I really enjoyed my visit to the museum. It was a great way to learn about not only maritime facts such as oil rigs and ships but also Aberdeen history. All the displays were done with great care and the exhibitions were very informative. The view to the port was also splendid and the gift shop selection was nice.

An excellent experience. An easy walk from the Railway Station. This museum is free, but you can donate by card or cash. Very friendly staff and an amazing space over five floors and three buildings. The museum features the maritime history of the area as well as the oil and gas industry. It also features exhibits on occasion. A reasonably priced gift shop featuring local souvenirs. I would visit here if you have an interest in maritime history, but is interesting for those who aren't.

Lovely museum, lovely architecture. The cherry on the cake was the free guided tour tough, offered by knowledgeable and utmost kind Robert who made it special by picking a particular parts and making his lecture around these. Learned a lot and in a very friendly atmosphere, many thanks!!

A visit worth taking while in Aberdeen (or if residing here). Deployed in 4 floors, illustrates the history of Aberdeen shipbuilding and UK offshore drilling off Scotland coast. The abundance of wood all around creates a really cozy environment. Allow >1 hour to tour as it’s really interesting.

Can’t believe this amazing place is free! 😍 I love museums...they always take us back in time and make us feel part of history. The displays, ship models, and harbour views here were just beautiful. 🌊⚓️ The Aberdeen Maritime Museum, located on Shiprow overlooking the harbour, is one of the city’s most fascinating free attractions. It’s housed in a blend of historic and modern buildings, including Provost Ross’s House, which dates back to 1593. The museum beautifully showcases Aberdeen’s deep connection with the sea — from shipbuilding and fishing to the modern North Sea oil and gas industry. One of its main highlights is the impressive 9-metre model of the Murchison oil platform, along with intricate ship models, artefacts, and interactive displays spread across four floors. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the harbour from the upper galleries, making it a perfect mix of history, culture, and coastal charm. 🌊⚓️

Lovely area, a good way to undertake the deep history of Aberdeen trading and oil exploration, week preserved pieces of history, kept in good viewing condition, a good place for visitors on sightseeing and exploratory training.

I haven’t been here since I was a kid. Excellent displays presented very well in a fantastic building. Very informative and paints a great picture of Aberdeen’s fascinating fishing and oil industry past. What a way to spend a few hours. I especially loved the gigantic Murchison platform which fills several floors of the building, the working lighthouse mechanism and the models of boats. The view across the harbour is phenomenal!!

Beautiful indoor gardens – perfect all year round. A stunning collection of tropical, arid, and exotic plants in a peaceful glasshouse setting. Well-maintained, with themed areas like the cactus house and Japanese garden. Great place to relax, take photos, or explore with family. Free entry and located within Duthie Park – a true gem in Aberdeen.

This stunning winter garden is located inside Duthie Park. An assortment of glasshouses display superb botanical examples from a diverse range of environments, from arid to tropical, and most continents. Plants are of the most pristine quality and housed in immaculate conditions. Excellent place and well worth a visit. Highly recommended. 👍👍👍

Cool place especially for those who are more interested in plants and stuff. The kind of 'did you know' plates were fun! The only thing i can have a little but is that not all of the plants are taken care of the way they should be

A must visit place if you like conservatories and flora fauna varieties. Very well kept and maintained place with great number of plant species. I was amazed to see the quality of the plants in a cold climate like Scotland has. Beautiful flowers and some really oddball plants and trees. Someone has seriously put aome good thought into it and the staff seems to maintain it well too. No entry fee, but it’s run on donations. Takes about an hour to get through it. Will surely visit again!

I love the botanical gardens in Aberdeen - one of my favourite places to visit! I would really recommend to anyone who is here - even for a few days. To top it off, it's also completely free and family-friendly. Seriously, one of my favourite botanical garden in Scotland. The cacti area is a must see - it always amazes guests. The adjacent cafe is also quite cute and has good sweets/dessert. I think it would make a great place for a first date!

Wow. What an amazing winter wonderland. Sharing with you all some amazing pics which I took yesterday....

Absolutely fabulous place to visit. Well worth a donation to keep it open to the public. Immaculately kept plants that were interesting to see and well labelled. The cafe was great to visit too with a great vegan cake selection for people with intollerances.

This is a must see Castle if your in the area. Well maintained by the staff that is friendly and informative. Be mindful that if your mobility is limited that there are several areas of stairs and steps that are irregular and steep. There are also some cobble stone walk ways that might be difficult for some. Loved our visit here and the views are spectacular.

This place is beautiful. I did not go inside as had other prior commitments. If you go give yourself several hours to explore as wonderful trails on cliffs and several stairs to get to castle. A must see if in Scotland!!

Dunnottar Castle is honestly one of the most breathtaking places in Scotland. Perched high on the cliffs above the North Sea, it feels like stepping straight into history. The ruins are full of atmosphere, and the views from every angle are just stunning. The walk down and back up can be a bit steep, but totally worth it for the experience. It’s usually peaceful early in the morning, and watching the waves crash below the castle walls is something you’ll never forget. A must-visit near Stonehaven!

An impressive place. Unfortunately, in winter the castle is only open from 10:00 to 15:00. But even from the outside the surrounding landscapes and the castle itself look fantastic. There is a waterfall and caves nearby. On the coast, if you are lucky you can see seals. Although we were not lucky. I recommend taking the coastal path to the nearest town Stonehaven. You will get an unforgettable experience.

Wonderful castle ruins overlooking the sea! The walk down to the castle is easy however there are quite a few stairs leading up to the entrance. Ticketing was easy and clear directions on the route you should take to see everything. We also hiked along the beach and took a small trail which wrapped back around to the castle. Lovely shots along the way.

Very well kept castle and quite a lot to see and on a large site. A lot bigger than expected with lots to read and some great history and story’s to catch up on. Could be a bit exposed on a wet day. Toilets on site and well worth the £13 entrance fee. Well worth a visit.

Magical place with amazing views. If you like ruins and nature this is the right place to visit. Loved everything. It felt like a Game of Thrones setting.

The sun was splitting the sky today so we decided to visit Crathes Castle & Estate. The location was very busy as there were extra activities on in the grounds, bouncy things of several shapes and sizes, face painting, arts and crafts etc. It Is a self guided tour through the castle going up one set of very tight circular stairs and returning back down to ground level on a second set of stairs. You do need good mobility to manage these stairs. All the rooms were temperature and humidity controlled to try and preserve the fabrics and furnishings within each room. All the items were most interesting to see but not as old as those in Glamis castle. One advantage of this castle Is that you may take photographs except for one small area. After we completed the tour the heat from the sun guided us to the nearby ice cream vendor followed by a walk around the gardens. The gardens are large and are the home to many exotic plants, trees and shrubs. It Is a full time job for five volunteer gardeners to keep the gardens and grounds in such a wondrous condition. We finished off the day with a quick snack in the cafe. Soft drinks, cakes and cappuccino were enjoyed at a leisurely pace. A great day out, highly recommended.

What a great castle, so well kept and the staff are so full of knowledge The gardens are fabulous and I would suggest a while day, half day at least in the castle if you want to read all the details and do it justice, then a good couple of hours minimum in the gardens. Also great walks around the area also and. A lovely cafe.

This was an absolutely lovely location to come for a day out. The place was really busy due to a family fun day event being on, but there was still so much open space that you never felt hemmed in or on top of other visitors. The lady in the gift shop, and indeed all of the staff we encountered, were very friendly and happy to help us out. The only sad thing was that, whilst the garden was amazing, me and my wife couldn't go in together because we brought our dog. I feel that it should be the case that as long as your dog is kept on a short lead, is well behaved, and they are picked up after (which should be the case on the whole estate anyway) then they should be allowed in the gardens too. Overall a lovely site to visit.

i absolutely loved this castle ...the painted ceilings are just amazing ...Standing against a backdrop of rolling hills and set within its own glorious gardens, Crathes Castle provides a memorable experience with its towers, turrets and stories of its resident ghosts. King Robert the Bruce granted the lands of Leys to the Burnett family in 1323: the ancient Horn of Leys, which can be seen today in the Great Hall, marks his gift. Inside you’ll find a labyrinth of cultural history, from family portraits to fine antique furniture. The walled garden is a wonderful jungle of history, split into eight sections that encompass every green delight imaginable a sculpted topiary, soft herbaceous colours and modern exotic blooms. The massive yew hedges are thought to have been planted as early as 1702. Crathes Castle Estate was once part of the Royal Forest of Drum. Today there are a range of waymarked and clearly signposted trails. Look out for wildlife along the way – you may see red squirrels, woodpeckers and herons.

