Mentioned by The Chaotic Scot
5 Free Museums in Edinburgh You Might Not Know About
"It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque market setting than this – Edinburgh Farmers’ Market looks right up at the city’s medieval castle. Every Saturday (9am–2pm) the blue and white striped awnings on Castle Terrace shade an excellent range of products: meat, seasonal fruits and vegetables, jams, chutneys, crusty bread, handmade chocolates and pies. Tasting samples are commonplace, so try before you buy from some esteemed suppliers including Puddledub Pork, natural organic producers Caurnie Soap and – for some famously good Scottish soft fruit – Tay Valley Fruits."
"Fresh, seasonal produce awaits you at the award-winning Edinburgh Farmers' Market. This all year round market is open from 9am-2pm each Saturday in the shadow of the castle ramparts in Castle Terrace. Now in its 19th year the market is a staple amongst locals to support small businesses and vendors."
"Situated in Jubilee Gardens on the banks of the Water of Leith, Stockbridge Market has a rep as the second farmers’ market in the capital. But that doesn’t diminish the quality of the handcrafted creations and fresh ingredients sold here every Sunday (10am – 5pm). Goodies on offer include artisan cheeses, smoked salmon, jewellery, crafts, soaps, crêpes, melting marshmallows and even handmade dog treats."
"Open every Sunday from 10am-4pm in Jubilee Gardens, the Stockbridge Sunday market is a big hit with local Edinburgh residents. Artisan breads, cheese, smoked salmon and even handmade dog treats sit alongside handmade soaps, jewellery and carefully created crafts. Satisfy your palate with delicious handmade crepes, melting marshmallows or a warming drink as you stroll through this delightful market."
"Each Sunday in Jubilee Gardens the Stockbridge Sunday market is a favourite for Edinburgh’s residents and visitors. Bread, cheese, smoked fish and handmade gifts and crafts will entice you as you take a walk through the Gardens with the smell of homemade crepes and freshly brewed coffee around you."
"If you need somewhere to get out of the rain, or perhaps your kids need some new shoes after running theirs ragged all over Edinburgh, Ocean Terminal Shopping Center is the place to go. In addition to have regular stores, it has plenty of restaurants so you can grab a family bite to eat, and you can treat the toddlers and younger kids to a stop at a specialty shop like Build – a – Bear while you’re there."
"At the heart of Edinburgh's flagship waterfront regeneration, Ocean Terminal is a state-of-the-art leisure and retail complex designed by Sir Terence Conran. It boasts 45,000 sq m of shopping and leisure accommodation on three floors and 1600 car parking spaces. The mix includes more than 50 stores, bars and restaurants, a gym and a 12-screen cinema, not to mention stunning views over the Firth of Forth."
"We are going to explore Leith today, so we’ll hop on the bus towards Ocean Terminal and get off near Roseleaf Bar and Cafe. The dish to order here is the Yin or full Scottish breakfast with sausage, black pudding, bacon, and haggis."
"Not quite as busy as its big sisters, Stockbridge and Grassmarket markets, but well worth a visit nonetheless. The market consists mostly of food traders, bringing you locally produced and sourced products as well as sizzling hot street food that you can enjoy sitting down at one of the tables. On the first Saturday of the month the market also hosts the Vegan Quarter with a variety of vegan treats to choose from."
"Taking place every Saturday from 10am to 4pm on Dock Place, Leith Market is full of foodie delights and unique items from local makers and designers. On the first Saturday of the month Leith Market is home to a Vegan Quarter where, alongside their usual line-up of traders, the Market is filled with delicious variety of Vegan treats from cupcakes to Vegan Meat."
"Each Saturday the Leith Market at Dock Place if filled with foods to tempt any palate as well as a monthly Vegan Quarter on the first Saturday of each month. Each month the market welcomes a variety of delicious vegan treats alongside the regular traders."
"Located at the east end of Princes Street, you’ll find the newest edition to Edinburgh’s shopping centres – St James Quarter. From beauty to clothing, electronics to footwear, this 4-storey centre covers 1.7 million square feet and includes restaurants, cafés, bars, shops, public spaces and leisure venues. A Roomzzz aparthotel where guests can stay for one night, one week, or even up to a year, as well as Edinburgh’s first boutique Everyman cinema will open during future phases."
"The grounds of 17th-century Bonnington House, 10 miles west of Edinburgh, have been lovingly converted by owners and art patrons Robert and Nicky Wilson into a gorgeous, landscaped sculpture park. Meadows and woodland showcase works – many of them specially commissioned – by a clutch of Britain's leading artists, including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Nathan Coley, anchored by the the vast landscape sculpture Cells of Life by Charles Jencks. A varied events program includes tours every Wednesday at 10.30am."
"The beautiful grounds of a Jacobean manor house have been transformed by an art-loving couple, Robert and Nicky Wilson, into an impressive…"
"Edinburgh's Camera Obscura (meaning "dark room") is a fascinating and delightful way to take advantage of the wonderful views of the city from Castle Hill. Located immediately beside Edinburgh Castle, this intriguing attraction is housed in a Victorian rooftop chamber at the apex of the Outlook Tower. Inside this mysterious room you can see moving images of Edinburgh's panorama projected onto the walls by the giant periscope."
"Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a quirky little museum just down the hill from the Castle. It’s one of the most popular Edinburgh attractions and great fun for the whole family. The museum is set over 5 floors and contains hundreds of illusions, many of which are interactive."
"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"
"You can discover how our planet evolved millions of years ago at the exciting Dynamic Earth. Let’s start with a bang as we journey through time and learn about our past, present and future with interactive exhibits and mind blowing technology. Another must for family days out."
"A short stroll from the foot of the Royal Mile, Our Dynamic Earth is a hugely popular attraction that tells the story of our planet’s past, present and future. Children and grownups alike will love exploring exhibits like the Time Machine and Future Dome."
"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."
"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."
"Even if you are not a fan of politics, The Scottish Parliament would be a good sightseeing spot. Not only is the building itself really interesting, you can watch a parliamentary session, it hosts art exhibitions and has a lovely modern garden that you can explore. If you want to know more, The Scottish Parliament also offers a selection of free guided tours focusing on the different aspects and functions of the building."
"The Scottish Parliament Building is one of Edinburgh's most talked-about architectural feats and has stirred its fair share of controversy since construction. Built in 2004 by Spanish architect Enric Miralle, this post-modern complex appears a striking contrast to the surrounding architecture of Edinburgh. The edifice has been described as both ultra-modern and futuristic, with an abstract and evocative geometric style."
"See Spanish architect Enric Miralles’ magnificent (and controversial) Holyrood building, take a tour of the interior, sit in on a debate or look at the artwork on display.Horse Wynd, 0800 092 7500, scottish.parliament.uk. Opening hours vary according to whether Parliament is in session, see website for details."