Best Arts and Culture Places in Cockenzie and Port Seton

"75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR (website) Open daily 10am-6pmAdmission is free (charges may apply to special exhibitions). Discover a world-class collection and cutting edge art at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The gallery is home to a range of contemporary Scottish arts collection, with more than 5,000 items of 20th-century art."

"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is housed in 2 historic buildings. Art lovers will be in their element viewing the over 6000 pieces on display. For the latest exhibitions visit the official Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art website."

"This contemporary and applied art gallery features work by a range of established and emerging artists. The space places a heavy emphasis on printmakers, and you’ll see a huge collection of colourful prints as well as work by glass makers and other applied artists. Visit the gallery’s website."

"Inside a renovated Victorian swimming pool building, the Dovecot Gallery and Tapestry Studio is an art and exhibition centre focusing on contemporary art and fine tapestry. Their Tapestry Studio is not only internationally known for its work, but the pieces on display are alo stunning. Check their calendar of events as they also offer guided tours and workshops."

"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…"

"The plans to construct an iconic city hall in Edinburgh were sparked in 1896 by Andrew Usher, renowned whisky distiller, who promised to fund the project. In 1914, Usher Hall was built by architects Stockdale Harrison and Howard H Thomson, a magnificent and classical beaux-arts-style concert hall which stood in defiance against the Victorian Gothic architecture so commonly found within the city of Edinburgh. Situated on Lothian Road in the west of the capital, Usher Hall is instantly recognizable with its curved walls, geometric precision and intriguing exterior design, featuring famous Scots such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns."

"Usher Hall is Edinburgh’s premier concert venue and a must-visit for fans of entertainment and culture. The hall was built in 1914 and features beautiful architecture, including a curved exterior decorated with panels of famous figures such as Sir Walter Scott and Mozart. The hall has historically been used for a variety of events, including concerts, political events, and sporting events."

"The Grassmarket is a bustling part of Edinburgh, which has great nightlife and places to eat, as well as an intriguing past. Situated in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle to the south, it is named, as it was the market where all animals that ate grass –as well as the grasses to feed them – were sold. The bustling square hosts a food and craft market on Sundays and has a plethora of great old character-filled pubs to visit and great restaurants to sample Scottish or international food."

"Grassmarket is snuggled in the center of Edinburgh’s Old Town and is bursting with local shops and so much good food. Mary’s Milk Bar is supposed to have incredible gelato (sadly never got to visit while I was in the city), and in the summer there are stalls set up selling even more food and locally made jewelry and art. Nearby is Victoria Street, which is a chocolate box-esque street that looks like stores were literally stacked on top of one another."

"After all, the picturesque streets and quintessentially Scottish pubs located in the Grassmarket make it a must-see attraction on any Scottish adventure. There, you’ll find vibrant streets matched only by an ever-lively nightlife. This is where locals come to hang out, and where you’ll want to grab dinner, or simply head for some after exploring drinks. Nearby, you’ll also find plenty of historical buildings, including the once famous Magdalen Chapel."

"Dismal past aside, the Holyroodhouse is still a great place to walk around and learn about Scottish history and the royals who called this palace home over the centuries. An audioguide is included with the price of admission (£14) and offers a great overview of the history."

"The Royal Mile ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This palace is the official residence in Scotland of Queen Elizabeth. She resides here about one week every year. When the Queen is not here, the Palace is open for visit."

"Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch (affectionately known as BBL) is an Edinburgh deli-cafe and takeaway on the Pleasance that’s open from 8am to 3pm daily, hence its name. They might not do dinner, but their breakfast options are out of this world, and they also have a very special home made vegan Lorne sausage that is made with their signature blend of herbs and spices. A vegan roll and sausage is a fantastic hangover cure, and you can combine it with a tattie scone if you want something that’s extra filling, or go the whole hog and opt for the full vegan breakfast, a bargain at just £5.50, and just sit, relax, and watch the world go by."

"Café Portrait has quickly become one of Edinburgh’s best art venue cafés, and, with its striking gothic windows, consistently good food and creative buzz, it’s easy to see why. The menu is seasonal and changes daily, but the likes of Moroccan spiced salmon on a bed of chickpea and spinach, or goat’s cheese roulade won’t disappoint."

"Located inside the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Cafe Portrait keeps culture vultures engaged with dramatic gothic windows and archways. Painted and photographed portraits adorn the walls, as if to suggest that you're sipping in good company. There's a standard mix of coffees, steeping teas, and hot chocolates."

"A quaint and pretty location, Castello Coffee’s main window offers the perfect view of the neighbouring Bruntsfield Link’s picturesque fields, showcasing some of the more peaceful greenery that can be found within Edinburgh’s rolling hills. With an attention-grabbing baby blue outside décor, Castello’s is also stylish and cosy inside, with a two-shop structure that combines a quirky low ceilinged mezzanine with a more spacious high-ceilinged narrow seating area. And of course, the coffee… is exquisite."

"Castello Coffee uses Allpress Espresso in its drinks|© Stuart Kenny. Castello Coffee boasts a modern interior, evoking feelings of Scandinavia. It’s very clean, very stylish and lies right on the edge of the Bruntsfield Links – giving it a lovely green view on sunny days."

"Located next to the Bruntsfield Links, this popular cafe is filled with delectable pastries and coffee. With properly brewed beans perfectly paired with knowledgeable baristas, Castello Coffee is a great place to sit and watch the world go by."

"Breakfast, Brunch and Lunch (affectionately known as BBL) is an Edinburgh deli-cafe and takeaway on the Pleasance that’s open from 8am to 3pm daily, hence its name. They might not do dinner, but their breakfast options are out of this world, and they also have a very special home made vegan Lorne sausage that is made with their signature blend of herbs and spices. A vegan roll and sausage is a fantastic hangover cure, and you can combine it with a tattie scone if you want something that’s extra filling, or go the whole hog and opt for the full vegan breakfast, a bargain at just £5.50, and just sit, relax, and watch the world go by."