logo
Scottish museum with ‘beautiful exhibits' and panoramic views of city named among best in the world

Scottish museum with ‘beautiful exhibits' and panoramic views of city named among best in the world

Scottish Sun2 days ago
Visitors regularly flock to TripAdvisor to rave over the famous attraction
JOURNEY THROUGH TIME Scottish museum with 'beautiful exhibits' and panoramic views of city named among best in the world
AN iconic Scottish museum famed for its panoramic views has been named among the best in the world.
Travel insurance specialists InsureandGo analysed 200,000 visitor reviews to reveal the most highly rated natural history museums offering dinosaur exhibits.
Advertisement
3
The capital's National Museum of Scotland has been recognised in a global ranking
Credit: Alamy
3
Visitors regularly flocked to TripAdvisor to rave over the famous attraction
Credit: Alamy
3
Dolly the sheep is the first mammal ever cloned from an adult cell
Credit: PA
Edinburgh's National Museum of Scotland made the global top 10 with 94.8 per cent of its reviews being four or five-star.
It ranked number seven in the list, ahead of London's Natural History Museum and New York's American Museum of Natural History.
According to the data, the Royal Tyrrell Museum of palaeontology in Canada tops the list, with an overwhelming 97.3 per cent of its reviews receiving four or five stars.
In second place is New Zealand's Tūhura Otago Museum (96.5 per cent), followed by the Oxford University Museum of Natural History (96.1 per cent).
Advertisement
Researchers said: "Scotland's top rated natural history museum displays Dolly the sheep, which is the first mammal ever cloned from an adult cell, and visitors can even enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh from its rooftop terrace.
"The Victorian building is over 150 years old and offers dinosaur themed workshops for schools, as well as a dinosaur trail.
"While there's less dinosaurs on offer here than some of the others in the global top 25, it earns its spot for its wide-ranging exhibits, from furniture to planes, to dinosaurs and fashion."
The capital's National Museum of Scotland scored 94.8 per cent in the percentage of 4 and 5-star reviews.
Advertisement
Visitors regularly flock to TripAdvisor to rave over the famous attraction, which boasts a 4.7 rating on the site.
One wrote: "Huge, so much to do and full of beautiful exhibits. Easily a full day outing. We stayed five hours and only just saw everything.
National Railway Museum Celebrates 50th Anniversary
"The cafe is very good and the exhibits are amazing."
Another put: "Absolutely gorgeous museum which included some of everything from animals to ancient Egypt to air and space.
Advertisement
"This was one of the best museums I've visited, and hard to believe it is free.
"Save at least an hour here even if you're not that into museums, it's that good."
Letitia Smith, Communications Manager at InsureandGo, said: "We all travel for different reasons - whether it's sampling new dishes, swimming in turquoise waters, or exploring fascinating cultures. For many people, that includes visiting a fascinating destination, like a dinosaur museum.
"We wanted to highlight the museums that truly capture the awe of natural history, based on real visitor reviews. If your summer plans take you near these top-rated museums, it's the perfect chance to experience some of the world's most top-rated prehistory."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Senedd gives green light to Wales' tourism tax plans
Senedd gives green light to Wales' tourism tax plans

South Wales Argus

time3 hours ago

  • South Wales Argus

Senedd gives green light to Wales' tourism tax plans

Senedd members voted 37-13 for the tourism tax bill , which will see people charged £1.30 each, plus VAT, for stays in hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation. People staying in hostels and campsites would pay 75p per person per night, with under-18s exempt from the lower rate of the tax, which would be introduced in 2027 at the earliest. The tax would raise around £33m a year if implemented across the country, but the 22 councils in Wales will be given powers to decide whether to introduce a levy locally. Only two councils, Cardiff and Anglesey, have so far indicated plans to bring in a levy, but other authorities had yet to make a decision or had 'no plans' to introduce a tax. A register of visitor accommodation providers operating in Wales will also be established by the bill, laying the groundwork for licensing plans set to be brought forward separately. Proponents argue the levy will ensure visitors contribute to the cost of services with revenue reinvested, while detractors warn the tax will put tourists off and damage Wales' economy. Tourism taxes are commonplace on the continent and, closer to home, Scottish councils will gain similar powers next year and Manchester introduced a visitor charge in 2023. Leading a debate before the key vote on July 8, Mark Drakeford told the Senedd: 'By passing this bill, we will give councils the choice to introduce a modest additional charge which would be reinvested to support a thriving, sustainable tourism industry.' The finance secretary said the visitor levy will be the first local tax for more than 500 years to have been designed and made in Wales, marking an important step for devolution. Prof Drakeford said the Welsh Government wants to ensure the pressures and opportunities of tourism are fairly balanced, with visitors contributing to infrastructure and services. The former first minister pointed to evidence 'from Iceland to New Zealand' of the revenue generated contributing significantly to challenges without deterring tourism. He argued the bill would strengthen communities and build democratic accountability, putting tourism in Wales on a new and sustainable footing.

