Edinburgh's top museums, ready for exploration

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh has a fantastic array of museums documenting not only its own history, but also that of the rest of the country. As such, the list of notable venues is far too long to cover in a single feature so we've decided, for convenience sake, to stick to those that are close to our city centre accommodation in Edinburgh. All of these venues are within a 20 minute walk of Euro Hostel Glasgow on Guthrie Street, just off of Cowgate. So you'll be able to visit them at your leisure without having to worry about driving or public transport.

Museum of Edinburgh

What better place to start this list than at the Museum of Edinburgh, which traces the history of Scotland's capital city from the earliest records through to the present day. Situated on the Royal Mile, the venue's impressive collections include all manner of iconic objects from Scotland's past, just waiting to be discovered afresh.

Perhaps the jewel in its crown is the National Covenant - the signing of which in 1638 has been called the most important event in Scottish history. This document signed by nobles, ministers and regular Scots at Greyfriars church, was in essence a contract with God stipulating they would fight for freedom from English rule. Other notable treasures include James Craig's original plans for Edinburgh's New Town and the collar and bowl of Scotland's most famous dog, Greyfriars Bobby.

Huntly House, 142 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH8 8DD. 0131 529 4143. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm; Sunday, 12pm - 5pm (August only).

National Museum of Scotland

Recently reopened following a significant multi-million pound renovation project, the National Museum of Scotland is the country's leading repository. Here, you will be able to see everything from the 12-metre cast of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton to Dolly the Sheep. You can also see thousands of artefacts and objects, including jewellery belonging to Mary Queen of Scots and treasures from all over the world.

In the Grand Gallery, you'll find the impressive Window on the World, the UK's largest single museum installation. It brings together 850 objects, ranging from tiny glass sculptures to a gyroplane, a full-size rail signal from the Stirling to Alloa and the jaws of a sperm whale. This summer, a series of talks and exhibitions will be hosted on Catherine the Great, Russia's 'Enlightened Empress'.

Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF. 0300 123 6789. Open Monday to Sunday, 10am - 5pm.

City Art Centre

The City Arts Centre is situated in the heart of the city and is just a five minute walk from Euro Hostel Edinburgh. The venue hosts regular exhibitions of local Scottish artwork as well as collections from around the world.

It also has one of Scotland's most impressive permanent fine art collections, including pieces from the 17th century and onwards. Consisting of over 4,500 works of art including paintings, watercolours, drawings, sculptures and photographs, it boasts pieces by major Scottish artists such as William McTaggart, Joan Eardly, George Henry and Samuel Peploe.

2 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE. 0131 529 3993. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm; Sunday 12pm - 5pm.

National War Museum

This had to make the list, for the setting alone. Housed in the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum has collected more than 400 years of Scottish military under one (impressive) roof. You'll be able to explore the collections of uniforms, insignia, weapons, medals and decorations, while the Reconstructing Lives exhibition, on until February 2013, takes a look at the lives of those soldiers and civilians who have lost limbs in war time and the technologies that have been used to help them rebuild their lives, from iron prostheses of the 16th century to the advanced bionic replacements of today.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG. 0300 123 6789. Open Monday to Sunday, 9.45am - 5.45pm (April to September); Monday to Sunday, 9.45am - 4.45pm (October to March).

Museum of Childhood

If you've got young ones with you or just want to reminisce about your own happy childhood, then this next one is a must. The Museum of Childhood has a fantastic collection of toys and games from across the ages, while kids can learn about what it would have been like for them growing up if they had been born several centuries earlier. There are also plenty of interactive experiences, including the puppet theatre and dressing up area, while the gift shop means you'll be able to take home a memento of the day.

42 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TG. 0131 529 4142. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am - 5pm; Sunday, 12pm - 5pm.

The Old City Observatory

Situated on Calton Hill, the Old City Observatory was designed and built by William Henry Playfair in the early 1800s, hence the fact that it's also known as the Playfair Observatory. The building was inspired by a Greek temple and housed Professor Henderson, who was appointed as Astronomer Royal in 1834. He had been responsible for discovering how to measure the distance to a star while working in South Africa.

Although it is currently closed for redevelopment, the observatory is still a sight to behold - especially its impressive dome, which was constructed in 1896. It is well worth a trip, especially as Calton Hill is also home to the impressive Nelson Monument. Once it reopens, you'll be able to peruse the wonderful collections of telescopes inside.

Calton Hill, Abbeyhill, EH7 5AA. Currently closed for renovation.

Surgeons' Hall Museums

Not for the faint of heart, the Royal College of Surgeons' museum collects together pathology specimens and surgical instruments documenting the often gruesome history of surgery, including jarred organs and a collection of skulls. One of the more notable exhibits is a book said to be bound in the skin of William Burke - of the infamous grave robbers Burke and Hare, who murdered 17 people in Edinburgh in the 1820s and sold their bodies to surgeons for dissection.

Royal College of Surgeons, Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DW. 0131 527 1649. Open Monday to Friday, 12pm - 4pm; Saturday and Sunday, 12pm - 4pm (April to October).

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