We are having a family holiday in Crathes. My wife and I have spent the last two days driving to here, so were pleased of a quiet day. After breakfast, we walked along the Deeside Way, a relatively flat walk from Aberdeen to Ballater, which was as far as the Deeside Railway went. Queen Victoria didn't want the railway to spoil the countryside around Balmoral. We soon came across Crathes signal box now a private residence and the remains if the platforms. Walking on, we came to a fork, with the Deeside Way going left over a pack horse bridge or right, under the road. Little did we realise what a difference taking the right fork would make. Continuing on our walk we came across the Milton of Crathes, a selection of independent shops. From here, we passed some railway carriages and still no signs directing us to the castle. Eventually, we came out beside the main road at Banchory, nearly four Mike's away. It was a very day and would get hotter as the day went on. We asked a local lad which way to the castle and he directed us up a road. It was not the main entrance but one used countries ago. It was a long uphill climb through the welcoming shade of huge trees of all descriptions. Eventually, we arrived at the castle and it looked very different to other castles we have visited. The castle is steeped in history, the one notable thing being it was lived in by the same family for centuries. We had a walk around inside, partly to cool off and partly to find out more about its history. We had a fascinating journey throughout most of the castle. The most fascinating were the painted ceilings, especially the Room of the Nine Nobles, based on great heroes from the past and the Muses' Room, with paintings of nine Muses and seven Virtues. From here, we walked to the cafe to get refreshments, but could believe the scores of wasps making most families lives a misery. In all my years, I have never so many wasps in one place. We drank up and departed for the welcoming shade of a hirse chestnut tree where we ate our lunch. From here, we walked down to the garden where a token allows families access to the gardens. The tokens can be collected from the main desk. The garden is a place of wonder, as with every turn, you see something different and interesting. You can see the castle from different angles which is a treat. Considering the hot sommer we are experiencing, the gardeners have produced a magnificent show for everyone. It seemed every colour was on view, depending on the flowers and which garden beds we were at. We even passed a couple getting married in a centre piece of the garden. We were intrigued by two large bushes close together at the side nearest the castle. It was while we were sat in the gsrden entrance building that we found the answer. The trees were planted in the 1700, and clipped in what we would describe as small urns. (They obviously had some meaning!!) Today, one is an egg sitting on a eggcup and the other is waiting for an egg. We much prefer the latter version. From here, we walked down the main path, the white trail, to the main entrance , stopping to look at the Highland cattle. We came across a bridge which I guess would have been part of the old road. Underneath, water from the large pond flowed down to the river. We followed a path and lo and behold came out at the road bridge we saw earlier on. We were no walking home knowing we didn't have as long a walk as this morning. By now, the heat was building, so a shorter walk was very welcome. Crathes Castle is an interesting place to visit, with lots of space to run around. There is a children's play area and well behaved dogs are welcomed. Crathes Castle has a cafe catering for all tastes and a great gift shop, selling a range of gifts and food.

We didn't go to the castle but WHAT a garden! We went twice and even in the space of 10 days there were different things to see. Absolute must for garden enthusiasts, whether you enjoy the formal topiary or the amazing themed borders. We chatted for a long time with the volunteers, who were very informative. Will happily come back again and again.

It was very nice on the outside, but it was quite expensive to go in (I paid €17), it didn’t really feel like a castle on the inside, felt maybe too modernised? I was expecting something a little bit more medieval with more rooms and corridors to explore, but that’s my fault for not reading about it first! Staff very friendly though, and the gardens were very nice! lots of grass to sit on and relax.

Review by Toby the Fluffy Pumpkin King Greetings once again, dear readers. Sir Toby Fluffington III here — explorer of ruins, conqueror of mountains, and now, esteemed visitor of farms. My most recent royal expedition took me to a charming countryside estate, where my noble quest was simple: secure the finest pumpkin in all the land. Upon arrival, however, I discovered that the farm was hosting a makers market. Delightful chaos! The air was filled with the smells of baked goods, candles, and possibly three different kinds of cheese. Naturally, as an ambassador of charm and fluff, I was immediately surrounded by adoring subjects eager to bestow pats and compliments. I accepted each with grace and a wag of the tail, though I regret to report that in all the excitement, there was no time for royal portraits — the place was simply teeming with people. I perused the stalls, sniffing out local crafts and intriguing human trinkets. There were treats, soaps, knitted items, and mysterious shiny things I wasn’t allowed to lick. The humans chatted; I networked. It was, in short, a very successful diplomatic outing. But the true heart of my mission awaited: the pumpkin patch. Before proceeding, I made a quick stop to greet the chickens and ducks in their pen. We exchanged polite clucks and quacks — fine farm folk, if a bit gossipy — before I trotted off to complete my royal inspection. The field stretched before me, a sea of orange treasures basking under the autumn sky. I took my time, nose to the ground, surveying each pumpkin carefully like a gem appraiser. Too small. Too lumpy. Too pedestrian. And then… there it was. The one. Vast, round, and gloriously orange — a pumpkin fit for a king. With a decisive bark, I declared it mine. My loyal humans obeyed immediately, fetching a wheelbarrow for the royal transport. Naturally, I climbed aboard beside my chosen pumpkin, riding regally through the fields as the crisp wind ruffled my fur. Onlookers surely whispered, “There goes the Pumpkin King.” And so, dear subjects, my farm adventure concluded in triumph: new friends made, local wonders discovered, and the grandest pumpkin secured. Yours royally, Sir Toby Fluffington III Pumpkin King, Market Celebrity, Friend of Ducks and Chickens Alike

Stunning setting, super dog friendly and delicious food and drink. Every member of staff was lovely and helpful. Really can't recommend this place enough! Great place to bring kids too.

Beautiful fruit farm, farm shop, cafe, play area and of course, fruit picking, all at Charleton farm. The breakfast was delicious, lots of helpful staff, very varied menu, lovely deserts. Pick your own or buy from the shop. Very family/kid friendly and accessible.

Absolutely loved it! Plenty very delicious strawberries! but also so much fun for kids to do! Definitely will be back again, highly recommend to visit with family ❤️

Excellent Farm shop and cafe. Had breakfast in the outside covered areas. Great service, delicious food and we also bought food items from the farm shop too. They have their own frozen meat items packaged too. Coming back to pick our own fruit. What a wonderful place!

Always been a great visit. Our recent one was no exception. Great service and lovely food. More disabled parking than before and charging points for EVs.

Amazing food, beautifully presented. Never expected freshly picked strawberries and balsamic vinegar salad on a breakfast but will look for it from now on. Great service, prompt and friendly.

Gorgeous old abbey with an important history to Scotland! The museum tells how Robert the Bruce and his dukes signed the declaration of Arbroath. Basically Scotland's declaration of independence! fascinating. a lovely reproduction of that is on display. Sadly much of the abbey and church are ruined as many of the catholic structures of the time are. But a lovely visit.sadly at the time of writing scaffolding and harriers are up so couldn't yet up onto the main abbey gate walkway.next time! Do note they take a lunch break 12:30 to 13:30 so the entry may be closed. free entry for historic Scotland members .

We visited the Abbey in july 2025. Beautiful old building and inside the information centre is an interesting exhibition. We were a bit disappointed though because, only after we purchased tickets, we were We were informed that maintenance work was being carried out on the premises. As a result, the buildings on the site could not be viewed and ugly construction fences were erected everywhere. Despite this, visitors were still charged the full admission price. Not very fair!

Very cool place. Remains are amazingly tall. We got some really good photos. The small museum taught us some history, and the employee was super helpful. Answered all our questions, and gave us a list of other places to see on the way back to Edinburgh.

Imposing remains of what must have been an amazing structure and cultural centre. Interesting, small, museum attached to the visit. The guided tour us useful.

Great to visit. Never knew about the declaration. Very interesting exhibition. Staff are lovely very helpful. We needed to use the access lift no problem at all. The graveyard is good to walk through gives you a sense of history of the families which lived there. Definitely worth a visit.

We went to Arbroath abbey,, the office closed for lunch. Should posted lunch hour on the website. We waited for an hour then we went back. The museum has lots of hidden history and lots of reading . The abbey itself is spectacular , it was sunny day and great day to visit on May. it was good day.

Interesting abbey with lots of history. Very nice information building with information and displays. The abbey is mostly ruins and unfortunately some areas were closed off during our visit for restoration. Worth the visit if you are interested in Scottish history. Parking close by.

Brilliant walk, amazing views across various trails, lots of them to choose from. Some shorter than others but most are lengthy so if that's your thing then go for it! The one around the loch offers great views and the difficulty is rather easy so good for beginner walkers. We walked up to the top of black hill and then back down and around the loch which was quite lengthy but worth it, especially the walk around the loch. The view from up black hill was great but you'd probably get better ones from atop different peaks around the area. Overall a brilliant experience, stunning nature views and a great glance at the estate.

Beautiful, we did the 8 mile circuit around the Loch, with bikes. Not one of my best ideas but worth it,

Best and moderate trekking place with amazing views if you're near to Aberdeen and shire. 2 major routes one is circuit and the other is getting to top and both are very reachable and can be done with in 4-5 hours combined. If you're lucky you will see stags - largest I've seen in scotland from that close

We came on a little family holiday to Ballater, my son being obsessed with nature was desperate to see some Red deer stags. We were told by so many people that the stags would be hiding away in the hills but today we got lucky. The walk, the views, the wildlife was just breathtaking. The weather was mostly sunny with showers of rain, windy but warm. Would 100% recommend a visit.

It is worth visiting, leaving the car in the car park. Walk 15-20 minutes to the lake. Spectacular views, only it rained the whole way.

We had a memorable time together hiking around Loch Muick. We walked from Ballater to the loch which took us around 4 hours. We enjoyed our hike, deers running around and the natural beauty around loch.

