Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World
Set in Melville Nurseries Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World is hugely popular with children. Butterflies and Insects are showcased in a Tropical Landscape. Cafe and shopping on site.
Dalkeith Country Park
Lovely walks through the estate. Nice cafe with outdoor seating in nice weather. Childrens’ Play area.
Cafe Andaluz
Spread over two floors in George Street and decorated in an Andalucian style, this restaurant has a vibrant atmosphere and serves good tapas
Timberyard
An interesting restaurant housed in a former warehouse space, the food is locally-sourced artisanal produce well worth trying. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Angels and Bagpipes
Cosy restaurant housed in a 16th century building on the Royal mile, great place for to celebrate a special occasion with Scottish fine food, but book early to avoid disappointment.
Eden’s kitchen
Edens Kitchen is a small bistro in Broughton street offering seasonal organic locally sourced ingredients. Great pizza and interesting meze.
Pizza express
Pizza express needs no introduction, the stockbridge branch is housed in an old bank, book early if you would like the table over looking the Waters of Leith!
Spitaki
Friendly, family owned Greek restaurant, tucked away at the end of East Claremont street. Great home cooked food. Well worth a visit
Gardener’s cottage
Situated in Royal Terrace gardens in a cottage dating from 1836, this restaurant is dedicated to local and seasonal produce and “social dining”. Perhaps not the ideal place for a romantic dinner for two, guests share long tables with their fellow diners and enjoy a tasting menu of delicious seasonal produce. well worth a visit
The Sheep’s Heid Inn
Reputedly the old hostelry in Edinburgh the Sheep’s Heid has been a favourite with locals for many years. This gastropub has been lovingly refurbished in recent times and offers a variety of menus including a Children’s Menu. There is a pretty beer garden at the rear of the building – make sure you arrive early if the weather is nice as most of Edinburgh will be competing with you!
Dr Neil’s Garden
This lovely tranquil oasis was created from an area at the base of Arthur’s Seat and its conjunction with Duddingston Village. Entry is usually free and the garden is open from 10am til dusk. During the summer The Garden Room offers home baking and refreshments. For the energetic the walk from Holyrood over Arthur’s Seat and on to Duddingston is very rewarding. The Sheep’s Heid Inn, close by, makes a good lunch stop!
Trinity House Maritime Museum
Located in the Kirkgate in Leith this small museum is housed an A listed building which was once the headquarters of the Incorporation of Mariners and Shipmasters.
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/trinity-house/prices-and-opening-times/
Maid of the Forth
The Maid of the Forth offers popular site seeing cruises from South Queensferry to Incholm Island, giving visitors the chance to see Grey Seals, Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and if you are lucky the glimpse of a porpoise, a dolphin or even a Minke whale. Cruises last 1.5 hours for full details and pricing visit their website .
Deep sea world
Located under Scotland’s iconic Forth Railway bridge on the shores of North Queensferry, Deep sea world hosts one of Europe’s largest collections of sharks in one of the world’s longest underwater tunnels in Scotland’s National Aquarium. A great day out for the whole family.
Xtreme Karting Edinburgh
Provides high-performance karts for a large indoor circuit with track-side lounge. Minimum age 8 years old.
Edinburgh International Climbing Arena
The centre at Ratho houses the world’s biggest indoor climbing arena, as well as bouldering facilities, the Scottish National Judo Academy, and an aerial assault course.
Within the complex there is are also a Tiso outdoor shop a HoneyPot Ceramics studio and a a cafe overlooking the main arena. The centre has a gym that is available when not in use by Scottish National Judo Academy and other classes are held in the Fitness Studio
Alien rock
alien rock is Scotlands first dedicated indoor climbing centre and provides a fun venue for indoor climbers, it is suitable for almost all ages and abilities from the beginner to the experienced climber for further information please see the website below.
