Best Museums in Auchtertool

"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."

"Getting to the National Museum of Scotland : Located on Chambers Street, the museum is a 9 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. The best free museum in Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit. With five levels of fascinating history in all different forms, there is so much to see and learn here that you could pass an entire day inside before you know it."

"Skim through the visitors' book and you'll find tourists returning after 20 years, delighted to find that little has changed in this four-storey building. That is the charm of the place, opened in the 1950s to become the first museum devoted to a social history of childhood. Founder Joseph Patrick Murray built up an extensive collection of toys, games, clothes, teddy bears and dolls."

"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"

"Some of our favourites include the Edinburgh Museum, the Writers Museum and the Museum of Childhood. You can read much more about what is in each of these museums and why you might want to visit them in Jess’s excellent post on the highlights of Edinburgh."

"Dynamic Earth is a multi-media presentation that takes visitors on a 500-million-year journey through the Earth's history. Using hi-tech gadgetry and superb special effects, its displays realistically portray natural events such as volcanoes, tropical rainstorms, and glaciation. Located at the foot of Arthur's Seat near Holyrood Park, this unique science center is housed in an ultra-modern tent-like structure and is particularly fun for kids."

"It comprises two galleries, one on either side of Belford Road, and a fantastic sculpture park. The lawn at the front of Modern One was landscaped to a design by Charles Jencks. Modern One is housed in a neoclassical building, which was designed by William Burn in 1825."

"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..."

"A short stroll through the North Inch park brings you to the mighty Black Watch Castle and Museum. Here, you can immerse yourself in the extraordinary history of The Black Watch, from its formation in 1739 to the amalgamation of the Regiment in 2006. This five-star visitor attraction brings to life the work of the Black Watch regiment and the many pivotal roles it has played in our military history."

"The Black Watch was one of the most important parts of Scottish military history. Inside Balhousie Castle in Perth, you’ll find an entire museum dedicated to this military regiment. With weapons displays, live drums, and an interactive kids programme, there is lots to see and keep them entertained."

"Housed in Balhousie Castle on the edge of North Inch park, this museum honours what was once Scotland’s foremost army regiment (it was subsumed into the new Royal Regiment of Scotland in 2006). Formed in 1725 to..."

"Glenturret is the most visited Whisky Distillery in Scotland and its Single Malt is part of the Famous Grouse Blended Whisky. The Distillery is situated in Crieff nearby Perth and can be reached easily from Stirling, Glasgow and Edinburgh by car or with organised bus tours. Glenturret produces single malt whiskies that mature 8, 10, 12, 15 or 21 years in bourbon casks."

"Beautifully set in a circular cast-iron building that was once a waterworks, this gallery exhibits an extensive collection of paintings by the Scottish Colourist JD Fergusson in a most impressive display...."

"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."

"Village Hotel Edinburgh is located just 8 miles and 15 minutes drive time from Edinburgh Airport. It is just 2 miles from Edinburgh city centre and Haymarket railway and 3 miles from Edinburgh Waverley train station. Nearby attractions include Edinburgh Castle - Royal Yacht Britannia and Princes Street - a shopaholics dream location."

"The Royal Mile, so called because it covers roughly a mile between Edinburgh Castle and reaches down through the city centre towards Holyrood Palace (the Scottish Residence of Elizabeth II). A stroll down this main road, listening to the bagpipes and entering all the small shops which line its two sides is simply one of the best things to do in the Scottish capital."

"All the recommendations so far have been along the Royal Mile, the lovely stretch of interconnecting streets which run from Edinburgh Castle down to Holyrood Palace. It’s not exactly a mile long, but it’s near enough, and is filled with a variety of attractions, from the above mentioned, through to souvenir shops, restaurants and pubs."

"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."

"Princes Street marks a clear division between Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns. On one side, you’ll find all the high street stores you’d expect in a big city, along with countless coffee bars and eateries. Whilst on the other side, you’ll find the steps that take you down to the Gardens and, further, to the Old Town."

"Princes Street Gardens is located in the middle of Edinburgh, right beneath the castle. They used to be the site of the Nor Loch – the North Loch which was drained when the New Town was built in the 1760s. The gardens have a wonderful view of the castle, and it is a great place to stroll or stop for a picnic."

"It offers an amazing view of Edinburgh Castle, plenty of space to sprawl and stroll and won’t cost you a £ to visit. Dream date idea: pack a picnic basket with your partner’s favourite meal and a bottle of bubbly and spend the day enjoying the great outdoors before you pop the question."