Must See Sights and Landmarks in Polmont Area

"Edinburgh's Camera Obscura (meaning "dark room") is a fascinating and delightful way to take advantage of the wonderful views of the city from Castle Hill. Located immediately beside Edinburgh Castle, this intriguing attraction is housed in a Victorian rooftop chamber at the apex of the Outlook Tower. Inside this mysterious room you can see moving images of Edinburgh's panorama projected onto the walls by the giant periscope."

"Step in a place of wonders, illusions, and puzzles to interact with. See, play and laugh while you find your way out of the mirror maze. Become tiny like Alice in Wonderland or walk through the Vortex Tunnel."

"Address: City Observatory, 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH7 5AAWebsite:Collective. Calton Hill is a large hilltop located close to the hustle and bustle of Princes Street where a collection of Edinburgh’s most famous landmarks are situated within a few hundred feet of each other. The hill is included in the UNESCO World Heritage status that’s been awarded to the city which is hardly surprising considering the amount of history you will find there."

"If you head for the Balmoral Hotel (large clock tower in New Town) head Northeast and you’ll find your way up Calton Hill. There’s plenty to see up there – from Nelson Monument (see below) to just soaking up in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh!"

"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."

"Address: Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6JJWebsite: The Royal Yacht Britannia. The Royal Yacht Britannia is the former yacht of the British Royal Family which now takes pride of place at the Ocean Terminal shopping centre at Leith in Edinburgh. Over the course of her working life Britannia sailed over 1 million miles around the world and she’s now open year-round for visitors to follow in the footsteps of world leaders as they walk through her beautifully ornate rooms."

"Rated Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for 13 years running, The Royal Yacht Britannia was Her Majesty The Queen’s floating palace for over 40 years. Sailing over 1,000,000 miles around the world, Britannia is now moored permanently beside Ocean Terminal in Leith. With a complimentary audio tour, available in 30 languages, follow in the footsteps of royalty to discover the heart and soul of this most special of royal residence."

"Also dating back to the 1800s, Old St Paul’s has since been renovated multiple times – the nave extended and the chancel floor raised with marble. Nearly all of the many panes of stained glass, ornaments and vestments were made possible by fundraising or donations. Unusually, the gargoyles at Old St Paul’s are located inside, not on the exterior of the church as is common on buildings of this period."

"With its mercat cross, cobbled streets, tolbooth, and narrow wynds (alleys), seaside Culross is a picturesque little town. It's also…"

"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."

"Typically, The Traverse is thought of for its meaty plays and explorative theatre. Within such performances sit an array of expertly produced acts containing some of the best comedic relief in town. From satire and farce to slapstick and dark, sick, and twisted humour, this theatre is a fail-safe spot for getting your well-deserved laughing fix."

"Perhaps one of the most-adored venues of the Fringe, The Pleasance Courtyard can be considered the heart and soul of Edinburgh’s comedy scene. From internationally and critically acclaimed acts during the Festival, to the year round comedic wizards who cast their spell on unassuming audiences, this chilled university drinking hole is a portal for some smashing comedy acts. The Pleasance, Edinburgh, Scotland"

"Toast is located in Forthside and is a real crowd pleaser, with a great mix of traditional dishes but with a twist. This popular café is open daily and offers everything from scrambled eggs to granola. We definitely recommend trying anything with smoked salmon!"

"Located nearby Stirling train station, Toast is one of my old-time favourites. The food is so fresh, and they have a separate vegan friendly menu. My favourite has to be the vegan flatbread with hummus, vegetables and sweet chili sauce – you have to try it!"

"Unlike our previous recommendations, Toast has more of a traditional menu but with a twist. The cafe is open daily from 9am (9:30 on Sunday) to 4pm. Our breakfast suggestion is anything that includes smoked salmon and scrambled eggs."

"Pictures of this new upmarket Chinese restaurant left people seriously impressed when we reported them earlier this year. The new restaurant is housed in the Mint Building, which makes up one half of The Registers in St Andrew Square. It has a lavish interior and unusual delicacies like the candy floss bonsai tree."

"Adorned with pretty blossom and elegant furniture, Tattu is one of Edinburgh's most picturesque spots. Screaming romance, this restaurant is the stuff of dinner date dreams, with Asian-inspired cuisine and an extensive cocktail menu to boot."

"Last but certainly not least we have Artisan Gelato Edinburgh in the Old Town, with their authentic Italian-looking store that is the perfect backdrop for a shot of your Instagrammable ice cream. Their hand crafted ice cream is to die for and some of their most popular flavours include pistachio bronte Sicily, chocolate orange and cheescake...we will take ten scoops please. One reviewer said it is the "best gelato outside of Italy" and, like their neighbours Over Langshaw Farm, they offer vegan, gluten free and dairy free options."

"For unrivaled milkshakes and perfect gelato, look no further than Mary’s Milk Bar, a dessert paradise on the brink of turning into a sweet-tooth cult headquarters. The combined skill of Mary, a graduate of Caprigiani Gelato University in Italy, and the sweeping array of sumptuous choices make this spot a no brainer. From almost sinful sundaes and centre-filled chocolates to unfathomable hot chocolate floats, even one taste of Mary’s Milk Bar is the sweetest spiritual experience."

"A post shared by Mary’s Milk Bar (@marysmilkbar) on Jul 5, 2019 at 1:39am PDT. Step back in time and enjoy a freshly made ice-cream at this cosy parlour reminiscent of the traditional National Milk Bars, supported by the Government, that served the British public from the 20’s – 60s’. Mary is a Gelato graduate, having trained at the prestigious Carpigiani Gelato University in Bologna, Italy and has worked as a chocolatier for the last five years – we’re impressed!"

"My son’s favourite treat is ice cream and Mary’s Milk Bar does great gelato; it’s a nice way to spend a sunny day with my boy when he has been well behaved. My favourite flavour is salted caramel, but Sonny is more of a traditionalist chocolate gelato man."