Free Museums in Cairneyhill

"With four levels of exhibits featuring everything from the natural world, world cultures, science & technology to art, design & fashion and Scottish history, a trip to The National Museum of Scotland offers a whole world of discovery for all the family. Start your visit in the beautiful Grand Gallery and marvel at the massive skull of Moby the whale; travel back in time as you explore the Scottish galleries; or why not explore centuries of creativity and innovation in the Fashion and Style gallery – whatever your interests, you’re bound to find something in this awe-inspiring museum to capture your imagination. Free entry, advance online booking required."

"A true treasure of Edinburgh, The National Museum of Scotland is a gargantuan cabinet of curiosity waiting to be explored. With piles of riveting interactive exhibits and impressive collections, it’s safe to say that all kids will be in awe. The museum is not just for the heritage of Scotland but also for the world, so expect to absorb mountains of fun facts and figures."

"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."

"Make new memories by exploring the playtime of children from centuries past at the Museum of Childhood. As the first-ever museum dedicated to the history of childhood, this time capsule contains youthful curiosities such as tin soldiers, toy trains and spinning tops. The engaging collection of memorabilia dates as far back as the rare wooden Queen Anne Doll of 1740."

"Kids can learn about the toys, clothes and lifestyles of children of the past in this Royal Mile museum. Nostalgia for grown-ups guaranteed.42 High Street, 529 4142, edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venues/museum-of-childhood, Mon–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun noon–5pm."

"Take an interactive journey through the history of the earth. Go to the tundra or the bottom of the ocean, never being more than a stone’s throw from the Scottish Parliament and Arthur’s Seat.Holyrood Road, 550 7800, dynamicearth.co.uk. Daily 10am–5.30pm (until 6pm in Jul & Aug; closed Mon & Tue Nov–Mar)."

"Dynamic Earth is a state of the art family attraction near Edinburgh in Scotland. It takes visitors through our history from the Big Bang theory up to the modern-day. It's a chance to experience the primaeval forces of nature as they shaped..."

"The 15th century buildings are tucked away in the east corner of the city, on the edge of Auchinlea Park. A category A-listed building probably isn't what you'd expect from the neighbourhood, and it's a pleasant, and beautiful surprise."

"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)."

"One of my favourite lunch spot in Edinburgh is The City Restaurant on Nicolson Street. I visited this place several times when I lived in Edinburgh, mainly because they serve some of the best seafood dishes in the city, including fish and chips, scampi and tempura prawns. The City Restaurant has a very sleek and colourful interior, with comfortable seats and large windows overlooking the bustling street."

"The Physicians' Gallery is a free public exhibition space which is part of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Our exhibitions are based on the wealth of historical medical material which the College has collected over the last 300 years. ‘Moonstruck: 500 years of mental health’ is our new free exhibition– opening on 14 June 2019 and running until Spring 2020"