As beautiful and cultured a city as Edinburgh is, take some time out to explore Scotland's other gems like the stunning surrounding countryside, beaches and historical sights. With great transport links, there are many fantastic things that you can see and do in one day!

Rosslyn Chapel

The tranquil village of Roslin lies seven miles south of Edinburgh. The village has two unusual claims to fame: it was near here, at the Roslin Institute, that the world's first cloned sheep, Dolly, was created in 1997; and it also boasts the mysterious, richly decorated late-Gothic Rosslyn Chapel. In 1446, William St Clair built Rosslyn Chapel to pray for the soul of the founder and to spread intellectual and spiritual knowledge. In 2004 the Da Vinci Code, written by Dan Brown, brought Rosslyn Chapel to fame and has fuelled interest and speculation even since, in its many religious mysteries. Whatever you believe, there is no doubting that Rosslyn is a breath-taking piece of architecture and ornate design. There is also a woodland walk containing over 100 'Green Man' carvings; the ambiguous pagan figure who alternately represented good and evil.

The Scottish Sea Bird Centre

Just 30 minutes from Edinburgh by train, the seaside town of North Berwick has been called "the Biarritz of the North" (perhaps by someone with a dry sense of humour). It is home to Bass Rock, an extinct volcano described by Sir David Attenborough as "one of the wildlife wonders of the world" because of its thousands strong gannet colony. You can even take boat trips to the Rock on calm days. The seabird centre is a great place to visit to learn more about the native birdlife and it just happens to be in a beautiful, tranquil location. While you're there, North Berwick also has a lovely beach, fish and chip shop and Berwick Law, a super hill to walk up offering beautiful views. What more could a day out offer?

Gullane Bents, East Lothian

If you crave the sea, stunning walks and open spaces then look no further than Gullane. Located in-between Edinburgh and North Berwick on the East coast, the beach here is sandy, white and long with gorgeous dunes to roll down and long soft grasses to walk through. There is a golf course, plenty of tea rooms and a great pub for that hearty Scottish lunch. The beach is never crowded and in the summer offers some surfing and kite-surfing classes. Dogs will love it and it's perfect for a picnic too!

Linlithgow Palace

Perched beside a lovely loch and beside the 15th-century St Michael's Church (which is topped with a terribly modern steeple), Linlithgow Palace was where Mary Queen of Scots was born in 1542. Two hundred years later, it was visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie and was mostly destroyed in 1746 by the Duke of Cumberland's advancing army. Open daily, this is a wonderful piece of history to visit. Take a walk by the banks of Linlithgow Loch followed by an undemanding walk beside the Union Canal that takes you out of the historic town of Linlithgow. The Canal eventually intersects the River Avon. If you follow the course of the river it takes you back towards the town.

Traquair Castle, Innerleithen

Though there's plenty to recommend Traquair Castle such as a cute museum, Mary Queen of Scots memorabilia and a brewery in the grounds, the biggest thrill to be had in this stately home 29 miles from Edinburgh is wandering around the giant maze, planted in 1981, which covers an acre and a half and is a quarter of a mile from edge to centre. It is a challenge best not undertaken after a visit to the brewery!

Musselburgh

Musselburgh is perched on the coastal outskirts of Edinburgh and is blessed, not just with idyllic scenery, a nifty beach and great travel links to the city centre, but also a racecourse and most importantly of all, one of Scotland's most famous ice cream parlours; S Luca! Founded in the town in 1908, it's one of many established in the country by Italian immigrants and remains, to this day, a family business. Pop in for lunch or a couple of scoops!

Glasgow

Sacrilegious though it sounds, a visit to Glasgow is only 50 minutes by train and has a lot to offer in terms of difference to Edinburgh. Grittier it may be but it's packed full of art, culture, shops and restaurants. Although there may be the occasional busker on Buchanan Street or in the caf-dotted streets of the Merchant City, Glasgow could provide welcome respite from the crowds of Edinburgh if you happen to be there during the Festival!

Shark Diving in Fife

You don't have to go as far as South Africa to have a shark encounter. Admittedly, this one may be a lot less heart-stopping! Shark diving in Fife's Deep Sea World involves jumping into an aquarium rather than the big blue sea and there are no Great Whites to worry about (thankfully). You won't have suffer the North Sea's biting temperatures and, as the resident Sand Tiger sharks aren't considered dangerous to humans, no protective cages are needed. To get there, just hop on a train over the Forth Bridge to North Queensferry from Edinburgh city centre and you'll be there in 15 minutes.

South Queensferry

South Queensferry nestles beneath Sir John Fowler's iconic Forth Rail Bridge (opened in 1890) and the equally famous Road Bridge (opened by the Queen in 1964). The royal connection doesn't end there; this was the landing place of the ferry that carried Queen Margaret (wife of Malcolm III) between Edinburgh and Dunfermline in the late 11th century - hence the village's unusual name.
South Queensferry is 10 miles west of Edinburgh on the Firth of Forth and is full of interesting old buildings, such as the church of St Mary's (1441) and Hawes Inn, which boasts stunning views across to Fife.

Book your flights to Edinburgh for a true taste of Scotland!