Scottish Veterans Garden City Association Memorial

There's a modest memorial tucked away near Newbridge that most Edinburgh visitors walk straight past - the Scottish Veterans Garden City Association Memorial. It's a quiet tribute to an ambitious scheme from the early 20th century, when someone had the idea of creating a proper garden city for war veterans. The memorial itself is understated, which feels appropriate really. You're looking at a piece of social history that mattered to people who'd been through unimaginable things and needed a fresh start.

The site won't keep you entertained for hours - it's more of a contemplative stop than a destination. But if you're interested in how Britain tried (however imperfectly) to look after its returned soldiers, it's genuinely worth the detour. The setting is peaceful enough, and Newbridge isn't far from central Edinburgh if you're basing yourself in the city proper.

If you're touring the Scottish Lowlands with a caravan, Linwater Caravan Park sits just 1.6 miles away and scores brilliantly with visitors. You could easily combine this memorial with exploring the wider area around Newbridge. Allow maybe 20 minutes here unless you're the type to sit quietly and read everything - then give yourself an hour. There's no visitor centre, no café, just the memorial and whatever history you bring to it. Some people find that rather refreshing.