Here’s the ultimate guide to weekend breaks from Edinburgh

Deadlines are piling up. I’ve not seen the sun for about four weeks. Edinburgh’s just not cutting it anymore. Thankfully, Scotrail, Citylink, and good old Ryanair have us covered. If you’re looking for a cheeky trip away, look no further.

Have a trip round Scotland!

Inverness and Loch Ness

Perhaps a stereotypical destination that comes to mind when you think about places to travel in Scotland, Loch Ness boasts a number of natural beauties and is (relatively) close to Edinburgh, at least it’s in the same country.

Why doesn’t anyone talk about this castle tho

If you’re lucky enough to be under 22, take a free bus from Edinburgh Waverley to Inverness, and then a local bus to the loch. Overall, the transport takes five to six hours (less if you’re just off to Inverness), costs either nothing or up to £35ish, making it perfect for a weekend getaway when you don’t feel like another karaoke night in Tron will suffice.

Total: £0 (under 22) or £35 (standard Megabus fare)

St. Andrews

If you want to go check out the competition, you can head over to St. Andrews for under £20 for a return journey on the train. Apart from the university, you can discover notable historical sites like the St. Andrews Cathedral, the St. Andrews Castle, as well as the charming coastal walks and beach.

Apart from that, the town centre contains a number of pubs, cafés, and restaurants to explore after a day of sightseeing – although Edinburgh definitely has more going on…

Total: £20 (ish)

Borders Train

For those who enjoy a good train journey, the Borders Train offers an enjoyable afternoon activity from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank.

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The train starts in Edinburgh, travelling south through old mining villages, like Netwongrange. It then passes through Galashiels, one of the larger border towns, before reaching its endpoint at Tweedbank, where you can get off the train to explore Melrose, a market town, or go to Abbotsford House (the home of important Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott).

While this trip is more suited to an afternoon as the train journey can last less than an hour each way, it offers a pleasant and cost-effective escape from the city.

Total: £14.50

Loch Lomond

While driving to Loch Lomond is the cheapest way to get there, the train journey only costs around £15 each way. With a train to Helensburgh Railway Station followed by a bus to the Visitor Centre Car Park, you can reach Loch Lomond in around three hours.

Loch Lomond has stunning scenery, with numerous paths for eager hikers, including Ben Lomond, one of Scotland’s most popular Munros.

As well as hiking, you can visit Inchcailloch Island, a nature reserve with an impressive range of species. When you get hungry, there are a number of local eateries that serve tasty traditional Scottish food, and the Trossachs National Park is only an hour away for those whose who love nature.

Total: £30.00

Dublin

Dublin is a city which has a rich literary history, once home to writers like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, and Samuel Beckett. Those who are interested in literature can hop on Ryanair flight and visit the Dublin Writers’ Museum or the James Joyce Centre to learn more about the literary history of the city, starting at the astonishing price of £15.

Those who prefer to drink can instead learn about the history of Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse and can enjoy a pint from the Gravity Bar. Lastly, the city has numerous impressive historical landmarks, like Dublin Castle, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the General Post Office, a landmark from Ireland’s fight for independence.

Dublin Airport to city centre buses costs €7 (£6) each way.

Total: £42 – £62 (flights and transfers)

Amsterdam

Although the flights are slightly on the pricier side, Amsterdam is a beautiful city with a number of interesting sightseeing opportunities.

The iconic canals are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, composing part of the unique culture of the city alongside the many world-class museums and art, such as the Anne Frank House. Cycling is an important part of the culture of the city, with many cycling tours available as a way to discover the city.

A one day pass for public transport costs €8.50 (£7.50).

Total: £57.50 – £80 (flights and one day pass)

Düsseldorf

Located in western Germany, Düsseldorf is a fantastic location for a weekend getaway. With flights costing around £25 each way, the city has a rich cultural scene, boasting over 100 galleries and 20 museums.

Equally, it has a diverse food scene, notably with places like the Carlsplatz Market, where visitors can sample regional foods and specialities. There’s also no shortage of places to have a pint, with 300 bars and pubs in the Altstadt (the Old Town) – their signature drink is Altbier, a top-fermented dark beer.

A one day public transport pass costs €10 (£8.50).

Total: £66 – £75 (flights and one day pass)