Situated on the southern shores of the Firth of
Forth, just south of St Andrews and to the north of the Scottish
Borders, the city of Edinburgh is one of Europe's great cities,
while the Lothians (West, Mid & East) stretch from Lanarkshire
in the west to East Lothian on the coast, home to the likes of Muirfield,
Gullane and North Berwick.
Blackness Castle
Bennie Museum, Bathgate, West Lothian
This local history museum contains artefacts of social, industrial
and historical interest, including a Roman coin and war memorabilia.
Phone: + 44 1506 634944
Blackness Castle, By Linlithgow, West Lothian
One of Scotland's most impressive strongholds, Blackness Castle
was built in the 14th century and massively strengthened in the
16th century. Over the years, it has served as a royal castle,
a
prison and film location for Hamlet. Phone + 44 131 6688800
Cairnpapple Hill, Near Bathgate, West Lothian
This important archaeological site was used for burial and ceremonial
purposes from as far back as 3000 BC. Today, visitors can see the
burial areas, ancient stones and a cairn. Phone: + 44 1506 634622
Clan Tartan Centre, Bangor Road, Edinburgh
Through searching a database of some 50,000 names, visitors can
find out if their name is linked to a Scottish clan, or tartan.
And with a selection of over 100 Scottish Malts, this is the ideal
venue to sample a dram or two. Phone: + 44 131 5535161
Craigmillar Castle, Near Edinburgh
Remaining exceptionally well preserved, Craigmillar was expanded
during the 15th and 16th centuries. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here
for a time after the murder of her secretary David Rizzio at Holyroodhouse.
Phone: + 44 131 6614445
Crichton Castle, Near Pathhead, Midlothian
Though the oldest part of Crichton dates back to the 14th century,
the most impressive features were added by Francis Stewart, Earl
of Bothwell, who built Renaissance style fireplaces, ceilings and
walls circa 1581. Phone: + 44 1875 320017
Dirleton Castle
Dirleton Castle, Dirleton, East Lothian
Dating from the 13th century and rebuilt during the 14th and 16th
centuries, the romantic Dirleton Castle is set in beautiful gardens
and has always been to the forefront in terms of Scottish history.
Phone: + 44 1620 850330
Dunbar Town House Museum, Dunbar, East Lothian
This local history museum is located in a 16th century townhouse
and offers visitors a hands-on introduction to archaeology. Phone:
+ 44 1368 863734
Edinburgh Castle, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Edinburgh's most famous sight, Edinburgh Castle contains many
interesting items, including the Stone of Destiny, the Scottish
Crown Jewels and the National War Museum. It is a must for all visitors
to the city. Phone: + 44 131 2259846
Edinburgh Crystal Glasshouse, Near Penicuik, Midlothian
Visitors can watch the craftsmen at work and discover the history
of Edinburgh Crystal via an interactive exhibition. By booking in
advance, visitors can avail of an opportunity to blow and cut glass
themselves. Phone: + 44 1968 675128
Georgian House, Princes Street, Edinburgh
This stylish Georgian Townhouse was built at the end of the 18th
century as part of the city of Edinburgh's New Town. Collections
include silver, china, paintings and furniture, all reflective of
the era. Phone: + 44 131 2263318
Glenkinchie Distillery, Pencaitland, East
Lothian
Lying 15 miles southeast of Edinburgh, Glenkinchie is the home of
the Edinburgh malt. The visitor centre boasts three halls of exhibitions,
while visitors can also enjoy a tour and avail of a tasting at the
bar. Phone: + 44 1875 342004
Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
This huge open area in the heart of Edinburgh contains many sites
of historical interest, including a prehistoric farmstead, the ruins
of St Anthony's Chapel and some holy wells. Visitors can also
enjoy an array of walks. Phone: + 44 131 5561761
Hopetoun House
Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, Near Edinburgh
Home to the Marquis of Linlithgow, Hopetoun House is situated in
beautiful parkland by the Firth of Forth. The original house was
extended in the 18th century and the contents include fine furniture,
paintings and tapestries. Phone: + 44 131 3312451
House of the Binns, Linlithgow, West Lothian
Situated in extensive parkland, this 17th century house has been
home to the Dalyell family for some 400 years. Visitors can see
impressive plaster ceilings, along with collections of furnishings,
china and portraits. Phone: + 44 1506 834255
Inchcolm Abbey, Inchcolm Island, Firth of Forth
Located on the island of Inchcolm in the Firth of Forth, these are
the well-preserved ruins of an Augustinian Abbey. Access is via
Hawes Pier in South Queensferry or Town Pier in North Queensferry.