Beautiful loch around an hour and a half west of Aberdeen. Well worth a visit and a walk up the southern side gives stunning views of the Loch below.

Scotland's Secret Bunker was a blast to explore! A bit overpriced for what it is, but totally worth it to see how this Cold War-era bunker is built. Amazing to tour the underground complex and get a peek into history - learning about its purpose and the secrecy surrounding it adds to the intrigue. If you're into military history or bunkers, it's a cool spot to check out. Plenty of parking around.

Visited today with my partner, we had a great time. It’s very surreal, so much history and original items on display. So strange being below the surface but you don’t even notice it. Cool tanks on display outside as well which was a nice touch. Very interesting!

This was an amazing place to visit full of insightful information about what would have happened if Nukes were ever launched in anger. Lots to see, not much to interact with but that's understandable. There is a small cafe inside with bright and cheerful staff, providing good quality hot and cold food.

The secret is out, some nutter has put up signs advertising the exact location! Well worth a visit to. This site is both fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Step back in time to the good old days when the spectre of nuclear annihilation loomed large over everyday life. Such wonderful memories. Give the cat a pet from me.

Fantastic place to visit. Very interesting, lots of information. Friendly staff. There is a cafe which serves food and drinks. It is underground and can feel a bit clostrophobic but it's a bunker so it will feel odd.

Oue first experience in a proper bunker. Absolutely great place to visit. It's really very interesting.

This place was really interesting. Despite the fact I'm not really into military history I still had a great and very educational visit. It's so much bigger than I expected and there's so many rooms. Some of the displays were a bit dated and could do with a refresh, however it wasn't a major issue. Look out for the two cats who live in the bunker - unfortunately we didn't spot them!

we enjoyed a fantastic tour with Mark who shared his incredible knowledge of St Andrews' history with us, and we even got to enjoy the great view on top of the tower. I would definitely recommend joining one of the tours on site if you're visiting!

Absolutely phenomenal ruins of the once must've been amazing cathedral. The current state is still impressive and an absolute must when in the area. Interesting stories about how the relics of St Andrew where brought there. No tickets required to enter the site. Many beautiful tomb stones scattered across the site.

Wow, what an amazing piece of Scottish history and it's free to enter but you can give them a donation if you fell like it. Walking around the grounds let you see just how big this area and the cathedral is. The 160 stairs up to the top of St Rule's Tower is quite a steep climb and not for people with difficulty walking or are maybe a bit claustrophobic. The views from the tip are quite magnificent and worth the climb.

An absolutely incredible place (and free to visit)! I'd highly recommend joining one of the free tours happening twice daily. When I went in early September, they took place at 11am and 3pm. Our guide Kyle was very friendly, patient and knowledgeable, and clearly has a passion for the history of St Andrews. Definitely a highlight of our day trip.

St Andrews Cathedral is a fascinating historical ruin that's well worth a visit. The ruin, although weathered by centuries of history, still retains its imposing character and offers a glimpse into medieval life. Very good location for photographers or history lovers.

We did the free guided tour at the cathedral with Kyle. It was fun and interesting, and he made it easy to follow. Totally worth it, and the place is very beautiful and the tour adds something special to the place.

We were very fortunate to have arrived just in time for the 11am free tour. Our guide Kyle was very friendly and knowledgeable. We also had the opportunity to climb the tallest tower still standing (25 metres). The tour could have been slightly shorter but it still interactive and informative.

Visited on a Monday lunchtime in the October school holidays, not busy and the tour was fantastic. So interesting and informative, no video or photos allowed inside. The gardens are huge. Kitchen and Italian gardens were beautiful, café lunch was fresh and tasty

Really enjoyed the house & grounds. The tour guide was so knowledgeable & I enjoyed learning lots about the history & characters of the house's history. We were lucky with a great autumn day but also really liked the Macbeth loop.

First time visiting Glamis Castle and it was lovely. The castle itself is absolutely breathtaking from the outside and our tour guide John was very entertaining and definitely knew his stuff. The castle was a vast history was damaged in battles, renovated and upgraded in various ways as well. The gardens and various pine walks are beautiful as well, during the tour John mentioned the gardens were designed first and then the castle followed. That is evident when you take pictures of either of them, the garden is so picturesque and flows very well. Overall well worth the ticket price and visit. I recommend going early morning and leaving before the afternoon rush.

Glamis Castle has the most beautiful grounds. We didn't have enough time to do the Castle tour but definitely coming back for it! We were there on a cloudy day but the whole space just makes you feel amazing! All staff are very nice and helpful and its credit to the staff who maintain this beautiful site!

Was passing by and was recommended to have a visit and I’m glad that I did! An incredible castle with extensive grounds that are all looked after immaculately. The tour was great, Abi was our guide and she did a wonderful job. Didn’t have much time to really take everything in so will definitely be back when next in the area.

Very well presented grounds and great friendly Team! Castle Tour was very interesting and Gift Shop was beautiful. Cafe very nice and good selection on offer. Will visit again.

A delightful piece of Scottish history. Tour was informative and at a relaxed pace. The grounds were lovely. Only disappointment was the AI slop in the gift shop. Ensured I didn't buy anything.

A nice place to visit, but not somewhere to stay for a long time. Car park was very busy, we were lucky to get a space. Discovery Point itself was fairly quiet, especially considering visiting on a Sunday.

Both an historic ship and an excellent museum, RSS Discovery point is a great gateway into history. There is active repair and restoration underway aboard the ship at the mo, which enhances the experience. The sound of hammering and works by the shipwrights make you experience what it was like when the ship was being built and prepared over a century ago.

A captivating dive into Dundee’s maritime heritage Discovery Point and the RRS Discovery offer a fantastic experience for anyone interested in history, exploration, or maritime life. The museum is well laid out, starting with interactive galleries that take you through the story of the RRS Discovery – from its construction in Dundee to its legendary Antarctic expedition with Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton. The displays are informative, engaging, and full of interesting artifacts, photographs, and videos that really bring the story to life. The highlight, of course, is stepping aboard the RRS Discovery itself. It’s incredibly well-preserved, and you get to walk through the actual ship – from the engine room to the officers’ quarters and the upper deck. It gives a real sense of what life would have been like on board over 100 years ago during extreme polar conditions. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the hands-on exhibits and the ability to explore freely. Another great feature is the Discovery Dome, which includes an immersive cinematic experience and often showcases large-scale art installations like Luke Jerram’s suspended globe, Gaia. It’s visually stunning and adds a modern, creative touch to the historical experience. The facilities are clean and accessible, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. There’s also a café and gift shop on site, and the location is ideal—right by the waterfront and next to the V&A Dundee and Slessor Gardens. It’s easy to make a full day out of the visit. Tickets are reasonably priced, with discounts for families and concession holders. It’s also worth noting that you can buy a combined ticket with Verdant Works if you’re interested in Dundee’s industrial heritage. In short, Discovery Point is a brilliant mix of education and adventure, with something for all ages. Whether you’re local or visiting Dundee for the first time, it’s a must-see attraction that beautifully tells the story of courage, science, and exploration.

Discovery Point and RRS Discovery This museum offers an extraordinarily detailed look into the history of the research ship RRS Discovery. With numerous original artifacts from the ship and its crew, you can really relive the story (without having to freeze in Antarctica, thankfully). Plenty of text and video displays keep the information flowing, covering everything from seafaring and politics to technology, biology, and modern history. The tour of the ship itself is seriously impressive—it’s hard to believe the journeys this vessel and its crew actually survived. Fun fact: your ticket automatically doubles as a 1-year pass. So if you really love ships, you can come back again (and again). And yes, of course there’s a souvenir shop—because what’s a museum without one?

Highly recommend had a wonderful day today at Discover point and RRS Discovery purchased ticket pass for also Verdant works museum really good price from 10.30 til 4pm ,on my dundee Scotland holiday absolutely fantastic the exhibition, displays, all the videos you wish to listen to, very moving , history all the way to the present ,the finale was to experience the RRS Discovery what a beautiful she is , high praise the team who are doing g work to preserve her to be able to go inside and upstairs was a privilege, the toilet facilities very clean and the gift shop i had some fun spending x the team all very friendly x thanks for an amazing visit cheers nicki t car park i do recommend City Quay just a 5 minute walk x

one of best visitors attraction, we the museum was really interesting, is gem for the persons who love to explore the history. There are so many different things to explore are available, we are so happy that we able to sit on ship it was great experience, the museum had great information on Dundee maritime history, we thought we only going to visit the ship but there's many and more things which we never expected LOL

Amazing experience,great exhibits,tons of info and superb boat

A wonderful place to visit. A stunning building with many very knowledgeable staff on hand to tell you the history of the many rooms. The palace is very well preserved. Once you have walked round the palace the grounds are a must as well, with the world's oldest tennis court which is still used to this day, to the orchard and foundations of the original castle. A fabulous day out with a nice gift shop at the end.

Gradually getting around the castles with my NTS card,free entry yay. Well worth a visit with a lot of history. Plenty informed guides to tell all about the rooms . The gardens are very nice ,so is the tennis court. Highlander was filmed here and you can see why as the little lanes and closes don't look they have changed over the years.

