Royal Museum, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK by subberculture

In Edinburgh, museum-goers are spoilt for choice with a wide selection from aviation to xylophones. To make things a little easier, here are four of the best the city has to offer…

The National Museum

It’s probably a good idea to set aside the whole day for this one. 20,000 exhibits across 36 galleries cover everything from science and technology to world cultures and art. This impressive collection includes the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, the mummified body of 3,000 year old ancient Egyptian Iufenamun, and specimens collected by evolutionary theorist, Charles Darwin. The National Museum even has its own Scotland gallery, dedicated to centuries of the country’s history and showing how life today is shaped by events of the past. Aptly located in the middle of Edinburgh’s historic Old Town, the museum is close to the city’s main train link. Entry is free and it’s open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Museum of Childhood

Take a trip down memory lane in the Museum of Childhood – the first museum in the world dedicated to the history of our youth. Filled with a nostalgic array of toys, books, games and more, it is more than just a collection of objects to play with; the galleries aim to explore all aspects of growing up, using interactive exhibits to spark creativity and learning. Computer games demonstrate how life has evolved since the late 20^th century, while teddy bears, trains and pedal cars remind us how certain things will always be a part of our childhood. Entry to the exhibition is free, but donations are welcome and well worth it for a theme so close to our hearts. The Museum of Childhood is open Monday – Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday 12pm to 5pm.

Our Dynamic Earth

Ever wondered what it’s like to stand in a tropical rainforest, with the sticky heat on your face and the sound of animals around you? Wonder no more at Dynamic Earth, the museum that transports you around the world in a range of interactive exhibits. Come face-to-face with extinct dinosaurs, dive to the bottom of the sea and feel the earth shaking under your feet as you explore the past, present and predicted future of our planet. Although entry is payable, tickets are very reasonable at only £11.50 for an adult, £7.50 for a child, and children under the age of 3 go free!

The People’s Story Museum

Step into the Scotland of the past at The People’s Story Museum, located on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Dedicated to the lives of the city’s working class from the 18^th century to the present, the galleries are filled with everyday objects, photos and treasures that create an intricate story to be explored by all. Learn about important trades like printing, brewing and biscuit making, compare home wares of yesteryear to the modern objects we use today, and observe waxwork scenes that bring the exhibitions to life in a dramatic and very real way.

If you live in Edinburgh but haven’t taken advantage of these great museums, why not make a plan for the next rainy day? For those visiting from elsewhere, there are plenty of hotels and serviced apartments within range of the city’s fantastic array of attractions.

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