7 Days in the East of Scotland

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Towering over the city, you won't be able to miss Edinburgh Castle. As well as offering spectacular views of the skyline, it's home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Stone of Destiny. On your visit, uncover Scotland's military history in the National War Museum and take in the haunting National War Memorial. Once you've explored the castle, wander down the Royal Mile to take in this famous thoroughfare - it's lined with an eclectic range of shops, pubs, eateries and historic closes, and you can also find St Giles' Cathedral in the middle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom of the street.

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Not only is the National Museum of Scotland free to visit and full of thousands of incredible objects, the building is an architectural masterpiece that should not be missed by fans of design. Take in the vast airy space of the Grand Gallery before moving into the galleries on art, design and science, which covers everything from Dolly the Sheep, a marvel of genetics, to the couture fashions of the late Vivienne Westwood, and Alexander McQueen. There are also fantastic temporary exhibitions to see. It's a real treasure trove!

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Edinburgh is a city best explored on foot, and for budding photographers or those keen to admire the stunning cityscape, it's time to head to Calton Hill to enjoy great views in the lingering light of the late afternoon. You'll see the National Monument, and art lovers can also pop into the Collective Gallery, one of the city's many art galleries. Afterwards, if you are ready for dinner, you could catch the tram to the Leith area of the city. It's one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the UK and boasts three Michelin-star restaurants. Alternatively, wander along Princes Street or George Street to the city's West End.

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If you're keen to pack in one more attraction in the evening and want to find out more about the history of Edinburgh's Old Town, then take a tour of the Real Mary King's Close. Step into the past as you head below the Royal Mile to discover a warren of old streets and living and working quarters from the 17th century which have been forgotten for hundreds of years. As well as fascinating and detailed accounts of the people who occupied the close, there are also a few chilling tales to unearth - a must for any history lover or fans of the macabre! Alternatively, take a supernatural-themed walking tour to uncover more of Edinburgh's spooky side.

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The East Neuk refers to a scattering of quaint fishing villages in the north east corner of Fife. With curious winding streets, ancient stone harbours, and original white-washed fisherman's cottages, they make the perfect place to stop, breathe in the sea air, and perhaps grab a refreshing cup of tea or coffee. In Pittenweem, wander to the pier to see colourful bobbing boats, or walk up Cove Wynd to find the tiny St Fillan's Cave, said to have been used as a chapel by the saint in the eighth century. Head to Anstruther to try famous fish and chips, before visiting the town's Scottish Fisheries Museum. It's here that you can hop on board The Reaper, a Fife sailing herring drifter featured in the TV series Outlander (access available by prior arrangement).

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Next, head to beautiful St Andrews, a historic university town. Work up an appetite before lunch with a bracing stroll along the town's iconic West Sands - a long, flat beach famously featured in Chariots of Fire (1981). West Sands lines the town's world-famous golf courses and lying not far from the south end of the beach is the famous Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course. Wander through the streets of the town and you'll find a range of boutique shops, cosy pubs, cafés and restaurants, as well as the ancient university campus, St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle.

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If you fancy trying a local tipple, then book a late afternoon tour at Eden Mill Distillery & Brewery, just a 10 minute drive from St Andrews' town centre. Producing craft beer, small-batch gin and Scotch whisky, there's bound to be the perfect tour to match your palate. Perhaps you'll fall head over heels for the Love Gin, or enjoy a fusion of flavours as you sample the whisky barrel beer (but remember: it's against the law to drink and drive). From Eden Mill, head north and take the Tay Bridge across the waters of the silvery River Tay to Dundee.

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Hop on board the ship which has travelled to the ends of the earth and back! Captain Scott and his hardy crew reached the then undiscovered polar region of Antarctica in the early 1900s in one of the most significant expeditions to have ever been undertaken. Wander through the ship, see objects that belonged to Scott and his men, and discover their brave tales of seafaring and difficulties in the Antarctic. At this family attraction, there's plenty of engaging things to see and do that kids will really enjoy.

