Beecraigs Country Park

Beecraigs Country Park is a magnificent, 900 plus acre park, catering to a wide range of leisure and recreational activities. The park is nestled high in the Bathgate Hills, between Edinburgh and Falkirk. Although it is a lovely place to bring the family for quiet picnics, child-friendly playgrounds, and leisurely walks through the miles of meandering trails, it is also a place of immense interest for extreme outdoor enthusiasts. Target archery, fly-fishing on the loch, horse riding, cycling paths, a deer farm, Highland Cattle and Belted Galloway Cattle reserves, campgrounds, BBQ`s, and a program of events and activities ensures there is always something to do! Educational sessions, especially centered on environmental factors, are offered to students from local schools and universities. The newly opened Visitor Center offers offers advice, information, facility bookings, venison sales, gift sales, gift vouchers, and other services; although some services, facilities, and activities may incur a charge.

Linlithgow, West Lothian, West Lothian EH49 6PL

Broomieknowe Golf Club

Located just 6 miles outside Edinburgh in the picturesque town of Bonnyrigg, Broomieknowe Golf Club was formed in 1905 and expanded in 1932 by James Braid of Walton Heath, five times Open Champion. Set amid a magnificent parkland with fast-draining sub-soil the course ensures that there are very few days when the course is not open. The 6,100 yard course, with par 70, is designed to challenge golfers of all abilities. In addition to the course there is a friendly clubhouse, a well-stocked bar, and Pro Shop on site. Visitors are more than welcome, whether as individuals or as larger parties, as long as booking in advance.

36 Golf Course Rd, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian EH19 2HZ

Callendar House

The celebrated, 14th century Callendar House would look more at home among the chateaus of France than here, in Falkirk, Scotland. Nonetheless, this ostentatious country estate has persevered through wars, rebellions, and the industrial revolution, while playing host to many important historical figures over the centuries, including Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell, and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The house itself is set among the nationally-important historic Callendar Park, which also contains a section of the Roman Antonine Wall dating to 142 AD. Permanent displays include `The Story of Callendar House,` a history encompassing the 11th to the 19th centuries, `The Antonine Wall: Rome`s Northern Frontier,` and `Falkirk: Crucible of Revolution 1750-1850;` these displays relate the history and transformation of the Falkirk area. In the restored 1825 Kitchen, costumed interpreters create an exciting interactive experience with samples of early-19th century food, adding taste to the stories of working life in a large household. The Park Gallery offers a changing series of visual art exhibitions, while different aspects of cultural heritage are explored in the temporary exhibition space of the 2nd Floor Galleries.

The Falkirk Archives are based here with the search room occupying the House`s Victorian library.

The surrounding woodland and gardens host a number of interesting historical features including an Aboretum, Ornamental Gardens, and a family Mausoleum. It`s also home to three par golf course, a large children`s park, and a variety of seasonal outdoor activities.

Callendar Park, Falkirk FK1 1YR

Glenkinchie Distillery

The classic Edinburgh Malt hails from the rich agricultural countryside of East Lothian, the undisputed single-malt champion of light Lowland style. Being one of only two Lowland distilleries left in production, Glenkinchie offers an interesting visitor center and a charming setting, an ideal first distillery visit for tourists. Located southeast of Edinburgh, where the high, green Lammermuir Hills begin to roll more gently north towards the Firth of Forth, commonly known as the `Garden of Scotland`, acres of barley grow in fields fed by water gently rolling down from the hills. It`s history reaches back to 1837, though illegally operated distilleries have been in operation in the region far longer. Its distinctive red brick buildings still house fat, old copper pots and cast-iron worm tubs, which provides the whisky with a greater depth than modern condensers.

