you, columns and stone all around, and the first few hints of what’s to come linger in the foyer. And as you continue to explore, it's easy to marvel at the beauty of the building alone, such as in the Grand Gallery, with its soaring pillars and high windows, casting a white light into this striking atrium. 

The museum is one of Edinburgh’s top attractions and admission is completely free, which makes it the perfect place to stop in when visiting Scotland’s capital city. Whether you’re a fan of science and technology, of dinosaurs and archaeology, or wanting to learn about the history of Scotland, the diversity inside will easily keep you occupied for an entire day. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits, such as Game On, the largest interactive exhibition on the history and culture of video games, which is running right now until 3 November 2024. 

How to Get to The National Museum of Scotland 

If you’re staying in Edinburgh already, the museum is easily located on Chambers Street. If coming from elsewhere, Chambers Street is an easy 900-metre walk (about 5 minutes) from Edinburgh Waverley train station.  

Cramond Island 

There are many islands along the Firth of Forth, Scotland’s estuary (or firth) made up of several Scottish rivers, but Cramond Island is special. Why? Because at low tide, explorers can walk across the causeway to Cramond Island and enjoy not just the beautiful island and great views of the mainland, but you can discover remains of fortifications from World War II.  

But its history goes further back than that. There is evidence suggesting that Cramond played a significant role in the lives of prehistortic people who lived along the Firth of Forth coastline, and this is due to the stone burial grave found. 

It’s a slightly more adventurous day which requires some planning but if you make it to Cramond, you’re in for a day of history, nature, and something a little unique.  

How to Get to Cramond Island 

If you have a car, reaching Cramond Beach (where you get out to walk to the island) is about 40 minutes. Alternatively, the easiest bus to get is the 29 from Waverley Station which takes just over an hour to reach the beach. Remember the island is only accessible at low tide, so make sure you check the tide times. 

Rosslyn Chapel Grounds 

Many know of Rosslyn Chapel. This 15th century Episcopal chapel is found in the lovely village of Roslin not far from the centre of Edinburgh. While entrance to the chapel itself requires payment, the grounds around Rosslyn (and the village beyond) make for a beautiful day out and are completely free.  

The area around the chapel has its own history and has a truly mystical atmosphere to it. The gardens weren’t originally constructed alongside the chapel, but as the chapel’s popularity grew, the gardens were cultivated into the lush and magical scenery you see today, designed to provide a tranquil setting for visitors to reflect on the chapel’s history.  

As you wander, make sure you take note of the plants around you, many of which are uniquely native to Scotland. And hidden among the garden somewhere, you might also be lucky enough to find the rumored treasures that were placed here. Just as the chapel is rumored to house the Holy Grail or the treasures of the Knights Templar, the garden itself is said to conceal hidden treasures or secret passages leading to underground chambers.  

How to Get to Rosslyn Chapel Gardens 

It’s a quick 40-minute drive by car from Edinburgh’s city centre, or you can get the 37 bus, which takes about an hour. Alternatively, we head to Rosslyn Chapel on a lovely day tour from Edinburgh. 

St Andrews 

Our day-tour to St Andrews from Edinburgh continues to be one of our most popular adventures and it’s no surprise why once you visit the town yourself. Lucky for you, it’s relatively easy to get to and many of the attractions are free. 

An air of tranquility washes over St Andrews, despite it being a bustling little place. An expanse of sparkling sea stretches out around you, while humble castles crumble in your presence and rolling greens cover the distance in between. St Andrews is the ‘home of golf’, one of Scotland’s most beloved sports, and the perfect place to indulge in a little afternoon game. The town is also home to stunning white-sand beaches, a university that looks as magical as Hogwarts, and endless cafes and shops to tempt you.  

And perched on a rocky promontory sit the ruins of St Andrews Castle, so perfectly dramatic you'll think it was put there to trick you. But we assure you the castle and all its history and beauty are real. While entrance to the inner castle costs money, the grounds surrounding it are completely free and offer – in our opinion – the better view anyway.  

How to Get to St Andrews 

With a car, it’s a lovely 1.5-hour drive from Edinburgh – but note that parking can be difficult in the busy season. Alternatively, you can catch the X59 bus from Edinburgh, which will take around 2.5 hours. Our day tour to St Andrews continues to be one of our most popular and books up quickly in summer, so make sure you secure your spot, and we can do all the driving for you. 

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 

As Scots, we’re immensely proud of our Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh as they are known as one of the world’s leading botanic gardens. History dates back to over 350 years within the gardens and it's the perfect escape from bustling city life for a few hours where you can loes yourself in over 70 acres of stunning landscapes. 

It’s home to one of the world’s richest collections of living plants, with more than 13,500 species from around the globe. You could easily spend a whole day here, exploring the Rock Garden, the Alpine Houses, the Woodland Garden, Pond, the Arboretum or tree collection, the Chinese Hillside, the Rhododendron Collection and the Scottish Native Plants Collection in the Heath Garden. It’s your very own Secret Garden hidden within one of the most beautiful cities in the world. 

How to Get to The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 

From Edinburgh Waverley train station, it’s a ten-minute taxi ride or a 35-minute walk. We highly recommend walking as you’ll get to pass through the wonderfully cobbled streets of this beautiful city.

The Kelpies 

Coasting down the motorway as you exit Edinburgh, one wouldn’t expect to see enormous 100ft tall metal horse heads staring down at you but – hey – welcome to Scotland.  

