Free Museums in Cockenzie and Port Seton

"The National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street offers a range of galleries including an impressive art gallery, Sciene and technology a Scottish history gallery. In the natural world section, get up close to a dinosaur skeleton and the kids will love to have their photo taken next to the lions. Admissions are free but customers should book to a slot."

"The museum is divided into sections and thematic areas - science, art, archeology, nature and history. This is a great place to visit for families as children will have lots of fun playing in the interactive areas. You can spend a whole day exploring the museum and you can also schedule a tour when it’s raining."

"Both adults and children can enjoy a trip down memory lane and discover a range of bygone games and toys of the past at the Museum of Childhood. With interactive exhibitions including a puppet theatre and dress up area, a trip to the museum is one to be enjoyed by all the family. 42 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TG"

"Exploring the history of childhood, this Royal Mile museum houses a remarkable collection of children's toys and playthings including a doll dating from 1740. The museum will reopen following refurbishment in Spring. Visit: 42 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TG - edinburghmuseums.org.uk"

"Kids can learn about the toys, clothes and lifestyles of children of the past in this Royal Mile museum. Nostalgia for grown-ups guaranteed.42 High Street, 529 4142, edinburghmuseums.org.uk/venues/museum-of-childhood, Mon–Sat 10am–5pm; Sun noon–5pm."

"This phenomenal museum celebrates the beauty of the earth via innovative technology. It is situated at the opposite end of the Old Town from the castle, near Holyrood Palace in the shadow of the crags and Arthur's Seat. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience simulated earthquakes, tropical rainstorms, the ocean floor, ice ages, glaciers and mountains."

"This is one of Edinburgh's most popular modern attractions, especially for families. It tells the story of planet Earth from the Big Bang onward. It's among the newer kinds of child-centric science museums that focus on interactive experiences, and films rather than than dry exhibits."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Split between two buildings on either side of Belford Road, Modern One and Modern Two, the gallery houses the nation's collection of modern and contemporary art. Modern Two, previously the Dean Gallery, was built as an orphanage. An austere structure, it's home to a large collection of Dada and Surrealist art, and a collection of the works of Sir Eduardo Paolozzi."

"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..."

"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."

"Zen Lifestyle began with a small salon in Bruntsfield, and now operates from three locations in the city including the flagship salon in Hanover Street. Twice awarded the UK Salon of the Year at the British Beauty and Spa Awards this prodigious salon offers over one hundred treatments for men and women. Zen Lifestyle is one of Scotland's most advanced cosmetic medical clinics and has a full range of beauty treatments such as waxing, manicures and pedicures."

"If you are a fan of Elemis spa treatments, PURE Spa is the one for you!. The contemporary design of the spa is sophisticated and relaxing, with a brilliant relaxation room where you can completely unwind after your treatment and enjoy some complimentary fruit juice. Here in Edinburgh, we are lucky to have 3 amazing locations where you can experience a PURE Spa; Lothian Road, Rose Street & Newhaven."

"Gusto Italian has been a mainstay of elegant George St. dining for almost 15 years. Serving the best in authentic Italian food and chic cocktails, Gusto has remained close to the heart of Edinburgh locals and tourists alike. They specialize in catering to all dietary requirements with over 30% of the menu available as Vegan."

"Another staple on our radar is anything created by Jamie Olivier. If you have read our guide to London with kids, or my quick trip to Rotterdam, you will know the lengths I will go to in order to experience a Jamie Oliver restaurant."

"Serving the best in authentic Italian food and chic cocktails, Gusto specialize in catering to all dietary requirements with over 30% of the menu available as vegan."

"Located off Edinburgh’s Grassmarket, The Last Drop’s macabre past is part of its draw: The name references the square outside, which was once Edinburgh’s hanging grounds. Don’t expect a gloomy vibe inside, though. The place retains its traditional character, with plenty of banter and great beers to try plus an excellent selection of British and craft gins."

"The Last Drop, is a traditional pub on Grassmarket Square, which has a handful of tables and chairs at the front of the pub. A collection of Grassmarket pubs also have a number of tables set up over tents in the middle of the pedestrianised area. We managed to get a table for three walking by Alba Bistro."

"I loved my meal at Fiddlers Arms but the Last Drop also comes recommended. Dip your toes in Scotland’s mind-bogglingly long history at the National Museum of Scotland"

"Formerly the home of Scotland’s national daily newspaper, The Scotsman, this imposing Edwardian building – which straddles North Bridge – offers sweeping vistas of Edinburgh’s skyline. Any hint of ink and hot-metal printing presses have long been banished, replaced by a city-centre hotel that combines the charm of a bygone era with the best of 21st-century living. However, there are occasional reminders of the hotel’s former incarnation – check in to a spacious Editor Room or a compact Reporter Room."

"Address: 20 North Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1TR. Rating: 4-star. Guest rating: 4.5 out of 5 (851 reviews). What people say: "Clean rooms, friendly staff willing to help, comfy beds great nights sleep."

"Excellent, 4.45 Based on 978 Reviews"