A succession of eerily contemplative iron figures lead from a Scottish museum to the sea.

This otherwise ordinary close on the Royal Mile constituted the end of the world for Edinburgh’s poorest residents.

This allegedly haunted 16th-century tower house-turned-museum exhibits thousands of spectacular objects.

Overlooked by many, the two famous Scottish warriors guard the main gate of Edinburgh Castle.

A statue in the heart of Edinburgh honors a bear that served in the Polish military during World War II.

A sweet symbol marks the place where torturous executions were once carried out.

A secret garden in a picturesque Edinburgh village has inspired artists for centuries.

Near the former site of numerous witch burnings, this lavish Edinburgh mainstay pays homage to Scotland's brutal history.

There are plenty of wonderful panoramic vistas in Edinburgh, but not many are hidden smack in the middle of the Old Town.

A 18th century graveyard and its astonishing cortege of macabre iconography.

The fountain marks the area where hundreds of accused witches were burned at the stake.

This series of Scottish caves has no clear purpose other than baffling historians.

One of the oldest scientific gardens in Britain, containing more than 13,302 plant species in its core collection.

Ruined 11th century abbey built by King David I in Edinburgh, Scotland.

360° views of the city plus five floors of optical illusions and hands-on science.

17th century streets hidden under Edinburgh were once a breeding ground for the black death.

Accessible only at low tide, the deserted island is dotted with World War II ruins.

A historic London pub with prison cells in the cellar and a "spy room" on the second floor.

The quaint little store that is said to have inspired a famous Dickens novel was only given its name after the book was released.

This London pub hides a peculiar secret: a recreation of the rooms shared at 221b Baker Street by Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.

An easily overlooked stretch of ornate window fronts and gaslight lamps that could be right from the pages of Dickens.

The perfectly preserved underground rooms where Churchill plotted the war against Germany.

The popularity of Sherlock Holmes led to the creation of his fictional address, turning the orderly London street numbers askew.

This collection of illusory paraphernalia has been culled from the history of London's premier magician's club.