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Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2 ND, Scotland
44-131-226-3709
Website
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As featured in Edinburgh for young kids
Ranked #9 of 174 attractions in Edinburgh
Type: Lookouts, Specialty Museums, Historic Sites, Science Museums, Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: 2-3 hours
Owner description: Enjoy unique 360 degree panoramic views over Edinburgh from the fascinating Camera Obscura and rooftop terrace. In World of Illusions, experience five... more » Owner description: Enjoy unique 360 degree panoramic views over Edinburgh from the fascinating Camera Obscura and rooftop terrace. In World of Illusions, experience five floors of interactive hands-on optical illusions, tricks and fun things to do including vortex tunnel, mirror maze and shrinking room. Get involved, play, touch everything. Great fun for all ages and nationalities, whatever the weather. Scotland’s oldest purpose-built attraction, established in 1835. Tickets are valid all day, just get your hand stamped and come and go as you please all day long. If you don't see everything we give you a free pass to come back the next day. Unique money back guarantee if not fully satisfied. Free Wifi. 'Best family attraction in Britain’, The Telegraph. 'Five Stars, outstanding, world class', VisitScotland. Bring your camera - lots of photo opportunities throughout. Allow about 2 hours. Please note the attraction is located in a listed 17th Century building over 5 floors without a lift. Open every day, open late on holidays. Latest news: Autowed has arrived - get married, renew vows or become 'best friends forever', with our friendly robotic wedding machine. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
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2,431 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

nice place to visit after the castle... all kinds of optical illusions and strange pictores... recommended

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Durham, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

The camera Obscura is EXCELLENT. It was much better than we thought it would be, well worth the money. Loads of activities for all age groups and lots of fun and laughter.

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Northern Ireland
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

Great fun! Bring a camera - our daughter enjoyed showing her friends a picture of her dad and herself in the room which made her look huge and him tiny. We used our Tesco Clubcard tokens for this as it is a little expensive for a family. Although there is no cafe, staff are happy to let you go out... More

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See 9 more reviews by Ulster_Traveller for Edinburgh
Wedemark, Germany
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

It was our third visit to Edinburgh and after we already visited the Camera Obscura and Wrld of Illusion during our first trip in 2010 on recommendation we returned this year for another couple of hours of fantastic fun. Especially the Vortex tunnel is one unexpected intense and breathtaking optical illusion that you'll never forget. Don't walk it too often... More

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edinburgh
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

As a resident of Edinburgh, it's been a lifetime since I had last been in the Camera Obscura. It has changed over the last forty years! I remembered that the best time to visit was when the sun is out (it does work after all on looking at the outside panorama view), so we picked a sunny day to visit.... More

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See 4 more reviews by mackEdinburgh for Edinburgh
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW via mobile

Didn't expect it to be as good, most rooms are really interesting and we spent a good few hours here, slightly overpriced but I would recommend a visit

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See 2 more reviews by DebGowland for Edinburgh
Manchester
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW

This place is absolutely spectacular! Never been to a place like it! I highly recommend visiting here if you are looking for a new and exciting experience, the 60 degree panoramic views are something else!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Watford, England, United Kingdom
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW

Won a visit to Edinburgh and this was a recommendation by a friend and what a fun couple of hours spent! Loved it and would say to everyone visit camera obsura whether a full sunny day or the typical Scottish rain you will enjoy. Staff very friendly and helpful and seem to enjoy their work!!

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wolverhampton
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013 NEW via mobile

We spent about three hrs here its next to the castle so easy to find, some good visual effects inside the building with the worlds first large 3d screen on the roof top "you will see what I'm talking about if you visit😉" the price was just a little steep but with it being next to the castle they have... More

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See 3 more reviews by Mark G for Edinburgh
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
53 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013 NEW

Go to the top and take de camera obscura tour, when you will see a 360° view of the city. Then, go to each floor and put some hands on the other attractions.

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See 9 more reviews by Paula_Lacrouts for Edinburgh

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