Things to do in Edinburgh & Glasgow

Atop the Old Town, Edinburgh Castle holds the Honours of Scotland, the giant medieval cannon Mons Meg and the Scottish National War Memorial, while the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King's official residence in Edinburgh, stands at the foot of the Royal Mile beside the ruins of Holyrood Abbey. The free National Museum of Scotland covers Scotland's history, world cultures, science and nature, and The Royal Yacht Britannia at Ocean Terminal in Leith lets you explore five decks of the former royal yacht. For views, climb the ancient volcano of Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park, or take the short paved walk up Calton Hill to the National Monument and watch the sun set behind the skyline. Glasgow's free Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum shows Dalí's Christ of St John of the Cross and a Spitfire, Stirling Castle has a Great Hall, a Royal Palace and ramparts with views over Stirling, and in winter Edinburgh's Christmas brings markets and a big wheel to Princes Street Gardens.

Good to knowEdinburgh Castle tickets often sell out well ahead, so book online for the best price and guaranteed entry; last entry is an hour before closing. Opening days at the Palace of Holyroodhouse vary through the year, and the northern part of the Radical Road in Holyrood Park stays closed because of rockfall risk. The Stirling Castle car park is closed except for coaches and accessible parking, so walk up from the Old Town, and the free, open-daily National Museum of Scotland makes an easy rainy-day choice.