Free Museums in Cobbinshaw Reservoir

"As one of the largest museums in Edinburgh and my personal favorite, the National Museum of Scotland is a great thing to do in Edinburgh for couples thanks to the immersive exhibits and sheer amount of things to do there. Whether you’re interested in flying technology or old Roman ruins or natural history exhibits, there is something for you to explore here. The open air feeling of the main building helps create a welcoming atmosphere, and the café is also in a lovely spot for people watching and getting to know each other."

"Elegant Chambers St is dominated by the long facade of the National Museum of Scotland. Its extensive collections are spread between two buildings: one modern, one Victorian – the golden stone and striking architecture of the new building (1998) make it one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. The museum's five floors trace the history of Scotland from geological beginnings to the 1990s, with many imaginative and stimulating exhibits. Audio guides are available in several languages. Fees apply for special exhibitions."

"Last but not least, the National Museum of Scotland has exhibits your whole family will enjoy. Topics included history, fashion, technology, science, and nature. The museum has interactive exhibits for the kids, the famous Dolly the Sheep, and a roof terrace that offers panoramic views of the city."

"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"

"If you have children, or even if you don't you will love the Museum of Childhood. This museum is a magic place where you’ll leave with lots of fond memories. The museum collects different objects from all around the world."

"This was the first museum in the world to be dedicated to childhood, with exhibitions on toys, games, and other memorabilia."

"Located at the foot of the Salisbury Crags, Dynamic Earth is a five-star museum that takes you on an incredible journey through Earth’s history. Using a combination of interactive exhibits, you can see, feel, and hear the momentous events that shaped our planet. Try standing beneath the Aurora Borealis in the Polar zone, where it’s so cold that you can see your breath, while your fingers and toes go numb."

"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."

"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."

"Canongate, The Royal Mile, EH8 8DX (website) Open daily 9:30am-6pm (26 March to 31 October) and 9:30am-4.30pm (1 November to 25 March)Adult: £6.70, Over 60/Students £6.10, Under 17/Disabled: £3.40, unders 5's go free. If you like art but find conventional art galleries too big and daunting, then the Queen's Gallery is the answer, as it hosts small intimate exhibitions as part of the Royal Collection Trust. The building is a conversion of a former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School and features a beautiful teak and sycamore staircase."

"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."

"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."

"75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR (website) Open daily 10am-6pmAdmission is free (charges may apply to special exhibitions). Discover a world-class collection and cutting edge art at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The gallery is home to a range of contemporary Scottish arts collection, with more than 5,000 items of 20th-century art."

"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."

"The curry laksa soup here is filed under a menu section titled ‘Big Bowl’ – and they’re not messing around. For £6.30, steaming troughs of slippery noodles, prawns, chicken pieces, tofu, bean sprouts and crab sticks come in bottomless quantities. Not to be confused with its equally delightful sister restaurant Kampung Ah Lee on Clerk Street."

"For delicious Malaysian food, head to Kampung Ali, where the portions are ginormous, but the prices are anything but. Pretty much everything on the menu is under a tenner. We recommend their curry laksa (£7.80), and Rendang chicken (£8.00)."

"Other things to do in Dunkeld include walking along the river to see the Thomas Telford Bridge, checking out the shops along Atholl Street (and the Atholl Memorial Fountain), checking out the colorful exteriors of the “Little Houses” of Dunkeld which include twenty 18th century private houses restored by the National Trust of Scotland, and stopping at the National Trust owned Ell Shop, which is a restored weaver’s shop. If you have more time, there are a number of lovely woodland walks around Dunkeld including taking a trail through the Hermitage."

"A post shared by Mary Alexiou (@marilein_alexiou) on Aug 30, 2017 at 11:19am PDT. Small and cosy, Wildfire is a family-run steak and seafood bistro that offers a superb menu of food and drink coupled with a quality of service that makes every customer feel special. With exquisitely prepared, top-quality Aberdeen Angus beef and locally-sourced produce where possible, Wildfire is the perfect place to spend some quality time with a friend, partner or family member."

"This is a welcoming, family-run restaurant in the center of the city. Rose Street is a popular destination for pub crawls, but if you need something to eat after a drinking session, or you've been shopping on nearby Princes Street, then you'll find great steak and seafood here. The best Aberdeen Angus steak, Scottish lamb, West coast mussels, fresh fish, and delicious local cheeses can all be found on the menu."

"A labour of love for husband-and-wife team Chris and Charlotte Thompson, The Pantry exploded onto Edinburgh’s culinary scene in 2012 and is still making waves. Brunch at this Stockbridge restaurant is a rite of passage for any Edinburgh visitor. Chris’s eggs benedict, for instance, captured the imagination of The Sunday Times, who wrote that it was ‘reason alone to come to Edinburgh’."

"A distinctive element at this restaurant is the hearty and enticing meals they serve from breakfast, lunch, and dinner that fit into what most kids desire. Each meal is prepared by professionals meeting excellent standards to serve fresh, tasty and clean food to you and your kids. An outdoor setting is also available to meet the needs of the family that prefer such an environment."

"If there’s one thing the well-to-do area of Stockbridge isn’t short of, it’s decent spots for a sup and a nosh. Opened in 2012, The Pantry has found its place among the pack. The menu is seasonal and the owners and staff notably friendly."

"Chop Chop near Haymarket Station prides itself in its authentic approach to Chinese cuisine, with the tagline "How can one billion people be wrong?". If you find the range of unfamiliar dishes overwhelming try their banquet option, which includes a wide selection of dishes delivered to your table to share. Head chef Jian Wang travels back to China every year to seek out new mouthwatering food to add to her expansive menu, however arguably she is most well known for her dumplings, which the restaurant claims are some of the best in the country."

"Having won Gordon Ramsay’s approval a few years ago for having the best dumplings in Scotland, Chop Chop was high on my list of eateries I wanted to visit and when I did, I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, I’ve been back more times than I can count. Not much to look at from the outside, and by no means flashy or modern inside, the food speaks for itself and I love everything about it."