Scottish National Portrait Gallery
The Portrait Gallery is an incredible establishment featuring some truly captivating representations of people, both dead and alive.
The gallery uncovers facets of Scottish history and stories through time. The Gothic building features elaborate murals and sculptural decorations, including constellations of the Zodiac on the ceiling in the main hall. The artwork within its walls narrates, through visual representations, the stories of Scotland and its inhabitants alongside famous historical figures.
It is a true concealed treasure of culture located right in the centre of Edinburgh. After your tour, you can have a cup of coffee inside the gallery at Café Portrait.
The gallery is located at 1 Queen Street and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cramond Beach
A beautiful beach can be found just to the north of the historic village of Cramond, at the end of the River Almond. It has a quaint village atmosphere, a shoreline pathway, and a harbour at one of its ends. Cramond Beach is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys the sensation of fresh sea air or traditional long walks on the beach in Edinburgh.
The beach also offers the opportunity to visit an island less than a mile from shore. If the tide is out, you can take an adventurous walk along the tidal causeway to Cramond Island. However, pay attention to the signs that show safe crossing times. The tide can come in again quickly and cover the causeway. Your relaxing visit to the beach might turn into a stranded situation from a Tom Hanks movie!
There is a large car park located above the beach, along with toilets and a lovely pub nearby. You can reach the beach by a short path that goes through a small field. There is even a promenade behind Cramond Beach, perfect for walking dogs and cycling, providing stunning views along the way.
Topping & Company Booksellers of Edinburgh
The crown for Edinburgh’s largest bookshop belongs to Topping & Company, a UK-based business that opened its biggest store back in 2019.
Placed inside a vintage-looking building, the bookshop awes your eyes as you enter through the front door. It features an array of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves equipped with sliding ladders. The building has three spacious floors and thousands of books, which you can spend countless hours exploring.
There are sofas and tables throughout the shop. You can rest in comfort with a pot of tea while mulling over your potential purchases or your already-favourite books. It’s definitely one of those inviting and endearing atmospheres that make you wish you could stay longer than planned.
Book lovers are welcome at this bookshop, located at 2 Blenheim Place. It is open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The People’s Story Museum
The museum’s three floors feature several exhibitions. These reflect the lives of Edinburgh’s citizens in recent centuries, in their day-to-day jobs or leisure time at home. The life-size wax models reflect different aspects of life from the 18th century to the late 20th century.
The exhibitions reveal how the people of Edinburgh built relationships through different social activities, whether children playing in their house’s playroom or some friends having a pint at a pub. Religion and statues are also portrayed to show the influence they had through different generations.
The People’s Story Museum is a truly unique experience in Edinburgh. Not only is it highly entertaining, but it is conveniently located on the Royal Mile, at 163 Canongate.
The museum’s doors open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Roseburn Path
The Roseburn Path is an 8.7-kilometre trail filled with greenspaces, fresh air, and a relaxing ambience that runs through the city. This pathway offers a charming alternative to the primary roads, featuring footpaths and cycle paths.
The trail starts at the western edge of the city centre and concludes at Newhaven, adjacent to the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop.
The wide path and vast view of nature that Roseburn Path offers have made it a popular trail for activities like road biking, running, and walking. Yet, you can still find moments of peace during less busy times. It takes an average of 2 hours to walk and is used for leisure, exercise, or just some quiet time away from the everyday commotion of the city.
Museum on the Mound
This fascinating museum offers visitors a unique and immersive exploration of money in Scotland through history. And it is even located in a bank’s head office!
The story of money in Scotland is told through various themes, engaging visitors in a rich trip of knowledge and unexpected facts. This storyline explores the evolution of currency used throughout the centuries. It delves into the cultural, economic, and social influences that shaped Scotland’s financial landscape.
The most popular exhibit features a striking glass case displaying one million pounds in cash, providing a tangible experience of what that amount of money can be.
The museum is located on The Mount (Bank Street). You can visit it during its opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Saturdays, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Bank Holiday Mondays, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Museum of Childhood
This unique museum in Edinburgh is the first in the world to focus on the history of childhood. It showcases toys and games from different generations, making it a fantastic source of entertainment for kids.
The collection features teddy bears from the 18th century and dolls from different decades, each adorned in clothing from their respective eras. There are also puppets, toy soldiers, basic pedal cars, and other cherished childhood items.
While the Museum of Childhood is packed with various toys designed for kids, its focus isn’t solely on children. Grown-ups will also find joy in wandering through this museum and reminiscing about the toys from their own childhoods, making this visit a charming plunge into a sea of nostalgia.
You can find the museum on 42 High Street and walk through its doors every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dr Neil’s Garden
This lovely garden lies close to an impressive loch in Duddingston Village, which welcomes you like a breath of fresh air. It is a captivating collection of trees and flowers that offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Dr Neil’s Garden unexpectedly contrasts Edinburgh’s tourist appeal of historic buildings in Old Town by offering one of Scotland’s charms: beautiful landscapes. This extensive green space features winding paths, small bridges connecting various spots, thoughtfully located benches and sheltered terraces that let you appreciate the view.
But the garden’s quietness is disturbed by birds chirping, quacks of ducks enjoying the park, and the sound of trees caressed by the hills’ breezes. Wonderful sounds surround you in your stroll. You can find The Garden Room café at the main entrance of Dr Neil Garden, where you can have a nice cup of tea or coffee with some cake or scones after your visit.
Dr Neil’s Garden is a secret garden that gives visitors a glimpse into a world of wonder in the middle of a capital city.
Entry is free, and the garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can find more information about the garden on their website:
https://www.drneilsgarden.co.uk/
Bridge 8 Hub
Located along Edinburgh’s Union Canal, Bridge 8 Hub provides a range of outdoor water-based activities suitable for all ages. You can experience canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, then recharge your energy while enjoying the canal-side atmosphere at a café located on-site.
The Bridge 8 Hub has used a formerly abandoned lot in Sighthill as a vibrant outdoor activity centre since 2013. The hub sits next to several refurbished shipping containers with astonishing murals on them.
The hub also offers activities that aren’t entirely related to water. Visitors can explore options such as a Saunagus aromatherapy session, biking, or walking along the canal, all of which aim to give them a relaxing escape to the outdoors within the city.
You can find more information about the hub on their website: https://drum-marlin-2k5s.squarespace.com
Ensign Ewart
The nearest pub to Edinburgh Castle may be easily overlooked, but its original charm will ensure you remember it the next time you walk by. With a rich history dating back to the 17th century, Ensign Ewart is a must-visit destination while exploring the historical journey along the Royal Mile.
The pub invites you in with its warm and vibrant atmosphere. Low ceilings and a battle-themed mural take centre stage on one wall, while the rest are decorated with Scottish relics all around you.
The Ensign Ewart pub is a nice place to have a dram of whisky from their large selection, including popular distilleries and indie bottlers. You can also find many cask ales if you’re not a whisky person.
The pub is located at 521 Lawnmarket, on the Royal Mile. Its opening hours are 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, with extended hours up to 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