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Visit V&A Dundee to see world-class examples of design, from architecture, fashion and furniture to video games and even healthcare. This is the first V&A museum in the world outside London and there are plenty of intriguing objects and enlightening exhibitions to see. Housed within an extraordinary building, designed by the internationally acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, V&A Dundee also offers a tempting café and lovely gift shop.

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From V&A Dundee, it's just a 10 minute walk through the city centre to the McManus, Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum. With eight galleries across two floors, there's a surprising range of artefacts to discover, with thousands of objects from all over the world demonstrating Dundee's role as an important centre of trade. From traditional ceremonial masks and Inuit relics to Egyptian archaeology, as well as plenty of exhibits which tell the story of Dundee, its history, people and culture.

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Open day and night, Dundee Contemporary Arts lies on Perth Road and is a hub of culture and style. Visit in the afternoon and enjoy exhibitions on modern art and explore quirky, design-orientated wares in the shop. There's also a cinema where you can see the latest releases, classic films and independent productions, and Jute, a trendy café-bar and a great place for sophisticated dining. In the evening, you could enjoy dinner before catching a play at the Dundee Rep Theatre, or visit for an aperitif before trying another of Dundee's dining options.

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A 30 minute drive from Dundee will take you to the historic town of Arbroath, home to Arbroath Abbey. Founded in the 12th century, the abbey is where the Declaration of Abroath was signed in 1320, which affirmed that Scotland was an independent nation. Explore the church ruin, the gatehouse range and the abbot's house. Afterwards, you could walk to the ancient harbour and pick up an Arbroath Smokie from the town centre, a traditionally smoked haddock which is a famous local delicacy.

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The well-preserved ruins of Dunnottar Castle are perched on a dramatic cliff some 160 ft above the North Sea. This once impregnable fortress was visited by legendary historic figures including William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and, in more recent times, Mel Gibson in Franco Zeffirelli's 1991 film, Hamlet.

If you're lucky, you may even see puffins or dolphins from the castle ramparts.

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Enjoy a relaxing evening in Aberdeen and take in this city's unique atmosphere. You could take a walk to the bustling port and try to spot the bay's resident dolphins from the vantage point of the Torry Battery, or explore the curious Footdee (also known locally as 'Fittie'), an adorable grouping of houses in an old fishing village. Nearby is Silver Darling, a chic seafood restaurant, perfect for a lavish treat. Alternatively, explore Old Aberdeen, which encompasses the city's university, where you can admire 18th century architecture. When it's time to wine and dine, head to Belmont Street - there are plenty of bars and restaurants on the street itself and in the surrounding area.

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Looking at Aberdeen Harbour, it's no surprise to learn that Aberdeen is one of Scotland's most important ports. The best place to discover more about this city's industry and its long relationship with the North Sea is at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. Through objects, paintings, exhibitions and interactive displays, you can find out about the likes of ship building and fishing in Aberdeen and the fascinating story of the North Sea oil industry.

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Leave the city and head inland towards Castle Fraser. Like Dunnottar Castle, this is one of the many castles which make up Aberdeenshire's Castle Trail. Dating back to the 15th century, it's a fine example of a Scottish baronial castle. Explore its grand rooms full of portraits and period furniture before heading up the tower to admire great views across the estate. Outside, you can explore the gardens or follow one of the lovely trails which lead through the expansive grounds.

Discover Aberdeenshire's Castle Trail

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Strathisla Distillery is the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands, dating back to 1786. The distillery's fantastic tours will give you an insight into the art of blending as the distillery produces a range of Chivas Regal premium blended whiskies alongside its single malt Strathisla 12-Year-Old.

