There is nothing worse than the weather being rubbish during the school holidays or at weekends. Don't worry I have you covered! Here are the best free attractions and places of interest in Edinburgh, where you can stay warm and dry.
Free Indoor Attractions For All The Family In Edinburgh
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland provides hours of free entertainment with lots of interactive exhibits from the natural world through to technology of past and present. Some of the 20,000 exhibits not to be missed include Dolly the cloned sheep, asking a robot to spell your name, and sending hot air balloons soaring! For incredible views of the city, you might also like to take the lift to the roof for 360-degree views.
Museum on the Mound
Museum on the Mound is located in the historic Bank of Scotland Head Office.
Will you crack the code to open the safe? See what a million pounds looks like and discover the history of money. There is also an opportunity to make your own coin. Highly recommend a visit to this fascinating, educational, and interactive museum.
Museum of Childhood
The Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile has a large collection of British toys and games dating from the 1800s to the present day. Discover some of the rare artifacts and blasts from the past in the world's first dedicated toy museum.
People's Story Museum
Listen to the real stories of people who lived and worked in Edinburgh, in the historic 16th-century house, located in the Canongate, Edinburgh.
Museum of Edinburgh
Discover the wide and varied collections including some iconic and beautiful objects, such as Greyfriars Bobby's collar and bowl, housed in the charming 16th-century buildings.
St Giles Cathedral
With 900 years of history, it is well worth a visit! Discover Haddo's Hole, see an original signed copy of the Covenant, and marvel at the wooden carved angels and flowers inside the Thistle Chapel.
Writers Museum
Once the home of Lady Stairs, the Writers Museum is filled with unique, limited, and signed copies of some of Edinburgh and Scotland's writers including Sir Walter Scott and Robert Lewis Stevenson.
National Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland holds over 34 million items in the collection, it is also the largest library in Scotland and one of the major research libraries in Europe. Did you know you can also visit both permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as events? During the year look out for special access behind-the-scenes tours, that could take you to one or more of the 15 floors!
Yes, 15 floors. You enter on the 11th (George IV Bridge) and there are 10 floors of books below you.
Scottish Parliament Building
The Scottish Parliament Building was opened in 2004 by Her Majesty The Queen. Today you can visit on most days Monday through Saturday and explore the Art Collection and Parliament Exhibition or take one of the free guided tours and see the Debating Chamber too (please pre-book to avoid disappointment).
National Gallery
Home to world-class international and Scottish art from 1300 to 1945. Immerse yourself in art from Vermeer to Rembrandt.
National Portrait Gallery
Discover some of Scotland's famous faces through contemporary portraits including Billy Connolly, Emeli Sandé, and Tilda Swinton as well as more historical figures including Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns. Don't miss the Great Hall with its incredible Zodiac Ceiling of 47 constellations.
National Gallery of Modern Art
The National Gallery of Modern Art is split into Modern One and Modern Two. Each building is located within a sculptural park with manicured geometric lawns and 20 sculptures including work by Eduardo Paolozzi - Master of the Universe (1989). Don't miss The Vulcan and Paolozzi's Studio.
Dovecot Studios
Located in the old Infirmary Street Baths, the light and airy 1885 building is Dovecot Studios.
The world-renowned tapestry studio continues to make exceptional tapestries and gun-tufted rugs. Currently hosting an Andy Warhol: The Textiles exhibition (entrance £13.20 enjoy 20% off, enter code SPRING20 online). On until 18th May 2024.
Greyfriars Kirk
Greyfriars Kirk was built on and named after the pre-Reformation Franciscan monastery. Famous today for the story of Greyfriars Bobby, it has also been the inspiration of J.K Rowling for some of the lead characters in the Harry Potter series, as well as some ghostly goings on. Inside you can see an early oil painting of Greyfriars Bobby, a spectacular organ, and an original copy of the National Covenant signed in 1638.
St Mary's Cathedral
St Mary's Cathedral was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, inspired by the early Gothic churches and abbeys of Scotland. The foundation stone was laid on the 21st May 1874 by the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. Inside look out for Borthwick's The Presence, Lorimer's Rood Cross (Christ Crucified), and Paolozzi's Millenium Window.
St Cuthbert's Parish Church
Named after and said to have been built on the site where 7th-century monk, St Cuthbert built a hut to rest after traveling from Melrose in the Scottish Borders. It is also where Agatha Christie married for the second time. While visiting don't miss the famous window - Tiffany Glass panel, showing David on his way to slay Goliath and a modified version of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper from Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan.
City Art Centre
Home to a rich, diverse programme of changing exhibitions, which include historic and modern Scottish painting and photography, as well as contemporary art and craft.
Located on Market Street, outside Waverley Train Station.
Stills Gallery
If you love photography, don't miss a visit to Stills Gallery. Located on Cockburn Street, it was established in 1977, supporting the advancement, enjoyment, exploration, and understanding of photography in Scotland.
Talbot Rice Gallery
Talbot Rice Gallery is the public art gallery of the University of Edinburgh. The modern white cube exhibition space hosts a wide range contemporary exhibitions from local and international artists.
The Fruitmarket Gallery
Contemporary exhibitions by local and international artists.
Until next time...Michelle x
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