Midlothian Snowsports center
Situated in the Pentland Hills Regional Park, Midlothian Snowsports Centre is Britain’s longest artificial slope. There are 2 main slopes, 3 nursery slopes, a jump slope and range of freestyle features which provide something for all levels of ability.
As the slopes are artificial the center is open for snowsports all year round.
You can also try a chairlift ride if you would like to take advantage of the spectacular views, or enjoy a walk across the Pentland Hills.
Dalry Swim center
A hidden gem to the west of the city centre, these beautiful Victorian ‘baths’ offer a five lane pool suitable for swimmers of all levels, a fully equipped compact gym and poolside saunas.
Royal Commonwealth Pool
The Royal Commonwealth Pool houses one of Scotland’s main swimming pools. Built for the commonwealth games in 1970 and completely reburbished between 2009 and 2012, it offers a 50 meter pool a childrens pool and a diving pool. There is also a soft play center and a cafe.
Glenogle swim center
The Glenogle Swim Centre is located in the heart of Stockbridge and offers a beautifully restored Victorian swimming pool with a sauna and steam room as well as a gym with hi-spec equipment and free weights. The centre also offers fitness classes for all ages and abilities.
Aberlady Nature Reserve
Aberlady Bay was designated Britain’s first Nature Reserve in 1952 and is a haven for birdwatcher’s and walkers alike. Deer are often to be found running through the dunes. Miles of golden sands are reached by crossing the wooden foot bridge and following the paths to the beach where seals are sometimes spotted. This is a great spot for a swim – though the water can be a little on the chilly side!
Gosford House
Built by Robert Adam, Gosford is the home of the Charteris family and is set in beautiful landscaped grounds. For more information about opening times visit their website
St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Haddington
This beautiful church is situated on the Banks of the River Tyne and houses a number of impressive monuments. Haddington is a charming market town offering a good range of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Gorgie City farm
Gorgie City Farm is is a community led charity supporting a working small holding in the city. With a range of farm animals and pets, as well as a variety of gardens, it’s a great family friendly place to visit in the heart of the city
The Georgian House
The Georgian House designed by Robert Adam’s has been beautifully restored to reflect a typical Edinburgh New Town House of the late 18th to early 19th century. It houses a fine collection of period furniture, porcelain, silver and glass.
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Garden with it’s beautiful Victorian Palm house and breath taking city skyline views is located only a mile from the city centre. Visitors can enjoy 70 acres of beautiful gardens and enjoy the Garden’s contemporary art gallery in Inverleith House.The Garden also has an award-winning Gateway Restaurant plus the Terrace Cafe which serves a selection of hot and cold foods
The Botanics Shop, within the John Hope Gateway visitor centre, sells a great selection of souvenirs, crafts and plants.
John Knox’s house
John Knox’s house is one of Edinburgh’s oldest houses. Originally built in the 15th century the property has changed little since the mid 16th century and now houses a museum dedicated to the life and work of the protestant reformer John Knox.
Murrayfield Stadium
Murrayfield Stadium is the home of Scottish Rugby located in the west end of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Its all-seater capacity is 67,144, which makes it the largest stadium in Scotland and the fifth largest in the United Kingdom. It also host concerts and other events from time to time
The Scott Monument
The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic tower built to commemorate Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. Standing on the edge of Princes Street Gardens, it is the largest monument to a writer in the world standing 200ft and 6inches high, the monument has a series of viewing platforms reached by narrow spiral staircases.
Fountain Park
Fountain park offers a choice of restaurants and entertainments including bowling, a casino, bars, a gym, a mulitplex cinema and a kids’ soft play centre.
Fountain Park cinema
Fountain Park is a multiplex cinema showing the latest international blockbusters in 2D and 3D formats.
The Dominion cinema
The Dominion Cinema is an independent art deco cinema Opened in 1938 and located in Morningside, the Art Deco cinema shows mainstream movies in old-fashioned comfort, with a cafe-bar. –
The Odeon Cinema
The Odeon is a chain cinema showing blockbusters in 2-D or 3-D format.
