Edinburgh school holidays: 11 fascinating historic National Trust for Scotland properties easy to visit from Edinburgh this summer
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) are tasked with protecting some of Scotland’s most culturally important sites for future generations, helped by their 300,000-strong membership.
From castles and gardens, to mansionhouses and historic villages, they offer a huge variety of days out – will all proceeds being ploughed back into their work.
This summer is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit some of these unique places without the usual holiday crowds, while supporting the important work being carried out by the NTS.
Here are the 11 closest to Edinburgh to enjoy over the school holidays with your family.
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.
If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.
This summer is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to visit some of these unique places without the usual holiday crowds, while supporting the important work being carried out by the NTS.
5. Malleny Garden
Another stunning walled garden for plant lovers on the outskirts of Edinburgh, enter the world of Malleny through decorated wrought iron gates to discover 400-year-old yew trees, colourful and fragrant flowers and shrubs, Victorian greenhouses, heritage rose plantings and a doocot. Photo: Google Maps
6. House of the Binns
Set in landscaped parkland overlooking the Forth, just outside Linlithgow, the House of the Binns is a traditional laird’s house that has been the home of the Dalyell family for over 400 years. The present house was built in 1612 and contains an interesting collection of family portraits, furniture, porcelain and silver acquired over several generations. Outside, you can take a walk through woodland up to a hilltop tower for stunning views over the surrounding landscape. Photo: Google Maps
7. Royal Burgh of Culross
Culross is Scotland’s most complete example of a burgh of the 17th and 18th centuries and will be familiar to fans of Outlander - several scenes of the popular television series were filmed on its streets. Cobbled streets lined with pretty and colourful houses lead up to a hilltop abbey. There's also a palace and a period garden complete with herbs, fruit, vegetables and rare Scots Dumpy hens. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Preston Mill
Another Outlander filming location, the Dutch-style Preston Mill sits just outside the East Lothian village of East Linton and was the region's last working watermill - only closing in 1959. Discover what it was like to work there, see the nearby 16th century Phantassie Doocot, then enjoy a walk around the grounds, looking out for otters and other wildlife in the river. Photo: Canva/Getty Images