Free Museums in Blairadam Forest

"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."

"This modern museum which covers just about everything from ancient Scottish history to inventions. The most impressive exhibit is the preserved body of Dolly the Sheep, the first mammal to be genetically cloned. It has dedicated rooms to other non-Scottish topics like African animals and Asian culture."

"It was formed in 2006 with the merger of the new Museum of Scotland, with collections relating to Scottish antiquities, culture, and history, and the adjacent Royal Museum (so renamed in 1995), with collections covering science and technology, natural history, and world cultures."

"This fascinating attraction was the first museum in the world to be dedicated to the history of childhood. The collection was originally established by Patrick Murray, an Edinburgh Councilor who was a passionate collector of toys and childhood memorabilia. The permanent exhibition contains a huge collection of antique toys, games and teddy bears (including a collection of early Steiff bears)."

"EdinburghThe Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh has a place in the hearts of millions. The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood, it displays toys and games from across the generations."

"The Museum of Childhood is a collection of children’s toys and playthings, situated on the Royal Mile, in Edinburgh, Scotland. It was the first museum in the world to specialise in the history of childhood."

"Learn about the creation of our planet and travel through time as we explore Earth's past, present and future. Get thrust back in time to the very beginnings of our universe, and witness first hand the big bang and the very first moments of our galaxy and solar system. Make your way back to the present day through volcanic explosions, landscape-forming glaciers and the evolution of our life on Earth."

"Getting to Dynamic Earth : Located off Holyrood Road, the museum is a 17 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. Right on the edge of the Old Town behind the Scottish Parliament Building and next door to Holyrood Palace is Edinburgh’s most popular science museum, Dynamic Earth. This museum takes you on a journey from the Big Bang to modern day using 4D technology."

"This phenomenal museum celebrates the beauty of the earth via innovative technology. It is situated at the opposite end of the Old Town from the castle, near Holyrood Palace in the shadow of the crags and Arthur's Seat. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience simulated earthquakes, tropical rainstorms, the ocean floor, ice ages, glaciers and mountains."

"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...."

"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 by the popular, post-Impressionist Scottish Colourists – in Reflections, Balloch, Leslie Hunter pulls off the improbable trick of making Scotland look like the south of France – the gallery is the starting point for a walk along the Water of Leith. Fees apply for some exhibitions."

"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."

"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..."

"Transport yourself to the Outlander set at Callendar Park & House. Callendar Park & House was used for one of the most well-known Outlander scenes as the Duke of Sandringham’s home."

"Address: 28 Manor Place / Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AW, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 225 6293 Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the Cathedral Church of St. Mary the Virgin is located on the western side of the city centre. Construction of the cathedral began in 1874 and whilst the nave was opened just five years later, the twin spires on its western side were not actually completed until 1917. Highlights include impressive neo-Gothic architecture, well-preserved stained-glass windows, murals and an outstanding art collection, as well as daily choral services."

"St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral is a short walk from Princes Street towards Haymarket. Its spires are visible from most places in Edinburgh, especially looking west from Princes Street. Not only does this cathedral offer a place of stillness in the bustling Scottish capital, there are also opportunities such as learning to be a stonemason in the Cathedral Workshop or a Cathedral Chorister at St Mary’s Music School."

"The neo-Gothic St. Mary's Cathedral is a striking building set in large grounds. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, it was consecrated in 1879. St. Mary's is the largest ecclesiastical building to be built in Scotland since the Reformation."

"Address: Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EP, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 229 1142 St. Cuthbert's stands alongside the West Princes Street Gardens and just up from the Royal Lyceum Theatre, where it was built on the remains of six previous historic churches. Visitors will be able to admire a stunning marble pulpit, colourful stained-glass windows, war memorials and an Italian Renaissance-style interior."

"Situated at the foot of the Castle and nestled amidst its churchyard and an abundance of greenery is St Cuthbert’s. It is widely believed that a church has been standing in this spot since 850 AD, making it technically Edinburgh’s oldest building. The architecture and decoration of the church is particularly ornate, which made it a source of some controversy when it was first designed."

"Address: 61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 556 1798 This popular Roman Catholic church dates back to 1814, being designed by James Gillespie Graham. Each month on the third Tuesday, look out for the organ and choir recitals. The adjacent Cafe Camino provides a rather tempting menu, offering bacon sandwiches, freshly made soup, lunchboxes for children, a choice of beverages (including coffee, tea, wine, beer and cider) and tubs of locally produced ice cream."

"St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, originally called the Chapel of St Mary’s, held its first masses in August 1814. The Cathedral houses the National Shrine of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, and even has an underground passage leading to a priest’s house in York Place. It wasn’t until the 1970s that passers by could see the Cathedral in its full splendor when tenements in front of the building were demolished."

"Cake lovers won’t want to miss a pit stop at Archipelago, a beloved bakery city-wide that serves up the most delicious bread and baked treats, all made from 100% organic flour. I found out about this bakery from their beautiful cake loaves being served at Lowdown, and promptly decided to head straight to the source myself."

"Lastly, Archipelago is another bakery who are passionate about producing ‘Real Bread’. Their bread is made by hand every day, using organic flour and traditional methods. They have a wide range of yeasted loaves and sourdoughs and always adding more to the selection!"

"A small, off-the-tourist-track bakery in Edinburgh’s new town, Archipelago Bakery serves up fresh bread, salads and brownies, all made by friendly founder Caroline. The outdoor tables are perfect for sunny brunches and lunches."