Amazing palace and the volunteers and the knowledge they share is fascinating. To see Mary Queen of Scots dress like up I loved along with her bed, it's small! The grounds are gorgeous and lots of beautiful photo opportunities. The village is beautiful as well and everyone so friendly and welcoming

Yes, if youre a national trust member or Scotland trust you can enter for free as part of your annual membership. Its a nice house (palace) and when we went (Monday morning) the young lady on the welcome desk was great with her enthusiasm and knowledge explaining everything to us. The guides inside were enthusiastic too, maybe a Monday morning thing. Lots to keep you busy for a few hours, the gardening is great and worth seeing the old tennis court too.

Enjoyable day, a lot to see. Carpark not on premises, no cafe but lovely places nearby. Splendid rooms in the palace. Pleasant grounds to explore including the olest tennis court in the world.

Really enjoyed our visit to Falkland Palace! The staff were very friendly and welcoming, and the place itself is beautiful and full of history. The grounds are quite large. We didn’t manage to see the whole garden this time, but we loved what we saw. Definitely planning to come back for another visit!

Whit can we say that hasna been said aboot this braw gem o’ a place? We made our wye tae Falkland Palace on a brisk October day, the kind that gies ye clean chowks an’ maks ye feel alive, an’ I’m here tae tell ye, the hale experience was jist grand. It’s nae jist a pile o’ auld stanes; it’s a livin’, breathin’ thing, an’ we left feelin’ we’d shaken hauns wi’ history. First, a word on the practicalities. For onybody drivin’, we had nae bother findin’ a spot for the motor. The on-street parkin’ was free for the takin’ in October, which is aye a welcome bonus, savin’ the siller for a fine piece an’ a cuppie later. Noo, for the palace itsel’. Let me tell ye, it’s a sicht for sair een. As ye come up on it, the Renaissance façade is jist stunnin’, a proper royal hoose nestled in the hert o’ Fife. It doesna feel like a museum, but like ye’ve stepped back through time an’ the laird an’ lady micht jist be doon the close. The guide buke will tell ye it was the favourite howff o’ the Stewart monarchs, an’ efter seein’ it, ye can fair believe it. The guides, man, the guides! They were the heid o’ the parade. They werena jist gien us a list o’ dates an’ facts. Naw, naw. They were the heid o’ the parade. They were storytellers, pure an’ simple, an’ their passion for the place was catchin’. They painted pictures wi’ their words, tellin’ us tales o’ King James V an’ Mary, Queen o’ Scots, that made the history leap aff the waw. They were gey frien’ly an’, maist importantly, hoonest. They telt us straight that some o’ the famous tapestries were aff the waws an’ awa’ for safekeepin’ while a passagewey was gettin’ a needed mend. We could see the wark gaun on, an’ it didna spoil a thing. In fact, it added tae it – it showed this isna a deid place, but a livin’ hoose that needs care, like ony auld hoose. Inside, the Royal Apartments are jist magnificent. Even withoot some tapestries, the atmosphere is thick wi’ the past. Ye can staun in the King’s Bedroom an’ imagine him waukin’ there. The furniture, the paintins, the heraldic glass – it’s a’ a feast for the een. The Chapel Royal is a wee, quiet sanctuary, a bonnie spot for a moment’s peace. But hear me noo, for the crownin’ glory for me was the Real Tennis Court. No’ jist ony tennis court, mind! It’s the auldest in the warld still in use, frae the 1500s. Staunin’ there, lookin’ at thae auld waws, ye can near hear the thud o’ the ba’ an’ the cheers o’ the courtiers. It’s a thrill for onybody that appreciates history ye can touch. We finished our dauner wi a turn aroon the gairdens. Even in the back-end o’ the year, they were a peaceful delight. The Orchard, the physic gairden, the ancient yew hedges – it’s a’ managed wi’ a lovin’ haun, a perfect complement tae the grandeur o’ the palace. A’ thegither, it was a day oot that had the lot: braw scenery, deep history, brilliant storytellers, an’ a wheen o’ hame truths aboot keepin’ our heritage alive. It’s a place that deserves its five stars an’ then some. We’ll be back, nae doot aboot it, an’ we’d urge onybody wi’ a hert for Scotland’s story tae dae the same. A pure, unadulterated joy.

I loved my visit to scone castle. The grounds were well kept and lovely, the maze was grand until I got worried I wouldn’t get out and almost broke through a hedgerow. The peacocks were out and about being lively, but I didn’t approach them (as per the warning at the gate). I’m giving this four stars because 1) at a place called Scone Palace, you ought to have a grande scone… mine was okay, though the preserves were delicious. 2) just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. The ivory… not in the greatest taste, but understandable. The elephant foot stool? Shut the front door. The mounted elephant skulls and poorly taxidermied bears also felt like someone should check out how much room to store things in the basement or perhaps donate them to somewhere educational. That’s my rant, but I do recommend going. Just don’t panic in the maze!

One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to in my life. I spent some of the most unforgettable days at this palace I truly enjoyed every moment. The nature around it is absolutely breathtaking and feels unreal. The shops there were beyond amazing, and I bought some really lovely gifts. I completely fell in love with this palace it’s stunning, and every corner is full of wonder. The staff were wonderful and everything was clearly explained.

A stunning Palace steeped in history. The guides share an abundance of knowledge with the history of the Palace and Scotland. The only disappointment was not being able to take any photos inside the Palace. They say it's for security of the family who still live there but they are happy to have thousands of visitors explore their home, at a cost.

INFORMATIVE! Great guides, cheery faces, noisy peacocks 😂. A beautiful building and grounds with such historic significance, everything ran smoothly, the guides answered every question with more details than you'd get from just asking Google. If you are using a mobility scooter, make sure you have good power/traction as the gravel square at the entrance is definitely a scooter killer. The cafe was good however the kids on the To-go cups didn't fit even remotely and in order for the lady behind the counter to secure it she had to run her hand/fingers over the entire lid... Not the best considering that's going to be attached my lips soon...

an absolutely amazing palace that was on my must see places on our visit to Scotland ...unfortunately can't take pics inside the palace but its splendour is to be marvelled...definitely do yourself a favour and put on your list of things to visit ...Scone is a place that breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. Today, in the 21st century, it is the home of the Earls of Mansfield, and a major attraction to visitors from all over the world, most famous as The Crowning Place of Scottish Kings.

Beautiful grounds and Palace. Didn’t go inside as we have a dog but walked around the grounds. A few peacocks roam around too, and is always exciting when their tails flare out. But the scones were the highlight. If they don’t have at the cart, visit the canteen downstairs, they have a few options. With homemade jam, it was one of the best scones, if not best, I’ve had in my life.

It's the first time I've visited. I was born and brought up in Perth,so I'm ashamed I took so long. Beautiful Palace and gardens. The staff are very helpful and each room had codes and pages to explain everything. The gardens are excellent too,especially the tall trees and the peacocks. Don't get lost in the maze though.

Very interesting museum. Great collection of weapons, uniforms and art around the legendary Black Watch regiment. Highly recommend it for military history fans.

I loved the castle and museum that tells the story of the Blacks watch of Scotland The Black Watch is a famous Scottish infantry unit with a history dating back to 1725, first formed as independent companies to police the Highlands after the Jacobite rebellion. It became the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland, after the 2006 amalgamation of Scottish regiments into the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Known for its distinctive dark-colored tartan, the regiment has served in numerous conflicts, including the American Revolutionary War, World War I, and World War II.... if your into military or Scottish history this is for you

The museum does an incredible job of commemorating an important part of British history. I cant recommend a guided tour enough.. (wish I could remember the name Helen?) who was very friendly, knowledgeable and engaging. The Bistro also served great food and had very attentive staff. Overall a great experience.

Learned a lot about the Royal Regiment history and very visual in presentation. Allocated about 90 mins for the visit and be prepared to read a lot of placards. Takes focus to apperciate and learn at this Museum.

Excellent museum dedicated to the history of this famous highland regiment. Very well laid out leading through its formation, the many battles the Black Watch took part in to their role today. Great tea room too!

Very interesting. What a rich and ancient history! The staff are simply wonderful. So helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Loved it.

Awesome museum in a beautiful castle and an awesome staff also, completing with little stories and explanations, loved it. A very fantastic and moving travel through the history of the regiment, its emblems, its wars and its soldiers. Would definitely come again in a few years.

Visited while staying in a nearby hotel. Scaffolding around as repair work still ongoing. But you can enter inside to see where Sunday services still go on. Beautiful grounds to walk around. Worth a visit. :)

Limited street parking, impressive building, the close for lunch 12.30-13.30 prompt, you could spend hours in the Cathedral, no dogs so we wandered around the building looking at the graves

The verdant grounds of this cathedral feels like a haven from the busy world. The gently flowing river, the amber leaves, stately pines balance the heavy cathedral pile. Benches dot the riverbanks, where I think it’s necessary to take time to drink in the whole experience in front of you. It’s so calm, so peaceful. Recommend stopping off here for a long lunch break, take time with the grounds, and the cathedral. You won’t be disappointed.

It’s a small church with some rich history that’s still running which is really Cool. There is some ‘remodeling’ happening but it’s still cool to see. There is a stone in that church from ~ 9 or 10 AD, which is wild.

Quiet and atmospheric. Dunkeld Cathedral is steeped in history - you can even see the tomb of the Wolf of Badenoch and some early/mid-medieval carved stones. Pity that half of it is crumbling, but 700 years will do that!

