Whisky Distillery or Blackness Castle Tour From Edinburgh
While there are lots of historic sights to explore in Edinburgh, there’s so much more to experience outside of the city. On this full-day tour, choose to explore a traditional whisky distillery to learn how one of Scotland’s most popular beverages gets made, or head to Blackness Castle to hear the role the stronghold played in local history.
Highlights
- ✓Enjoy a great way to socialize with like-minded travelers
- ✓Take the opportunity to snap photos of Scotland’s dramatic countryside
- ✓Escape to the country: A chance to explore lochs and national parks
- ✓Your driver-guide entertains you with live commentary throughout
What you'll see & do
- ✓Departing Edinburgh’s New Town, we leave the bustle of the city behind us as we make embark on our scenic day trip takes you on a journey through Scotland’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and finest whisky. Early on we’ll pass by the Kelpies, the towering 30-meter-high sculptures of mythical horses and Stirling, a symbol of Scottish royalty and history.
- ✓We make our way past Stirling, which was once the capital of Scotland. Look out for the iconic views of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important and grand castles.
- ✓Our first stop will be either Blackness Castle or Deanston Distillery, depending on the option you choose when booking. If you chose the distillery option, we'll head to Deanston Distillery - once a bustling cotton mill, this historic site now crafts exceptional single malt whiskies. Take a guided tour through the distillery to uncover the time-honored whisky-making process and the fascinating story behind this unique location. Conclude your visit with a tasting of Deanston’s finest expressions, introducing you to the rich flavors and distinctive character of their whiskies. Alternatively, enjoy a stroll by the banks of the River Teith or relax in the distillery’s Coffee Bothy.
- ✓Our first stop will depend on the option you choose, if you chose the Castle option, we'll head for Blackness Castle*. Explore Blackness Castle, a mighty 15th-century fortress, dramatically perched on the Firth of Forth. Known as “the ship that never sailed” because of its distinctive shape, Blackness Castle has served as a royal residence, garrison fortress, and prison, and offers striking views across the water. You may also recognise it from the tv show “Outlander” where it featured as Fort William.
- ✓Not far away and still within the Trossachs National park, we’ll make a short stop at Loch Achray, a smaller but equally picturesque loch nestled between the towering Ben A’an and Ben Venue mountains. The area around the loch is serene and peaceful, offering another chance to enjoy the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. No Scottish adventure is complete without a visit to the iconic Hairy Coos—the legendary Highland cattle. Stop for photos and enjoy the charm of these furry giants that are synonymous with Scotland’s countryside.
- ✓As we make our way back to Edinburgh, you will be met with views of Scotland’s greatest piece of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge. This 19th century engineering marvel was at one point the World’s longest cantilever bridge. Today it neighbours the 20th century Forth Road Bridge and the 21st century Queensferry Crossing which opened in 2017. Three spectacular bridges, from three different centuries, span the Firth of Forth connecting our Capital city and the Kingdom of Fife.
- ✓We begin our journey back to Edinburgh, carrying with us memories of Scotland’s historic landmarks, serene lochs, and breathtaking natural scenery. We aim to be back in the Scottish capital in the late afternoon, around 5 PM. Any time not specified in the itinerary is allotted to travel between stops, exploring Scotland while on the coach.
- ✓We’ll journey deeper into the heart of the Trossachs to Loch Katrine, a stunning freshwater loch. Known for its peaceful beauty, Loch Katrine was immortalised in Sir Walter Scott’s famous poem The Lady of the Lake. Admire the beauty of the Scottish landscape and relax by the tranquil waters, surrounded by forests and mountains.
What's included
- ✓All taxes, fees and handling charges
- ✓Experienced Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout
- ✓Regular Comfort Breaks
- ✓In-vehicle air conditioning
What's not included
- ✓No Toilet/Restroom on board
- ✓No Food or Drinks
- ✓Castle version: Tickets to Blackness Castle not included (Adults £8.50, Children £5)
- ✓Whisky Distillery version: Deanston Distillery tour & tasting not included (£19.50 for adults, £6 for children)
Good to know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note that the tour route will vary depending on your chosen option. The Distillery option will stop at Deanston, the Castle option will stop at Blackness Castle. These cannot be combined.
Minimum age to travel is 8 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
This tour in an air-conditioned coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
There are opportunities to take short nature walks, it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
No animals allowed on tour
When using public transport or a taxi to the departure point, please allow extra time for possible delays.
Any time not specified in the itinerary is allotted to travel between stops, exploring Scotland while on the coach.
There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that cater for most dietary requirements
Ouch coaches are not wheelchair accessible, but we can accommodate folding wheelchairs. Please notify us ahead of time to confirm available space. Bus has 3x approximate 30 cm steps at entrance.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Whisky Distillery or Blackness Castle Tour From Edinburgh
While there are lots of historic sights to explore in Edinburgh, there’s so much more to experience outside of the city. On this full-day tour, choose to explore a traditional whisky distillery to learn how one of Scotland’s most popular beverages gets made, or head to Blackness Castle to hear the role the stronghold played in local history.
