Seton Sands Holiday Village

Britannia was the royal yacht of the British monarchy from 1954 to 1997, travelling more than a million nautical miles to ports in 135 countries. Now retired, she is permanently berthed at Ocean Terminal in Leith, Edinburgh, and you tour her five decks at your own pace with an audio guide available in 36 languages, plus BSL/ASL and Braille options.

Tip: Book tickets online in advance to save money, and allow about 2 hours; the tour starts on the second floor of Ocean Terminal, which has a free multi-storey car park.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 National Museum of Flight is Scotland's national aviation museum, part of National Museums Scotland. It sits at East Fortune Airfield, just south of the village of East Fortune, in the original buildings of RAF East Fortune, a well preserved Second World War airfield. The whole site is a scheduled monument.