Families across the country might be tightening their belts but that doesn’t mean day trips and short breaks have to stop.
With a little planning it’s possible to see some of the country’s most beautiful spots – and enjoy a range of activities – with no need for expensive admission fees or tickets.
Edinburgh has a host of options for those looking for a free day out – including some of Scotland’s top tourist attractions.
Here are 10 options for the October half terms holidays.
Edinburgh has a host of options for those looking for a free day out – including some of Scotland’s top tourist attractions.
5. The National Gallery of Scotland
One of the UK's greatest collections of art is completely free to visit. Edinburgh's National Galleries are actually three separate art museums which together have the potential to fill days with masterpieces by the likes of Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Botticelli. Start at the main National Gallery of Scotland at the base of the Mound, then venture further afield to the National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art on Belford Road. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
Edinburgh's stunning St Giles' Cathedral, situated on the Royal Mile, received global exposure as tens of thousands of people queued up to file past the Queen's coffin earlier this year. It's free to visit and it's easy to while away a couple of hours exploring the building, taking in the intricate wooden interior and impressive gold-leaf ceiling. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
Like Arthur's Seat, it's remarkable how many residents of the Capital haven't spent time exploring the pretty quaint streets of Dean Village. Seemingly untouched by time, and once home to a multitude of water mills, you'll want to take your camera to capture colourful houses perched on the side of the Water of Leith. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
Tramping around the pristine landscapes and picturesque reservoirs of the Pentland Hills Regional Park, in the south-west of Edinburgh, it's hard to believe you're just a few miles from a bustling city centre. The park's Harlaw biodiversity trail gives children the chance to enjoy learning about the local plants and wildlife along the route, while there are plenty of other trails to try depending on time and fitness levels. Photo: Canva/Getty Images