Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Gowkshill

"Opened in 1835, Camera Obscura is Edinburgh’s oldest tourist attraction. The gallery focusses on visual illusions, featuring a number of experiences and hands-on activities to explore and enjoy. On site, you will find a mirror maze, an Ames room which will appear to shrink around you, and a vortex tunnel which will provoke a sense of imbalance even though you are completely stable!"

"Originally known as Caltoun or Caldoun Hill, Calton Hill offers one of the best and most iconic views of the city of Edinburgh. Granted to the people of Edinburgh by James II in 1456, the hill is now home to a bewildering number of buildings and monuments including the National Monument (an unfinished folly resembling the front of the Parthenon which is dedicated to those who died in the Napoleonic wars), Nelson's Monument (housing a time-ball mechanism by which ships used to set their chronometers), the Dugald Stewart Monument (a beautiful circular temple of nine columns dedicated to the Scottish philosopher), the Political Martyrs Monument, and the City Observatory (to name only a few). Recommended for Parks because: Calton Hill is home to some of the most famous Edinburgh monuments and offers some of the best views of the city."

"Start at the end Princes Street and climb the staircase up the hill for some of the best views over the city – from here you can see out to the castle and over to Arthur’s Seat. Home to the National Monument, designed to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens but never finished, it’s also where you’ll find the huge Nelson monument. At 1pm, the time ball here drops – designed to be seen by ships far our at sea, the castle’s One O’Clock gun was added as bad weather meant the ball couldn’t always be seen."

"Calton Hill is one of the most recognisable hills in Edinburgh, located close to Princes Street, and offers one of the best views of the city."

"In view of the Castle and separating the Old Town and New Town, Princes Street Gardens are one of the most popular green spots in the city. Divided into East and West, they attract dog walkers, city workers and families in search of some calm and tranquillity on the midst of the capital. The perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny day."

"At the foot of the castle and along Edinburgh's main thoroughfare you'll find Princes Street Gardens. It's a popular place for locals and tourists to enjoy a spot of lunch and take in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. The park is split into two by The Mound where you'll find two excellent art galleries."

"These beautiful gardens lie in a valley that was once occupied by the Nor’ Loch (North Loch), a boggy depression that was drained in the early 19th century. At the gate beside The Mound is the Floral Clock, a working clock laid out in flowers; it was first created in 1903 and the design changes every year."

"Many years may have passed since Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code and the subsequent film came out, but floods of visitors still descend on Scotland's most beautiful and enigmatic church – Rosslyn Chapel. Built in the mid-15th century for Sir William St Clair, third prince of Orkney, its ornately carved interior – at odds with the architectural fashion of its time – is a monument to the mason's art, rich in symbolic imagery. Hourly talks by qualified guides are included with admission."

"Roslin: Best known for being the home of Rosslyn Chapel, the church featured in Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ Roslin is a pretty village with plenty to see. Of course, there’s the ancient and ornate Chapel to visit, but there’s also castle ruins and a delightful tea room to enjoy a hot brew in."

"On Day 2, venture outside of the capital to see some of Scotland’s other historic sites, such as Rosslyn Chapel (a fifteenth-century chapel that is also one of the settings in The Da Vinci Code). Overnight in Edinburgh."

"In the city centre, seek out the Heart of Midlothian for a uniquely Scottish piece of history. The Heart of Midlothian is set in the pavement on the Royal Mile, constructed from coloured granite blocks that form the shape of a heart and cross. This landmark records the position of the 15th century ‘heart’ of the town, the Old Tolbooth."

"The BT Murrayfield Stadium hosts not only rugby matches but also concerts and other events|© Almondvale Photography / Alamy Stock Photo. The home of Scottish rugby, BT Murrayfield is a great draw for local and international sports fans. The stadium opened in 1925 with a victory of the home rugby team over England, an intense rivalry that continues to this day."

"Murrayfield is the largest stadium is Scotland and home to Scottish Rugby. Sports and rugby fans in particular would enjoy a visit to this iconic stadium. Check the schedule to see if there’s a rugby match on when you’re in town or alternatively, take a Murrayfield Stadium tour."

