The Palace of Holyroodhouse was built around an abbey founded by King David I in the 12th century, which had royal chambers attached to it. James IV (1488-1513) decided to upgrade the chambers to a palace, and this work was added to by subsequent monarchs. The Palace is the British monarch's official residence in Scotland and Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth would visit during Holyrood week, at the end of June/beginning of July. When The Monarch is in residence, the Scottish variant of the Royal Standard is flown.

Parts of the Palace are open to the public, though opening arrangements are subject to change, sometimes at short notice, and you should check before making a special journey. Highlights of a visit include the magnificent State Apartments and the fascinating Mary, Queen of Scots', chambers. You can also walk round the ruins of Holyrood Abbey and parts of the gardens.

The evocative ruins of Sweetheart Abbey, a Cistercian house. It was founded by Lady Dervorgilla de Balliol as ‘New Abbey’ in 1273, in memory of her dead husband, John. The name evolved to ‘Sweetheart’ in honour of the husband and wife. John and Dervorgilla de Balliol were a powerful pair, and parents of the John Balliol who was, albeit briefly, King of Scotland. John Balliol senior is also credited with founding Balliol College, Oxford.

There's a good cafe, Abbey Cottage, next door.

Sweetheart Abbey is on the A710, about 7 miles south of Dumfries.

The only visible remains of White Friars Priory, the medieval London home of the Carmelite order, can be found behind glass under an office block. The priory used to stretch from Fleet Street to the Thames, bounded by the River Fleet in the east and the Temple in the west. Access to the crypt may be possible on a heritage open day.

The supposed site of Scotland's first church, built by St Ninian in the late 4th or early 5th century and known as the 'Candida Casa' - or 'white house' - hence 'whithorn'. There are the modest remains of a 12th century Premonstratensian abbey church, a shrine to St Ninian, a 19th century parish church dedicated to St Ninian and a small museum which contains the Latinus Stone, Scotland's earliest Christian monument.

This place is for enthusiasts only. The museum has limited opening - check before making a special trip. Whithorn itself has limited facilities.