What to See in Edinburgh and East Lothian

John Muir Country Park. Located just west of Dunbar, this 1760-acre park is named after John Muir who emigrated from Dunbar to the U.S. in 1849 and established Yosemite National Park and others.

Museum of Flight. Located at East Fortune Airfield near North Berwick, it has a collection of more than 30 aircraft dating from 1930 to the present. This former RAF airfield was the departure point of the airship R34 which made the first East to West crossing of the Atlantic by air in 1919.

Glenkinchie Distillery. In the village of Pencaitland, this small distillery is the only one remaining close to Edinburgh. Here you will see every step in the distilling process, its traditional practice.

Lennoxlove House. Located in Haddington, it features a 14th century keep originally built for the Secretary of State to Mary, Queen of Scots. It houses a unique collection of Mary's mementoes.

Edinburgh Castle. The king of castles, this one is a must visit. It houses the Stone of Scone and the Crown Jewels of Scotland and dates back to the 11th century. In August, you can see the world famous Military Tattoo.

Holyrood Palace and Abbey. The Palace of Holyroodhouse impressively punctuates the end of the Royal Mile. A royal residence, Holyrood was founded by King James IV in 1498. In 1671, it was reconstructed by King Charles II. It was damaged extensively in 1544 by the Earl of Hertford in his notorious sack of Edinburgh, and then in 1650 it suffered some fire damage due to carelessness by Oliver Cromwell's troops. This is an official residence, and is occupied by the royal family when visiting Edinburgh.

Dunfermline Abbey. Founded in the 12th century, the abbey houses the body of Robert the Bruce, here of Scotland in the 1300's.

Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is often referred to as "the Athens of the North." This is a beautiful multicultural city that has maintained its old world atmosphere and charm. Edinburgh Castle, standing atop the castle rock, overlooks the city and is home to the world famous Military Tattoo.

Dunfermline Abbey. The western nave of the Abbey at Dunfermline was built by David I (son of Malcolm Canmore and Saint Margaret) in the 12th century. The church, eastern part of the structure, was added in the 19th century. Dunfermline was the burial site of Scottish monarchs. Robert the Bruce is buried here.