AD| As the UK starts to open up again, and restrictions ease you might consider traveling again. Before you do check the government guidelines to best follow any protocols for travel, or activities you might do. In today’s post I’ll be talking about some must visit places in Scotland, particularly Edinburgh.
Why restrictions ease, it’s important to do things at your own pace. Travel when you feel like it’s safe too, and when you are comfortable. It might still be a while until we’re able to visit places like Venice and Rome, but there are so many gems here in the UK worth exploring. One of my favourites places to visit is Scotland, particularly Edinburgh. It’s so rich in culture, arts and hospitality, so today I’ll be sharing 10 must visit places based off my own travel experiences.
If you need help with under the travel measures in the UK you can refer to the Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers guide.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery – When I set off to visit any new place, I always make it my task to scope out any and all galleries available. The Scottish National Portrait Gallery displays painting, photography, sculpture and film to highlight Scotlands rich past and present history.
From memory they also have an incredible cafe, which serves amazing coffee and cakes. Admission for the gallery is free, but advance booking required.
The National Museum of Scotland – A wonderful Museum where you can explore the diversity of the natural world, world cultures, science and technology, art, design and fashion, and Scottish history, all under one roof. Previously when I had visited Edinburgh it was the top of my list of places to visit. It didn’t disappoint.
The Writer’s Museum – If you’re looking for another free attraction The Writer’s Museum needs to be on the list. It was a must on my travel itinerary for Edinburgh. It’s a great place to visit for literary fans or if you’re interested in Scottish history. You can find collection of rare books, manuscripts and personal possession and so much more at the Museum.
Surgeons’ Hall Museums – When talking about Museums I couldn’t leave off the Surgeon’s Hall Museum, it’s home to one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in the United Kingdom. It has an extensive collection of pathology, anatomy and medical ephemera available for the public. If you’ve ever visited the Hunterian Museum in London, it is very similar but a much larger space.
The Scotch Whisky Experience – If you love a cheeky drink when you go on holiday, and you like Whisky, this is the perfect activity for you. I am not a whisky drinker but I enjoyed this so much. The tickets start at £17 for a tour, and it’s a really great way to spend a few hours of your day. If you can’t wait to travel, The Scotch Whisky Experience currently has a virtual tour.
Edinburgh Gin Distillery – Whisky isn’t you cup of tea? No worries the Edinburgh Gin Distillery also offers tours, guided tastings, and you can even try your hand at making your own gin. You’ll learn a lot about gin, get the chance to try Edinburgh Gins and I’ve seen they also have gift bags. This is a must visit destination.
The Royal Botanic Gardens – The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is one of the finest botanic gardens in the world. It’s located just one mile away from the city centre. It’s 72 acres to explore, with a beautiful classical Glasshouse, there’s a view of the city centre and Edinburgh castle. The Botanic Gardens are free to enter, but there is a £7 admission fee for the Glasshouse.
Edinburgh Zoo – The zoo has a collection of over 1,100 animals representing just under 200 species. The exhibits are divided by region. There are over 120 species of trees and countless flowers and species of plant life to see at the zoo. It is disability accessible and offers accessibility routes and mobility support throughout.
The zoo has a really charming history, and there’s so much you can learn about the wildlife.
Edinburgh Old Town – Old Town is one of Edinburgh’s oldest neighbourhoods. The streets have everything from historical monuments, to pubs, to wool shops. You can take a walk up one of the beautiful cobbled streets, or walk the Royal Mile.
Festival Theatre – Designed as Scotland’s premier dance and opera house in 1994, the stage is the largest in Scotland. You’ll find everything from seasonal film festivals, operas, musicals and concerts and so much more. It’s the perfect place to attend when you’re visiting Edinburgh. Furthermore when you are able to attend a show, it’s a great way to support the arts especially as the industry has been hit really hard from COVID19.
Let me know your favourite places to visit in Edinburgh in the comments. Today’s post has been in collaboration with Hotels.com, but all views are my own.
If you enjoyed this post, why not read my What I’m Packing For Venice and European Cities/Towns I’m Dying To Visit.