The Edinburgh Filmhouse
A comfortable independent arthouse cinema in the city centre showing British and foreign releases, the cinema also has a cafe and bar.
The Cameo Cinema
A comfortable cinema with lots of atmosphere, the Cameo screens indie and mainstream movies and offers a with bustling bar-cafe.
Vue Cinema, ocean terminal
A great family friendly cinema showing mainstream movies. The cinema is based in Leith’s Ocean Terminal which also offers an extensive range of shops, cafes and restaurants as well as the Royal yacht Britianna.
Vue Cinema – Omni Centre
A great place to catch the latest mainstream movies, this state-of-the-art chain cinema is part of the Omni centre which also houses a range of restaurants cafes and bars
Rossyln Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel, is a beautiful 15th-century chapel located at the village of Roslin, Midlothian, about 8 miles from Edinburgh city centre. The chapel came to world wide prominence through Dan Brown’s best selling novel the Da Vinci Code and is a very popular tourist destination. A footpath leads from the Chapel down to picturesque Roslin Glen which is a lovely spot for a stroll.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia, is the former royal yacht of Queen Elizabeth II, which was in service from 1954 until 1997. It is now docked in Leith at Ocean Terminal and is open for visitors every day except Christmas day and New years day. For full details visit website below
Talbot Rice Gallery
The Talbot Rice Gallery is part of the University of Edinburgh and specialises in contemporary art exhibitions. The gallery has exhibited some of the world’s leading artists
Surgeons Hall Museum
The Surgeons’ Hall Museum, which houses the library and archive of the RCSED, is housed in the headquarters of the Royal College of SurgeonsSurgeons’ Hall in Nicholson’s street. It is open to the public 7 days a week between 10am and 5pm.
Museum of Edinburgh
The Museum of Edinburgh, which used to be called Huntly House Museum, houses a collection relating to the origins, history and legends of Edinburgh.
Canongate Kirk
Canongate Kirk is the parish church of Canongate in Edinburgh’s Old Town and a congregation of the Church of Scotland. The parish includes the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish Parliament, and Edinburgh Castle.
St Mary’s catholic Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is a Roman Catholic church located by the St James’s centre. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, and the mother church of Scots Catholicism
St Mary’s Cathedral
Built in 1814 by James Gillespie Graham and originally known as the Chapel of St Mary, it became a cathedral in 1878. There are free lunchtime chamber concerts each day and Choral Evensong is sung by the Cathedral Choir most evenings at 5,30pm
Church of St John the Baptist
The Church of St John the Evangelist is a Scottish Episcopal church in the centre of Edinburgh, it is sited at the west end of Princes Street and is an A listed building, well worth a visit
The Parish Church of St Cuthbert
The Parish Church of St Cuthbert is located to the east of Lothian Road at the western base of the Castle Rock below street level. The church is surrounded by a churchyard, which adds an attractive green space in the city centre.
St Giles Catherdral
St Giles Cathedral, built by William Hay and also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is the principal place of worship of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh.Its iconic crown steeple is a much loved feature of the city skyline. Well worth a visit!
The Queens Hall
The Queen’s Hall is a music venue converted from a chapel and opened in 1979, situated on Clerk Street it seats up to 900 people. For a list of upcoming events please visit the website.
The Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Parliament is famous for its architecture and there is plenty to see and do inside.
You can wander around the public spaces during opening hours and see the permanent art collection which houses painting, sculpture, crafts and photography.
You can book a tour from the website below.
The Queen’s Gallery
the Queen’s gallery is part of the Holyrood complex, it is a very attractive space hosting some excellent exhibitions from the Royal Collection, well worth a visit!
The National museum of Scotland
The National museum of Scotland is Chambers street is a perfect place to while away a wet afternoon in Edinburgh. The building itself is beautiful and offers fascinating permanent and temporary exhibitions, don’t miss the Millennium clock tower!
