The TravelScotland Selection: The Other Attractions in Edinburgh
There are a few other attractions in Edinburgh which are worth the visit.
Royal Botanic Garden
Location : Inverleith Row
Phone : 0131 552 7171
Opinion: 3km Princes Street. Entrance either via the Inverleith Row or Arboreturn Place. Enliven your senses any time of the year, during any season. This green kingdom stretches on lavishly and provides ample space for a nice and leisurely stroll. Splendid views and a well-thought about layout with even a terrace cafe to help you enjoy the spectacular views of the city whilst sipping a peaceful afternoon tea. The extra shine on this gem is its picture-perfect Chinese garden with an enormous collection of indigenous Chinese plants . The Royal Botanic Garden serves many purposes- from being a scientific institution with profuse research facilities to being popular among people as an attractive tourist attraction. Occasional exhibitions are held in the gallery. You can find the National Biodiversity Interpretation Centre within the premises of the garden. Both, the Caledonian hall as well as the symbolic Glasshouses (behold plants from ten climate zones) provides facilities to host corporate and private events. The 'Botanics' organise guided tours and have events (info 0131 248 2968) Open 7 days. Nov-Feb10am-4pm, Mar & Oct 10-6pm, Apr-Sep 10am-7pm
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Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Location:1 Queen Street
Phone : 0131 624 6200
Opinion: You can find portraits revolving around the fabulous history of Scotland in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. Among the legendary portraits occupying space in the gallery are Queen mum, Alexander Nasmyth's portrait of Robert Burns, Philosopher David Hume by Allan Ramsay, Alex Ferguson and Sir Walter Scott. The Gallery overlooks the famous Edinburgh's New Town. Visitors flock into the gallery owing to the exciting motley of exhibitions, the wide display of portraits picked from the National collection and its splendid cafe and shop. Designed by Robert Rowand Anderson, the art gallery is held within the red sandstone Gothic edifice spotted on Queens street. A visual tribute to the Great Scots of the past and present. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, 7pm on Thu.
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Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
Location: Belford Road
Phone : 0131 624 6200
Opinion: Nestled between the Queensferry Road and Dean village. The neo-classical building, once an 1828 school, now houses a fabulous collection of 20th century art mainly of surrealists and cubists. It has more than 5000 works from paintings and paper works to video installations. French paintings and Russian art dominate the earlier part of the collections. The other highlights of the museum include the best works by Scottish artists like Peploe, Gillies and other Scottish colourists, the post-war works of Davie, Bacon, Balthus, Leger, Hockney and Freud. The front lawn was re-landscaped into a stunning “Landform” sculpture. A nice cafe . Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Thu 7pm.Extended hours during festival.
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Dean Gallery
Location: Belford Road
Phone : 0131 624 6200
Opinion: Often referred to as the sister of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, the Dean gallery is located in the same parkland as that of the National Gallery. Superb showcase of the Eduardo Paolozzi works. Exhibition of modern and contemporary artworks along with a diverse collection of Dada and Surrealism. Modern art traveling exhibitions are also held here. Romantic gardens where you can wander. The best path leading to both the galleries is by the Water of Leith Walkway. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Thu 7pm.
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Museum of Childhood
Location: 42 High Street
Phone : 0131 529 4142
Opinion: A visit to the place will for sure take you to your childhood days. Brimming with nostalgic adults. One of the finest collection of childhood-related gizmo's. Child-size dummies in the upper gallery might interest you. More than 8000 dolls are housed in the museum in addition to an extensive collection of toys, games and childcare collections. Britain's largest collection of dolls' houses, children's costumes,soft toys and teddy bears. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.Jul & Aug. Sun 12noon-5pm
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St Giles' Cathedral
Location: Royal Mile
Phone : 0131 225 9442
Opinion: The cathedral's famous crown spire dominates the Edinburgh skyline. It is ideally sandwiched between two other noted attractions, the Edinburgh castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse . You can avail attractive souvenirs, CD's, books and gifts from the Cathedral shop. Its unusual layout with out-of-the-ordinary proportions is lovely to behold. Reflects the medieval age with Norman fragments and a Georgian exterior. Its 900 year old flawless architecture makes it one of the most impressive buildings in Scotland. Despite its name, St.Giles cannot be referred to as a cathedral in the true sense of the word.Mon-Fri 9am-7pm (till 5pm in winter), Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm.
