Mentioned by the Guardian
10 of the best museums and galleries in Edinburgh
"Once you escape the jail, why not take in something every bit as fascinating but a little more relaxed, elegant and stylish, such as the Smith Art Gallery & Museum. The treasury of objects and paintings all reflect the culture of the town and the county. Any visit to Stirling is enriched by time spent here, surrounded by portraits of Bonnie Prince Charlie, William Wallace and other notable figures, and astonishing artefacts such as the oldest football (from 1540) and oldest curling stone (1511) on the planet."
"The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum is a treasure house of Stirling’s history, art and artefacts. Scottish history collections, fine art and archaeology are used in the main display, called ‘The Stirling Story’, which explores the history of the town over the past Millennium (entry is free)."
"From Cubism and Expressionism to 20th-century Russian and French pieces, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is unmissable for art buffs. With two early-19th-century buildings to explore (Modern One and Modern Two) and sweeping green spaces dotted with sculptures (including monumental earthworks by Charles Jencks), it’s well worth leaving the city centre to explore the galleries. Modern Two contains the intact studio of erstwhile Edinburgh sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi."
"It comprises two galleries, one on either side of Belford Road, and a fantastic sculpture park. The lawn at the front of Modern One was landscaped to a design by Charles Jencks. Modern One is housed in a neoclassical building, which was designed by William Burn in 1825."
"You can explore Leith and visit the Trinity House Maritime Museum, stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway or see the latest exhibits on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art."
"The grounds of 17th-century Bonnington House, 10 miles west of Edinburgh, have been lovingly converted by owners and art patrons Robert and Nicky Wilson into a gorgeous, landscaped sculpture park. Meadows and woodland showcase works – many of them specially commissioned – by a clutch of Britain's leading artists, including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Nathan Coley, anchored by the the vast landscape sculpture Cells of Life by Charles Jencks. A varied events program includes tours every Wednesday at 10.30am."
"The beautiful grounds of a Jacobean manor house have been transformed by an art-loving couple, Robert and Nicky Wilson, into an impressive…"
"Tucked away in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Urbane Art Gallery is one of the most cutting edge spaces in the city. It covers a range of artists and mediums, but the majority of work has a hint of urban delight about it. Visit the gallery’s website."
"As its name suggests, Edinburgh Food Studio, located on a nondescript road a short cab ride from central Edinburgh, is the city's apex for gastronomes. Although it's a bona fide restaurant, EFS has the hum, chatter, and excitement of a pop-up. James Murray, the chef, and Ben Reade and Sashana Souza Zanella, the young, supremely knowledgable founders, sometimes appear to chat about ingredients and dishes."
"Far from the city centre throng, Edinburgh Food Studio is a tiny unassuming restaurant and ‘food research hub’ dishing up some of the most creative, nerdy and – fear not – delicious cuisine in the capital."
"This Valentine’s Day enjoy the magic and mystery of The Cauldron, the wizard themed bar inspired by fantasy and science-fiction. To celebrate the recognised day of love and affection, the team at The Cauldron have created an extra special cocktail “Damiana’s charm” which is named after the drinks unusual key ingredient of ground Damiana leaf. The plant has been used throughout history as an aphrodisiac and according to the bars head potions master has had its magical properties exploited in teas and incense for hundreds of years – and so a pairing with Raspberry and vodka was always going to be the next inevitable step!"
"The Cauldron is a 1 hr 45 min immersive class where you wield a working magic wand and use molecular mixology to brew drinkable, fantastical elixirs. After donning a robe and receiving a magic wand, you are led to an interactive work station where you learn spellcasting 101 by pouring a welcome drink of either beer, cocktail, or mocktail. You then follow instructions to brew two of our molecular potions that change colour, bubble, and smoke."
"We're big fans of The Cauldron, the wizarding-themed bar which opened in the New Town this year. Harry Potter fans will feel as if they're at a boozy Hogwarts leaving do in their immersive cocktail experiences. Visitors to this unique bar don robes and wave wands as they create magical colour-changing drinks."
"I’ve been led to believe that this little place on Friars Street is something of a Stirling institution. To look into, it doesn’t look like much – a relaxed little dining room with the bar/kitchen open on one side. But once you notice the traditional pizza oven and see the small but concise menu (complete with full customisation options!)"