Pencaitland, Tranent, East Lothian EH34 5ET

Linlithgow Palace

This magnificent ruin of a once great royal palace, birthplace of James V, Mary Queen of Scots, and Princess Elizabeth, has witnessed celebration and destruction, stands as a former shell of itself as sentinel of Scottish royal history. It is set along Linlithgow Loch and its own `peel,` or park, which hosts several events throughout the year. The superb Renaissance residence offers a unique view into the domestic life of Scottish royalty; entering its gates inspires a sense of awe in visitors. It was built and developed over two centuries, beginning in 1424, however there has been a royal residence at this site since Roman occupation in 1124. The Stewart queens especially enjoyed its tranquilty, situated on the route between Edinburgh and Stirling castles it made for a convenient county home to escape the royal courts. After James VI moved his court to London, the palace fell quickly into disrepair, and subsequent fires helped to seal its fate as a ghost of the Scottish monarchy.

Kirkgate, Linlithgow, West Lothian EH49 7AL

Museum of Flight

Set your coordinates to touch down at the National Museum of Flight, simply one of Scotland`s most exciting, and family-friendly, days out. More than 50 of the world`s most memorable passenger and military jets are on display here, including the UK`s only Boeing 747, and Scotland`s only Concorde. Other noteworthy airships include the Spitfire, Seahawk, Jetstream, Jaguar, Tiger Moth and the Tornado. Interactive galleries exhibit the history of the airfield from the First World War to today, allow visitors to test their piloting skills and learn to make the best paper planes. The museum is also host to an annual Airshow, make and take workshops, land train tours, and supersonic science shows.

East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian EH39 5LF

North Berwick Law

Looking down from atop North Berwick Law is an incredible experience; with views sweeping over the East Lothian landscape, clear past Edinburgh to Fife, and south to the Uplands. 300 million years ago, this area was home to a several active volcanoes, and North Berwick Law is all that remains of the solidified lava cone that once welled up within one of them. It is a favorite of walkers and hikers. Parking and trail signs are posted from the B1347 just as it leaves the edge of North Berwick, however the path is fairly obvious. The first real `wow` moment comes as you turn the shoulder and face west of the summit, and for the first time get a view over North Berwick Bay and the Firth of Forth. At the summit of the Law are two notable structures; the first is the watch-house, used during the Napoleonic Wars to warn of French ships trying to enter the Firth of Forth, the second is the set of a whale`s jawbone, first positioned here in 1709. The set has recently been replaced with a more sturdy and environmentally conscious fiberglass cast of the original set.

Roslin

Roslin is a quiet town with a big reputation, located just 7 short miles from Edinburgh, put this spot on your must-do list!

Roslin first catapulted into the international spotlight in 1997, when researchers at the Roslin Institute managed to successfully clone the world`s first animal from an adult Somatic cell, a sheep named Dolly. The cloning opened the doors for a wealth of possibilities. In a humorous nod, the sheep was named for singer Dolly Parton, as the cell used to clone her was taken from the mammary gland of an adult female sheep.

Just as Dolly passed away in 2003, Roslin gained a new notoriety. Author Dan Brown`s blockbuster book The Da Vinci Code claimed that the Holy Grail was interred at the (then) little known Rosslyn Chapel. The mysterious, richly decorated late-Gothic Rosslyn Chapel was begun in 1484, as a small private chapel for the nearby Rosslyn Castle and its family. Conspiracy theorists delight in drawing conclusions from the various carvings and sculptures, relating them to everyone from the Freemasons to aliens. Interestingly. carvings of cacti and Indian corn indicate that the founder`s grandfather did indeed, as legend holds, set foot on the soils of North America nearly a full century before Christopher Columbus. Conspiracy theories aside, the pillars, buttresses, gargoyles, and canopies hold enough symbolism to keep their true intentions mired in legend, and keep visitors and archaeologists stumped.

Chapel Loan, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9PU

Rough Castle Roman Fort

The visually stunning ramparts of the Roman fort and the Antonine Wall at Rough Castle recount the power and size of the Roman Empire. The wall was built between 142 and 144 AD, and served as the North-West frontier of the empire, stretching some 37 miles; it served to control the movement of people and goods between the Roman controlled areas in the north and south, and as a defensive barrier. The wall itself was approximately 15 ft. broad at the top, built on stone foundation and covered in turf. Forts were placed at intervals of two miles to house the troops manning the wall. The pits surrounding various sections would have contained sharpened stakes and been concealed by brushwood. Known as `lilia` these pits helped break up any attack on the fort, the rough equivalent of barbed wire and landmines. Rough Castle Roman Fort has been excavated in the past, and contained a number of substantial stone buildings. Some have speculated that Rough Castle may have been the origin of the legend of King Arthur`s Camelot because of its use in the late 500s as a base by Artuir mac Aedain, eldest son of a king of Dalriada.