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The Georgian House
Location: 7 Charlotte Square
Phone : 0131 225 2160
Opinion: Flamboyant dining room and kitchen that will leave you awe-struck. Built in 1790's, the Georgian house is under the surveillance of the National Trust of Scotland today, and boasts of an elegant furnished interior. The town house showcases antique pieces of furniture. Etiquette ladies available round-the-clock to help you out. Apr-Oct 10am-5pm (1 Jul-31 August 10am-7pm), Mar&Nov 11am-3pm. Closed Dec-Feb.
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Lauriston Castle
Location: Cramond Road South
Phone : 0131 336 2060
Opinion: 9 km west of centre by Ago and then turn right for Cramond. The magnificent castle with tranquil grounds overlooking the Firth of Forth is indeed picture-perfect. You can even have a surprisingly delightful view of the Cramond Island. Lush greenery encamps the castle. The Japanese garden of the castle is worth visiting too. Apr-Oct 11.20am, 12.20pm, 2.20pm, 3.20pm, 4.20pm. Closed Fri. Nov-Mar 2.20pm & 3.20pm weekends only.
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Few of the other attractions are
Arthur's Seat : The Arthur's seat is a prominent landmark which dominates the Edinburgh city. Popularly known as the Lion's head, the Arthur's seat is the main and the highest peak amongst the group of hills in the Holyrood park. Can have excellent views of the city.
The Pentlands : Behold some of the highest and the finest hills in Scotland.
The Scott Monument/Calton Hill : This Gothic monument is erected as a tribute to the popular Scottish literary figure Sir Walter Scott.
Newhailes Houses : Designed by distinguished architect James Smith, this 17th century house is quiet impressive. The remarkable library it houses, is most often referred to as the “one of the most learned rooms in Europe
Dr Neil's (Secret) Garden : This garden, abundant in greenery is one of the best kept secrets of Scotland. You can gain more than just benefit from the fresh air in the garden.
If you think if there is any other attraction that we have not mentioned and that is worth seeing, please get in touch.
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Royal Yacht Britannia
Location: Ocean Drive, Leith
Phone : 0131 555 5566
Opinion: Once the ruler of the waves and a host of world famous people including Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for more than 40 years, visitors flock in to discover more of one of the most famous ships in the world- The Royal Yacht Britannia . An award-winning and visitor -friendly attraction. Preserved intact in the docks at Ocean Terminal, its permanent home. The Ocean terminal is decked with a wide array of boutiques and shops with splendid waterfront views. The interior hosted one of the best soap operas in the city. Apr-Oct 9.30am-4.30pm;Jan-Mar & Oct-Dec 10am-3.30pm.Booking advised in august.
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The Scottish Parliament
Location : Royal Mile
Phone : 0131 348 5200
Opinion: The parliament is one of the masterpieces of Catalan Architect Enric Morales, a fine modern building. From day one, controversies have mucked the building. The building has been criticized by many but at the same time has also been arduously praised by an equal number. This marvelous piece of architecture with leaf-shaped buildings, gabion walls and the grass-roofed branch is surely not to be missed. One can also have a ticketed access to the well-known “Debating Chamber” within the parliament. Among the acclaims it has won “The Royal Institute of British Architects' Stirling Prize for 2005” makes it to the top of the list.
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Kerrycroy
Just before Mount Stuart is the tidy little village of Kerrycroy, designed by the wife of the second Marquess of Bute and featuring an interesting mix of building styles. South of Mouth Stuart and the village of Kingarth is Kilchattan Bay, an attractive bay of pink sands and the start of a fine walk down to Glencallum Bay, in the southeastern corner of the island.
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