Free Museums in Ecclesmachan

"Not within the city limits, but worth the short drive to East Fortune in East Lothian, this museum tells the story of flight from the Wright brothers to the present day in a series of converted hangars on a former RAF base. The big draw is Concorde, one of the 20 now-defunct aircraft, which was shipped to Scotland in 2004 for a special exhibit on supersonic flight. The child-friendly site includes 50 aircraft, and artefacts from both commercial and military aviation, including the fuselage of a Boeing 707.East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, 0300 123 6789, nms.ac.uk, adults £9.50, concessions £7.50, children £4, under-fives free."

"The diverse collection at the National Museum of Scotland encompasses the history of Scotland along with exhibitions of international interest. You can learn all about Scotland's past from the age of chivalry through to the industrial revolution and beyond. You'll also find diverse displays on everything from the pharaohs of ancient Egypt to the samurais of Japan."

"Please note that this activity is still CLOSED to the public. This interactive space focused on childhood life, learning and play is a fab day out for the kids. It displays toys and games from across the generations, as well as having dedicated zones for little ones to get involved in activities."

"If you fancy a wee trip down memory lane, head to the Museum of Childhood. Located on the Royal Mile, this quirky museum is spread across four floors and covers many eras of toys and games. It gives you an idea of playthings over the years starting from the 18th through to the 21st century."

"It's a chance to experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet, to journey through space and time and even go on a 4DVENTURE around the world. You'll be embarking on the interactive adventure of a lifetime - the lifetime of our planet."

"Transport yourself to the Outlander set at Callendar Park & House. Callendar Park & House was used for one of the most well-known Outlander scenes as the Duke of Sandringham’s home."

"Canongate, The Royal Mile, EH8 8DX (website) Open daily 9:30am-6pm (26 March to 31 October) and 9:30am-4.30pm (1 November to 25 March)Adult: £6.70, Over 60/Students £6.10, Under 17/Disabled: £3.40, unders 5's go free. If you like art but find conventional art galleries too big and daunting, then the Queen's Gallery is the answer, as it hosts small intimate exhibitions as part of the Royal Collection Trust. The building is a conversion of a former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School and features a beautiful teak and sycamore staircase."

"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."

"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."

"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art — also known as "Modern One" — is another must-visit for art enthusiasts. Here, you'll find displays of paintings by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso; surrealistic works by Rene Magritte, Joan Miró, and Max Ernst; and contemporary paintings by Bruce McLean, Callum Innes, and Gwen Hardie. The gallery is also well-known for its impressive collection of sculptures."

"Dean Cemetery was inaugurated in 1846 and belongs to a beautiful hamlet located very near the city centre called Dean Village. It is one of the most remarkable cemeteries in Edinburgh and if it weren’t for the gravestones it could pass as a tranquil park full of trees."

"Craigmillar Castle: Often referred to as ‘Edinburgh’s other castle,’ Craigmillar is one of the best castles the Scottish capital has to offer. The well preserved medieval ruins are situated just a half hour by bus from the city centre, and so the castle is incredibly easy to reach!"

"There isn’t a single vacation that we have been on that we haven’t stopped at a Hard Rock Cafe if it was available. Sometimes more than once if we are feeling extra lazy with decision making and just want to grab American style food. Each restaurant has a different local burger on their menu."

"Tuck into all the American classics, including burgers, steaks, indulgent desserts and classic cocktails in this rock n roll themed resultant. Outdoor seating is unreserved and available on a first-come-first-served basis. Hard Rock Cafe20 George Street, Edinburgh."

"Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh, 20 George Street, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH2 2PF. Things to do at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh review. The legendary Hard Rock Cafe was established in Edinburgh city centre in 1998."

"The lunch menu at Bell’s Diner has barely changed in 40 years, but why change a winning formula?. This cute little diner on the corner of St Stephen Street has been serving up gourmet burgers long before the likes of Byron got in on the act. Its steaks are also excellent and come with a choice of five sauces (go for the garlic butter), while the large hot fudge sundae pancakes are legendary in these parts."