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Continue to Elgin. You can stroll around the town, passing by North College Street to see the ruin of Elgin Cathedral, before enjoying a refreshment in a pub such as The Drouthy Cobbler or sitting down to an evening meal in a local restaurant. If it's a pleasant evening, you might fancy a short drive to one of the nearby sandy beaches at Hopeman or Lossiemouth to catch the sunset and wander along the sandy shoreline before dining at a country inn, such as the Duffus Inn. If you want to extend your trip, why not go west to Inverness, or even continue on to do the North Coast 500 before heading south, back to Edinburgh?

After exploring Elgin, take the service 36 bus towards Dufftown, stopping off at Macallan Distillery to taste a dram or two. The journey takes roughly 50 minutes.

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Johnstons of Elgin are one of the most distinguished producers of woollen and cashmere goods, having been established in 1797. Take a free tour of the Elgin mill - it's the only mill in Scotland to transform raw cashmere from fibre to a finished product. The visitor centre can be found in the beautiful courtyard building and has a fascinating exhibition where you can discover the company's history. For those keen to take home some cashmere or woollen goods, browse through Johnstons of Elgin's quality designs in the mill shop.

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At Braemar you could simply stop for a break and wander the high street, visit the castle, or take the opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy the open spaces of the national park. For a gentle circular walk, follow Queen's Drive and River Clunie circuit which follows the river before joining Queen's Drive, one of Queen Victoria's favoured routes. Braemar is also home to the Braemar Gathering, a Highland games which always takes place on the first Saturday of September and is usually attended by members of the Royal family.

Walk the Queen's Drive and River Clunie circuit

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From Braemar, pass through the Spittal of Glenshee to Pitlochry, your stop for this evening. Pitlochry itself is considered to be a gateway to the Highlands, and the pleasant village has a range of shops and cafés, as well as fascinating museums and heritage centres. You might have time to see the Pitlochry Power Station and Dam, as well as the nearby Fish Ladder, which was built to allow the migration of wild Atlantic salmon as they make their way from the sea to Scotland's rivers. The Power Station has a brand new visitor centre, where you can find out how this engineering wonder was built and learn about hydroelectricity. Near Pitlochry lies an impressive wooded gorge, a popular beauty spot known as the Pass of Killiecrankie, and the enchanting Blair Castle & Gardens.

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Only 20 minutes' drive from Pitlochry lies Dunkeld, where you'll find The Hermitage. This magnificent woodland site dates from the 18th century and is now managed by the National Trust for Scotland. With tall trees and tumbling waterfalls, there's no surprise that it's popular with walkers and photographers alike. Follow trails along the banks of the River Braan and look out for man-made features as you explore, including a totem pole with Pictish and Squamish designs, as well as Ossian's Hall, a pretty folly which overlooks the Black Linn Falls.

Please be mindful of others when visiting and park responsibly, avoiding parking busy or dangerous roads, including the A9. There's a car park on site, but if it's full please consider coming back another time or exploring elsewhere in Big Tree Country. 

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Step inside Balhousie Castle and explore the museum to discover the intriguing history of the Blackwatch Regiment, which dates back to 1725. Through a range of objects and memorabilia including uniforms, photographs, diaries, artworks, medals, weapons and military kits, as well as films and personal accounts, uncover the story of the regiment and relive their most dramatic moments. Afterwards you could wander to the newly re-opened Perth Museum, or take in the streets of the city centre. Alternatively, take in the splendour of nearby Scone Palace, the world famous crowning place of Scottish kings.

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From Perth, head south to Edinburgh, returning over the Queensferry Crossing. Should you fancy extending your trip, there are also some other fantastic locations that are easily reachable from Edinburgh, including the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick in East Lothian, or the scenic region of the Scottish Borders, which is accessible by rail via the Borders Railway. You could easily spend a few more days discovering more of Edinburgh, taking in great museums, galleries, tours and heritage sites - or maybe just an afternoon relaxing in a cheery, traditional pub? It has been a busy seven days, after all!

If you're eager to see the other side of the country, you could follow our seven days in the west of Scotland itinerary and enjoy an incredible two weeks of Scottish road trip adventure!

Discover our seven days in the west of Scotland itinerary