Museums
Galleries
Visitor Attractions
Visitor Information - Edinburgh and the Lothians
History and Heritage
Castles
Activities
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Museums
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Visitor Attractions Visitor Information - Edinburgh and the LothiansHistory and Heritage |
Castles
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Out and About: |
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Edinburgh, of course, is a 'must-see' for all those who haven't sampled its numerous visitor attractions. There's no doubt that it has earned its place as one of the finer capital cities and it would be easy to spend time discovering just why that is. The city is also an ideal base to explore areas close by. Midlothian and East Lothian are often overlooked but contain a wealth of history and there's much to see and do. Golf enthusiasts, for example, won't be disappointed with the choice of courses on offer. The coastline runs round from the Forth and North Berwick down to Dunbar where the John Muir Country Park can be found. Inland, the Pentland, Moorfoot and Lammermuir Hills are popular with walkers and ramblers.
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Historic Buildings and Castles: |
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It's scarcely possible to visit Edinburgh without seeing the castle, but if you want to take a closer look then you'll need to make your way up to the castle at the top of the Royal Mile. Guided tours are available if you wish. |
Palace of Holyrood House At the other end of the Royal Mile is the Queen's official residence in Scotland. It houses the Royal Apartments and offers exhibitions of art from the Royal Collection. |
Hailes Castle
Situated near Haddington and said to be one of the oldest castles in the country. |
Tantallon Castle Along the Forth and past North Berwick, you'll come across the brooding Tantallon Castle sitting on top of the cliffs overlooking the Bass Rock. From below, its craggy outline is quite distinctive and a detour down to the beach at The Gegan is worthwhile to get a different perspective. |
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Preston Mill
Picturesque 18th century mill and dovecot near East Linton. |
Scott Monument The obvious landmark on Princes Street. Climb the steps of this tribute to Walter Scott for stunning views of the city. |
Near South Queensferry. Contains fine collections of furniture, tapestries, porcelain and paintings. |
Edinburgh. The church was the first built in Edinburgh after the Reformation and opened in 1620. |
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South Queensferry. Magnificent classical house, situated on the shores of the Firth of Forth. |
Near Haddington. Dates back to the fourteenth century. Collections of furniture, paintings and memorabilia. |
Roslin, near Edinburgh. Fifteenth century building with intricate carvings and sculptures. |
Firth of Forth. Take a trip on the Maid of the Forth ferry to visit the Abbey on Inchcolm Island. |
Museums and Galleries: |
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Free admission to the library and exhibitions on George IV Bridge |
Located on The Mound. For more details and information about current exhibitions, try the website where you'll also find details of the of Modern Art Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. |
Testament to an all but extinct industry and housed at the former Lady Victoria Colliery at Newtongrange. |
John Muir's Birthplace Dunbar has a museum of its own and also this one, depicting the life of John Muir. More details at John Muir |
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An innovative museum packed full of things to prod, sniff, shake and discover, with activities to make all the family smile and wonder. There's an indoor adventure playground, a soft play area, and on summer weekends, trailer rides and trips on the narrow-gauge railway. |
The museum tells the story of Linlithgow and its growth during the reigns of the Stewart kings of Scotland . It also tells of trades of the town and something of the life of the people. The story is told using not only traditional museum artifacts but through audio and video presentations. |
East Fortune Airfield, near Haddington. A variety of aeroplanes, rockets and memorabilia including the Concord Experience. There's even a hundred-year old hang glider... |
National Gallery of Modern Art
A superb collection of Expressionist art, and also early 20th century French paintings with works by Matisse, among others. |
Parks and Gardens: |
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Inverleith Row, Edinburgh. Extensive collection of treasures from around the world. Exhibitions and displays. |
Roslin Glen Country Park Woodland walks, Roslin Castle and Rosslyn Chapel. |
John Muir Country Park
Located on the coast near Dunbar and well worth exploring. |
Wooded estate, former home of the Dukes of Buccleuch. Childrens' adventure playground. |
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Nestled high in the Bathgate Hills, Beecraigs caters for a wide range of leisure and recreational activities within its 370 hectares. Advice, information, farm shop, craft sales and refreshments are available from the Park Centre. |
Edinburgh. Large open area dominated by Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat which gives superb views over the city. |
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Visitor Attractions: |
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Murrayfield, Edinburgh. |
Holrood Road, Edinburgh. A journey through time. |
The Harbour, North Berwick. Interactive cameras and exhibitions of Scottish seabird habitats. |
Vogrie Country Park Near Gorebridge. Free admission. Woodland walks, Victorian parkland, childrens' adventure play area. |
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Historic railway buildings and a journey through West Lothian countryside to Birkhill where there is a fireclay mine. |
Musselburgh. A candle factory and shop. |
