The Royal Museum houses outstanding international collections of decorative arts, science, industry, archaeology and the natural world. Some exhibits are millions of years old, others less than a decade. Together they reflect the diversity of life on earth and the ingenuity of humankind. The Royal Museum houses outstanding international collections of decorative arts, science, industry, […]

The Museum of Scotland is a striking new landmark in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town and has been described as the finest Scottish building of the twentieth century. The museum presents for the first time, the history of Scotland – its land, its people and their achievements – through rich national collections. Find out more: www.nms.ac.uk/scotland

Widely regarded as one of the finest smaller galleries in the world, the National Gallery of Scotland contains an outstanding collection of paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture by the greatest artists from the Renaissance to Post-Impressionism. Find out more: www.nationalgalleries.org

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery provides a visual history of Scotland from the 16th century to the present day, told through portraits of the people who shaped it: Royals and rebels, poets and philosophers, heroes and villains. The collection is specifically of western art, with works by artists such as Matisse, Picasso and Dali. Find […]

The Royal Scottish Academy Building is situated on The Mound adjacent to the National Gallery of Scotland. Founded in 1812, the Royal Scottish Academy is Scotland’s premier organisation promoting contemporary Scottish art. Find out more: www.royalscottishacademy.org

Building began in the early 15th century, and over the next 250 years the castle became a comfortable residence surrounded by fine gardens and pastureland. The castle’s history is not only closely involved with the city of Edinburgh, but plays an important part in the story of Mary Queen of Scots who fled to Craigmillar […]

The Dungeons invite you to a unique feast of fun with history’s horrible bits. A unique combination of real history, horror and humour bring gruesome goings-on back to life in the 21st century. Live actors, special effects and boat rides in London & Edinburgh transport you back to those black bleak times. Find out more: www.thedungeons.com

This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret’s Chapel, dates from the 12th century. The castle houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O’ Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland. Find […]

The Queen’s official residence in Scotland, stands at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile against the spectacular backdrop of Arthur’s Seat. The Royal Apartments, where The Queen hosts State ceremonies and other official occasions, are infused with centuries of history and have witnessed many important events in Scotland’s rich history. Find out more: www.rct.uk or www.rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse

Beneath the City Chambers on the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh’s deepest secret – a warren of hidden streets where real people lived, worked and died between the 17th and the 19th centuries. Now visitors can step back in time and walk through these underground closes and witness some of the dramatic episodes and extraordinary apparitions […]

Find out how the water of life is produced and then one of our experienced Tour Guides will take guests through the amazing difference between whiskies from the Highlands, Lowlands, Speyside and Islands. Find out more: www.whisky-heritage.co.uk

Our Dynamic Earth explores the extremes of our planet Earth. Travel back in time to witness the Big Bang, feel the earth shake by an erupting volcano, fly over glaciers, feel the chill of polar ice, and get caught in a tropical rainstorm.Out of this world…but about this planet! Find out more: www.dynamicearth.co.uk

Fascinating historic and ghostly tours – tales that bring the past alive and make your flesh creep! Visit the most extensive haunted vaults in Edinburgh. Optional pub visit available. Find out more: www.mercattours.com

Step aboard for a self-led audio tour (available in 13 languages with a special handset for children in English) which takes you around five decks, giving a unique insight into what life was like for the Royal Family, Officers and Yachtsmen. Find out more: www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

On the death of Sir Walter Scott in 1832, the great and good of the city came together to agree on a fitting monument to this outstanding Scottish literary figure. In 1836, an architectural competition was launched, inviting designs for an appropriate memorial. Two years later, the trustees approved the design submitted by George Meikle […]

Discover 1,000 years of history in the heart of Edinburgh. Founded in the 1120s, St Giles’ was the church of John Knox during the Reformation and is often referred to as the ‘Cradle of Presbyterianism’. Find out more: www.stgilescathedral.org.uk

Just one mile from city centre, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh offers visitors peace and tranquility amongst 72 acres of stunning scenery. Founded in 1670, the Garden is acknowledged to be one of the finest in the world where unusual and beautiful plants can be found. Find out more: www.rbge.org.uk

Explore Scotland’s new Parliament building and discover its past, present and future. Visit the debating chamber and see parliament in action (business days) or enjoy a guided tour of the building (non-business days). Entry to the Parliament is free. Find out more: www.scottish.parliament.uk

The wildest visitor attraction in Scotland, this leading Zoo is home to over 1,000 rare and beautiful animals. Gift shop, cafeterias and wonderful hilltop safari ride – it’s a great day out. Find out more: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk