7 Days in the east of Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland's historic capital city, casts a spell that’s hard to resist. You could easily spend weeks discovering its many fantastic attractions, hidden gems and vibrant cultural scene. Today's stops will give you a real feel for this beautiful city's potent charm, fascinating past and captivating atmosphere.

• Edinburgh Castle - towering atop an extinct volcano at the heart of the city, you can’t miss Edinburgh Castle. As well as offering spectacular views of the skyline, it's home to the Scottish Crown Jewels and Mons Meg, a huge 15th century siege canon fired every day at one o’clock.
• National Museum of Scotland - not only is the National Museum of Scotland free to visit and full of thousands of incredible objects, but the building is also an architectural masterpiece that enchants fans of design. Take in the vast airy space of the Victorian Grand Gallery before moving through floors dedicated to art, design, science and more. 
• Calton Hill and the National Monument - Edinburgh is a city best explored on foot, and for budding photographers or those keen to admire the stunning cityscape, it's time to head to Calton Hill to enjoy great views in the lingering light of the late afternoon. 
• Real Mary King’s Close - step into the past as you head below the Royal Mile to discover a warren of old streets and living and working quarters from the 17th century and learn the tales of its former residents.

If you have some spare moments during the day, make sure you visit: 

• The Royal Mile - take in this famous thoroughfare, lined with a range of shops, pubs, eateries and historic closes, with St Giles' Cathedral in the middle of the street, the Palace of Holyroodhouse at the bottom, and Edinburgh Castle at the top.
• Leith - catch the tram to one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the UK, home to three Michelin-star restaurants and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Leave the bustle of Edinburgh behind and venture across the Firth of Forth to the Kingdom of Fife, taking the Queensferry Crossing. Marvel at the remarkable structure of the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its sister, the Forth Road Bridge. From here, follow the brown signs for the Fife Coastal Path to take in the sparkling coastline and the picturesque villages of the East Neuk.

• The East Neuk of Fife - the East Neuk refers to a scattering of quaint fishing villages in the northeast corner of Fife. With winding cobbled streets, ancient stone harbours, and original, white-washed fisherman's cottages, they make the perfect place to stop, breathe in the sea air, and perhaps grab a refreshing cup of tea or coffee.  
• St Andrews West Sands - next, head to beautiful St Andrews, a historic university town. Work up an appetite before lunch with a bracing stroll along the town's iconic West Sands. Film fans can even re-enact the iconic scene from Chariots of Fire (1981) which sees runners race barefoot along the long, flat beach.
• St Andrews - wander through the streets of the town and you'll find a range of boutique shops, cosy pubs, cafés and restaurants, as well as the ancient university campus, St Andrews Cathedral and St Andrews Castle.

On the third day of your trip, it's time to discover Dundee, a city where a rich industrial heritage meets new bold cultural offerings. A UNESCO City of Design, Dundee is a thriving, compact place full of character and plenty of surprises, from striking architecture and world-class museums documenting everything from textile manufacturing to polar exploration. It’s also famous for its marmalade! 

• RRS Discovery - hop on board the ship which travelled to the ends of the earth and back! Captain Scott and his hardy crew reached the then undiscovered polar region of Antarctica in the early 1900s in one of the most significant expeditions ever undertaken. Wander through the ship, see objects that belonged to Scott and his men, and discover their brave tales of seafaring and challenges in the Antarctic. 
• V&A Dundee - see world-class examples of design, from architecture, fashion and furniture to video games and even healthcare. This is the first V&A museum in the world outside London and there are plenty of intriguing objects and enlightening exhibitions to enjoy including David Bowie: On Tour. 
• McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum – marvel at remarkable artworks and artefacts that bring to life the city’s rich cultural legacy and its connections with the wider world as former trade hub at the height of the British Empire.
• Dundee Contemporary Arts - open day and night, Dundee Contemporary Arts lies on Perth Road. Drop by in the afternoon for exhibitions on modern art and explore quirky, design-orientated wares in the shop. There's also a cinema where you can see the latest releases, alongside indie film and cult classics.

Follow the brown tourist route signs marked for the Angus Coastal Route and spend part of today taking in the ever-changing coastline of the northeast of Scotland, with its cliffs, sheltered bays and harbour towns. En route to Aberdeen, make two stops at two of of Scotland's most spectacular historic attractions: Arbroath Abbey and Dunnottar Castle.

• Arbroath Abbey - a 30-minute drive from Dundee will take you to the historic town of Arbroath, home to Arbroath Abbey. Founded in the 12th century, the abbey is where the Declaration of Arbroath was sealed in 1320, which enshrined Robert the Bruce as King of the Scots. Explore the atmospheric ruins, including the medieval gatehouse range and the Abbot’s House. 
• Dunnottar Castle - the well-preserved ruins of Dunnottar Castle are perched on a dramatic cliff some 160 ft above the North Sea. This once impregnable fortress was visited by legendary historic figures including William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, and Oliver Cromwell. In more recent times, its silhouette inspired the castle in Disney-Pixar’s Brave (2012).
• Aberdeen – soak up Aberdeen’s distinctive coastal charm on a walk to the bustling port and to Torry Battery, where you might be lucky enough to spot bottlenose dolphins frolicking in the bay. Or take a short jaunt to the former fishing village of Footdee (affectionately known as 'Fittie'), with its maze of narrow lanes, quaint cottages and gardens.  