Senedd gives green light to Wales' tourism tax plans
Senedd gives green light to Wales' tourism tax plans

South Wales Guardian

time5 hours ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Senedd gives green light to Wales' tourism tax plans

Senedd members voted 37-13 for the tourism tax bill , which will see people charged £1.30 each, plus VAT, for stays in hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation. People staying in hostels and campsites would pay 75p per person per night, with under-18s exempt from the lower rate of the tax, which would be introduced in 2027 at the earliest. The tax would raise around £33m a year if implemented across the country, but the 22 councils in Wales will be given powers to decide whether to introduce a levy locally. Only two councils, Cardiff and Anglesey, have so far indicated plans to bring in a levy, but other authorities had yet to make a decision or had 'no plans' to introduce a tax. A register of visitor accommodation providers operating in Wales will also be established by the bill, laying the groundwork for licensing plans set to be brought forward separately. Proponents argue the levy will ensure visitors contribute to the cost of services with revenue reinvested, while detractors warn the tax will put tourists off and damage Wales' economy. Tourism taxes are commonplace on the continent and, closer to home, Scottish councils will gain similar powers next year and Manchester introduced a visitor charge in 2023. Leading a debate before the key vote on July 8, Mark Drakeford told the Senedd: 'By passing this bill, we will give councils the choice to introduce a modest additional charge which would be reinvested to support a thriving, sustainable tourism industry.' The finance secretary said the visitor levy will be the first local tax for more than 500 years to have been designed and made in Wales, marking an important step for devolution. Prof Drakeford said the Welsh Government wants to ensure the pressures and opportunities of tourism are fairly balanced, with visitors contributing to infrastructure and services. The former first minister pointed to evidence 'from Iceland to New Zealand' of the revenue generated contributing significantly to challenges without deterring tourism. He argued the bill would strengthen communities and build democratic accountability, putting tourism in Wales on a new and sustainable footing.

Family Days Out Just Got Better – Free Entry for Kids at Scone Palace
Family Days Out Just Got Better – Free Entry for Kids at Scone Palace

Scotsman

time10 hours ago

  • Scotsman

Family Days Out Just Got Better – Free Entry for Kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with Kids Go Free promotion, running from 30 June to 15 August 2025. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Perfect for keeping the kids busy and entertained. Set in the heart of Perthshire, just over an hour drive from both Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scone Palace is offering free entry for children (aged 15 and under), making it an unforgettable and affordable day out for families across Scotland. From ancient kings to, mazes, Scone Palace is bursting with history, nature, and fun for children of all ages. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The stone of destiny Perth's historic landmark offers a unique blend of storytelling from times gone by, outdoor adventure, and family fun. Children can step into the past as they stand where Scottish kings, including Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II had been crowned on Moot Hill and pose for a photo on the replica Stone of Destiny. Inside the Palace, young visitors can take part in a special treasure hunt, a fun way to explore history, with a small prize at the end as a reward. The Palace grounds provide plenty of space for children to run, explore, and play. With over 100 acres of gardens and woodlands to discover, there's no shortage of fresh air and freedom. The grounds feature an adventure playground, the Murray star- Maze, and a chance to spot local wildlife including butterflies, squirrels, and the famous vibrant peacocks that roam the estate. Families can take a break in the coffee shop, where all food is freshly prepared on-site using ingredients from the Palace's Kitchen Garden. From tasty baked goods and hearty soups to child-friendly lunchboxes, there's something to suit every appetite. The gift shop also offers a handpicked selection of books and toys, perfect for children eager to take home a souvenir from their day. To make summer visits even more exciting, Scone Palace will host special event days included with the Kids Go Free admission. Visitors can enjoy Falconry Fridays on 11 July and 15 August and join in on the fun at the Circus Workshops taking place 24 July. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Kids enjoying a royal tour The Kids Go Free promotion runs daily from 10:00am to 4:00pm between 30 June and 15 August 2025. Tickets can be booked online or purchased at the gate. With something for everyone, from history lovers and nature enthusiasts to energetic little explorers, Scone Palace is the ideal summer day out for families that will keep costs down. Whether you're walking in the footsteps of ancient kings, solving the Palace treasure hunt, or simply enjoying an ice cream in the sun, Scone Palace is ready to welcome families for a summer of stories, adventure and memories – now with free entry for kids. With its beautiful historic backdrops, blooming gardens and wide-open spaces, it's as picturesque as it is fun. For more information, and to book tickets:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store