Free Museums in Auchtertool

"This great museum has some fantastic ways to get hands on, so it’s worth a visit at any time of year – although especially if you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh in the rain with kids. The different galleries have different themes – creativity in Imagine for example, plus science and technology, as well as Adventure. You could climb into a human hamster wheel, or dig for dinosaur bones in the Adventure Planet gallery if they fancy themselves as mini archaeologists."

"Getting to the National Museum of Scotland : Located on Chambers Street, the museum is a 9 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. The best free museum in Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit. With five levels of fascinating history in all different forms, there is so much to see and learn here that you could pass an entire day inside before you know it."

"Skim through the visitors' book and you'll find tourists returning after 20 years, delighted to find that little has changed in this four-storey building. That is the charm of the place, opened in the 1950s to become the first museum devoted to a social history of childhood. Founder Joseph Patrick Murray built up an extensive collection of toys, games, clothes, teddy bears and dolls."

"Exploring the history of childhood, this Royal Mile museum houses a remarkable collection of children's toys and playthings including a doll dating from 1740. The museum will reopen following refurbishment in Spring. Visit: 42 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TG - edinburghmuseums.org.uk"

"Some of our favourites include the Edinburgh Museum, the Writers Museum and the Museum of Childhood. You can read much more about what is in each of these museums and why you might want to visit them in Jess’s excellent post on the highlights of Edinburgh."

"Dynamic Earth is a multi-media presentation that takes visitors on a 500-million-year journey through the Earth's history. Using hi-tech gadgetry and superb special effects, its displays realistically portray natural events such as volcanoes, tropical rainstorms, and glaciation. Located at the foot of Arthur's Seat near Holyrood Park, this unique science center is housed in an ultra-modern tent-like structure and is particularly fun for kids."

"Glenturret is the most visited Whisky Distillery in Scotland and its Single Malt is part of the Famous Grouse Blended Whisky. The Distillery is situated in Crieff nearby Perth and can be reached easily from Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh by car or with organised bus tours. Glenturret produces single malt whiskies that mature 8, 10, 12, 15 or 21 years in bourbon casks."

"Situated at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, this gallery is one of 15 in the UK that houses the Royal Collection, the largest private art collection in the world. This is a fascinating record of the personal tastes of kings and queens over the past 500 years, comprising decorative arts, drawings, watercolours, paintings and photographs. Those that have made contributions to the collection over the years include Frederick Prince of Wales, George IV, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary."

"The Queen's Gallery, located in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, was opened by Her Majesty The Queen in November 2002 as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Now, it hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection. A worthwhile stop on a visit to the Royal Mile."

"The Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queens Gallery lie at the east end of The Royal Mile, opposite the Scottish Parliament. The visit is best achieved by taxi, local bus service from Waverley Bridge or tour bus. Walking takes around 15 minutes from Waverley Station."

"Beautifully set in a circular cast-iron building that was once a waterworks, this gallery exhibits an extensive collection of paintings by the Scottish Colourist JD Fergusson in a most impressive display...."

"A short stroll through the North Inch park brings you to the mighty Black Watch Castle and Museum. Here, you can immerse yourself in the extraordinary history of The Black Watch, from its formation in 1739 to the amalgamation of the Regiment in 2006. This five-star visitor attraction brings to life the work of the Black Watch regiment and the many pivotal roles it has played in our military history."

"The Black Watch was one of the most important parts of Scottish military history. Inside Balhousie Castle in Perth, you’ll find an entire museum dedicated to this military regiment. With weapons displays, live drums, and an interactive kids programme, there is lots to see and keep them entertained."

"Housed in Balhousie Castle on the edge of North Inch park, this museum honours what was once Scotland’s foremost army regiment (it was subsumed into the new Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006). Formed in 1725 to..."

"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."

"Edinburgh's gallery of modern art is split between two impressive neoclassical buildings surrounded by landscaped grounds some 500m west of Dean Village. As well as showcasing a stunning collection of paintings..."

"Tucked away in the student centred neighbourhood of Newington, Southpour stole my heart the minute I walked in. Exposed brick walls, chevron tilework, bouquets of thistle, and twinkling fairy lights all contribute to an elegant aesthetic without ever trying too hard. You’ll find Scottish classics like kippers, haggis, and scotch eggs as well as your classic burgers and sandwiches."