Free Museums in Newcraighall

"This great museum has some fantastic ways to get hands on, so it’s worth a visit at any time of year – although especially if you’re looking for things to do in Edinburgh in the rain with kids. The different galleries have different themes – creativity in Imagine for example, plus science and technology, as well as Adventure. You could climb into a human hamster wheel, or dig for dinosaur bones in the Adventure Planet gallery if they fancy themselves as mini archaeologists."

"This extremely rich museum has the advantage of being free, so there is no reason to deprive yourself of this interesting cultural break. Located in the Old Town (more precisely on Chambers Street) in a nice building, the National Museum of Scotland is very large (6 floors) and you can easily spend a few hours there to see everything. This modern, fun and interactive museum will appeal to adults and children alike!"

"The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, Scotland, was formed in 2006 with the merger of the new Museum of Scotland, and the adjacent Royal Scottish Museum. The exterior, designed in a Venetian Renaissance style, contrasts sharply with the light-flooded main hall or Grand Gallery, inspired by The Crystal Palace."

"Learn how childhood has changed over time, explore old toys and what it meant to be a child in different eras of Scottish history. Make sure to check the Museum’s calendar of events, as they host regular family workshops as well as a quiz and games page online for entertainment after your visit. A great day out for the whole family."

"This was the first museum in the world to be dedicated to childhood, with exhibitions on toys, games, and other memorabilia."

"Learn about the creation of our planet and travel through time as we explore Earth's past, present and future. Get thrust back in time to the very beginnings of our universe, and witness first hand the big bang and the very first moments of our galaxy and solar system. Make your way back to the present day through volcanic explosions, landscape-forming glaciers and the evolution of our life on Earth."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"You can explore Leith and visit the Trinity House Maritime Museum, stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway or see the latest exhibits on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art."

"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."

"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."

"Edinburgh's 18th-century City Chambers were built over the sealed-off remains of Mary King's Close, and the lower levels of this medieval Old Town alley have survived almost unchanged amid the foundations for 250 years. Now open to the public, this spooky, subterranean labyrinth gives a fascinating insight into the everyday life of 17th-century Edinburgh. Costumed characters lead tours through a 16th-century town house and the plague-stricken home of a 17th-century gravedigger. Advance booking recommended."

"Real Mary King’s Close This is the perfect tour to learn about medieval life in Edinburgh. Journey back in time to 1645 Edinburgh, down Mary King’s Close, a real alleyway in the city. This was the year of the Black Death, when one-third of Edinburgh’s population succumbed to this terrible illness."

"I’d also suggest you make the time to head out to an icon of the Edinburgh surrounds – the Firth of Forth bridges, and in particular, the UNSECO World Heritage Listed Firth of Forth Rail Bridge. This is a mighty red cantilevered bridge construction spanning the Firth of Forth, opened in 1890, and still operational today. At it’s time of construction it was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world, and despite now being the second longest, is still might impressive."

"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"

"Anyone with a historical interest in medicine, or a taste for the gruesome, will enjoy the three medical museums collectively known as the Surgeons' Hall. They include the Wohn Pathology Museum, one of the largest collections of anatomical pathology in the world; The History of Surgery Museum, where you can learn about the history of murderers and body snatchers who provided teaching "samples" to surgeons in training; and The Dental Collection, with paintings, Japanese woodcuts, and dental instruments illustrating the development of everyone's least favorite medical profession. A highlight is the story of murderers and body snatchers Burke and Hare, who provided bodies for dissection."

"In a glass cabinet in Surgeons' Hall Museums is a small hide-bound pocketbook the colour of strong tea. The wallet is made from the skin of William Burke, one half of Edinburgh's infamous body-snatchers and killers, Burke and Hare, whose victims were sold to the city's school of anatomy to be dissected. It is artefacts like this – and glass jars filled with gangrenous fingers, cancerous lungs, dried and varnished hearts – that have made the museum, tucked behind the Royal College of Surgeons, a favourite of crime writers."

"Over the road from the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Surgeons' Hall Museums house one of the largest collections of surgical material in the UK. As well as permanent exhibitions concerning the history of surgery, dentistry and pathological anatomy, the…"

"Learn about the creation of our planet and travel through time as we explore Earth's past, present and future. Get thrust back in time to the very beginnings of our universe, and witness first hand the big bang and the very first moments of our galaxy and solar system. Make your way back to the present day through volcanic explosions, landscape-forming glaciers and the evolution of our life on Earth."

"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."

"A short drive from Edinburgh’s city centre, youll find a light and airy restaurant within Dalkeith Country Park, where the highlight for the kids is sure to be the adventure playground. In fact it’s one of our top activities for children in Edinburgh. Not just a restaurant, The Restoration Yard also boasts a beautiful shop, deli, coffee bar and wellness space, so there’s something to please all ages."

"🥞 We're flippin' pancakes all day long for Pancake Day at The Kitchen - join us and choose from one... As one of the best places for your kids, this restaurant merges the old with the modern to create a superb restaurant serving a variety of dishes. It’s a magical place that merges amazing dishes with a quality staff."

"Address: 28 Manor Place / Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AW, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 225 6293 Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the Cathedral Church of St. Mary the Virgin is located on the western side of the city centre. Construction of the cathedral began in 1874 and whilst the nave was opened just five years later, the twin spires on its western side were not actually completed until 1917. Highlights include impressive neo-Gothic architecture, well-preserved stained-glass windows, murals and an outstanding art collection, as well as daily choral services."

"St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral is a short walk from Princes Street towards Haymarket. Its spires are visible from most places in Edinburgh, especially looking west from Princes Street. Not only does this cathedral offer a place of stillness in the bustling Scottish capital, there are also opportunities such as learning to be a stonemason in the Cathedral Workshop or a Cathedral Chorister at St Mary’s Music School."

"The neo-Gothic St. Mary's Cathedral is a striking building set in large grounds. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, it was consecrated in 1879. St. Mary's is the largest ecclesiastical building to be built in Scotland since the Reformation."