"Murrayfield is recognised as one of the most prestigious stadium in Europe and is the home of Scottish Rugby as well as the Murrayfield Experience."

"Address: East London Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4BL, Scotland, UK Mansfield Place Church is to be found within the New Town area, standing close to the bus depot and the King George V Park. Built in 1872 by Robert Rowand Anderson, this old church has had many uses over the years and once even functioned as a nightclub. Today, it is owned by the Mansfield Traquair Trust, a conservation group who have actively restored the building over a number of years."

"Ten Hill Place Hotel is one of Edinburgh’s premier city centre hotels just 0. 5 miles from Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station. Opened in 2006, this 4-star modern hotel is situated in a quiet Georgian square, still within walking distance of all the city’s main attractions - 5 minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile, the focal point of the annual Edinburgh Festival and Edinburgh’s main shopping area of Princes Street, overlooked by the iconic Edinburgh Castle, only a 15 minute walk away."

"Tucked away in the historic Old Town, this whisky bar boasts over 300 bottles from around the world. If you're looking for a chilled out date night, relax at The Devil's Advocate with a dram in hand. Formerly a Victorian pump house, this cosy venue offers plenty of nooks and crannies for snuggling up with your sweetheart."

"Makars Gourmet Mash Bar styles itself as an "unfussy" restaurant specialising in mashed potatoes flavoured with meat, vegan or vegetarian toppings. Found in Bank Street, just off the Royal Mile, this place elevates comfort foot to a whole new level. It has an impressive rating of 4.7 from 1,813 Google reviews."

"A beautiful Georgian town house in Edinburgh’s New Town offers local residents and visitors a fine dining experience in relaxed and distinguished surroundings. This private members club with superb views across the Firth of Forth is part of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society. However, non-members are also offered a warm welcome and the opportunity to sample traditional cuisine including marinated scallops and sea bass, farm guinea fowl and tartare of Highland venison."

"Founded in 1983, the private club, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society opened some of its venue's doors to the public in 2016. Anyone can walk in for a drink in the bar or book a tasting or whisky pairing session, but if you join online beforehand there are savings. The society is based in a splendid Queen Street townhouse where the tasting rooms have retained their original circular or oval layout."

"Owned by a group that runs several Edinburgh pubs, the Red Squirrel is at the bottom end of Lothian Road and it combines a well-stocked bar with cheap, tasty pub grub. You'll find standard Scottish options on tap alongside some more exotic options. You can get a breakfast, late into the afternoon, and choose from a wide range of burgers featuring haggis, venison, pork and chorizo."

"Over the years, Lothian Road has hardly been synonymous with good food and drink, but Red Squirrel, a neat bar owned by Edinburgh's Fuller Thomson group, is changing all that. On offer every day are two courses for £10. Burgers form a fair chunk of the menu – 10 different varieties to be precise – all of which have their own merits, but if you're stuck, try the guacamole burger."

"A few of my favourite dishes at Yes Sushi are the prawn dumplings, salmon skin roll, and their hot pot -which is reason enough to visit. Choose your broth, noodles, veggies, seafood, and meat (all of which are served uncooked), drop them into the boiling pot, and watch them cook in front of you. It’s £17.99 per person, and also includes all-you-can-eat sushi (from a limited menu), which is a bargain in Edinburgh."

"Notoriously expensive sushi is made more affordable at Hanover Street’s Yes Sushi, thanks to their bento box options. The perfect size for one, each box costs around £10 and contain enough delicious Japanese delights to fill you up. Each box is different, so diners can choose a few favourites from the likes of teriyaki tofu, tempura prawns, maki rolls, fresh sashimi and nigiri."

"A post shared by Martina (@maartinamar) on Jun 8, 2017 at 10:32am PDT. Always buzzing with happy customers, this lively joint in Edinburgh’s New Town is famous for its comforting hot pots and for its all you can eat sushi buffet. When enjoying the all you can eat buffet, you can choose either sushi by itself, or a sushi and hotpot combo for a little extra."