Best Museums in Newington

"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."

"From giant T-Rex skeletons to space rocks via fashion and human history, this is Edinburgh’s largest museum. The museum sits on Chambers Street, a few minutes walk from the University of Edinburgh’s central campus. And entry is FREE, which makes it even better."

"The National Museum of Scotland was founded in 1985, and is seriously massive. Five incredible floors of attractions will keep you hooked for hours. The layout is almost addictive and stuffed with bite sized bits of information, so you’re never overwhelemed."

"42 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1TGOpen 10am - 5pm Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 12pm - 5pm Sunday. Explore the first museum in the world dedicated to thehistory of childhood. With five galleries to explore throughout which you will find fascinating and rare objects from childhoods past, including toys, games, clothes, books and dolls, dating from the 1800s to the present day, this is a treat for visitors both young and old, and a firm favourite with many Edinburgh residents."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"If you like fun, interactive science museums, then Dynamic Earth is a must-visit. Right next to the Scottish Parliament building and underneath the stunning backdrop of the Crags and Arthur’s Seat, Dynamic Earth tells the story of the history of the Earth."

"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."

"Sister to the Museum of Edinburgh and also set on the Royal Mile – this time in the 1591 Tolbooth building – this oral history museum delves into the lives of working people in the city, from the 18th century to the late 20th century. You’ll see recreations of a bookbinder’s workshop, a wartime kitchen complete with vintage packaging and a grisly jail cell."

"This museum is housed in the Canongate Tolbooth, an iconic building located on the Royal Mile. If you’d like to get a true insight into the lives of the working class of Edinburgh during the course of the last 3 centuries, then head to the People’s Story Museum. This museum is housed in an iconic building on the Royal Mile – the Canongate Tolbooth."

"Explore the history of Edinburgh’s everyday life from the 18th century through to modern day. Peruse real objects and visit the historic building, which used to be a tax office and a jail!. And when you are done, you can even test your knowledge taking one of the Museum’s quizzes and games online."

"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."

"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."

"I suggest a late lunch after you explore the charming, cobbled streets of this historic area and experience some street performers, Canongate Kirkyard (Adam Smith is buried here), Dunbar Close, St. Giles Cathedral, and eventually Edinburgh Castle itself, all the way at the top of the Royal Mile (Be sure to book your Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets in advance). The charm and beauty of Edinburgh, Scotland never cease to amaze me."

"Set within the walls of historic Edinburgh Castle the National War Museum explores the history of Scotland at war. During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the Scottish Highlander was viewed with suspicion and fear by the British state and even by many lowland Scots. In time the image of the Highland soldier became a central icon of Scottish identity, and Scots enlisted in the Armed forces in huge numbers."

"Located inside Edinburgh Castle, the museum explores over 400 years of the Scottish military experience. Exhibits include weapons and uniforms from various conflicts, a gallery of military paintings and recruitment posters, and occasional weekend events…"

"The National War Museum of Scotland explores 400 years of military actions and the country at war. This museum is very interesting thanks to its location."

"Located on the Royal Mile a short distance from the castle, the John Knox House & Scottish Storytelling Centre attraction is a treat for anyone interested in Scotland's rich cultural heritage. It was built in 1470 and is said to be the one time home of the protestant reformer after which it's named. A highlight of a visit is exploring the exhibits and displays related to the Scottish Reformation, a pivotal moment in the country's history."

"Getting to John Knox House : Located on the Royal Mile, the museum is a 6 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. Photo credit: David Ross. John Knox (1514-1572) was a Scottish minister, founder of the Scottish Presbyterian Church and leader of the Scottish Reformation."

"Frizzante is a multi-award winning restaurant that’s steeped in local culinary history. Run by the son of famed Italian chef and restaurateur Don Pasquale, Frizzante aims to continue the success of its forebears by providing locals with authentic Italian dishes, a friendly and charming atmosphere, fantastic service and value for money. It’s been a long-standing family motto that the real stars are the regular customers who come and eat time and time again."

"Frizzante is the most recent venture of the charismatic and accomplished Don Pasquale and his son jonathan. Don Pasquale has been serving delicious Italian food to Edinburgh patrons for many years, and his son has clearly inherited his enthusiasm and charm. Frizzante specialises in Neapolitan and Mediterranean food."

"130 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1QS or Unit 3 Omni Centre, Edinburgh EH1 3AA (there are four more Frankie and Benny’s in Edinburgh). Frankie and Benny’s do a bottomless breakfast from Friday to Sunday. “Enjoy free refills on your favourite breakfast dish when you visit us before noon."

"This newcomer on the Edinburgh foodie scene is a collaboration with some of the Edinburgh restaurants: Cold Town House for pizza, Copper Blossom for cocktails and craft beer, Cold Town Beer, Kyloe for Sunday roasts and The Huxley (scran including burgers, loaded fries and dogs, served from a silver trailer). While they recommend you order online first, you can also show up at either collection point – one for drinks and the other for pizza – or the “Scranavan” for your choice of takeaways. Wooden benches are spaced out in the courtyard in anticipation of the beer gardens reopening and are ideal for a casual lunch one summer day."

"What: We’re a fan of any restaurant which thinks of an innovative way to make their outdoor area weather proof and that’s exactly what McLaren’s on the Corner has done. In 2020 McLaren’s installed a number of ski gondolas in the garden allowing you to sit inside them to enjoy the all-day food menu, while imagining you’re skiing in Courchevel.Where: 8 Morningside Road, EH10 4DD"