Signposted from the B816 between Bonnybridge and High Bonnybridge. Alternately, the wall is reachable on foot from Falkirk.

Scottish Mining Museum

The National Mining Museum guarantees that the significance of the coal mining industry, and the impact it had on the lives of those who lived in mining communities, is never forgotten. Its archives include more than 60,000 items ranging from large scale machinery and locomotives to personal equipment, documents, and over 14,000 photographs.

For two centuries coal has been vital to the story of Scotland. In the early 20th century, nearly 150,000 people were directly employed in Scotland`s mining industry; but by the time the industry was nationalized in 1946, direct employment was down and would continue to fall.

The Lady Victoria Colliery closed in 1981, but unlike its counterparts, most the buildings were retained and today form the basis of the museum. With a superb 3-story visitor center, interactive tours and exhibits, and an atmospheric recreation of an underground roadway and coalface there is plenty to entertain and educate all ages!

Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 4QN

Scottish Seabird Center

The Scottish Seabird Centre is an award winning wildlife experience offering people of all ages a fantastic day out, rain or shine. The remote viewing in the Discovery Center focuses on live cameras set on the Firth of Forth islands, including Bass Rock and the Isle of May Nature Reserve. Visitors can experience different populations throughout the year; Gannets, Puffins, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Shags, and seals inhabit the islands in numbers of 150,000 and more. Boat trips, guided tours, and special events to the islands are organized frequently by the center.

The Wildlife Theater, Flyaway Tunnel, Environment Zone, Telescope Deck, and the Kids` Zone offer more to explore and educational resources.

After all that adventure there`s fantastic local produce in the Seabird Cafe, with a stunning seaside deck that looks out onto the Firth of Forth and the beaches of North Berwick.

The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS

Tantallon Castle

Perched precariously on a rocky headland, taking in views of North Berwick and Bass Rock, the remarkable Tantallon Castle proudly dominates a three century stretch of Scottish history. Built in the 14th century by a long forgotten nobleman, the castle rose quickly in prominence when it was acquired by the famous Douglas clan, one of the most powerful families in Scotland. Its architecture hearkens to the great defensive castles, with 12 foot thick walls surrounding expansive courtyards. The `Red` Douglases survived 2 sieges in 1491 and 1528, before ultimately falling prey to Cromwell`s army in 1651.

Visitors enjoy fantastic views from the battlements, admire wild flowers in the abandoned courtyards, and soak in the history of the last grand medieval castle in the visitor center. For the more adventurous, some passages and rooms are open to explore. The walk at the top of the curtain wall allows visitors access to the very top of the mid tower. The stairs down through the tower feature windows for a popular lookout spot, although some claim to have encountered a ghost keeping watch at the lower window. Whether or not that is true there is an uneasy feeling permeating the staircase.

North Berwick EH39 5PN

Vogrie House and Park

Vogrie Park is a haven of tranquility in the heart of the Midlothian countryside, just 12 miles from Edinburgh. The basis of the park is formed by the estate of the Vogrie House, though today the park extends in all directions and with all levels of interest for all ages. Much of its charm as a Victorian parkland estate is retained with sweeping carriage drives, beautifully landscaped vistas, and an original walled garden. There are 250 acres of woods and more than 10 miles of walking paths, a children`s play area, barbecue sites, a 9-hole golf course, water features, a miniature railway, public restrooms, and the Cedar Tree Cafe.

Vogrie House is the former family home of the Dewars. It was built in 1876, and is a fine example of Victorian Baronial splendor. The house was a typical country house with 31 rooms including a library, servant`s quarters, and many bedrooms. It was briefly transformed into a nursing home for the Royal Edinburgh Hospital during the 1920`s, and had a role as a communications center during the Cold War. Select areas of the house are open for exploring.

Vogrie Country Park, Gorebridge, Midlothian EH23 4NU