Free Museums in Townhill

"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."

"On rainy Scottish days, the National Museum of Scotland is a welcome respite from the weather for many tourists. However, once inside some people seemed to find the exhibits more confusing than enlightening."

"Be warned, if you take your children to visit the world's first museum devoted to childhood, you probably won't have time to do much of anything else. Full of exhibits and hands-on experiences with toys of the past and present, there are dozens of Dinky cars, doll houses, games, puppets, child-sized cars, and model planes to look at, and sometimes handle. The exhibits of children's clothes chart the development of the concept of childhood and the museum explores the process of growing up."

"A post shared by Priyanka Dasgupta (@priyanka_d6) on Jun 11, 2018 at 12:06am PDT. This whimsical Museum of Childhood is the world’s first museum dedicated to the history of childhood. Since 1955, this shrine to the wonders of childhood and the in-betweens features a stellar selection of toys and games that remain close to our hearts."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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...."

"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."

"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."

"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..."

"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..."

"It was established during the seventeenth century and was the main parish church in Edinburgh from 1648 until 1952. It was named “Tron Church” because the temple was located beside a weighing beam (tron in Scots), which was normally used in the town's marketplaces, one of which was on the Royal Mile. In 1824 a great fire destroyed the bell tower, but it was reconstructed so well that visitors will hardly notice that it was built two hundred years later."

"The magnificent Scone Palace stands proudly just two miles outside of Perth city centre. Steeped in Scottish history, Scone has welcomed many royal figures into its stately home over the decades. Most famously, the palace once housed The Stone of Scone, better known as The Stone of Destiny."

"So thanks to all at once and to each one, whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.' This line from Macbeth indicates the importance of Scone (pronounced 'skoon') as the coronation place of Scottish monarchs...."

"Located under North Bridge, between the Old and New Towns, the zigzagging rooftop of Waverley Station – Edinburgh’s main railway station – is another iconic feature of the city’s architecture. Its vast glass roof makes the interior light and open (provided the weather cooperates) making the first impression of Edinburgh a pleasant one."

"Inside Waverley Railway Station every Friday around 40 stalls come together to form this exciting market offering fresh hot food and ethical gifts from Scottish craftmakers"

"If you’re willing to take a punt on the Scottish weather then The Secret Garden at The Witchery makes for a truly magical experience. This enclosed courtyard looks onto a private terrace that can be utilised when the sun decides to show its face. Guests will love filing down to the restaurant through a historic Edinburgh close, past the pulpit reception and down the stone steps to find this special dining room."

"Set in a merchant’s town house dating from 1595, the Witchery is a candlelit corner of antique splendour with oak-panelled walls, low ceilings, opulent wall hangings and red-leather upholstery; stairs lead down... Top ChoiceScottish in New Town"

"Macdonald Rusacks Head Chef Glenn Roach launched the Surf & Turf restaurant concept to the St Andrews hotel in May 2019 and due to the popularity of the menu, the new concept has been expanded, to the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel, Edinburgh. The new menu takes its inspiration from Scotland’s larder – from succulent and mouth-watering Aberdeen Angus Steaks supplied by ScotBeef to world-renown seafood such as hand-dived North Atlantic Scallops wild trout, salmon, oysters and langoustines supplied by George Campbell & Sons. www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk"

"Royal College of Surgeons on Nicholson Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.|© Duncan Hale-Sutton / Alamy Stock Photo. One for visitors with strong stomachs, the collections of the Surgeons’ Hall were started way back in 1699 and include all sorts of tortuous looking surgical and dental implements – the most perused exhibits are those relating to infamous Edinburgh grave robbers Burke and Hare. But it’s not all sensationalism – the museum also explores the city’s crucial role in the evolution of surgery and medicine."

"Housed in a grand Ionic temple designed by William Playfair in 1832, these three fascinating museums were originally established as teaching collections. The History of Surgery Museum provides a look at surgery in Scotland from the 15th century to the present day. Highlights include the exhibit on murderers Burke and Hare, which includes Burke's death mask and a pocketbook made from his skin, and a display on Dr Joseph Bell, who was the inspiration for the character of Sherlock Holmes."

"Surgeon’s Hall Museum Geared towards adults, older kids, and anyone with an interest in the medical field, this is a fascinating look into what can go wrong inside of our bodies. The Wohl Pathology Museum is home to one of the largest collections of pathological specimens in the world. It’s a bit gruesome, but for some that may be the appeal."