The cathedral was built between 1260 and 1501. Most of the site is undergoing restoration and the facade is covered with the scaffolding, but there's still a chance to snap great pictures. Inside you can find a tomb of Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, known as "the Wolf of Badenoch" who burned the Elgin cathedral.

The best part is the river surrounding it but the cathedral's interior it's also great. All the town worth a visit!

🚢 My Visit to The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh Visiting the Royal Yacht Britannia was an unforgettable experience that offered a personal glimpse into the life of the British Royal Family at sea. Moored at Ocean Terminal in Leith, Edinburgh, this magnificent ship served the royal family for over 40 years (1954–1997), sailing over a million nautical miles on royal tours and state visits. Walking through the beautifully preserved State Apartments, Royal Bedrooms, Crew Quarters, and Engine Room, I was amazed by the ship’s elegant design and attention to detail. The audio tour provided fascinating stories about royal voyages and daily life aboard the yacht. Visitor Tips: Book tickets online to avoid queues. Allow around 1.5–2 hours to explore comfortably. Don’t miss the Royal Deck Tea Room for a relaxing break with views over the harbor. How to Reach: Easily accessible by bus or tram from Edinburgh city centre to Ocean Terminal Mall. Parking is also available at the terminal. Overall, the Royal Yacht Britannia is a must-visit — a floating palace that perfectly combines royal history, naval heritage, and timeless elegance.

A fascinating and fun visit! We had such a great time exploring The Royal Yacht Britannia! It’s beautifully preserved and full of interesting stories about the royal family and life at sea. The self-guided tour is super easy to follow and gives you a real sense of what it was like on board from the elegant state rooms to the crew’s quarters below deck. Everything is so well presented, and the staff were friendly and welcoming. The onboard café is also lovely, with great views over the water. Whether you’re into history, ships, or just something unique to do in Edinburgh, this place is definitely worth a visit. We left really impressed and with huge smiles!

We took a day trip out the Royal Yacht Britannia and it was well worth it, It's like going back in time when you see all the furnishings and layouts of the rooms. there is a lot to see but you can just take your time and take it all in. The self guided tour is very good but we just had one between us as there is plenty of signs explaining what things are. We used the onboard restaurant, had to queue for a little while but it is worth it as the food and service was first class. This is one of those trips you have to do if you are in Edinburgh it is well worth it. Steve and Jenny.

This was the highlight of my trip to Edinburgh! The self-guided tour is very interesting & well organized. It felt like a trip into the past. The ship is maintained in great shape & with lots of originals still displayed! Highly Recommend!

Very easy to get to. Free parking at the Ocean Terminal Car Park with very clear signage when you arrive as to how to access the Royal Yacht Britannia Experience. Tickets are worthwhile purchasing online in advance but it is easy enough to also buy on arrival. The exhibitions were very well put together and really display the magnificent Britannia at its best. An extremely interesting and enjoyable visit. Well worthwhile adding to your list of things to see when visiting Scotland!

I visited on Oct 7. As a fan of the Royal Family from across the pond, the Royal Yacht was a must-see on my trip list. The staff were very kind and friendly, and the self-guided tour with a free audioguide was great and easy to follow. The Royal Yacht is incredibly well preserved, and it was like walking through a time capsule; from the Queen’s room, through the Crew’s quarters and the engine room, the history held within these walls is magnificent. My only disappointment was that, due to a false alarm, we couldn't have tea in the Royal Deck Tearoom because it had closed early. But I suppose that's a good excuse to return someday!

Well organized. The self guided audio tour runs smoothly and each part is not too long. We were happy we did it! Nice trip from the city center to spend some time on the water of Leith. Taking the city bus was very easy. The view, food and drinks were amazing at the tea room. Worth the money.

Really beautiful view from this spot! I recommend going at sunset, it’s very romantic and peaceful. The hike is manageable for beginners, just make sure to wear appropriate shoes (no heels!). It’s a bit rocky at the top, so be careful, and enjoy the view!

Absolutely worth the hike! We took our whole family, including small children, and everyone made it to the top. It took us a little extra time with the little ones, but the views are incredible and totally worth the effort. Definitely check the weather before you go — the path can get slippery both on the way up and down. Ice cream trucks waiting at the bottom were the perfect treat after the climb! A great family adventure and a must-do when visiting Edinburgh!

It's a trek bit the views are amazing and well worth it. However, at the top it gets very busy and both times I've been up there we've had to queue to get to the marker at the top. Best bit for me was taking the route down off the far side and walking around the surrounding park - very few people and stunning countryside.

We enjoyed checking out Arthur’s seat. It can be a little treacherous, because of the steepness of the climb and the lack of a distinct path. Be ready for some exercise and go when there is plenty of daylight. You do not want to climb on the rocks up the hillside in the dark/at dusk.

The entire hike up and down took around 2 hours including spending time taking photos and a few breaks in between. It's an advanced beginner hike and shoes with a good grip are recommended. I did this in my regular trainers so it's not entirely impossible, just that it gets quite rocky especially at the last stretch to the top. It can also get quite windy too. The view was so worth it, a must for the bucket list!

Great little hike to the top. Accessible for most able-bodied people but not wheelchairs or buggies etc. Swarms of insects at the top and can get quite crowded. Some loose scree etc.to scramble up for a quicker route but a reasonable, less steep footpath also gets you to the top for wonderful views over city, fields and the bay.

This is an amazing place for views, but be prepared to work for it. There are two ways up, so do your research based on your skill level. The last bit is all rocks, so be careful of when you go and know your limits and skills. The views make this all worth it, so this is a must see while in Edinburgh.

Absolutely loved Edinburgh! So much to see & do within a short distance. Stayed very centrally with fab views - sea to the left & castle to the right. Bus tours are great way of seeing the city & staff very friendly. Definitely visit again as many things go didn't get a chance to do.

Walking along Edinburgh's Royal Mile was an unforgettable experience! I began right at the top, at the Castle Esplanade - where you can enjoy some good views of the city - and walked almost to the end at the entrance to Holyroodhouse. It was downhill all the way, along cobblestones that have been smoothed over, and with a wealth of fascinating history all around. There are ancient multi-storey tenements, narrow closes and hidden courtyards, historic pubs, and kirks with tall spires. St Giles Cathedral in Parliament Square is well worth a visit, and other attractions include the Camera Obscura, John Knox House, and Museum of Edinburgh. But the Royal Mile is not merely an open-air history museum. It's a bustling street with a vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by street entertainment: I encountered Scottish pipers in full regalia, buskers and a stilt walker as I strolled along. Walking tours start from here. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from, and lots of shops where you can buy Scottish gifts, clothing, confectionery and whisky. Of course this street can get crowded with tourists - it was uncomfortably crowded in the pedestrianised area close to the castle - but that's only to be expected, and it became less hectic but just as interesting the further down I walked. All in all, the Royal Mile was an experience I definitely wouldn't have missed!

Walking along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip, because it felt like the very heart and soul of the city. Stretching from Edinburgh Castle at the top to the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom, this historic street is packed with history, character, and energy at every step. The cobblestone streets, the narrow closes, and the centuries-old architecture give you the feeling that you are walking through living history, yet at the same time the street feels vibrant and modern with shops, restaurants, and street performers bringing it to life

Everything in the city is walking distance. Absolutely worth a visit plenty to see. The surgeons and national museum are so large 2 and 3 hours respectively. The castle is beautiful and the weather was decent for November

Edinburgh is such a lovely place. I’m back here for the second time, and it truly feels like my peaceful city — my lovely city. I don’t even have the words to describe how much I love it. It feels like home, like family. Every time I’m here, I feel comfortable and warm. The people are all so friendly. Oh my God, what a beautiful city! ❤️

Wonderful experience to see the town. A long walkway with lots of sights. Souvenirs shops everywhere for you to pick up some cashmere, or woolly scarf. Lots of restaurants along the route which can get busy at times so might need to pre-book for dinner. Entertainers scattered along the path playing bagpipes or dressed up for photos. Great experience and you should definitely see it at least once.

Walking along the Royal Mile was an amazing experience that felt like stepping back in time. The cobbled streets, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere created a perfect blend of culture and charm. I enjoyed exploring the many shops, cafés, and traditional pubs that lined the street, each adding its own character. I also loved discovering landmarks along the way, from St. Giles’ Cathedral to the various closes and courtyards that revealed hidden gems of Edinburgh’s past. The Royal Mile was vibrant, full of life, and rich in history, making it one of the highlights of my visit.

devinately recomended. I took the Lost Close included tour. The Lost Close is not sooo much to see, but very interesting History and story about the finding of it. Becca (the plague doctor) I think was her Name was ver informative and entertaining at the same time. if you're interested in the history of Edinburgh you won't be disapointed

Very interesting visit. Great insight on the past in Edinburgh. It is a guided tour. Our guide was Lorraine and she did a great. The tour is one hour tour. I went with my son almost 13 years old and it was not too scary. Definitely, a must visit in Edinburgh.

Great tour! Loved that the guide dresses up as someone from the time period and stays in character too. Our guide Daisy was so charismatic and passionate. Her enunciation was a 10/10 too. If you're thinking of buying the plague doctor mask keychain at the gift shop, note that it doesn’t actually come with the key ring, you only get the charm itself!