Edinburgh has definitely been on my travel bucket list since one of my friends told me about her experience studying and living there. It looks so beautiful! I would love to visit most of the places you mentioned here especially the Writer’s Museum and the Festival Theatre. Would love to experience a concert there too one time!! 🙂
The Writer’s Museum and Edinburgh Old Town sound so good! I hope I’ll be able to visit Edinburgh and these locations one day 😊
Sumedha | the wordy habitat
I’m hoping to visit Edinburgh later in the year if all goes well so this is very helpful! Had no idea that there was a writers museum!
Cool post! I’ve visited Edinburgh long time ago. If I travel to Edinburgh again in the future, I would like to visit the Writers Museum. Thank you for sharing this.
So many great places to visit — if I ever get back to the UK I will visit my sister who lives in Edinburgh and check out these places. I love museums and gardens so all of these sound perfect!
I’ve been to Scotland a few times but never to Edinburgh. Always has been somewhere I’d love to visit. It’s such a beautiful city with so much to do!
Edinburgh is on our list! Maybe for a child free weekend away sometime – we shall see. It just looks so beautiful xx
I really want to go and visit Edinburgh, and especially their Botanic Garden, so thank so much for the roundup!
Katie | katieemmabeauty.com
Edinburgh is definitely on my list of places I’d like to travel to! Thanks for sharing some places to go to when I’m there!
I’ve been to Edinburgh once before and stayed there for a couple of days and I absolutely loved it. I really want to go back again, there is so much to do there. I enjoyed visiting Edinburgh old town and walking down the royal mile! I can’t wait for when it’s a bit safer to travel to go again. x
I’d love to visit Edinburgh once we’re able to travel again! The whiskey and gin tours definitely sound like my kind of thing 🙂 x
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I’ve heard so many good things about Edinburgh and would love to visit one day! Great post with so mnay good suggestions on what to do xx
I’d love to visit Edinburg one day! So many things to do which I love when visiting a new place. Thank you for sharing x
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Although I’ve never been to Scotland or UK in general, I heard so many amazing things about Edinburgh. It seems like there is even more things to do than I thought. I’m definitely putting it on my travel bucket list.
Antonia || Sweet Passions
Lockdown has made me crave exploring our beautiful island. I love foreign, beach breaks but you can’t beat a city break in the UK can you!?
Rosie
I’ve only ever been to Scotland once and it was only a couple of hours, I’d love to go to the Festival Theatre – it sounds amazing!
Brilliant post. I absolutely love Edinburgh and Rob and I have been planning on heading up there for a while. We were going to head up for a minimoon after the wedding last year but ya know! I don’t think there is a place on your list that I don’t want to go to x x
Cool suggestions, I would love to visit Scotland
Thanks for sharing
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Edinburgh is in my list from now!
Edinburgh is such a beautiful place! I’ve only visited three places from your list so I guess I’ll have to go back!
Edinburgh has been on my travel list for so long!! The writer’s museum and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery sound like must-visit! Will keep this list for when we can travel again, thanks for sharing x
Thank you for sharing lovely. I’ve never been to Scotland but have always wanted to. Once lockdown subsides and COVID worries ease away I can’t wait to start travelling more and exploring local culture.
Kate
I haven’t been to Edinburgh is so long! I’m definitely overdue a trip! My favourite place I think is the camera obscura and world of illusions museum, I remember it being so much fun!
Edinburgh has been on my bucket list for a while now and I was hoping on making it there last year (but of course not). This is a useful list and I have added some of these onto my itinerary for Scotland! Xx
I was lucky enough to take a short break to Edinburgh with my family the week before the first lockdown last year. I love the city so much and already can’t wait to go back. Some of the things on your list I didn’t get around to doing so I’m definitely adding them for the next time!
This is a really helpful post as I want to visit Edinburgh when covid is over and it is safe. It looks like such a beautiful place. Xx
I absolutely adore Edinburgh! It was my first trip to Scotland and I fell in love, can’t wait to go back!
I visited these places 3 years ago.