Free Museums in Glencraig

"This extremely rich museum has the advantage of being free, so there is no reason to deprive yourself of this interesting cultural break. Located in the Old Town (more precisely on Chambers Street) in a nice building, the National Museum of Scotland is very large (6 floors) and you can easily spend a few hours there to see everything. This modern, fun and interactive museum will appeal to adults and children alike!"

"If you are museum lover then this will be at the top of you list when looking for things to do in Edinburgh. The National Museum of Scotland is situated in Chamber’s Street in the old town and is a fine Victorian building that opened in 1866. The museum is free and is very extensive."

"On a visit to the National Museum of Scotland you’ll learn all about the history and culture of Scotland. Moreover, there are many antiquities from around the world including ancient Egypt. For the latest information and exhibits check the official Museum of Scotland website."

"Well worth a visit to find out how the children of Edinburgh past the time through the years. Filled with toys, games, clothes, books and dolls dating back to the 18th Century, this museum is packed with plenty of interesting artefacts to keep you entertained for an hour or two. Highlights include a teddy that was on the last train out of Vienna to rescue Jewish children from Nazi Germany in 1939, a large doll’s house with running water and electricity and a doll from 1905 made from the sole of a shoe, showing the ingenuity of a family struggling to make ends meet."

"The Museum of Childhood in Edinburgh was the first of its kind in the world, and continues to showcase toys and games from the 18th century to the modern day. The museum provides an interesting look into the way that childhood has been defined over the generations, and the differences in toy trends over time. This is a great attraction for both children and adults, exploring the history of ‘fun’ as well as provoking nostalgia in the grown-ups!"

"Getting to Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood : Located on the Royal Mile, the museum is a 5 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. Photo credit: Museum of Childhood. Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood was the world’s first museum dedicated solely to the history of children."

"Discover the story of Planet Earth, from the Big Bang through the chill of ice ages to the devastating power of volcanic eruptions, watch the Northern Lights dance and hear the sounds and sights of the rainforest at Dynamic Earth. Or plunge to the depths of the ocean to discover life beneath the waves (from the comfort of a yellow submarine), as well as searching for whales and watching a 30 foot wall of waves. If only geography had been quite as exciting when I was at school – the 360 degree ShowDome cinema brings the whole dramatic tale to life while you’ll also find Mission Earth augmented reality experience."

"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."

"Off the Royal Mile on Holyrood Road, Dynamic Earth tells the story of the Earth in a fun and interactive way. Starting off with jumping into a time machine, the kids are taken back to witness the Big Bang and learn about prehistoric earth, the polar caps and more. Dynamic Earth is open Thursday to Friday 10am-5.30pm."

"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."

"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."

"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..."

"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 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."

"The People’s Story sits on the opposite side of the street from the Museum of Edinburgh, and is housed within the Canongate Tolbooth, which has stood on the Royal Mile since 1591. The tolbooth was a once a courtroom, a prison, and a place of gathering for the town council – if only walls could tell tales!. Nowadays, the iconic clock and pretty turrets epitomise Edinburgh’s Old Town charm, and are frequently photographed by passersby."

"Canongate Tolbooth, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8BNOpen Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10am - 5pm; Sunday 12pm - 5pmFree to enter, donations welcome. The People's Story museum is located in the Canongate Tolbooth, which is a historic landmark in itself built in 1591. It provides visitors with a realistic and fascinating look at what life was like for Edinburgh citizens in days gone by."

"Branklyn Garden is Perth’s very own botanical paradise situated on Dundee Road. The beautiful hillside garden dates back to the 1920s and is the perfect peaceful retreat only a short walk from the city centre. Home to many native and rare plant species, the garden in full summer boom is quite the pretty picture."

"A quiet suburban sanctuary just off Leith Walk, this elegant four-storey Georgian townhouse is a hidden secret behind Calton Hill. Appealingly simple, its snug doubles and suites are the place to whisper sweet nothings; in particular, the two Georgian Suites, with fit-for-two roll-top baths, feature wallpaper and four-poster beds that cry out for pillow talk. The ground-level Brasserie offers a classic Scottish tasting menu, but another close-at-hand option is Roberta Hall’s the Little Chartroom, where the cooking will have passions running high."

"Located in Edinburgh’s trendy East End, No 11 Brasserie has created a space that celebrates fresh Scottish produce and ingredients with an ever-changing seasonal menu. Their current autumn menu includes Fillet of Sole Meuniere and Butternut Squash with local foraged woodland mushrooms and many more. The brasserie’s interior also reflects the heritage of the city’s Georgian architecture."

"Also known as Edinburgh’s Secret Garden and on the other side of Holyrood Park from Edinburgh city centre, Dr Neil’s Garden is a heaven of tranquillity and a font of inspiration for artists, musicians and writers. It was originally created by Drs Nancy and Andrew Neil, who had a keen interest in horticulture and medicine. Child friendly: yes Address: Dr Neil’s Garden, Old Church Lane, Duddingston Village, Edinburgh EH15 3PX Opening hours: Mon to Sun: 10am – 5pm More information on visiting this garden"

"Dr Neil’s Garden is a wonderfully quaint place to wile away an afternoon or as a pit-stop on your way up to Arthur’s Seat. Tip: If you're lucky you may catch deer cooling off in the nearby Loch. *Guide-dog friendly!"

"Edinburgh’s quintessential secret garden, in the shadow of a 12th-century kirk, is one of the most peaceful green spaces in Scotland. Cultivated in the 1960s by doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil from a scrappy piece..."

"Loud and brash, with hip-hop and chatter filling the air, El Cartel is a fun taqueria, one that's exactly what the Edinburgh street-food scene needed. Lime-sucking locals and eager students pack in here for the hand-pressed tacos. The duck carnitas, with duck leg, pecan salsa, pineapple, and jalapeño, is a winner, as is the Baja cod, filled with ever-so-lightly battered fish."

"I’m not sure if El Cartel counts as particularly quirky, but it caught my eye and has some unusual bits and pieces on the menu if you fancy something Mexican with a twist. I’d also never ventured down Thistle Street in the New Town, so this excursion was a great excuse to go and explore. Anyway, my tacos had sweet potato, broccoli, almond sauce and sheep’s cheese."

"Another one to add to the list of brunch gems in the Bruntsfield neighbourhood is Honeycomb & Co. As you might have guessed by the name, this buzzing little place loves all things bee-related. They even use their own adopted beehives to produce the honey used in their signature Honeycomb & Co honey buns, home baking and granola bowls."

"Number one on Tripadvisor is the Skyline Restaurant At Tynecastle Park, with reviews boasting of "superb" and "outstanding" food which is "cooked to perfection". Photo: David Mollison"