We pre-booked this tour ahead of our short trip to Edinburgh, and we are so glad we did. Very easy to find and very fascinating to find out about the Close and seeing the underground world of the city. Our tour guide, Sam Wise, was very knowledgeable and explained the history along with being entertaining too. If your visiting Edinburgh , this is a must!

My second time doing The Real Mary Kings Close tour and I loved it even more this time. Such a highlight this tour, one of the best things to do in Edinburgh. Our tour guide Anthony was brilliant, he made the tour. I will be back for another tour when I come back to Edinburgh I love this place so much.

Great tour! It was very interesting and impressive to hear about the history of the close, and to walk through the actual remains. Our guide Sam was absolutely amazing. He was a great storyteller. Charismatic, and incredibly engaging. If you're in Edinburgh, don't skip this tour, it is 100% worth it!

First we were sad not to be able to take pictures downstairs (upstairs and in the shop it's allowed) but you don't have any time to be honest. Everything was exciting and the told history about Edinburgh and those buildings was fascinating! Anthony was the best tour guide we could imagine! His voice was perfectly loud, clear and well understandable! He gave clear instructions and was always kind and also very sweet at the end! His jokes were actually great and we had a lot to laugh between the facts and the "kind of dark" story about Mary King.

Really, one of the best museums i ever been in my life. There are so many thing to see inside. It is soooo big and i loved the architecture of the building. Your kids will love it too. And its completely free. I love Scotland cause they take care of their people and their visitors also.

🏛️ My Visit to the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh My visit to the National Museum of Scotland was a truly fascinating experience that combined history, science, culture, and innovation under one roof. Opened in 1998 (and incorporating the older Royal Museum building), it is one of the UK’s finest museums, showcasing everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts and Scottish history to space exploration and technology exhibits. The architecture is stunning — a beautiful blend of Victorian design and modern glass structures. Highlights included Dolly the sheep (the first cloned mammal), the Natural World galleries, and the interactive science zones, which were engaging for visitors of all ages. Visitor Tips: Entry is free, and you can easily spend 2–3 hours exploring. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for panoramic views of Edinburgh. The museum café and gift shop are also worth visiting. How to Reach: Located on Chambers Street, it’s just a short walk from Royal Mile and Edinburgh Waverley Station, well connected by local buses and trams. Overall, the National Museum of Scotland is a must-visit — educational, inspiring, and beautifully curated, making it one of the highlights of any trip to Edinburgh.

A fantastic museum with an amazing variety of exhibits—from natural history to Scottish heritage and world culture. The building itself is stunning.” Free entry and incredibly well-curated galleries. Great for families, tourists, and anyone interested in learning something new.The interactive displays are engaging and well-maintained. I especially loved the science and technology section.”

The Scottish National Museum boasts an incredibly diverse collection, spanning human technology, space exploration, clothing materials and design, and ancient civilizations etc. What impressed me the most was the animal gallery. It was breathtaking to see hundreds of different animal specimens displayed together—from Cretaceous dinosaur fossils and towering African elephants to fierce great white sharks, various running beasts, and adorable pandas. The most magical part was their eyes—all so vivid and lifelike, making the exhibits feel incredibly real and immersive. It was a truly fantastic visit that both the children and I thoroughly enjoyed.

What an amazing museum this is. Firstly it's free to enter which is brilliant, of course you can leave a donation to support. There are lockers available to rent for a nominal sum, and great cafes to refuel. The museum has a terrific amount of interactive exhibits, lots of places to learn and play. You could really spend all day here.

One of the best historic museums in the UK, if not Europe. Whilst the collections may not be as vast as those in other places, it's still large enough to keep your interest for many hours. What's extra special though is the presentation, the strength of which is hard to quite articulate - the space is very well utilised, and all of galleries present their collections fantastically. Cultural considerations are made and shared via information boards, such as why the museum chooses to use terms like 'mummified person' rather than 'mummy'. A brilliant job is done presenting history (and prehistory) with sensitivity and dignity. Of note is the historic animal taxidermy collection (and the fossils that accompany them), which sensitivities notwithstanding, has been beautifully maintained and presents the animals in a refreshingly thoughtful way. Staff here are very friendly and informative, and there are a number of paid exhibitions seperate to the vast free collection. What's more to be said? This museum sets the gold standard.

They serve a wonderful Sunday Roast on the main level for a very reasonable price. Also loved seeing the Lewis Chessmen! They should not be missed! It is Free. The exhibits and fantastic. This is a world class museum. I can’t describe it enough.

Incredible place to spend the day exploring! But tickets in advance and bring a picnic. There’s a shop to buy some food but it gets quite busy. Highly recommend visiting the castle, it’s amazing to explore and the views of the city are stunning.

Wanted to make this a quick visit and then we ended up spending 3 hours here in this magnificent Castle. Amazing views of the city and lots of history and even watched the 1 o’clock gun go off. Highly recommended making this a stop on your list. Make sure to get tickets in advance because it does get busy and if you want to watch the gun go off you better find a spot around 12:30.

Amazing location worth visiting and spending some time. Honors exhibition is an excellent example of how to tell a story. In other museum it would be just one stand but here you get to know a lot before you finally see this national treasure.

We took the train from England to visit this amazing Castle! Do not be fooled by the recommended time estimates that you see online- plan for a full day unless you intend to speed through without taking the time to read the placards and observe the details! There is a lot to do and see during your visit! Try to get there before 1:00 p.m. for the canon firing.

Absolutely worth a visit if you are in the area. Parking is non-existent so expect to walk several blocks from wherever you find. But they have a lot of nice shops all down from the military museum and the castle. More than easy enough to spend half a day here but very cool to see overall.

Despite a lot of dismantling activity to remove the stands that were used for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August, it was a great few hours at the castle. The structures are imposing and just exude history at every turn. Even on a regular weekday, it gets very crowded, so buying tickets in advance is a good idea.

A lovely castle and has been looked after well. Would just say it’s get busy and for me, it’s a bit annoying walking around slow people, or having them stand in the way. Would be nicer if they had more benches so those people could go somewhere. A lot of people just sat on the floor, which slows people down. But loads to take it, very hilly so people with push chairs or wheel chairs beware! Price wise, lot cheaper than a London / Kent castle and a bit more going on which is nice!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dunfermline Abbey Free entry — which is great — and an absolute must for anyone interested in Scottish history and heritage. The Abbey offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s ancient past, and it’s incredible to stand at the final resting place of Robert the Bruce. The grounds and surrounding ruins are beautifully maintained, with stunning architecture and a real sense of reverence. Would I go back? Definitely. It’s one of the most beautiful and well-kept relics of Scotland’s architectural history. 💡 Tip: Don’t go on a Sunday, as the church is closed to visitors during services — plan around that so you can explore the interior properly.

Stunning abbey with a ton of history, this one is worth the stop, if anything just for a few pictures. But to see the entombed Robert the Bruce here, and all the historical genealogy, we were glad we stopped by. They have a small visitor center in the ruined section, with not much there but a few souvenirs, but it provided a way down to the ruins. There is also an historic Scotland employee in the chapel willing to answer any questions we had, and plenty of walkways through the grounds among the tombstones. Our only issue was the parking, but we managed.

one of the most amazing Abbeys we visited ..lots of history and the burial site of Robert the Bruce...it was pretty emotional standing in front of the Bruce's site knowing that one of Scotland's most legendary figures are laid to rest in front of you ...this was a must see for me on our visit to Scotland

I really enjoyed visiting this beautiful historic Abbey – the exhibitions and guidebook were excellent ( you have to purchase) I loved seeing the Mary of Guise and James V coat of arms door My favourite part was definitely the church – the stunning stained glass windows and the area dedicated to Robert the Bruce, including his resting place. Seeing the plaster cast of his skull from 1818 was fascinating, but the life-like facial reconstruction (right down to the eyelashes and skin) was incredible. A must-see! Parking is available but limited, however parking is available around the location.

Breathtaking XII century abbey in Fife. Built in Romanesque style, the combination of lights and shadows and the amazing stained glasses turn your visit into a mystical journey to Scottish religious soul. The remains of 7 Scottish Kings including the legendary Robert the Bruce rest in this sacred ground.

I was genuinely impressed by the rich history of Dunfermline, and I was particularly surprised to discover the tomb of Robert the Bruce. The abbey proved to be a great experience, and the staff members we met were really welcoming and enthusiastic in providing a range of info. This location offers a convenient experience for visitors of all types, as the abbey and palace are situated in close proximity to the town center, allowing for easy dining and shopping during a visit.

Very interesting ruins of palace, some very tight spiral staircases to negotiate and the Abbey is magnificent and the brass plaque over the remains of Robert the Bruce is stunning. Very enjoyable visit and it's free

My first visit to this lovely park. I am very glad we took the time to visit this lovely park and everything it has to offer. A really lovely place to just sit and relax, walk around or even take the kids there to tire them out. There is a very nice cafe called the Peacock Rooms with plenty of seating both indoors and outside. It has a wide selection of food and drinks, not just cakes. There is a very large greenhouse with giant cacti. Plenty of free car parking.

