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The capital’s prize garden, with majestic trees, rock terraces, glasshouses and borders bursting with colour. A delight in every season. Watch out for the calendar of special events, such as music, theatre and exhibitions of contemporary art (see Royal Botanic Garden) .

Ranked in the top ten courses in Britain, the Championship Course has 18 pristine holes. It was laid out by Tom Morris in 1877 and follows the natural contours of the dunes around Dornoch Bay. A wonderful setting and less pressurized than other quality links.

Celebrating the biggest, best and most cultivated in the farming world (Jun, Edinburgh).

Two neighbouring museums, one entirely eclectic, the other taking on Scotland from prehistory to the 20th century (see Royal Museum and Museum of Scotland) .

Two adjoining museums in radically different styles and with very diverse contents. Yet together they present the nation’s most treasured historical artifacts. Worth visiting for the Lewis Chessmen alone, but don’t expect to escape in under four hours (see Royal Museum and Museum of Scotland) .

From 1953 to 1997 this was the Queen’s floating home, the honeymooning hotel of her children and Britain’s roving Royal court. Now you can wander the decks and cabins of this fabulous ship with an audio tour that tells of the life and times of Britannia.

The great peatland here, known as the Flow Country, offers walks among rare plants, insects and birds.

Commonly in the Western Isles, but also across many parts of the Highlands and Islands, Sunday is still strictly observed as a day of rest. Bed-and-breakfast operators may take in their signs, and loud music or washing hanging on lines may offend local sensibilities. Visitors may suffer inconvenience if they don’t plan ahead.