First ever visit to Scotland: Edinburgh!

[Nimbus]

Originally Posted by Pumpkin Pie

Remember Edinburgh Zoo has Pandas if you have never seen one.

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Another vote for Edinburgh zoo - it's great. However, we didn't get to see the pandas when we visited last September (one was being treated for something and the other was indoors and you couldn't see him/her). There are also Koalas there though - they are very cute.

I'd also recommend a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia.

And, if the weather is nice, Jupiter Artland is worth a visit. It's just to the west of Edinburgh city centre.

[saratogajan]

If you want a change the coastal villages south of St. Andrews in fife are beautiful, especially Elie. Great pub there too! Not too far north of Edinburgh over the bridge. Great beaches and a lovely coastal path. Here’s our Romanian rescue dog on Elie beach.

[SquishTheWhale]

I've spent quite a lot of time in Edinburgh and it's probably my favourite city in the world.

Everything you've listed attractions wise sounds great- another vote for Edinburgh zoo here, don't miss the penguin parade! We very much enjoyed the camera obscura and world of illusions. Some other things I'd reccomend:

The National museum of Scotland is free and fantastic (and a great place to nip into the loo!)
Take a wander down Victoria street and through Grassmarket
George street is a lovely wander with little shops and eateries
If you have time, a wander through Dean Village- I walked this once to get to the modern art gallery (gallery not my cup of tea but the walk nice!)

You're already seriously spoilt for choice food wise, if you like Asian food then add Vietnam House to your list. Quirky little restaurant/art gallery with good value authentic food.

[Adcro]

Originally Posted by Pumpkin Pie

You mention you are staying at Abbey Hey area - do you mean Abbeyhill? If so you are quite near the city centre.

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Eep yes I do! Alva House in particular! Also thank you for your advice

[Adcro]

Originally Posted by irnjaw

You'll see some amazing scenery on the road to Inverness too, but it is some drive. Must be 150 miles from Edinburgh?

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Eep! I meant Falkirk! Can you tell I’ve never been to Scotland?

[Adcro]

Thank you for all the advice and recommendations, folks!

[quiddity]

There's the Scottish national gallery that I loved. DW, mother & sister didn't so stayed sat at the start waiting for me... Just a lot of old paintings to them! LOL

Never been to a proper gallery before but I fell in love with the Turner exhibit!

[Posiesmum]

If you’re into veggie food, and even if you’re not, David Bann’s is brilliant. davidbann/

I’d also second all the beaches in Fife. We’ve lived in Pittenweem which is a beautiful little town. Great beach at Aberdour and Pettycur beach in Kinghorn where we live now. And of course West Sands at St Andrew’s where chariots of Fire was filmed.
Almost all blue flag beaches too.

[Cammywatson033]

I would say miss out Falkirk, I’m from that area and out of all the places to see whilst you’re up here, Falkirk isn’t one of them haha. Defo visit South Queensferry like someone said, great views of the bridges. Maybe even visit Linlithgow and go round the palace if you’re through that way anyway.

[Big Belle]

I’m in Northumberland and lucky enough to be able to do day trips to Edinburgh (in the old world), I’d say don’t miss Edinburgh Zoo and the Royal Yacht Britannia.