The Scotch Whisky Experience
The Scotch Whisky experience offers visitors the opportunity to learn all about our National drink as well as the chance to taste it – this tour provides an excellent prelude to visiting individual distilleries throughout Scotland.
Holyrood Abbey
The ruins of Holyrood Abbey lie just next to the Palace. the roof of the building collapsed in 1758, leaving the building exposed to the elements. Many Scottish kings were crowned here and the visitor can see the remains of the Royal burial vaults. Ticket to the Palace includes entry to the Abbey.
Holyrood Palace
Holyrood Palace was founded as an Augustinian monastery by David 1st of Scotland. By the 15th century it was the official residence of the Kings of Scotland and remains the Queen’s official residence in Scotland. Opening hours vary according to the season, for full details visit the official website.
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo has been beloved by Edinburgh’s children for generations. Renowned for our Pandas,the Penguin parade and home to all sorts of fascinating species, a visit to the zoo makes a brilliant family day out. The zoo is a not for profit organisation, promoting the conservation of animal species and wild places, through captive breeding, environmental education and scientific research.
Camera Obscura
The Camera Obscura was installed in the Outlook Tower in the 1850’s and offers breathtaking Cityscape views from the deck at the top. The observation deck has powerful telescopes which enable visitors to zoom in on the sights that interest them. The building also has a permanent exhibition of photographic equipment and holograms. A great day out for the whole family.
The Scottish National Gallery and the Royal Scottish Academy
The Scottish National Gallery and the Royal Scottish Academy are located in the centre of Princes Street and are home to a world class collection of fine art.
Entry to the galleries is free, though there may be a charge for special exhibitions.
The Scottish Portrait Gallery
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is located in Queen Street and is the first purpose built art Gallery in the world. The gallery houses the nations collections of portraits. all the portraits are Scots although not necessarily painted by Scots. Well worth a look
The Scottish Gallery of Modern Art one and two
The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art has an unmissable collection of modern and contemporary art, it is also home to a stunning sculpture park. The two galleries can be found either side of Belford Road and both are well worth a visit
Admission is free, though a charge may be made for special exhibitions.
The Edinburgh Playhouse
The Edinburgh Playhouse is the largest working theatre in the UK seating up to 3,059 people over three levels. The venue is used for large scale touring musical productions. for details of current productions visit the website below
The Lyceum Theatre
The Lyceum theatre is home to one of Scotland’s largest and most successful producing companies. Their Season of high-quality drama productions, runs from September to May, and they stage a family show every Christmas.
The Festival Theatre
The Edinburgh Festival Theatre is located on Nicolson Street in Edinburgh, the venue is used primarily for performances of opera and ballet, large-scale musical events, and touring groups.
The King’s Theatre
The King’s Theatre opened in 1906, it is one of Scotland’s historic and most important traditional theatres hosting mainstream touring plays, NTS productions, ballet and pantomime.
The Museum of Childhood
The Museum of Childhood offers a great day our for the whole family. Reminisce with your children about toys of yesteryear and remember fondly all the toys and crazes from your childhood.
The Usher Hall
The Usher Hall is a concert hall, situated in the west end of Edinburgh on the Lothian Road. for a list of concerts and events please visit the website below.
The Traverse Theatre
The Traverse theatre with bar and restaurant in the modern basement has been showcasing new theatre works since 1963
Dynamic Earth
Dynamic earth is a fantastic five star family orientated visitor attraction telling the story of planet earth, plenty of fun and information for all the family
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline from its perch on top of Castle rock and offers the visitor fabulous panoramic views over the city. Home to Edinburgh’s famous Tattoo and the Stone of Destiny the Castle complex offers a fascinating insight into the way in which the city developed from being first and foremost a military stronghold. Don’t miss a visit to Scotland’s number 1 paid for visitor attraction.
