Free Museums in Harburn

"This unmissable Edinburgh museum comprises two contrasting but complementary buildings: a Victorian palace made of wrought iron and glass and the other a modern sandstone fortress with a striking circular tower. With everything from Dolly the cloned sheep to a fashion gallery and extensive displays on world cultures, it’s hard to know where to start. This excellent combined Edinburgh History Walk and National Museum tour will help focus your explorations."

"Situated slap-bang in the center of Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland is sprawling, highly informative, and very easy to access. It’s also a massively popular museum, thanks in part to the fact that it's free. Collections range from artifacts from ancient Egypt and local archaeological finds, to the remains of the first cloned mammal, Dolly the sheep."

"Pro Travel Tip:The National Museum of Scotland and the Surgeons’ Hall Museum are located near each other. If you tend to move quickly through museums, you can visit both of these before lunch (this is what we did)."

"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)."

"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."

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

"You can discover how our planet evolved millions of years ago at the exciting Dynamic Earth. Let’s start with a bang as we journey through time and learn about our past, present and future with interactive exhibits and mind blowing technology. Another must for family days out."

"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."

"Housed in the historic Cannongate Tolbooth, the People's Story Museum tells the story of the people of Edinburgh from the late 18th century to the present day. The three galleries explore life in an Edinburgh tenement during the eighteenth century and recount the stories of Edinburgh citizens during the twentieth century using waxworks, recorded oral histories and written sources. The museum also houses an impressive number of early reform flags and banners in support of political reform, trade unions and the anti-apartheid movement."

"This museum is housed in the Canongate Tolbooth, an iconic building located on the Royal Mile. If you’d like to get a true insight into the lives of the working class of Edinburgh during the course of the last 3 centuries, then head to the People’s Story Museum. This museum is housed in an iconic building on the Royal Mile – the Canongate Tolbooth."

"The People's Story - as the name suggests - tells the story of the regular people of Edinburgh, not just the great and the good. Pay a visit to this museum to get a real flavour of day-to-day life in in the city throughout the 18th to 20th centuries. Learn about crime and punishment, crafts, trade and the culture of Edinburgh."

"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is actually two institutions—Modern One and Modern Two—situated within two grand Georgian mansions flanking a sculpture park. Modern One has British artists like Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Damien Hirst, and Tracey Emin; American artists like Andy Warhol; and legends like Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Modern Two has a particularly impressive Dada and Surrealism collection; you can arrange a private viewing of the archives, a real treasure trove of those movements."

"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art — also known as "Modern One" — is another must-visit for art enthusiasts. Here, you'll find displays of paintings by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso; surrealistic works by Rene Magritte, Joan Miró, and Max Ernst; and contemporary paintings by Bruce McLean, Callum Innes, and Gwen Hardie. The gallery is also well-known for its impressive collection of sculptures."

"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."

"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."

"Enjoying a prime location one minute from Princes Street and with unobscured views of Edinburgh Castle, the Waldorf Astoria is, from the neoclassical façade to the luxurious bathrooms, a distinctively extravagant visitor experience. Built over a century ago as part of the city’s central railway station, the hotel oozes opulence, with spacious rooms equipped with the latest accessories and the UK’s only Guerlain Spa offering specialist treatments, a steam room, and Jacuzzi. The swimming pool and gym are perfect for those guests wishing to indulge in some cardio alongside exploring Edinburgh, while the array of dining options, including the award-winning restaurant, Grazing by Mark Greenaway, promises unforgettable culinary delights."

"Village Hotel Edinburgh is located just 8 miles and 15 minutes drive time from Edinburgh Airport. It is just 2 miles from Edinburgh city centre and Haymarket railway and 3 miles from Edinburgh Waverley train station. Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle - Royal Yacht Britannia and Princes Street - a shopaholics dream location."

"Great Grog Bottle Shop, award-winning wine and beer merchant settled in Edinburgh, is run by John, Tom, and Jerry. The Great Grog Bottle Shop started in 2005. They specialize in craft beer and wine."

"When it comes to humble beginnings, Paul Gibson certainly takes a top spot. His home-grown brewing project began in his garage out of a green VW called Olive. After heading out on the road across the UK and creating beers on a shoestring budget, Paul set up a permanent (and much larger) home for his microbrewery in Leith."

"Situated in Leith, on the Edinburgh coast, thisbrewery started life on the road as a “mobile brewery” in a 1973 VW campervan (hence thename). Today, having opened a permanent location in 2017, it’s still going strong. Their spacious taproom is laid-back and unpretentious."