Best & Cool Science and Space Museums in Livingston

"Try a trip to Camera Obscura, an optical illusion attraction in Edinburgh that features tons of different illusions as well as plays on light, sound and movement. While Camera Obscura may not be the most romantic thing to do in Edinburgh in the same way that a luxurious spa treatment or fancy dinner would, it’s a great idea for what to do in Edinburgh as a couple who want to have fun and laugh together."

"Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions Camera Obscura is located one block down the Royal Mile from the Edinburgh Castle. If you are visiting Edinburgh with kids, this is an awesome spot to visit. Six floors are filled with illusions, puzzles, and optical tricks."

"Swap noses and heads, walk through a tunnel of never-ending stars and capture your own shadow on camera. Free rooftop telescopes. Enter a world of illusions where seeing is definitely not believing!"

"Dynamic Earth is a multi-media presentation that takes visitors on a 500-million-year journey through the Earth's history. Using hi-tech gadgetry and superb special effects, its displays realistically portray natural events such as volcanoes, tropical rainstorms, and glaciation. Located at the foot of Arthur's Seat near Holyrood Park, this unique science center is housed in an ultra-modern tent-like structure and is particularly fun for kids."

"Dynamic Earth is a state of the art family attraction near Edinburgh in Scotland. It takes visitors through our history from the Big Bang theory up to the modern-day. It's a chance to experience the primaeval forces of nature as they shaped..."

"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."

"The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh was founded in 1505 and the city has been an important location for medical research ever since. The museum here was originally designed as a teaching museum for students, but it first opened to the public in 1832. There's a history of surgery, a dental collection, and a fascinating collection of pathological anatomy."

"The Physicians' Gallery is a free public exhibition space which is part of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Our exhibitions are based on the wealth of historical medical material which the College has collected over the last 300 years. ‘Moonstruck: 500 years of mental health’ is our new free exhibition– opening on 14 June 2019 and running until Spring 2020"

"The Kelpies, the stunning equine statues gracing the eastern entrance to the Forth & Clyde Canal, are named after mythical Scottish water-horses. The two 30m-tall horse's heads are fashioned out of stainless steel, and are a tribute to the working horses that once hauled barges along the canal. You can view them for free (indeed, they are clearly visible from the M9 motorway between Edinburgh and Stirling), but the 45-minute guided tour takes you inside the sculptures."

"A few recommendations (although there are many more), are Stirling, Doune Castle, and the Kelpies. The city of Stirling and nearby has a lot of great attractions, including Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument. Doune Castle is a medieval castle made famous as the primary filming location for the cult film Monty Python and the Holy Grail and most recently used in Season 1 of the TV series Outlander."

"A day tour of Loch Lomond and Stirling Castle, as well as other highlights including the Trossachs and the Kelpies A full day tour that includes Loch Ness, Glencoe and Whisky tasting. A long day, but a good way to see a lot."

"A quiet suburban sanctuary just off Leith Walk, this elegant four-storey Georgian townhouse is a hidden secret behind Calton Hill. Appealingly simple, its snug doubles and suites are the place to whisper sweet nothings; in particular, the two Georgian Suites, with fit-for-two roll-top baths, feature wallpaper and four-poster beds that cry out for pillow talk. The ground-level Brasserie offers a classic Scottish tasting menu, but another close-at-hand option is Roberta Hall’s the Little Chartroom, where the cooking will have passions running high."

"Located in Edinburgh’s trendy East End, No 11 Brasserie has created a space that celebrates fresh Scottish produce and ingredients with an ever-changing seasonal menu. Their current autumn menu includes Fillet of Sole Meuniere and Butternut Squash with local foraged woodland mushrooms and many more. The brasserie’s interior also reflects the heritage of the city’s Georgian architecture."

"Housed in a converted warehouse and serving a menu that’s about as far removed from stereotypical Scottish cooking as imaginable, Tapa has earned itself a loyal following among in-the-know residents in Leith. Its take on Spanish tapas dishes provides a break from the norm: there are melt-in-your-mouth ribs, and the chef’s mother offers her own recipe for venison stew that’s not to be missed."

"The John Knox House dates back to 1470, making it one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, as well as the oldest on the Royal Mile. Today, it’s a beautifully maintained museum that showcases the house and those who lived here, with special attention paid to the Scottish Reformation. Although it’s not on every tourist’s trail, those who do their research will be well rewarded with a fascinating trip back through time."

"Getting to John Knox House : Located on the Royal Mile, the museum is a 6 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. Photo credit: David Ross. John Knox (1514-1572) was a Scottish minister, founder of the Scottish Presbyterian Church and leader of the Scottish Reformation."