Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Dunfermline

"There’s nowhere quite like the World of Illusions and the range of illusions you’ll find over the five floors here – not to mention the fantastic views of Edinburgh from the rooftop. The 166-year-old Camera Obscura is still the highlight – I remember being wowed when I visited. There’s a 15-minute show with a guide telling tales of Edinburgh history, while showing off the whole city from the rooftop tower using the Victorian contraption, where images of what’s outside are displayed in the room."

"Capture five floors full of optical experiences through the mirror maze, giant kaleidoscope, giant vortex tunnel, magic gallery, horrogram and lots more, here in a world that blends reality and illusion. Distance from Hotel:300 m4 mins4 mins2 mins"

"The unfinished acropolis is completely unmistakable - referred to historically as “Edinburgh’s shame”, but any notion of that is wholly absent should you take the journey up the stairs and experience the joy to be found at the summit. Panoramic views of the city, the undulating buildings contoured to the cities foundations. Rugged and beautiful, and uniquely Edinburgh."

"Did you know Edinburgh is often referred to as the Athens of the North?. The reason for this is Calton Hill and its monuments. In fact, Calton Hill is also known as Edinburgh Acropolis."

"Calton Hill is one of the most recognisable hills in Edinburgh, located close to Princes Street, and offers one of the best views of the city."

"It offers an amazing view of Edinburgh Castle, plenty of space to sprawl and stroll and won’t cost you a £ to visit. Dream date idea: pack a picnic basket with your partner’s favourite meal and a bottle of bubbly and spend the day enjoying the great outdoors before you pop the question."

"The gardens serve as a large public park that runs parallel to Princes Street, divided into east and west by the castle’s mound. Before it was the garden grounds, it was the Nor Loch defensive lake. The Nor Loch sat before the castle until the 18th century."

"Located between Princes Street and the Old Town, these gardens are a beautiful place to enjoy, and easily accessible from the city centre."

"Also dating back to the 1800s, Old St Paul’s has since been renovated multiple times – the nave extended and the chancel floor raised with marble. Nearly all of the many panes of stained glass, ornaments and vestments were made possible by fundraising or donations. Unusually, the gargoyles at Old St Paul’s are located inside, not on the exterior of the church as is common on buildings of this period."

"Another architecturally inspired monument which sits on Calton Hill is the Nelson Monument. Built in 1807, this commemorative tower is an ode to Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson and is frankly unmissable against Edinburgh's skyline. It is situated at the highest point of Calton Hill and stands at 106 ft. tall, contributing to the towers' epic and majestic quality."

"Up on the hill you will also find Nelson’s Monument and the Royal Observatory, amongst other things, but the highlight for me, really, is the view up here at sunset. From here you can watch the sun set across the city, with the mountains in the background, which is ample reward for the effort required to climb up."

"Take note of the time ball on the monument which serves the same purpose as the Edinburgh Castle One O’Clock Gun."

"Loudons may seem like your average eatery from the outside but they have a speciality - and it’s homemade pancakes!. We’re talking everything from American style with layered bacon and baked banana topped with maple syrup, to the healthier, savoury superfood pancakes that are packed with lentils, veg and delicious garlic pea chutney. Located in Fountainbridge, it is the perfect location for a leisurely walk down the canal to digest your food, with a takeaway coffee in hand."

"Offering simple healthy food that is full of flavour, Loudons Cafe & Bakery offers delicious home made treats made in their on-site bakery. Using high quality ingredients, and organic produce, breakfasts at Loudon’s are utterly delicious. Diners can tuck in to a variety of “Benny’s” – slang for eggs Benedict – complete with smoked salmon, cajun spices or haggis, or choose from french toast, smoothie bowls or super food pancakes and much much more."

"For one of the best brunches in Edinburgh, you should definitely visit Loudons at the weekend, when their breakfast menu extends until 4pm. It’s a popular venue with visitors and locals alike, where you can relax and unwind, in a bright and cheery dining room. You can choose from a huge variety on their menu, including cooked breakfasts with Scottish elements like haggis and tattie scones, as well as traditional porridge with various toppings."

"Situated right in the heart of Edinburgh, Urban Angel sits in a space that’s long been a meeting point for those looking for great food and fantastic coffee, all served in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a hotspot for brunch in the city offering classics like Eggs Benedict and French Toast, alongside some of the healthier options of smoothie bowls and fresh juices – it caters to whatever type of brunch mood you are in!. They bake their bread in-house and carefully source their fine ingredients, to ensure that your brunch experience is top tier – definitely add this one to your list for when lockdown is over!"

"Another brunch hotspot in New Town is Urban Angel, a popular choice amongst tourists and locals alike. See also43 Most Beautiful Lodges with Hot Tubs in Scotland [2021]. Inspired by travels in Australia and New Zealand, the Urban Angel team focus on using seasonal ingredients to create everyday food and – spoiler – it’s delicious!"

"The Ox on London Street is a stylish and cosy gastropub that can be found at the bottom of Broughton Street, just a short walk from the centre of town. The pub has a quieter seated area that makes it perfect for families who can enjoy a pub setting and still get away from the hustle and bustle of the bar area with the little ones. Their delicious menu has all the pub classics and they even do a special deal on burgers on Tuesdays between 6-9pm, as well as a special roast offering on Sunday."

"Located at the bottom of Broughton Street, The Ox is a lively and vibrant place serving fantastic fresh local and seasonal produce specialising in Ox related items such as Ox cheek, Oxtail soup as well as lots of other great dishes and specials. They also do a fantastic Sunday roast with all the trimmings which proves very popular as well. The Ox is a great addition to Broughton Street."

"The Oxford is a small pub down an old side street in Edinburgh's new town. It derives its name from the Edinburgh offices of Oxford University Press, which in the early years of the twentieth century were based opposite. The Oxford is just two rooms, a slim bar where customers can stand two-deep facing the counter, and a slightly larger back room heated with a coal fire."

"113-115 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN and Unit 8, Omni, Leisure Dev, Edinburgh EH1 3BN. Slug and Lettuce do a Bottomless Brunch. You will need to prebook."

"If you love gardening, you will love the Archivists’ Garden located in between the General Register House and the New Register House. Home to 57 different plant species, the Garden is not only beautiful, but all the plants are connected to Scotland’s history, be it through folklore, heraldry or association with famous Scots. Child friendly: yes Address: HM Register House, 2 Princess Street, Edinburgh EH1 3YY Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm More information on this green space"

"I suggest a late lunch after you explore the charming, cobbled streets of this historic area and experience some street performers, Canongate Kirkyard (Adam Smith is buried here), Dunbar Close, St. Giles Cathedral, and eventually Edinburgh Castle itself, all the way at the top of the Royal Mile (Be sure to book your Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets in advance). The charm and beauty of Edinburgh, Scotland never cease to amaze me."