Highlights
- ✓Enjoy a great way to socialize with like-minded travelers
- ✓Take the opportunity to snap photos of Scotland’s dramatic countryside
- ✓Escape to the country: A chance to explore lochs and national parks
- ✓Your driver-guide entertains you with live commentary throughout
What you'll see & do
- ✓Departing Edinburgh’s New Town, we leave the bustle of the city behind us as we make embark on our scenic day trip takes you on a journey through Scotland’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and finest whisky. Early on we’ll pass by the Kelpies, the towering 30-meter-high sculptures of mythical horses and Stirling, a symbol of Scottish royalty and history.
- ✓We make our way past Stirling, which was once the capital of Scotland. Look out for the iconic views of the Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most important and grand castles.
- ✓Our first stop will be either Blackness Castle or Deanston Distillery, depending on the option you choose when booking. If you chose the distillery option, we'll head to Deanston Distillery - once a bustling cotton mill, this historic site now crafts exceptional single malt whiskies. Take a guided tour through the distillery to uncover the time-honored whisky-making process and the fascinating story behind this unique location. Conclude your visit with a tasting of Deanston’s finest expressions, introducing you to the rich flavors and distinctive character of their whiskies. Alternatively, enjoy a stroll by the banks of the River Teith or relax in the distillery’s Coffee Bothy.
- ✓Our first stop will depend on the option you choose, if you chose the Castle option, we'll head for Blackness Castle*. Explore Blackness Castle, a mighty 15th-century fortress, dramatically perched on the Firth of Forth. Known as “the ship that never sailed” because of its distinctive shape, Blackness Castle has served as a royal residence, garrison fortress, and prison, and offers striking views across the water. You may also recognise it from the tv show “Outlander” where it featured as Fort William.
- ✓Not far away and still within the Trossachs National park, we’ll make a short stop at Loch Achray, a smaller but equally picturesque loch nestled between the towering Ben A’an and Ben Venue mountains. The area around the loch is serene and peaceful, offering another chance to enjoy the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. No Scottish adventure is complete without a visit to the iconic Hairy Coos—the legendary Highland cattle. Stop for photos and enjoy the charm of these furry giants that are synonymous with Scotland’s countryside.
- ✓As we make our way back to Edinburgh, you will be met with views of Scotland’s greatest piece of engineering, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forth Bridge. This 19th century engineering marvel was at one point the World’s longest cantilever bridge. Today it neighbours the 20th century Forth Road Bridge and the 21st century Queensferry Crossing which opened in 2017. Three spectacular bridges, from three different centuries, span the Firth of Forth connecting our Capital city and the Kingdom of Fife.
- ✓We begin our journey back to Edinburgh, carrying with us memories of Scotland’s historic landmarks, serene lochs, and breathtaking natural scenery. We aim to be back in the Scottish capital in the late afternoon, around 5 PM. Any time not specified in the itinerary is allotted to travel between stops, exploring Scotland while on the coach.
- ✓We’ll journey deeper into the heart of the Trossachs to Loch Katrine, a stunning freshwater loch. Known for its peaceful beauty, Loch Katrine was immortalised in Sir Walter Scott’s famous poem The Lady of the Lake. Admire the beauty of the Scottish landscape and relax by the tranquil waters, surrounded by forests and mountains.
What's included
- ✓All taxes, fees and handling charges
- ✓Experienced Driver-Guide providing live commentary and story telling throughout
- ✓Regular Comfort Breaks
- ✓In-vehicle air conditioning
What's not included
- ✓No Toilet/Restroom on board
- ✓No Food or Drinks
- ✓Castle version: Tickets to Blackness Castle not included (Adults £8.50, Children £5)
- ✓Whisky Distillery version: Deanston Distillery tour & tasting not included (£19.50 for adults, £6 for children)
Good to know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note that the tour route will vary depending on your chosen option. The Distillery option will stop at Deanston, the Castle option will stop at Blackness Castle. These cannot be combined.
Minimum age to travel is 8 years old. Photo ID, such as a passport, may be required. Children (8-17) must be accompanied by an adult.
There are regular stops on tour for comfort breaks, as we do not have toilets onboard the coaches
This tour in an air-conditioned coach, hosted by a local Scottish guide, rated 5-stars by the official Scottish Tourist Board
There are opportunities to take short nature walks, it is recommended to bring suitable clothing and footwear.
No animals allowed on tour
When using public transport or a taxi to the departure point, please allow extra time for possible delays.
Any time not specified in the itinerary is allotted to travel between stops, exploring Scotland while on the coach.
There are regular stops on tour to purchase food and refreshments that cater for most dietary requirements
Ouch coaches are not wheelchair accessible, but we can accommodate folding wheelchairs. Please notify us ahead of time to confirm available space. Bus has 3x approximate 30 cm steps at entrance.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.