Museums

Art lovers visiting Edinburgh should be sure to pay a visit to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The museum includes works by 20th century masters, including Picasso and Matisse, along with a broad selection of work by contemporary artists, such as Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Damien Hirst, and Rachel Whitehead.

In particular, sculpture lovers will enjoy the front lawn of the museum, which was transformed in 2002 into the giant sculpture “Landform,” by American architectural theorist and landscape designer, Charles Jencks. The museum won a 2004 Gulbenkian Prize for the work.

The works of the Scottish Colourists are also featured in the museum. These Scottish artists were not highly regarded in the 1920s and 30s when they originally worked, but late in the 20th century their art had a profound effect on contemporary Scottish and other British artists.

In short, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is one of Scotland’s finest art galleries and deserves to make the itinerary of any Edinburgh visitor.

The Royal Yacht Britannia was launched from Clydebank in 1953 and commissioned for service to the Royal Family in 1954. Before being taken out of service in 1997, this luxury ship completed 968 official voyages, covering more than one million nautical miles. After serving Queen and country for 43 years and 334 days, this famous vessel is now moored in Edinburgh and is a five-star visitor attraction and popular corporate event venue.

Visitors to Edinburgh will not want to miss this intriguing attraction, which is located just two miles from the city centre in the historic port of Leith. With a Visitor Centre, self-guided audio tour, gift shop and the Royal Deck Tea Room, the Royal Yacht Britannia is an ideal stop for families, couples, business travelers and groups of friends visiting the city.

The self-guided audio tour covers five decks and includes the Royal Apartments, State Dining Room, State Drawing Room, Royal Bedrooms, Sick Bay and Operating Theatre, Engine Room, Bridge, Sun Lounge and Royal Marines’ Barracks. Additionally, as visitors tour the decks of the Royal Yacht Britannia, they will be surrounded by nearly all of the original furniture, paintings, photographs and artifacts that were on the ship during her royal service.

The Scotch Whiskey Experience (formally known as the Scotch Whiskey Heritage Centre), a fascinating Edinburgh Museum, celebrates Scotland’s national drink with an interactive guided tour that involves you in the whiskey making process. After entering the center, you board a swirling whiskey barrel for a journey through the distillation process. Make your way through a mechanical replica of a distillery while the “Whiskey Ghost” tells the stories behind the making of Scotch Whiskey.

While on the Edinburgh Museum tour, children can follow their own special guide, “Peat the Cat”, to discover a range of age-appropriate fun facts about the process. After leaving the barrel, guests enter the McIntyre Whisky Gallery, where whiskey makers spill all of the secrets of the craft—from the characteristics that make Scotch Whiskey unique, to the qualities that give Scotch Whiskey its special flavor.

For your next stop, visit the Sense of Scotland room where expert whiskey makers guide you as you experience the aromas of different types of whiskies. They can also help you choose the perfect Scotch Whiskey for your palate. End the tour by drinking a dram of your favorite Scotch Whiskey — or a soft drink for those under the age of 18.

Opening Times and Prices

Opening times for the Scotch Whiskey Experience are as follows:

Jan – March: 10am – 5pm
April – July: 10am – 6pm
August: Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm
August: Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5:40pm
Sept – Dec: 10am – 5pm

Admission Prices

The Scotch Whisky Experience Tour Entrance Prices

Adult: £15.00
Concession: £13.00
Child: £7.50
Family: £37

Location

Address: 354 Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh
Tourist Bus: Served by Edinburgh’s Hop-on Hop-off Tour Bus