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Edinburgh Museums & exhibitions

Our most recommended Edinburgh Museums & exhibitions

Hadrian's Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh

1. Hadrian's Wall & Roman Britain 1-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Travel south from Edinburgh on the old Roman Dere Street that linked the supply ports in the south of England with the ancient city of York. Then go north past Hadrian’s Wall to the Roman settlements in Central Scotland. Your first stop on this tour will be in the border town of Jedburgh, a historic burgh that lies only 12 miles north of the Scotland-England border. Here you have time to take a short walk through the narrow streets that lead to the remains of the Augustinian Abbey, which has been a great symbol of power during its 900 year history. Continuing south you make a brief stop at scenic Carter Bar on the edge of the Cheviot Hills. This crossing point between Scotland and England runs close to the ancient Roman road and has formed the border between the 2 countries for the past 700 years. The tour continues through the magnificent forests of Northumberland National Park before turning west towards the remains of Hadrian’s Wall. Follow the road taking you along the south side of the wall, stopping at Steel Rigg where you come face-to-face with large sections of the wall’s remains. Here, you can visit the Vindolanda Roman Army Museum and experience the life of a Roman soldier for yourself. Take time to walk along the wall and experience the isolation that Roman foot soldiers would have experienced as they guarded their empire from the barbarians to the north. You continue your journey west along the wall towards the village of Lanercost, the western gateway to Hadrian’s Wall. After pausing for lunch you travel a short distance to Birdoswald, one of the best preserved of the 16 Roman forts along the length of Hadrian’s Wall. Enjoy time to explore this fascinating site and further sections of the wall before you turn north for the return journey. Traveling through the Galloway hills, stop in the Victorian spa town of Moffat before continuing through the Southern Uplands and Scottish Borders, and returning to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh: National Museum of Scotland Guided Tour

2. Edinburgh: National Museum of Scotland Guided Tour

Explore the essentials of the National Museum of Scotland on this guided tour. Immerse yourself in Scottish history as you wander through the different exhibitions dedicated to Scotland's most emblematic eras. Created in 2006, the National Museum of Scotland was born as a merger between the Museum of Scotland, which was totally devoted to the history and culture of Scotland, and the Royal Museum, a museum of natural history. This combination is reflected in the exhibits you will see on your tour. Admire a range of treasures, from science to archeology, fashion, and history. Your guide will explain the history of each artifact and allow you to interact with the pieces.

Edinburgh Castle: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

3. Edinburgh Castle: Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

Standing on Castle Rock, an extinct volcano cut to its hard basalt core in the Ice Age, Edinburgh Castle overlooks the Old Town that nestles in its shadow. Skip the long lines to enter Scotland’s most popular tourist attraction and learn about one of the world’s most heroic and bloody national histories. Your guide will tell you stories of the kings, queens, lovers and soldiers that lived, for better or worse, behind the fortress walls. Despite its seemingly impenetrable defenses, the castle’s past is riddled with dramatic conquests, captures and tales of destruction. By contrast, today it is one of the quietest places in Edinburgh, far above the city’s busy streets. In addition to panoramic city views, see the Crown Jewels of Scotland, including the legendary Stone of Destiny, the Great Hall, the infamous dungeons, and the enormous Mons Meg cannon. Discover why it’s the only place in the world to host a graveyard for dogs, and be mesmerized by the smallest shrine you’ve ever seen.

Edinburgh: The Witches Tour

4. Edinburgh: The Witches Tour

Learn all about the witches of Edinburgh and Scotland from around 1590 to around 1735. Visit the site of hangings in Edinburgh. Also hear other Stories from Edinburgh and Scotland deep rich history. Visit an old witches shop (this shop maybe closed on the day of the tour) Book for a Chakra reading or a Yoni sensual massage. when you book the tour. You can also get a rune stone reading. Other parts of history maybe covered on the tour. The visit to the museum of Scotland is to show you real o0bjects used in witchcraft. And Edinburgh's and one of Scotland's greatest mysteries on show in the museum. Please note all readings are just for fun.

Edinburgh: Private Harry Potter Tour in French & English

5. Edinburgh: Private Harry Potter Tour in French & English

Take a Harry Potter guided walking tour through Edinburgh. Discover the places and stories behind the magic. Experience the parts of Edinburgh which gave JK Rowling the inspiration to write the popular Harry Potter series. Meet your guide and start your wizarding adventure. Follow in Rowling's footsteps. Learn anecdotes about the Harry Potter series and the life of the author. Let your guide reveal the hidden spots in the city that are strikingly similar to the world built in the books.

From York: One-Way Tour To Edinburgh with Hadrian's Wall

6. From York: One-Way Tour To Edinburgh with Hadrian's Wall

Enjoy a relaxing journey through the scenic landscape of northern England and the Scottish Borders as you travel between York and Edinburgh on this tour by luxury vehicle. Benefit from a stress-free, door-to-door journey that takes in sights such as Bamburgh Castle along the way. Start your journey with convenient pickup from your accommodation in York. Avoid expensive taxis or the hassle of public transportation. Instead, let your driver help you with your luggage and settle down into the back of your Mercedes Benz V Class for your trip. Travel from England to Scotland in a hassle-free way and witness the landscape slowly change through your window. Stretch your legs at the tour's first stop in the Yorkshire Dales National Park or historic County Durham. Continue your journey through the wild terrain of northern England. Make a further stop at Hadrian's Wall, the famous border between England and Scotland. Alternatively, explore the tiny coastal villages and mighty castles of the Northumbria coastline. Cross the Scottish border, and admire the pretty landscapes of the border country and/or Scottish coast. Complete your journey by rolling into Edinburgh, the iconic and historic Scottish capital.

Frequently asked questions about Edinburgh

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The best day trips and excursions from Edinburgh are:

Inverness

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What people are saying about Edinburgh

I really enjoyed this tour. I visited a Hadrian's wall - a great experience. We could walk for a while next to the wall. I wish here more time because we didn't see an iconic tree (saw it just from far). Then we were in a fort Vindolanda. For me it was stunning moment. Very nice preserved Roman fort with a museum. During driving our tour guide talk about history, nature or culture. But I wish little bit more time just for me in a silence.

The day was long but it was well organized. Jeff was our tour guide and he was great; he was very knowledgeable, personable, patient, and practical with his advice. He kept the program moving, gave us a lot of Scotland history, yet gave us older folks time to rest our legs, make toilet stops and get something to eat. It was a very pleasant experience.

Excellent day trip. Nice small group and incredible and engaging guide. Plenty of stops for tours and pictures Had the perfect amount of time at all the sites was never rushed but also not sitting around waiting to leave. Cannot recommend this tour enough!

Great tour, lots to see and spent a great amount of time at each location. the tour guide was super friendly and shared some great stories. Everyone onboard were super friendly, which is lovely as a solo traveller.

It was a great experience. Guide knew all the answers he was just great.