Wonderful park, have been twice now and still not discovered it all! If you park at the main car park and take a two minute walk down you’ll come across two huge parks that the kids can spend hours playing in. If you walk across the grass towards the train and take the path to the right down the hill it’s like waking into a fairy tale, the place is beautiful (a shame that the gazebo has been set alight, but hopefully this gets sorted soon.) Dunfermline abbey is right beside the park and is a wonderful added bonus and you can get your free to tickets by walking in and go round more or less the entire place. Ontop of all that, there’s also an aviary with peacocks!! We saw a beautiful male walking around on Saturday and inside there are baby peacock! Will definitely be back in future and discover what else this place holds.

I love pittencrieff park, or The Glen as it's known locally. Such a beautiful park and gardens, there are peacocks roaming about which are fab to see, or you can visit them in the peacock house. Pittencrieff park is very well maintained and has toilets, cafe, picnic benches, gardens, children's play areas with an ice cream van, and is a lovely space to spend a few hours. There is a small hot house with cacti and other plants. There are a few different paths to walk all around The Glen. It is such a beautiful park with stunning views of Dunfermline Abbey and over to Edinburgh on a clear day. Definitely well worth a visit.

This is a idden gem. You arrive at the kiddies playground area and don't really think much of it, however..... As you walk up towards the town the park opens up and you realise how huge it is. There is a glen which is tree lined and full of squirrels, unfortunately my elderly mother couldn't manage the up and down of that area. You walk further and find the cafe where the scones are wonderful and the coffee good. Other food looked really good to. Dogs are allowed outside on the patio. Toilets can be found in the cafe and in the pond area next to it. Continuing to walk you find the big house and a lovely garden which must look stunning in the summer months. There are many benches to rest on and survey your surroundings. A wonderful garden even in the gloom of a misty October morning. Incredibly dog friendly however masses of squirrels incase you dog likes chasing them

Beautiful park, great for kids and adults, bring some nuts as the resident squirrels eat them right out of your hand, The parking is free, disabled parking is next to the bandstand, drive through the first parking lot and follow the road through, You could also park in the main street and get access to the front entry of the park, just be mindful of any parking fees or time limits, it is easier to park in the parks, parking lot, There is an old church with an old cemetery, look up to the big square tower of the church and see king Bruce, carved at the top, im not entirely sure but there is a connection to robert the Bruce, from the cemetery the views are absolutely stunning u can see the 3 bridges over the firth of forth Next to this church is the ruins of dunfermline abbey its stunning i prefer ruins, it is free to visit both the church and abbey but for the Abbey they said u had to go online and book your ticket and show the arcade to the staff member You don't need to go into the Abbey grounds to appreciate it, u can look down on it from the cemetery, dogs are allowed into the Abbey but not the church, it is worth going into the church its beautiful beyond words inside A wander around to the glasshouse its full of exotic plants from around the world there is also formal gardens right next to the glasshouse, a bit further up the path heading towards the peacock cafe is a sunken Japanese garden it sadly is a bit over grown and the pagoda thing is falling to bits, its still worth going down there though, Near the cafe, which seemed popular on the day I visited, you will find the peacocks wandering around freely, so its best to keep your dog on a lead in this area, from the cafe its only a short walk back to your car, Overall this park is a must visit especially if you are a history enthusiast, all around the park is hidden remnants of historical buildings My only problem with this park is the chronic lack of signs telling you where to find certain areas, so its just a matter of wandering around until you stumble along something historical There are some pretty steep hills and steep paths made of rocks, but most of the main paths are in good condition but not really suitable for someone in a wheelchair There is an old train engine that kids can climb on, as well as a few large kids play parks There is loads of benches or grassy bits to stop and have a picnic, just keep an eye out for rogue squirrels they really aren't afraid of humans The park is big, around 75 acres if I remember but u can do a short or long walk depending on your fitness Stepping into this park feels like u have stepped back in time, u can feel and imagine how it was like back then, take your time and enjoy the atmosphere of this park xx

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had a fantastic family day out at Pittencrieff Park! Everything was perfect — lovely green spaces, great atmosphere, and plenty to explore. The park is well maintained, ideal for kids and very family-friendly overall. There was a really nice vibe while we were there, with people enjoying the outdoors and activities going on. Definitely one of the nicest parks we’ve been to in Fife — can’t wait to come back!

Great place, lots of entertainment, park is so enjoyable, coffee shop is fantastic but expensive. Peacocks and squirrels are lovely creature and wondering around the place.

Glenturret was started in 1763 and is the oldest continuously operating whisky distillery in Scotland. The tour was excellent. John was our tour guide and was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and entertaining. For a whisky aficionado, this was a great experience. The tasting was excellent. You can buy bottles in the shop for a reasonable price for their Triple Wood expression. If you have a spare £80,000.00, you can buy one of their special bottles in a specially designed bottle. Definitely worth the time if you like whisky.

Beautiful setting with characterful whisky, but a mixed experience overall. The distillery is tucked into beautiful woodland by a river, with classic whitewashed architecture that gives it real charm. Parking was convenient off-season, with EV charging spots on site, though we couldn’t get them working. The tour itself was very enjoyable. The site has real heritage and uniqueness, and our guide John made it a standout experience: knowledgeable, welcoming, friendly, and passionate. We tasted several whiskies, and the Triple Wood and 14 Year Old Peat Smoked were personal highlights, balanced, rich, and elegant drams. Unfortunately, the customer service in the shop and bar didn’t match the rest. The staff we encountered seemed uninterested and transactional, which was disappointing. A simple request for a driver bottle to take away a paid tasting dram (as I was driving) felt like an inconvenience. The dram was eventually poured into the bottle without a funnel, spilling some in the process, and not a word of apology or any gesture of goodwill, even though we were the last customers there. Being charged £16 for a standard 25ml dram, of the regular 14 Year Old Peated, just before purchasing the £150 bottle, also felt excessive and off-putting. Many distilleries would show a more welcoming and commercial approach in that situation, encouraging return visits and loyalty. In short: absolutely worth visiting for the setting, the whisky, and the guided tour with John, but the customer service outside of that experience needs improvement to match the expected Lalique experience.

Great tour and experience. Took the bus to the road to the distillery and walked up a fresh green forest road for 0.5km to reach this relaxing location that enhanced the experience. Getting the opportunity to see, smell, and be educated about the process has given me so much appreciation of the process and what draws people to whiskey. John our guide was passionate and knowledgeable about everything and made this a very personalized experience.

We were on the basic distillery tour with Ewan for £20/person. He was thorough in his explanation of the process and there wasn’t a question he couldn’t answer! You’ll also get the privilege of meeting 2 cats; Glen & Turret. They also cater for drivers, enabling you to buy a ‘designated driver’ ticket so you can take your sample whisky home, rather than tasting on the tour. Worth a visit.

Nice tour I had of the distillery. Great whiskey tasting !! They have 2 cats - Glen and turret !! Location is beautiful !

DAN … I promised I would give you my opinion! …You were right, it’s really a very very good whisky, by the way one of the best peated I’ve ever tasted! Release 2025 thanks again for your advising

Wonderful experience and lovely staff— Especially John who lead us on the tour, Answered all of our questions and was a funny, kind chap.

Spectacular gift shop with a very wide range of souvenirs to take home or even something to treat oneself. Would highly recommend spending time browsing the glassware section where you'll find, a unique range of champagne, wine and whisky glasses as well as vases plus eye catching paper weights! The "Drovers" cafe is lovely with a good selection of dishes, drinks and cakes available on the menu.

More of a cafe and gift shop than a visitor centre, but a good one. Cakes were really tempting and there was a good selectiin of hot and cold food with plenty of seating. The Gift shop is really well stocked with quality items right across the board - If I could only go to one place for a holiday gift, I would probably choose this place.

Food is always delicious and small portions really suit us. Restaurant is always lovely and clean. Shop is well stocked with different from the usual. All staff are exceptionally friendly.

Nice place, but we had some problems. What we wanted chosen from that days menu was not available at 11.30 am.There was a 2 course pensioners meal. We ordered 2 soups our first course but pea soup,although advertised was not available same with main course choice Mince,potatoes and peas which was replaced with Macaroni cheese. Potato and leek soup had already been served in bowls but because of main course debacle, the whole pensioners deal had to be anandoned. So we ended up with two soups we didn't want anymore and payed for 2 veggy Breakfasts at a much greater cost.A shambles .Not acceptable. Gift shop was good for a browse as was adjacent Caihness Glass😡

Great watching the glass being blown,was a chilly day but lovely and warm there.Great restaurant,and very accommodating.

July 2024 visit Place looks better this visit. Had food, which was ok, would have liked more chips for the price. A decent stroll from town centre. Unfortunately, it looks a bit run down from the outside. Shop inside has lots of little things. Nice big cafe with plenty of room.

Called in for an impromptu stop with 34 passengers, gave the restaurant 45 mins notice, everything ran very smoothly, passengers were happy, and the food was tasty!

A wonderful day out, lovely paths through well labelled trees and shrubs, quite steep in places and rarely flat. And an excellent cafe for cake and coffee or an extensive choice for lunch. Gluten free options available.

Beautiful Arboretum with an amazing collection of trees. We had a lovely day here, though as someone on a mobility scooter, my ability to get round the gardens was limited. They had a lovely cafe and shop.

