Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Gladsmuir

"This wacky world of illusions is definitely a fun one – and not something you’d expect to be visiting when you think of “attractions in Edinburgh”. Nonetheless, it’s a great way to entertain the kids – and the adults, too!. The interactive exhibits allow you to fully engage, and the introductory session is a great way to learn a little bit about the science of light and images!"

"The eye-catching Camera Obscura building stands at the top of the Royal Mile and contains an amazing range of optical experiences across five floors. The 'camera' itself is a giant Victorian periscope offering an interesting 360° perspective on…"

"Start at the end Princes Street and climb the staircase up the hill for some of the best views over the city – from here you can see out to the castle and over to Arthur’s Seat. Home to the National Monument, designed to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens but never finished, it’s also where you’ll find the huge Nelson monument. At 1pm, the time ball here drops – designed to be seen by ships far our at sea, the castle’s One O’Clock gun was added as bad weather meant the ball couldn’t always be seen."

"Calton hill is situated beyond the east end of Princes Street and included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Scottish Government’s headquarter base is at St. Andrew’s House on the steep southern slope of the hill. The Scottish Parliament building and many other notable buildings are located at the hill."

"For the very best views of Edinburgh and beyond – and for some stunning photos by which to remember your visit – you must take a stroll up Calton Hill. It’s just a short walk from the East End of Princes Street. The walk itself is not too demanding, but absolutely worth the effort."

"This one might not run all year round but we couldn't write a piece on Edinburgh's markets and fail to mention it. The European festive market is a huge hit with visitors to the city and has become something of a tradition for many of those living in the capital."

"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."

"Not only do the gardens offer excellent viewpoints of Edinburgh Castle but there are a few Edinburgh landmarks located within it. Other monuments in the park include both the Ross Fountain and Wojtek the Bear."

"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."

"For a small fee, you can go up the Scott Monument and get a gorgeous view of the Old Town from the other side. However, it was sadly closed for renovations when I was there, so I didn’t get a chance to go up."

"Climb to the top of Scotts Monument. This is a monument to the Scottish author Sir Walter Scott and is the largest monument to a writer in the world."

"Address: 61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 556 1798 This popular Roman Catholic church dates back to 1814, being designed by James Gillespie Graham. Each month on the third Tuesday, look out for the organ and choir recitals. The adjacent Cafe Camino provides a rather tempting menu, offering bacon sandwiches, freshly made soup, lunchboxes for children, a choice of beverages (including coffee, tea, wine, beer and cider) and tubs of locally produced ice cream."

"St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, originally called the Chapel of St Mary’s, held its first masses in August 1814. The Cathedral houses the National Shrine of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, and even has an underground passage leading to a priest’s house in York Place. It wasn’t until the 1970s that passers by could see the Cathedral in its full splendor when tenements in front of the building were demolished."

"Address: Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EP, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 229 1142 St. Cuthbert's stands alongside the West Princes Street Gardens and just up from the Royal Lyceum Theatre, where it was built on the remains of six previous historic churches. Visitors will be able to admire a stunning marble pulpit, colourful stained-glass windows, war memorials and an Italian Renaissance-style interior."

"Situated at the foot of the Castle and nestled amidst its churchyard and an abundance of greenery is St Cuthbert’s. It is widely believed that a church has been standing in this spot since 850 AD, making it technically Edinburgh’s oldest building. The architecture and decoration of the church is particularly ornate, which made it a source of some controversy when it was first designed."

"Address: 28 Manor Place / Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AW, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 225 6293 Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the Cathedral Church of St. Mary the Virgin is located on the western side of the city centre. Construction of the cathedral began in 1874 and whilst the nave was opened just five years later, the twin spires on its western side were not actually completed until 1917. Highlights include impressive neo-Gothic architecture, well-preserved stained-glass windows, murals and an outstanding art collection, as well as daily choral services."

"St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral is a short walk from Princes Street towards Haymarket. Its spires are visible from most places in Edinburgh, especially looking west from Princes Street. Not only does this cathedral offer a place of stillness in the bustling Scottish capital, there are also opportunities such as learning to be a stonemason in the Cathedral Workshop or a Cathedral Chorister at St Mary’s Music School."

"The neo-Gothic St. Mary's Cathedral is a striking building set in large grounds. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, it was consecrated in 1879. St. Mary's is the largest ecclesiastical building to be built in Scotland since the Reformation."

"Söderberg Bakery Shop, Queensferry St|© stock.tookapic.com/Pexels. Brought to you by the same brainchildren behind the ever so popular Peter’s Yard, Söderberg is yet another Swedish bakery and hip stomping ground. Expect the usual suspects from fantastic crispbread variations and sourdough, but prepare for the odd surprise here and there."

"My absolute favourite pub in Edinburgh – perfect if you’re a rock fan, and definitely something unique and different if you’re not. When I first visited this place, I couldn’t tell if it was gimmicky or awesome, but I’ve very much come to terms with the fact it’s the latter!. It’s pretty much a spooky themed pub set deep in the vaults of Southbridge."

"If the supernatural sends shivers up your spine, steer clear from The Banshee Labyrinth — it is said that this bar is one of the most haunted spots in Edinburgh. Chills aside, this pub is a grand spot for live bands, film screenings, and comedy too. Another popular haunt during the Fringe, The Banshee is more than booze and boogie monsters."