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Edinburgh, the enchanting capital of Scotland, is a city that beautifully combines ancient and modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere. Set against the backdrop of the majestic Edinburgh Castle, the city is teeming with historic sites, monuments, and cultural treasures. Nestled among seven hills on the southern shores of the Firth of Forth, it offers a captivating blend of medieval and modern architecture ideal to be explored in a campervan.

The city is divided into two main sections: the Old Town and the New Town. Both have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, demonstrating their historical and cultural importance.

The Old Town is home to the Royal Mile, a historic street that stretches from Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Here you'll find the city's medieval roots, with narrow, winding streets, hidden courtyards, and some of the oldest buildings in the city, including St Giles' Cathedral. Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock, dominates the city's skyline and offers panoramic views over the surroundings.

The New Town, built in the 18th century, represents one of the most excellent examples of Georgian architecture. It offers a contrasting elegance with its orderly grid of neoclassical and Georgian buildings, wide streets, and beautiful gardens, including the famous Princes Street Gardens.

Spend two full days exploring the city's rich history and vibrant culture, and then embark on a remarkable journey to uncover the awe-inspiring scenery beyond the city's limits. This immersive 7-day itinerary will guide you through rugged highlands, serene lochs, and ancient forests as you delve deep into the heart of Scotland's most majestic and unforgettable terrains.

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There’s no better way to start your Edinburgh road trip than a full day visiting two of the city’s most popular attractions. With a choice of campgrounds in Edinburgh, you can rest assured your campervan is secure while you walk through the cobblestone streets and take in the sights and sounds.

Edinburgh Castle

Sitting on Castle Rock and towering over the city is Edinburgh Castle, one of the oldest fortified structures in Europe. As the castle is such a popular attraction, it’s wise to book tickets in advance to guarantee your spot!

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Adding some excitement into the mix is Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, boasting 5 floors with over 100 interactive exhibits. As the attraction is at the end of the Royal Mile, you can absorb the city’s gothic architecture before heading into Edinburgh’s first-ever built visitor attraction.

Just 40 miles (64.4km) from Edinburgh is the vibrant city of Stirling. It’s often called ‘The Gateway to the Highlands’ because of its strategic location. It serves as a key entry point for those traveling from the south and east of Scotland towards the scenic Highlands. It's often the last major city travelers pass through before heading into the rugged Highland landscapes. Stirling provides a subtle contrast to bustling Edinburgh.

Stirling Castle

The world-renowned Stirling Castle is more than just the filming place of many scenes from Game of Thrones. It offers a step back in time with guided tours inside the castle walls. The castle is a busy tourist attraction, so book ahead for the best ticket prices and to ensure you don’t miss out.

Macrobert Arts Center

With a selection of live shows, from comedy and musicals to family pantomimes, the Macrobert Arts Center has a variety of shows that will get you and the whole family smiling.

The drive from Stirling to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is pleasant, and in winter, it can look like a white wonderland. The park is one of only two national parks in Scotland and is the home of the infamous Loch Lomond.

Loch Lomond

The oak woodlands surrounding the Loch help create mesmerizing scenery perfect for exploring on foot. There are countless walking trails around Loch Lomond, from steep mountainous hikes to more family-friendly, flatter walks.

Bracklinn Falls Bridge and Callander Crags

The enchanting scenes of Bracklinn Falls Bridge and Callander Crags make you feel like you are in an Indonesian paradise, not the top third of the US! This circuit is a must when heading to the Trossachs National Park, with mossy woodland opening into spectacular views from the bridge into the deep gorge below.

The diverse city of Glasgow is bursting with a wide variety of museums and centers that will get you clued up on Scottish history in no time. The A81 from Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is a scenic drive that will take you south towards Glasgow.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

A popular free attraction in Scotland is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, a haven for those wanting to absorb the rich culture in the 22 galleries. With world-famous paintings by artists like Dali and Monet, the museum deserves a stop.

The Clydeside Distillery

A trip to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without visiting a whiskey distillery. The Clydeside Distillery is unique as Glasgow’s first dedicated single malt scotch whiskey distillery in over a century. With tours starting at just £15, it’s the ideal place to get a heartwarming taste of Scotland.

The Scottish border town of Peebles is known for its production of tweed and knitwear, along with glorious nature that will get you putting your hiking boots straight back on! The A72 on the way from Glasgow to Peebles is a road offering romantic views of the Scottish Lowlands as it crosses through stunning undulating valleys.

Kailzie Gardens

The breathtaking walled Kailzie Gardens features a rainbow assortment of flowers and plants and is a beautiful place to wind down and enjoy a leisurely stroll. With a courtyard cafe on site, it's the ideal location to relax and take in the charming scenery.

Neidpath Castle

The 14th-century Neidpath Castle is a popular wedding venue and attraction that can only be viewed via private tours. As many other castles in Scotland are often busy and bustling with tourists, the private tours offer a quieter visit as you delve inside.

The drive from Peebles to Roslin is a quick jaunt, allowing you to get the most out of your trip to the village before making a slow drive back to Edinburgh.

Rosslyn Chapel and Rosslyn Castle

Rosslyn Chapel was made famous thanks to being at the center of Dan Brown’s book ‘The Da Vinci Code’. A short walk from the eerie chapel is the neighboring Rosslyn Castle, a ruin standing tall amongst trees and steep rock.

Roslin Glen Country Park

The fairytale land of Roslin Glen Country Park is a serene location for a walk through stunning wildflower meadows and winding rivers. It’s a dream picnic spot and a great stop returning to Edinburgh.

Round off your week-long trip back in the capital with a couple of free activities that provide a stunning look at Edinburgh and Scotland itself.

National Museum of Scotland

There's no better way to end your Edinburgh trip than visiting the glorious National Museum of Scotland, which boasts incredible art and design, science technology, and deep Scottish history all within four walls.

Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park

Pull up at Holyrood Park in your campervan and walk up to Arthur's seat, a point on the top of an ancient volcano. With widespread views across the city, it's a perfect spot to snap that last selfie and reflect on your trip around Edinburgh and Southern Scotland.