What a lovely place to visit, stunning scenery. A good map and nice walk. A bit hilly in parts but has wheelchair accessible paths too. It has a lovely cafe with delicious food(over priced as usual expected) but the food was good.

Lots of lovely trees, lichens etc to enjoy. Cafe was slow to deliver food on our visit; they also ran out of sausages by 1pm and cake not soon after !

Lovely woodland gardens to walk around with lots of interest, even in autumn. There is just the right amount of information boards. Good footpaths on a wet day. The gardens are in a hillside with a stream through the middle. The cafe is airy and has a good selection of food, including all day breakfasts.

Stunning spacious gardens with plenty of walking paths and a really interesting variety of old trees. The cafe in particular is always worth a visit.

Lovely relaxing walking among mature trees, shrubs and wil flowers; the mecanopsis are stunning in May. I am told the cafe was excellent before it changed management, but the current offering did not make me linger.

Amazing day out for all the family. Best zoo we have been too. Loads to see, food vans located around the park which is great and it's actually decently priced too and great quality. There are loads of great animals to see and definitely could spend an entire day there. We all had the best day. Would definitely come back again.

Hands down the best zoo I’ve visited. Animals were so well looked after, staff were lovely - helpful and friendly. Could not get over the amount of different animals. Loved the unusual displays - something for both older and younger family members. Soft play was also a welcome rest. And kids loved it. Would love to return for the Christmas lights and the summer rides and things. Highly recommend. Some of the reviews on here are silly 🤷‍♀️ We spent around 4 hours here but could easily have spent the whole day. Didn’t see many empty enclosures 🤷‍♀️ and the black bear has signs explaining they are monitoring the behaviour as he is still settling in. You can tell that staff are very passionate about the animals and their wellbeing. We watched several staff members interacting with them.

Fantastic enclosures and very happy and content animals. I was super impressed with the animals husbandry and it is clear they have created the best environment for each animals needs. The staff were friendly and clearly cared about the animals on their care. We had a fantastic day out and could have stayed longer. A very well deserved 5 stars.

What an absolute amazing to visit to the zoo with my family. Such a diverse range of animals and a really cosy family feel to the whole park. From the you youngest to the eldest of our party we were all kept engaged and entertained for hours. We will definitely be back.

I loved it. It is a great place to go with family. I was lucky to see the otters that I love. And one of the bears very nice.As always... there was some shy animal that we didn't see... that happens.

Cafe and playcenter I don't recommend at all. Soup wasn't great, and the chicken tika panini was lukewarm. The coffee tasted dirty or burnt, there were so many flys. Finally the bathrooms smelt horrid and there's no hooks to put your bag up while you go to the loo. The zoo The zoo area was nice and had quite a lot to see, the animal talks were great and gave you a chance to ask more. The walk in bird enclosure was surprisingly my favourite. The carasol and other rides are nice though rather odd seeing more then half of the animal pens say to be quiet, but you could hear the carasol music across half the zoo. We did have concern for one of the monkeys (a vervet) as they had bad sores on their hands and a large gash on their rear.

What a lovely day! lost of animals to see, all the animals looked well looked after, very helpful staff… The reason why I didn’t give a 5 stars is that though there could be more picnic tables as we waited for quite a while for somebody to leave. I work with animals myself and would like to share some of more of my ideas if you would like to hear! :)

Beautiful place, views and reminds bit of Lord of the rings to top of the tower. Need comfy shoes to get to it. Has free parking, nice place to go for a walk around too. Has some wooden sculptures on the way aswell. Bit of a steep walk but has small buss service that takes to the top, cafe near parking. Also available free toilet in the Monument. Welcoming staff.

This monument is certainly a must see in the Stirling area. There is a lot of convenient parking for your visit and a nice cafe and gift shop at the base of the hill beside the parking area. After parking, head up the trail that starts around the right hand side of the building - you don't need to go inside as the tickets for the monument are bought when you get to the top. There are two paths that literally run beside each other and connect around halfway up. The more natural path has some carvings to look at as you go through. Depending on your fitness level, the path to the top may be a bit strenuous - take your time and there are a few rest spots. There is also a great viewing platform and rest area outside of the main tower entrance. There is one bathroom for all patrons in the monument tower, so this can be a bit inconvenient. Use the bathroom down below before heading up hahahaha. Depending on the time and day you go, this visit will likely vary greatly. There is only the original narrow spiral stone staircase to go up and down. Although there are a lot of stairs, you can stop at the different floors with great displays - historical video, display boards, the Wallace Sword, and sculptures. Resting on each floor is also a good way to let the "traffic" pass. You can only hope you don't arrive at the same time as tour buses - ouch. Make your way to the top to get an incredible 360 of the area - including the Battle of Stirling Bridge. A great piece of history, with great relics. Thanks for the amazing visit.

Enjoyed our visit to the monument, we walked up the hill and took the free shuttle back down. A lot of very tight curved circular stairs to reach the 2 information areas and finally the top level which has great views over the battlefield area. We had a beautiful clear day , sometimes if it's misty you don't see much! There's one toilet at the monument, but plenty down at the visitor centre, where there is a souvenir shop and a café. We , my 2 boys, wife and myself enjoyed our visit. Check final times for buying your ticket to go up the monument, it finishes 45 minutes? Before closing time at 17:00, (check that online)

Really pretty! We went there to see the sunrise, but the sun rises on the other side…. Nevertheless, it was really beautiful and a really good walk in the morning. The pathway was closed due to maintenance but you can go through the road, just need to be extra careful.

I really enjoyed my visit to the national Wallace monument it was great to finally see it in person and witness what it would be like to be living in that back in the it would have even mental been in there as a defence lookout against the English and other threats so be aware going here that there are lotsss of steps to take to the top and they are very narrow so it's a tight squeeze when there's two way foot traffic my dad made it to the the top and he has a walking stick so it can be done for those maybe less able and the view from the top is breath taking and definitely worth the climb and there are 3 levels to experience on the way up too the top which can be used as a wee rest stop with some great visual holisory to take in the place is just wow and thinking about all way back in time it's crazy this is a must to take in and if you have time take in Stirling castle too on the same day

A great experience for anyone interested in the history of the Scottish independence movement. Equally worthwhile if you just want to take in the amazing views from the tower. I also really appreciated the range of family ticket options, recognising that not all families are nuclear.

Sometimes you just can't get your mind around how something is built that is so massive and in the 1800s. This monument is one of them. The grandeur can only be experienced by climbing the narrow spiral staircases to three tall showrooms (two of which contain the swords of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce), and then to the top outside "crown" 200+ feet on top of a high peak. If you don't like heights, don't bother. But it is a stunning and extremely well put together attraction. We managed it in under an hour because we were in a rush to get to Doune Castle on time. If you have the stamina, do all the flights of stairs to the top.

Loch Lomond Shores offers a mix of shopping, dining, and activities by the loch, including the Sea Life Aquarium and Bird of Prey Centre, appealing to families. While intended as a vibrant hub with events and watersports, recent reviews suggest it currently lacks atmosphere and some facilities are not well-maintained. It's a convenient stop with potential, but perhaps not consistently delivering a top-tier experience.

Beautiful Scenery and Relaxing Atmosphere Visited Loch Lomond Shores recently and really enjoyed the natural beauty of the place. The views of the loch are stunning, especially on a clear day — perfect for a peaceful walk along the water. There’s a good mix of shops, cafés, and small attractions, which makes it a nice spot for families or a quiet day out. Parking was convenient, though a bit busy during peak hours. Some areas could do with a bit more maintenance, but overall the place felt welcoming and safe. A lovely spot to unwind and take in some classic Scottish scenery — just don't expect a full outdoor adventure unless you head further into the national park.

Beautiful place! Long walks either side, during the spring/summer lots of water activites. During the end of summer is the food festival and near Christmas, is the Markets! Lots of parking, both coach and cars. Worth visiting to see the Ben in the distance.

I liked it here. Free parking. Some nice shops, large cafe and boat trips. I had a short walk around to the marina and back.

Great day out shops very clean staff very nice best for all free car park and and good walking roots beautiful hills

Haven't been here for many years and nice to see it is still up and running. Nice array of shops with the smaller gift and souvenirs type store to designer and labels. 2 cafes in centre and heaps of parking outside. The toilets were immaculate, child, nursing and disability friendly. Great location on the Loch with Sea Life Centre, Crazy Golf, Tours ticket office and Markets on 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month. The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey centre is only 100 mtrs away also.

A stunning waterside destination, ideal for a day out with family or friends. The breathtaking views of the loch and surrounding hills make it a paradise for photography enthusiasts, while the variety of activities ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The shopping area features charming boutiques and gift shops, and the cafes and restaurants serve delicious food with picturesque views. The SEA LIFE Aquarium is a hit with kids, though it’s a bit small for the price. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the walking trails, cycling paths, boat tours, and the adventure play areas for children. Seasonal markets and events add a lively touch, though it can get crowded during busy times. Parking is convenient but fills up fast, especially on weekends. A bonus is the availability of EV charging stations. Overall, it’s a fantastic, family-friendly destination offering a little bit of everything. Highly recommended for its serene views and relaxing atmosphere