Phone: + 44 1383 823332
Lennoxlove House, Near Haddington, East Lothian
Home to the Duke of Hamilton and dating from the 14th century, Lennoxlove
contains fine furniture, paintings and memorabilia of Mary Queen
of Scots, including a death mask and silver casket. Phone: + 44
1620 823720
Linlithgow Palace
Linlithgow Palace, Linlithgow, West Lothian
Built in the 15th century, today's impressive ruins are set
by Linlithgow Loch. Boasting many connections with royalty, Linlithgow
was the birthplace of James V and Mary Queen of Scots, while Bonnie
Prince Charlie stayed here in 1745. Phone: + 44 1506 842896
Museum of Flight, Near Haddington, East Lothian
Two huge hangars, part of a Second World War airfield, house Scotland's
national aviation collection. The exhibits include a variety of
planes, rockets and memorabilia. Phone: + 44 1620 880308
Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh
Devoted to the history of Scotland, its land, people and achievements,
this museum features a series of galleries, which transports visitors
from Scotland's geological birth through to today. Phone:
+ 44 131 2474422
Myreton Motor Museum, Near Aberlady, East Lothian
Housing a range of vehicles dating from 1896, exhibits include cars,
motorcycles, military vehicles and bicycles. Phone: + 44 1875 870288
National Gallery of Scotland, Off Prices Street,
Edinburgh
This is home to Scotland's finest collection of paintings
and sculpture. Included amongst some 20,000 items are fine examples
of Italian drawings and a collection of Scottish works by the likes
of Raeburn and Wilkie. Phone: + 44 131 6246200
National War Museum, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Exploring the Scottish experience of war over the last four centuries,
the museum reveals the extent to which war and military service
have influenced the course of Scottish history. Phone: + 44 131
2257534
Newhailes House, Musselburgh, East Lothian
Built by the Scottish architect James Smith in 1686, Newhailes is
set in a fascinating landscape and boasts impressive 18th century
additions and interiors. The National Trust is working to conserve
the house in such a way as to leave it as untouched by modern hands
as possible. Phone: + 44 131 6535599
Our Dynamic Earth, Holyrood House, Edinburgh
Telling the story of our planet via the latest in technology, visitors
travel back in time to witness the "Big Bang" and experience
volcanoes, earthquakes, glaciers and tropical rainstorms. Phone:
+ 44 131 5507800
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Palace of Holyroodhouse, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
The official residence of the Queen in Scotland, visitors can view
an impressive array of tapestries and furnishings and a collection
of Stewart relics. The remains of Holyrood Abbey are located in
the grounds. Phone: + 44 131 5567371
Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Midlothian
Built in 1446, this unique chapel conforms neither to the architecture
or fashions of its time and retains an aura of mystery. The interior
is rich in terms of sculptures and intricate carvings of biblical
stories. Phone: + 44 131 4402159
Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh
Featuring 70 acres of gardens containing glasshouses, a rock garden
and Chinese garden, visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Edinburgh
skyline and various exhibitions and activities. Phone: + 44 131
5527171
Royal Scots Regimental Museum, Edinburgh
Castle, Edinburgh
Housed in Edinburgh Castle, a fascinating story, mirroring the
fortunes of the country, is told through paintings, artefacts,
silver and
medals. Phone: + 44 131 3105014
Royal Yacht Brittania
Royal Yacht Britannia, Leith, Near Edinburgh
Having served the Royal Family for over 40 years, the Royal Yacht
Britannia is now docked at Leith. Visitors can take an audio tour
of the ship and discover what life was like for the Royal Family
and crew on board. Phone: + 44 313 5555566
Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Visitors can discover the secrets of whisky making via the "barrel
ride" and commentary. Malts, grain and blends are all explained,
while you can also avail of some free samplings. Phone: + 44 131
2200441
Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange, Midlothian
Set in the restored Lady Victoria Colliery, the museum describes
the highs and lows of an industry that was once so important in
Scotland. Visitors can see and feel the elements that created this
dangerous working environment. Phone: + 44 131 6637519
Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Queen Street, Edinburgh
Featuring royals, rebels, poets, heroes and villains, the visual
history of Scotland is told through the portraits of those who shaped
it. Visitors can also see a range of sculptures, coins, medallions
and drawings. Phone: + 44 131 6246200
Tantallon Castle
Tantallon Castle, Near North Berwick, East Lothian
Boasting a dramatic cliff-top setting on the Firth of Forth, Tantallon
Castle was built in the 14th century and has suffered a turbulent
past. Much fought over, it was finally reduced to ruins by General
Monk in 1651. Phone: + 44 1620 892727
