Glentress Forest

Traquair House, near Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders, is claimed to be the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland. Built in the style of a fortified mansion, it has 50 rooms, including the King's Room where Mary, Queen of Scots stayed in 1566, a Museum Room with a 1530 mural, and an 18th-century library. A Roman Catholic chapel was added in 1829.

Tip: Follow the brown signs from Innerleithen to the main entrance gate, as some sat navs direct you to the exit gate.

Rosslyn Chapel is a 15th-century chapel in the village of Roslin, Midlothian, founded by Sir William St Clair. It is still a place of worship and remains in the ownership of the family who founded it. The ornate stonework and its symbolism have drawn writers, artists and visitors for generations, and the chapel featured in Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code and its 2006 film.

Tip: Check the official website before you go and book your visit in advance.

Edinburgh Castle stands on Castle Rock, the plug of an extinct volcano, and has been a royal castle since the 11th century. It has served as a royal residence, prison, arsenal and military fortress, and is now cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. Research has counted 26 sieges in its 1,100-year history.

Tip: Book tickets online in advance, as they often sell out and none are sold at the castle once online tickets are gone. Allow at least 2 hours.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the monarch in Scotland, standing at the bottom of Edinburgh's Royal Mile, opposite Edinburgh Castle. It is closely tied to Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie, and the tour takes in the State Apartments, the Great Gallery, the Throne Room and Mary's 16th-century rooms.

Tip: Free coach parking is next to the palace via Abbeyhill, and accessible spaces are on Horse Wynd, first come, first served.

The National Museum of Scotland stands on Chambers Street in central Edinburgh. It is made up of two connected buildings: the modern Museum of Scotland, which opened in 1998, and the former Royal Museum, with its Victorian façade and a grand cast-iron central hall. Entry is free, though some special exhibitions are charged for.

Tip: Self-service lockers in the Entrance Hall can store luggage, and the Lunch Space there is available if you bring your own food.

St Giles' Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, sits on the Royal Mile in the heart of the Old Town. A church has stood here since the 12th century, and the present building dates mainly from the 14th to early 16th centuries.

Tip: Book your ticket in advance for fast-track access on arrival, and check the website for opening hours, as Sundays differ.

The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic tower in Princes Street Gardens, built in honour of Sir Walter Scott. It is one of the largest monuments to a writer anywhere in the world. At its base sits a carved Carrara marble statue of Scott with his dog Maida, and the stonework carries dozens of figures from his novels.

Tip: The highest platform is reached by 287 steps up spiral staircases, so be ready for a climb.