Before you head to your next destination, make sure you: 

• Try an Arbroath smokie - pick up a succulent Arbroath smokie from the town centre, a traditionally smoked haddock and favourite local delicacy. 
• Keep an eye out for wildlife – along the east coast you may be able to spot local wildlife such as puffins or dolphins.

Start the day with a morning in Aberdeen at its cultural treasures before leaving the Granite City behind and journeying through the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside. Take in one or two of region's splendid castles before you reach the market town of Elgin in the Moray area of Aberdeenshire.

• Aberdeen Maritime Museum – is the best place to learn more about this city's long relationship with the North Sea through models, artwork, artefacts and interactive displays. Learn about its ship building and fishing heritage and the pivotal discovery of the Forties oilfield in 1970. 
• Castle Fraser - like Dunnottar Castle, this is one of the many castles which make up Aberdeenshire's Castle Trail. Dating back to the 15th century, it's a fine example of a Scottish baronial castle. Explore its grand rooms full of portraits and period furniture before heading up the tower to admire great views across the estate. Outside, you can explore the gardens or follow one of the lovely trails which lead through the expansive grounds. 
• Strathisla Distillery – step inside Strathisla Distillery, the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands, where whisky has been crafted since 1786. Tour its original stone buildings to gain an insight into the art of blending, and how Strathisla’s distinctive malt is used to create its celebrated Chivas Regal range.
• Elgin – round off the day with a leisurely stroll around the town, passing by North College Street to see the ruin of Elgin Cathedral, known as the ‘Lantern of the North’ before hunkering down cosy pubs like The Drouthy Cobbler or feasting on a well-earned meal in a local restaurant. a well-earned meal in a local restaurant.

If you want to squeeze a few extra experiences into your time here, try: 

• Macallan Distillery – from Elgin take the service 36 bus towards Dufftown, stopping off at Macallan Distillery to taste a dram or two. The journey takes roughly 50 minutes. 
• Lossiemouth Beach – head over at sunset to this nearby sandy beach to catch incredible views out to sea.

Spend the morning exploring Elgin before heading south through Speyside, home to Scotland's Malt Whisky Trail, and Royal Deeside, an area long cherished by the British monarchy. Along the way, take in the majestic Cairngorms National Park, where the landscape of impressive mountains, rushing rivers and deep forests provide a dramatic backdrop to your adventure. 

• Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Visitor Centre – stock up on wool and cashmere at Johnstons of Elgin, a prestigious textile mill that traces its origins to 1797. While there, take a free tour of the Elgin mill – it's the only mill in Scotland to transform raw cashmere from fibre to the finished product. 
• Braemar – take a break in the picturesque Aberdeenshire village of Braemar. Browse the charming High Street, visit the castle, or stretch your legs on a gentle circular walk. Follow the Clunie circuit which follows the river before joining Queen's Drive, one of Queen Victoria's favoured routes. 
• Pitlochry – known at the gateway to the Highlands, the pleasant village of Pitlochry is the perfect place to pause in a café or explore fascinating museums and heritage centres. You might have time to see the Pitlochry Power Station and Dam, as well as the nearby Fish Ladder, which was built to allow the migration of wild Atlantic salmon as they make their way from the sea to Scotland's rivers.

If time allows, why not line up your visit to Braemar with the Braemar Gathering? This famed Highland games takes place on the first Saturday of September and is usually attended by at least one member of the Royal family. 

On your final day, head south from Highland Perthshire, taking in one of the country's favourite beauty spots and stopping in Perth, a city which straddles the River Tay. Explore the city streets and make time for the Black Watch Museum, where you can uncover the dramatic history of Scotland's foremost Highland regiment.

• The Falls of Bruar - just a short drive north of from Pitlochry, the Falls of Bruar offers a spectacular woodland walk through a tree-lined gorge. Follow the path as it weaves along the River Braan and over stone bridges before arriving at the tumbling waterfalls. Afterwards, pop into the House of Bruar to refuel with delicious food and treat yourself to a spot of retail therapy.
• Black Watch Castle & Museum - step inside Balhousie Castle and uncover the story of the famous Black Watch Regiment, which dates to 1725.  Explore almost three centuries of martial history, from its earliest campaigns and its role in conflicts across the globe, told through uniforms, photographs, diaries, artworks, medals, weapons and military kits, as well as films and personal accounts.
• Edinburgh - from Perth, head south to Edinburgh, returning over the Queensferry Crossing. Should you fancy extending your trip, there are also some other fantastic locations that are easily reachable from Edinburgh, including the beautiful seaside town of North Berwick in East Lothian, or the scenic region of the Scottish Borders, which is accessible by rail via the Borders Railway.