Best Museums in Heriot

"Since opening in 2011, the National Museum has become one of Scotland's most popular attractions, and one of the best things to do for free in Edinburgh. Welcoming over two million visitors each year, it incorporates collections from a number of Edinburgh's older museums, with highlights including national archaeological collections; medieval artifacts; and displays focusing on natural history, geology, art, science, and technology. In its 16 galleries, containing more than 8,000 artifacts, are Dolly the sheep — the world's first cloned mammal — as well as some of Elton John's more elaborate stage costumes."

"Visit the Free Museums in Edinburgh on the Royal Mile Since you’re on the Royal Miles, you should definitely take advantage of the many free museums that you can find along it’s length. Some of our favourites include the Edinburgh Museum, the Writers Museum and the Museum of Childhood. You can read much more about what is in each of these museums and why you might want to visit them in Jess’s excellent post on the highlights of Edinburgh."

"Discover the delights of the natural world, explore world cultures and enthuse at treasures from around the world. Featuring a diverse range of art and design exhibits, interactive displays and games, a visit to the National Museum of Scotland will appeal to all ages. The huge variety of galleries and exhibitions in this grand and visually stunning building means that you could quite easily spend an entire day here."

"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."

"Please note that this activity is still CLOSED to the public. This interactive space focused on childhood life, learning and play is a fab day out for the kids. It displays toys and games from across the generations, as well as having dedicated zones for little ones to get involved in activities."

"Learn about the creation of our planet and travel through time as we explore Earth's past, present and future. Get thrust back in time to the very beginnings of our universe, and witness first hand the big bang and the very first moments of our galaxy and solar system. Make your way back to the present day through volcanic explosions, landscape-forming glaciers and the evolution of our life on Earth."

"Getting to Dynamic Earth : Located off Holyrood Road, the museum is a 17 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. Right on the edge of the Old Town behind the Scottish Parliament Building and next door to Holyrood Palace is Edinburgh’s most popular science museum, Dynamic Earth. This museum takes you on a journey from the Big Bang to modern day using 4D technology."

"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."

"Canongate Tolbooth, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8BNOpen Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10am - 5pm; Sunday 12pm - 5pmFree to enter, donations welcome. The People's Story museum is located in the Canongate Tolbooth, which is a historic landmark in itself built in 1591. It provides visitors with a realistic and fascinating look at what life was like for Edinburgh citizens in days gone by."

"This second free museum in Edinburgh is dedicated to the real working-class people of Edinburgh. Images, objects and personal stories are used to document the lives of locals between the 18th and 20th centuries. Spend an hour browsing."

"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 by the popular, post-Impressionist Scottish Colourists – in Reflections, Balloch, Leslie Hunter pulls off the improbable trick of making Scotland look like the south of France – the gallery is the starting point for a walk along the Water of Leith. Fees apply for some exhibitions."

"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."

"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."

"I went to the Queen’s Gallery instead, which showcases a small subset of the art that is found within the royal, private collection. ***For the Queen’s Gallery, tickets are £7.00 for adults, £6.40 for adults over 60 or students (with valid ID), £3.50 for children under 17 or the disabled, and children under 5 are free.The Queen’s Gallery is open daily from 9:30 am – 6:00 pm."

"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."

"Last but certainly not least we have Artisan Gelato Edinburgh in the Old Town, with their authentic Italian-looking store that is the perfect backdrop for a shot of your Instagrammable ice cream. Their hand crafted ice cream is to die for and some of their most popular flavours include pistachio bronte Sicily, chocolate orange and cheescake...we will take ten scoops please. One reviewer said it is the "best gelato outside of Italy" and, like their neighbours Over Langshaw Farm, they offer vegan, gluten free and dairy free options."

"Sadly, the tea was made with powder which results in a negative review. I asked the boba-barista (lol, I just made up a word) to make my drink with 25% sweetness, but he was unable to adjust the level of sweetness. The drink was a little too sweet for my taste."

"A classical yet contemporary chocolaterie on Bruntsfield Place, in the boutique shopping district and much loved residential area of Bruntsfield. Their aim is to provide a unique and comfortable atmosphere for you to explore the delights of fine flavour chocolate. Sample hand crafted chocolates, organic bars, hot chocolate, French macarons or Italian gelato in the uniquely enchanting surrounds of their cafe."

"Their menu is filled to the brim with crepes, waffles, pancakes and chocolate fondue, all with what seems like an endless choice of toppings and combinations. From warm pancakes to fresh fruit, they pour chocolate on everything. And if that’s just not enough, you can wash it all down with a uniquely flavoured hot chocolate, like black pepper dark or mint white."

"How would you like to unwind and relax with a box of delicious handmade chocolates?. Coco of Bruntsfield specializes in fine organic chocolate in a range of delicious forms. You'll find some amazing, irresistible treats crafted by artisan chocolatiers here and in the sister store on Broughton Street."

"Anyone with a historical interest in medicine, or a taste for the gruesome, will enjoy the three medical museums collectively known as the Surgeons' Hall. They include the Wohn Pathology Museum, one of the largest collections of anatomical pathology in the world; The History of Surgery Museum, where you can learn about the history of murderers and body snatchers who provided teaching "samples" to surgeons in training; and The Dental Collection, with paintings, Japanese woodcuts, and dental instruments illustrating the development of everyone's least favorite medical profession. A highlight is the story of murderers and body snatchers Burke and Hare, who provided bodies for dissection."

"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."