Best Museums in Bowhill

"Not within the city limits, but worth the short drive to East Fortune in East Lothian, this museum tells the story of flight from the Wright brothers to the present day in a series of converted hangars on a former RAF base. The big draw is Concorde, one of the 20 now-defunct aircraft, which was shipped to Scotland in 2004 for a special exhibit on supersonic flight. The child-friendly site includes 50 aircraft, and artefacts from both commercial and military aviation, including the fuselage of a Boeing 707.East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, 0300 123 6789, nms.ac.uk, adults £9.50, concessions £7.50, children £4, under-fives free."

"This is the big cheese of Edinburgh museums, housed in two utterly different but connected buildings: one Victorian, inspired by Renaissance Venice, and a bold 1990s creation with a tall sandstone tower. The museum does a wonderful job of illuminating the nation’s story, but the 8,000+ exhibits also encompass global history and the natural world. You can’t miss the zany ten-metre Millennium Clock in the main hall, and you should make a beeline for the famous 12th-century Lewis chess pieces, stuffed cloned sheep Dolly and the fabulous creations of the fashion gallery."

"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."

"42 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1TGOpen 10am - 5pm Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12pm - 5pm Sunday. Explore the first museum in the world dedicated to thehistory of childhood. With five galleries to explore throughout which you will find fascinating and rare objects from childhoods past, including toys, games, clothes, books and dolls, dating from the 1800s to the present day, this is a treat for visitors both young and old, and a firm favourite with many Edinburgh residents."

"Kids can learn about the toys, clothes and lifestyles of children of the past in this Royal Mile museum. Nostalgia for grown-ups guaranteed.42 High Street, 529 4142, edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venues/museum-of-childhood, Mon–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun noon–5pm."

"With an interactive puppet theatre and dress up area, this is a spot for the whole family as adults can reminisce about old toys and the kids can see what came before the Xbox and iPads."

"I’ve lost count of the number of times we visited Dynamic Earth as we used to have a yearly membership. This is a fantastic place for children (and adults) of all ages. You’ll embark on a journey through time and space where you’ll learn all about our planet earth – how it evolved from the Big Bang to present day."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"You can explore Leith and visit the Trinity House Maritime Museum, stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway or see the latest exhibits on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art."

"Amidst the Tony award-winning musicals, famous shows, high calibre ballets, and musical prodigies are some of the major comedy kingpins. The Edinburgh Playhouse has been host to the likes of Amy Schumer, Louis CK, Jack Whitehall, Jimmy Carr, and Catherine Tate, to name just a few. This former cinema, which was built in the style of The Roxy cinema in New York, has been around since 1929 and makes for the most brilliant of comedy venues due to its sheer size and acoustics."

"EdinburghThe Edinburgh Playhouse has some great shows throughout the year including a great Panto. There are also childrens events in the school holidays and youth drama activities"

"The beautiful union of a wine cellar and charming chic Italian restaurant, Divino Enoteca is not only one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Edinburgh. It also boasts a number of awards for food and wine, making it one of the best restaurants in Edinburgh as well. Located in the heart of Old Town, Divino Enoteca has soft mood lighting and an award-winning wine list that makes it a perfect venue for a romantic rendezvous (book for Valentine's Day!), as well as fun and sophisticated nights out with the gang."

"What: This upmarket Italian restaurant and wine bar is hidden away near Grassmarket and is a favourite among Edinburgh pasta enthusiasts. What you might not know about Divino Enoteca though, is that is has a gorgeous outdoor patio area surrounded by stone walls and lit with fairy lights. Feast on frittura mista here during the warmer months, or sit by the heaters during winter and shovel down the tagliatelle alla Bolognese.Where: 5 Merchant Street, EH1 2QD"

"Elegant restaurant and wine bar featuring one of the best selections of Italian wine in the city alongside an engaging menu."

"63 The Shore, Edinburgh EH6 6RA277 St John’s Road, Edinburgh EH12 7XA250 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8AA1 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1DE. Yet another hugely successful bakery has recently started moving into the vegan cake arena – and we couldn’t be happier!. Mimi’s has been delighting omnivores for years with their seriously indulgent cakes and bakes, but after enjoying success with their animal product free range at last year’s Christmas market, they have decided to extend their offering."

"Mimi’s is one of the most popular spots for a coffee and cake in Edinburgh, and being the Scottish Baker of the Year for 4 years running, it’s understandable. While their breakfast, brunch and lunch menu is hearty and delicious, it’s really the cakes put this warm and welcoming family-run bakery on the list. Find Mimi’s main cafe right by the river in the heart of Leith, or Mimi’s Little Bakehouse in two locations in the Old Town."

"Disclaimer: My meal at Mimi’s Bakehouse was a gifted experience. All opinions are my own. Another vegan-friendly cafe in the Old Town of Edinburgh is Mimi’s Bakehouse."

"They roast their own beans weekly right in the heart of the Cairngorms and sell them in fresh brews each day. Along with their beautifully bright yellowed branded cups, they have small bites to eat that pair perfectly with their local brew. If you’re outside of Scotland and still want to enjoy this brew, they offer to ship to many countries across the globe so that you can have a flavor of the Cairngorms, and if you like, they sell extremely aesthetically pleasing long sleeve shirts so you can promote your love for coffee, this local spot, and the outdoors!"

"One of hipper options in town for that caffeine hit is Cairngorm Coffee, which has two locations in the city and has a welcoming bright and airy interior. The one we visited at Melville Place was buzzing mid-day with a line basically out the door and a lively group of customers eating and chatting away with friends. This local favorite prides themselves on brewing their own coffee in the Cairngorms and utilizing the first San Remo Opera machine in all of Scotland."

"This bright and beautiful coffee stop now has two locations in the city with a loyal contingent of coffee fans. Naturally, they brew up their own coffee in-store, which they roast in the Cairngorm Mountains every week. Be sure to take home a bag of their trademark yellow coffee beans to sip at home!"