Hidden Activities In Edinburgh: Day Trips Beyond the City Walls
- May 28, 2025
- afonso
Did you know you can play traditional highland games in Edinburgh? Avoid fighting with 4.98 million tourists at the usual attractions and embrace doing something different. From Clay Pigeon Shooting to Axe Throwing to Quad Biking, there’s a whole world of fun for you to enjoy in Edinburgh. Read on for our guide, explore your entertainment options whilst visiting Edinburgh.
Try Highland Games Near Edinburgh
Why Venture Outside Edinburgh City Walls?
Edinburgh is known for its stunning scenery, dramatic castle views, and the sound of bagpipes along the Royal Mile, so why would you want to venture outside the city?
That’s simple: variety, value, and space to breathe.
While the capital offers an impressive lineup of museums, landmarks and events, it also draws millions of visitors each year. During peak times, the crowds can be overwhelming, and the prices can rise just as quickly as the queues. If you’re someone who likes to combine a city break with real experiences and a bit of open-air adventure, plenty is waiting for you beyond the urban sprawl.
Exploring beyond the centre allows you to find hidden gems in Edinburgh that most tourists miss, like secluded woodlands, historical landmarks, and thrilling outdoor activities in Edinburgh that give you a much more local, memorable experience.
Whether you’re planning a stag or hen weekend, visiting with family, or just keen to try something new, stepping outside the city walls is one of the smartest ways to discover the real character of the area.
MadMax Adventures Only 30 minutes from Edinburgh: thrill-seeking activities in the Scottish countryside!
Hidden Day Trips
- MadMax Adventures: This is where outdoor fun gets serious. Just a short drive from the city centre, MadMax Adventures offers a huge range of activities including quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, archery, 4×4 driving, and traditional Highland games. Ideal for groups, team days out, or anyone craving an adrenaline rush.
- Pentland Hills Regional Park: Less than 10 miles south of the city, this rolling landscape is perfect for hiking, biking or photography. The views across Edinburgh are spectacular, especially on the Capital View Walk or from the summit of Allermuir Hill.
- Jupiter Artland: A hidden sculpture park located on the outskirts of the city, featuring large-scale installations by leading contemporary artists. It’s peaceful, unusual, and great for families or art lovers wanting something different.
- Rosslyn Chapel & Roslin Glen: Combine a trip to this mysterious 15th-century chapel (featured in The Da Vinci Code) with a walk through the lush Roslin Glen, where you’ll find castle ruins, wildlife, and riverside trails.
- Cramond Island: A unique coastal walk that takes you across a causeway to a tidal island. It’s full of WWII bunkers, seabirds and scenic spots. Just don’t forget to check the tide times; getting stranded is part of the charm, but not the plan!
Planning Your Day Trip
With Edinburgh’s compact layout and strong transport links, planning a day trip is straightforward, whether you’re using public transport, hiring a car or arranging a taxi for group travel.
Things to keep in mind:
- Time management: Give yourself at least half a day for each activity, especially if it includes travel time. For multi-activity trips like MadMax Adventures, block out a full day.
- Weather: Always prepare for sudden changes, bring waterproofs and layers, no matter the season.
Footwear: If your day includes walking trails or activities like axe throwing or quad biking, sturdy footwear is essential. - Booking: For popular activities and group experiences, especially at weekends, booking is highly recommended.
- Transport: MadMax Adventures is easiest to reach by car, but minibus transfers can also be arranged for larger groups.
Recommendations For Your Activities In Edinburgh
Whether you’re into nature, history, or heart-racing action, there are plenty of things to do in Edinburgh and its surroundings that suit every taste. Here’s how to match your interests:
- Adrenaline seekers: Head to MadMax Adventures for quad biking, 4×4 driving or clay shooting.
- History buffs: Visit Rosslyn Chapel and pair it with a forest walk in Roslin Glen.
- Nature lovers: Spend the day in the Pentland Hills or venture to Cramond Island for a tidal trek.
- Art explorers: Wander Jupiter Artland’s trails and get inspired by outdoor installations.
- Groups and parties: Combine physical challenges and competitive games at MadMax for an unforgettable day out.
Why MadMax Adventures Should Be Top Of Your List
When it comes to activities in Edinburgh that are different, hands-on and genuinely memorable, MadMax Adventures ticks all the boxes. This isn’t your typical tourist attraction. Instead, you’ll be welcomed to a purpose-built outdoor venue designed for excitement, laughter and serious fun.
Embrace adventure:
- Feel the power of a 4×4 as you take on challenging terrain.
- Experience the thrill of Quad Biking through forest tracks and muddy trails.
- Compete with friends or colleagues in Axe Throwing or Archery.
- Test your aim with Clay Pigeon Shooting, under the guidance of trained instructors.
- Get stuck into traditional Scottish Highland Games like caber tossing and tug o’ war, an ideal icebreaker for groups.
Mad Max is perfect for stag and hen parties, team-building events, or anyone just looking to swap the usual itinerary for something a lot more fun. Our friendly, professional team ensures you’re safe while still pushing your comfort zone, and the rural setting gives you a proper escape from the city without travelling far.
So if you’re planning a visit and want to uncover the best-kept hidden gems of Edinburgh, don’t just stay in the city; head to MadMax Adventures and make your trip truly unforgettable.
