We parked in one of the pay lots about ten minutes away…read more The abbey was free to visit but entrance was one way in via the nave and out after touring the abbey church. The nave was sparse but contained some beautiful stained glass windows. Many of Scotland's royalty were interred on site. A model of Robert the Bruce's head was also on display. Inside the abbey church we learned more about its most famous occupant, Robert the Bruce. He was buried underneath the pulpit and a recreation of his crypt was on display. I noticed that staff interacted with the two other visiting groups but not us eventhough we were inside longer than either one. We exited by the gift shop. The old palace required admission but it was covered under our Historic Scotland pass. The initial decent from the entrance down to the ground level was via a dark and tight circular staircase. Signage was good and helped provide a detailed explanation for the ruins we wandered around. The only part that we could not walk through was the refectory. Overall a great final stop to finalize our Scotland trip.

Dunfermline Abbey and Palace is an architectural heaven and she's 1,000 years old. Founded in 1128…read moreby King David I, The site has served various roles throughout the centuries, from a place of worship and royal residence to a burial ground. The Abbey itself is an architectural marvel, featuring intricate Medieval, Romanesque and Gothic designs. The Abbey Church, which is a current place of worship, is home to the tomb of Robert the Bruce, one of Scotland's most celebrated kings. Robert the Bruce successfully led Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England. He restored Scotland to an independent kingdom and is regarded in Scotland as a national hero. Wonderful visit.

Awesome destination for checking out the local atmosphere. It's a castle after all. The attached…read moregardens are a joy in the summer! A must visit when you are headed to Scotland.

A Beautiful Castle Outlander Fans Will Love. Another…read morebeautiful castle. The grounds are breathtaking. The castle stands in as the monastery in Outlander Season 1. And the scene in Season 1 where Claire is in Wentworth Prison and she yells in through a cell full of prisoners looking for Jamie. Come see the castle, learn about its history, and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

I've been there not so long ago and I'd recommend this place for anyone who wants to get away from…read morethe city rush but not move away from the city itself. Large gardens with lots of footpaths around the castle plus stunning views over the Firth of Forth (especially on a bright and sunny day), quiet with a bit of Victorian atmosphere stil in the air. A trip for a half a day with a picnic basket higly recommended!!

Circus Lane is probably one of the most picturesque parts of Edinburgh, thanks to Instagram. It's a…read morebeautiful place and a hidden gem to visit. We went here early on a weekday morning, and it was quite quiet. However, be respectful, as this is a normal street where locals live. If you're looking for a quick pick with a beautiful background, this is highly recommended!

We stayed in Stockbridge area during our visit, so it only took 3-4 minutes walk from my place to…read moreCircus Lane. I took advantage of that and went here a few times during our stay since it's such a picturesque cobbled street. It gets quite busy in the afternoon since everyone wants a photo here, but if you're patient you can get some good shots without people in the background.

Standing just over 200ft (61m) high, and known as the Gothic Rocket, the Scott Monument is often…read moremistaken for a church - understandably, perhaps - and dominates the view of the eastern section of New Town along Princes Street. Following Scott's death in 1832 the people of Edinburgh decided that a monument should be built in memory of one of Scotland's best-loved literary figures. At the time he was probably the most widely read British author of the era. The Scott Monument is the largest monument to a writer in the world. some data says, its 2nd largest though. This is especially fitting, given that Edinburgh is a UNESCO City of Literature, having been home to many notable writers, such Scott, Burns, Stevenson, Conan Doyle and many more! There are 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.

This gothic monument to the famous Scottish writer (Sir Walter Scott) is so dark and mysterious…read morelooking during the day. It's an even better view at night when it's all lit up. It kind of makes you wonder what it actually looked like before it soaked up "auld reekie's" pollution back in the 19th century. In a way, the black soot actually gives it more character. It's also a nice contrast with the white Carrara marble statue of the writer. Do you see his dog (named Maida) laying to the right of him? So cute! So, if you can actually see the outer architectural details then you're in for a treat. It stands at 200 feet tall and has about 64 statues that represent some of the most notable characters in his novels. To be honest, I was more impressed with the gargoyles. We didn't attempt to go inside to climb up to the top of it, but many pay to do that. I'm sure it's a nice view. The courtyard surrounding it was being decorated for Remembrance Day celebrations. I loved seeing all the crosses and red poppies around it. It's definitely a must see monument, and certainly one that you're going to eventually pass by at some point during your stay in Edinburgh.

Before you go into the Rail Bridge Bistro, you are immediately confronted with a monument. The…read moremonument is situated upon a stone structure, with a small replica of the Forth Rail Bridge in its famous red colour. The monument is dedicated to those people who worked on the bridge, but also for those who died during the construction phase of the world renowned bridge. The monument, is not flamboyant, but rather conservative and I think it is an appropriate way to remember those who made this bridge and for those who sadly lost their lives. People go over the bridge without even taking a thought about those who were involved in making it, and once in a while in would be nice if we actually took the time to appreciate the efforts of those who built the Forth Rail Bridge!

Near half along the High Street in South Queensferry stands a stone monument on the land side of…read morethe street. The monument and surrounding garden is lightly set back from the main street. It is dedicated to the former Lord Provost of the town (1884 - 1899), John Reid. I don't know that much about the man and his achievements. However, he obviously was an important man due to this significant stone monument. The gardens take on a seaside look, with the gardens dominated by sandy coloured stone paths and shrubbery. Worth a visit, not every Lord Provost gets a monument!

The Black Rocks are a set of rocks which sit in the bay of Burntisland and are a popular…read moredestination for walkers. When the tide is out and the Firth of Forth is in full retreat it is possible to walk all the way from the mainland to these rocks! The rocks are a well known land mark as you look out from Burntisland and the local area. Indeed, these rocks are also a firm favourite with geologists, who are fascinated by the minerals on the Black Rocks. Defiantly worth a trip to, however before you go for your walk I would advise you to find out the times of when the tide goes out and then back in! You would not want to be stuck out on them when the tide comes in!

Great place for a dog walk. You can do a fairly short loop, or extend it right around the estate…read more Definitely a hidden gem in the area that isn't too busy even on a nice day. They have ample parking and there is a museum too.

Inchgarvie is a small island which can be found just under the Forth Rail Bridge. I've always…read morenoticed the island every time I have gone past on the train and have always wondered about the story of the place. It takes its name from the Gaelic phrase meaning 'Rough Island'. During both the world wars, the island was used as a fortification with large guns being placed there to protect the entrance to the Firth from enemy boats etc. Nowadays the guns are no longer there and the island is mainly populated by sea gulls and other birds. Boat trips are available in the local area so you can see the island from a closer distance. An island lost in history.