Try this for a unique and completely different view of Edinburgh. |
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Interactive exhibition and an opportunity to watch the production process. |
Linlithgow Union Canal Society operates boat trips from Manse Road Basin every weekend from Easter until the first week in October. Museum and tea room. |
The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre Tour brings 300 years of Scotch Whisky history to life. This uniquely interactive experience of sights, sounds and smells, offers you the opportunity to discover how whisky is made |
A number of scenic pathways follow the river as wends its way through the heart of Edinburgh. There is a vistor centre at Slateford. |
Sport & Leisure: |
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Archery Fenton Barns, North Berwick. The Scottish Archery Centreoffers indoor instruction and supervision for archery, crossbow and air-rifle. Phone first on 0131 225 3858 |
Cycle Hire For mountain or touring bikes try Bike Trax
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Boat trips from either Leith or South Queensferry to view the Forth rail and road bridges, islands, the Abbey on Inchcolm and local wildlife. |
Horse Riding Windy Gowl Farm, near West Linton. Enjoy exhilarating rides into the hills on rare Icelandic horses. |
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Activities Mavis Hall Park, near Humbie, East Lothian, offers clay pigeon shooting, 4x4 driving and quad biking. More details at or phone on 01875 833733 |
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Tours: |
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Day and half-day tours to sites of Celtic and prehistoric interest near
Edinburgh. Unusual and fascinating.
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Scotch Whisky Connoisseur Tutored Tastings: exclusive whisky tastings for groups of 10-100+. Optional Scottish entertainment and banquet.
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Specialising in themed tours of Scotland.
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Tours with an archaeologist exploring ancient and historic monuments in the Lothians.
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Terrifying tours: the underground city, haunted vault, pagan temple, medieval torture exhibition.
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Guided walking and driving service in Edinburgh and Scotland.
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Professional actors: drinking (perhaps), thinking (maybe), entertainment (guaranteed).
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Witches, plague, disaster. Light-hearted ghostly themed walks featuring jumperooters.
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Highland minicoach tours. Reach the parts other tours don't reach.
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Comprehensive city tours. Also Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, St Andrews, whiskey distillery, Borders.
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Guided, tailor-made, 1-2 day tours of Scotland. 7-24 seat luxury vehicles. Friendly, informative guides.
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Open-top guided bus tours of Edinburgh - tickets valid all day. Britannia shuttle bus.
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Shopping: |
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Grassmarket, Edinburgh. Large collection of fossils from Scotland and abroad. Also crystals and minerals. |
Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh. Make and sell bagpipes. |
Edinburgh Bear Co 46 High St, Royal Mile. Full of teddy bears from around the world. Limited editions and exclusive designs. |
140 High St, Royal Mile. Stocks a wide range of collectables. |
Car Hire: |
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A2B Chauffeur Drive provides a comprehensive range of chauffeur driven car hire services, offering Stretch Limousines, People Carriers, Mercedes and Range Rovers. Whether you are a busy executive, an anxious bride or for an extra special occasion, you can be fully assured that you will reach your destination in safety, comfort and style.
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Airport and city transfers. Chauffeur guided city and countryside tours. Mercedes S-Clas and Chrysler people carriers.
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Self drive classic car hire: touring Scotland, custom itineraries, accommodation advice.
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First class vehicles, friendly, knowledgeable chauffeurs. Family business since 1980.
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Low cost car, van, mpv & luxury 4x4 rental. Delivery and collection available.
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At Chrisanda, we offer you not only a service that you can rely on but one that you will remember for a long time. By trusting us, we promise to deliver you a luxurious, informative and discreet service that will ensure you reach your destination in the best possible fashion.
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Edinburgh Van Hire provide self drive van hire in Edinburgh to over 120 nationwide locations. Our flexible van hire options allow you to hire a van for a day, week, month or longer and one-way or back to base. |
A car rental in Edinburgh, Scotland is your first step toward a fun and historic trip. From the cobbled streets of Old Town Edinburgh to the beautiful avenues of New Town, Edinburgh is a city full of contrast that can best be explored with the freedom provided by a rental car. Pick up your Edinburgh car rental at Scotland's Edinburgh Airport or enjoy the convenience of pick-up at Waverley Rail Station |
Misc: |
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McKinley Enterprises, Edinburgh. Offers Property & Accommodation Rentals. Flats & Apartments to Rent or Let. Holiday Homes & Caravans for sale or renting. Chauffeur Drive Car Hire Services.
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