Off the beaten track in Edinburgh?

I did the Leith Water Walk and really liked it. At the end are the two art galleries which are interesting to visit. Another tour that I really enjoyed was of the Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament, not the palace (although I liked the palace too). I assume you've been to The Georgian House, which is a real fave of mine. I also like Dynamic Earth. I know, you've been to similar museums in the US and they are crawling with school children, but there was a great sequence that shows the glaciation and Scotland. Outside of Edinburgh, but nearby is Hopetoun House, which is a good tour and great views of the Firth of Forth Bridge. I also liked Blackness Castle with is on the Firth and of course Linlithgow is terrific. Pam

The Falkirk Wheel.

Here's some help. Read Ian Rankin's John Rebus novels and Alexander McCall-Smith's Scotland Street series. You will get lots of ideas about the off the beaten track Edinburgh.

I would so love to see the Falkirk Wheel! Someday! If you can rent a car, it's good to explore the border country. I thought that Hermitage Castle was amazing, but there are also the Abbeys at Kelso, Melrose, Jedburgh, and Drysdale. And Sir Walter Scott's home is really interesting to visit. I liked Traquair House. The gates are still closed waiting for Prince Charlie. Pam

Thanks for all the good ideas. Heading to the library for Rankin. And checking out everything from the river walk to the stately homes. After a couple of days in the city, we are renting a car, but will be headed to golf country. Planning to use the car while there to see Falkland and Glamis castles.

Hey, neighbor! (kind of) On my trip to Edinburgh I really wanted to see the Royal College of Surgeons' "Surgeons' Hall Museums" of medical history (and medical oddities). I never got the chance due to lack of time, so I can't say if it is worthwhile. But from the website alone it looks to be a fascinating option.

Nancy, if you're heading out of Edinburgh, Stirling Castle and Melrose Abbey are worth a visit. And if you're into Harry Potter, Alnwick Castle was the "Hogwarts" site for the first broomstick lesson. Also while on the Royal Mile, stop in at Cadenhead's Whisky Shop (172 Canongate) and have a dram or two.

I would second Cadenhead's. If you haven't done it, we also loved the hike to Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park...amazing!

We really enjoyed the Falkirk Wheel. I like engineering stuff, and the was fascinating. Use a GPS to find it if you drive. It will be under points of interest in the gps menu. Worth the time. It is 18 miles outside Ediniburgh.

Also, several locals told us to see Hopetoun House, but we ran out of time.