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All 344 Edinburgh Attractions »

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2 ND, Scotland
44-131-226-3709
As featured in Edinburgh for young kids
Ranked #6 of 163 attractions in Edinburgh
4.5 of 5 stars 970 Reviews
Type: Lookouts, Specialty Museums, Historic Sites, Science Museums, Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Fee: Yes
Owner description: Enjoy unique 360° panoramic views over Edinburgh from the fascinating Camera Obscura and rooftop terrace. In World of Illusions, experience five...... more » Owner description: Enjoy unique 360° 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. New for 2011: All Day Ticket. Get your hand stamped and come and go as you please all day. Money back guarantee if not fully satisfied. ‘Best family attraction in Britain’, The Telegraph 2010. '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, late opening weekends and holidays. « less
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
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970 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    670
    228
    62
    8
    2
Date Rating
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

we went to camera obscura on a whim but really glad we did it was so interesting, but also lots of fun and the best thing is its for all ages, glad we didn't miss it made our day. More

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Surrey
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

The actual Camera Obscura display which is very interesting to watch does not take very long. However, the best part is all the illusions that fill the other floors of the building. The best for me were the Holograms and the Mirror Maze. More

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See 4 more reviews by Maltrueno for Edinburgh
Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 25, 2012 NEW

We went here because it was included in our Edinburgh Pass and we still had some time before our dinner reservation. We caught the last show (6pm) and I have to say that it was quite informative. It was neat to see the city that way and the presenter was well informed. There was a family with a crying baby,... More

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See 17 more reviews by AdrienneGlobeTrotter for Edinburgh
Clifton, New Jersey
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 24, 2012 NEW

Even on a cloudly rainy day this was a terrific experience, with lots of hands-on activities on all five floors. More

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Berlin, Germany
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2012 NEW

I loved the spinning Tunnel, got seasick. Have your head served on a tableplatter More

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See 4 more reviews by Annika H for Edinburgh
Bracknell, United Kingdom
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

This was suggested to me by a friend. When I rocked up I thought Camera Obscura was the name of the Gallery not the type of telescope! It is well laid out and surprisingly fun to do. It is centrally located next to the castle so easy to get to. Only let down is that it is slightly expensive. More

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See 8 more reviews by ThePsarebest for Edinburgh
Durham, United Kingdom
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2012 NEW

The alternative way to see Edinburgh. Great fun for kids, gives you an idea of the places within Edinburgh More

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Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

Conveniently located on the Royal Mile, the Camera Obscura is a fantastic attraction for both adults and children. Very educational but more importantly very entertaining. I thought it was good value for money at £10 per adult. Staff were very helpful, friendly and informative. I would certainly recommend this attraction and will also be going back when I next visit... More

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Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

We really enjoyed this, the camera obscura is fascinating and I can understand how amazing it was all those years ago. Having been to Ripleys in blackpool and London I had seen these types of optical illusions before but they were still fun and we enjoyed wandering round. More

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See 4 more reviews by Laura B for Edinburgh
Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012 NEW

brilliant way to spend a couple of hours from the camera obscura on the 5th floor through all the optical illusions and interactive floors down to the ground! Cant say more without ruining the surprise, but the mirrors outside is only a small part of all the wonderful things inside. Do not miss this!! More

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See 3 more reviews by bev226 for Edinburgh

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