Welcome to The Helix: Home of the Kelpies. It’s no surprise that these are the largest equine sculptures in the world, looming over the landscape and weighing more than 300 tonnes each. These striking sculptures are a feat of engineering and works of art created by artist Andy Scott. The Kelpies monument is dedicated to the lineage of the heavy horses of the Scottish economy. You can head inside one of the kelpies for a tour to learn about their engineering and ingenuity.  

But what are Kelpies, you ask? In Scotland, Kelpies are mythical monsters with the strength of 100 horses. They lurk in the waters of Scotland and lure people to their deaths. Perhaps it’s true, or perhaps it was a scary story to warn children from straying into the water unsupervised... it’s likely we’ll never know for sure. But under the looming gazes of these metal giants, you can’t help but believe the myth to be true.  

How to Get to The Kelpies 

With a car, it’s an easy hour’s drive to the Kelpies. You could get public transport (going on the 909 bus and then the 3 bus) which takes just under two hours. Alternatively, we also head there on our 1-day tour from Edinburgh. 

North Berwick 

The beautiful village of North Berwick (pronounced ‘Bear-ick’) is tucked on the eastern coastline of Scotland, about an hour’s drive from the capital of Edinburgh. Brimming with gorgeous seaside scenery, ample restaurants and cafes, and fantastic boutiquey shops, it’s no wonder North Berwick is popular all year round.  

It’s the perfect place for a wander along the beach, gelato in hand, petting the dogs that trundle on by, as you appreciate the beauty of Scotland. Perhaps a side you didn’t expect, are we right? Because it may surprise you that Scotland is home to many striking beaches and seaside villages, and North Berwick is a great place to start.  

Bird fans won’t want to miss out on North Berwick either. You can pop into the 5-star Scottish Seabird Centre and enjoy their interactive Discovery Experience. The Scottish Seabird Centre also run a variety of boat trips - including out to the island of Craigleith, where one might be able to see puffins depending on the time of year. 

And nature lovers will be in their element, not just within the village itself, but with a lovely hike up North Berwick Law for spectacular views over Bass Rock, Edinburgh and the Pentlands.  

How to Get to North Berwick 

It’s a lovely hour’s drive from Edinburgh if you have a car. You can also get the 124 or X5 bus from Edinburgh’s city centre (taking between 1 hour and 10 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes), or you can get the train from Edinburgh Waverley which takes just over 30 minutes. 

Things to Do In and Near Glasgow 

Glasgow Cathedral 

When you think of cathedrals, perhaps you picture somewhere like Italy – the duomo in Florence, for instance. But it might surprise you to know that Scotland carries its own when it comes to these magnificent buildings, none nearly quite as impressive as Glasgow Cathedral. This gothic masterpiece offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city centre.  

Lying in the heart of Scotland’s music capital, Glasgow, this cathedral is the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to have survived the Protestant Reformation of 1560 virtually intact.  

Back in the day, the cathedral was surrounded by a precinct where the bishops and clergy lived. The burghs that sprang up around the cathedral eventually grew into the thriving metropolis we see today.  

The exterior of the cathedral is dramatically gothic, with pointed arches and ribbed vaults. Once on the inside of the building, you’ll be mesmerised by the stained-glass windows, vaulted ceilings, and atmospheric crypt where you’ll find the tomb of St. Mungo, the founder and patron saint of Glasgow. 

How to Get to Glasgow Cathedral 

For those within Glasgow already, it’s a lovely 20-minute walk from Glasgow Queen Street train station.  

Dunure Castle 

Clinging to the shoreline on the Ayrshire coast lie some of Scotland’s most photogenic castle ruins. Once a stronghold for clan Kennedy, Dunure Castle has seen several feuds in its time, including a notable clash between clans Macdonalds and Campbells in 1429.  

Many may recognise Dunure from the TV show Outlander, featured in season 3 during a dramatic scene in which young Ian is kidnapped by pirates after swimming out to Silkies Island.  

No visit to Scotland is complete without visiting at least one ruinous castle. While there are many to choose from, Dunure is so perfectly ruinous – surrounded by rolling green hills and overlooking a crashing rocky beach below – that we know you’ll be swept away in the majesty of it all.  

How to Get to Dunure Castle 

If you have a car, it’s about an hour’s drive to the west coast of Scotland where Dunure sits patiently waiting for your visit. For public transport users, you’ll need to catch two buses (the 923 followed by the 361) which takes about 1.5 hours. 

Pollok Country Park 

It’s always nice to have a place in a bustling city to reconnect with nature, even for just an hour or two. Pollok Country Park is Glasgow’s largest park, a playground of woodlands, gardens and walking trails. It’s not just a sanctuary for you, but for local wildlife, including some you may not expect to see. If you’re lucky, you may see some Highland Coos grazing in the fields... but remember the first rule of seeing a Highland Coo is not to ask to see one. If you do, it’s a blessing – just watch out for those horns! 

And nestled within the greenery of the park, like treasure waiting to be discovered, is the Burrell Collection. Within this incredible (free) museum is a staggering 9,000 artefacts and curiosities from around the world. Stained glass, armour, over 200 tapestries, paintings by renowned artists... it’s a treasure trove of humanity within a treasure trove of nature.  

How to Get to Pollok Country Park 

From Glasgow Queen Street train station, you could hop in a taxi and drive about ten minutes to the park. The walk there will take you just over an hour, or you could get the number 3 bus which takes about 30 minutes.

That old saying comes to mind... so much to do, so little time. But we hope this list will help guide you to some of our favourite free things to do in and near both Edinburgh and Glasgow. If you’re not out with us on tour or exploring the cities, we hope you’ll love the activities and days out on this list.