An excellent experience. Loved each and every floor. Mikey on the Camera obscura level knew what his stuff and kept everyone entertained even on a rainy day when the images weren't the best. Well well worth the entrance fee.
Great to see the camera at the top. That was the highlight.
Too many people making their way through the levels.
Many of the things aimed at the kids however some were fun for the adults
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Great couole of hours spent here. Worth the entry fee.
That was my 3d time of being there in the last 9/10 years and I will go again next time I'm in Edinburgh.. it's a great way of passing time with the young one but it's a wonderful attraction and very interesting in the 'dome' where we get to pick people up and splat them Ha.. highly recommend going here!!
its a great place worth visiting. i always enjoy the mirrors outside it wenever i walk to the castle. inside its a wonderful place .its a world of illusions...:)
Clean the windows here every week the view from the top are amazing
Perfect to kill a bit of time and some very entertaining exhibits, good bit of exercise getting to the top flight as well.
So much to see and do. Once you've paid for your ticket, you can come and go all day as you please. We had a few hours in there in the morning before popping out to the Royal Mile for some lunch and shopping, then returned for some more illusions fun later in the afternoon.
Amazing illusions and even more amazing views. Lots of hand sanitisers and effective precautions for Covid 19. Staff is friendly as well.
My friend and I had a great time looking at all of the illusions, I imagine it would be an excellent place to take children as there is tonnes to keep them entertained. Lots of opportunities to take some great pictures. At the top of the observation tower you can walk around outside and get to see some great views of Edinburgh and in particular the castle.
Amazing place
Must visit if in Edinburgh
The work done here is amazing
Recommend to go with group
My wife was recommended to visit. I have a personal interest in this subject matter and I wasn't disappointed. Crammed with lots of interesting things lots of which by their nature are interactive. Kids enjoyed it lots too. Would highly recommend.
Great day out for the whole family. Excellent knowledge and banter from the host when demonstrating the camera obscura. Well worth a visit.
Shockingly fun, even for adults. Good way to kill an hour or two while you wait for the whiskey place across the road.
Fantastic place, great for all ages. Great staff. Very friendly and welcoming. Just amazing. Thank you x
Great way to spend a couple of hours with the kids! Worth a visit. Lots of fun
Absolutely wonderful place with so much to see and do, definitely worth a visit and was the highlight of our trip to Edinburgh! Both kids and adults loved it and all the staff were so helpful and happy.
Fantastic lots of different things to do just a shame we had to wait around for the actual camera obscura as busy
Interesting place to visit. I had a good time there.
The Camera Obscura is very interesting and the rest of the illusions are great as well! Great view of Edinburgh if you go to the top floor! Friendly staff and we had a fun afternoon! Great for kids and grown ups!
Hands down the best thing in Edinburgh (on a sunny day) is to go up this tower to see camera obscura. Unfortunately it is not wheelchair accessible and there are a lot of stairs.
The world of illusions was absolutely brilliant fun too.
But let's get real and say what really made this visit epic was the staff. Each and every one of whom seemed delighted to point you at something fascinating that you probably walked past. The staff are always popping out of concealed doors, dropping some knowledge on you while they are really just going somewhere else in the building.
This is a world class attraction.
Cool place. Spent about an hour and a half over the 6 floors. View from the top is amazing. Better to get there as it opens because it becomes too busy later on
Well worth a visit. Social distancing well executed. Not the cheapest attraction around. Still interactive despite not having the final presentation, maybe a discount to the ticket price while this part is missing. Staff very friendly, very engaging. Recommend!
Immense, suitable for all the family. The history of optical illusions combined with experience it yourself. The optical illusion tunnel was amazing I felt really dizzy but it was fun. The maze was highly entertaining. Staff all lovely. Really interesting place.
A fantastic visit. My 6 year-old son particularly enjoyed the vortex - we had to go through it several stomach-churning times!
It's a unique attraction spread over several floors of a particularly historic building, so there are many stairs to climb between exhibition areas. I expected some congestion on the stairs, but there was none, only at the very top at the 'camera obscura' itself where many people were waiting for the scheduled showing.
The camera itself works best on a bright day, and even though it was overcast on the day we visited, it was still fascinating.
Just one improvement I would like to see: a little more information/interpretation about the science behind some of the illusions. In some cases I'd like to have been better informed in addition to being astonished!
Thanks for a grand afternoon!
We all loved visiting, exhibits were very interesting. Loved the mirror maze and the vortex especially. However I would say that the price is very expensive. Especially for large families, 3 kids and two adults means beans on toast and a custard cream as a treat for the next few days........Please review prices
2nd time I've visited and still enjoy everything!!! The full 6 floors
We were in Edinburgh for my husband's birthday and this was fun experience for both of us. Gorgeous views from the roof top. I appreciate how well they adapted to the government measures during the pndemic, however it still felt a bit crowded as lot of people didn't follow the social distancing, but that's on the people. We had all in all lovely time.
So much to see and do. If you want to see Edinburgh from the very best views, Camera Obscura is the place to go. Loved it!
GREAT EXPERIENCE
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is a major tourist attraction in the Old Town, Edinburgh, Scotland. Founded by entrepreneur Maria Theresa Short in 1835 and a key site in Patrick Geddes development of regional planning, it is located on the Castlehill section of the Royal Mile next to Edinburgh Castle.
In the early 18th century, the Edinburgh instrument maker Thomas Short leased some land on Calton Hill to display his instruments to the public. As his lease stipulated female relatives of Thomas could not inherit the building and its contents, his wife and children did not inherit it when he died in 1788. In 1827, Maria Theresa Short returned to Edinburgh from the West Indies claiming to be Thomas Short s daughter and attempted to claim his Great Telescope for her inheritance. Despite strong competition from other parties, she received the telescope and set up Short's Popular Observatory in 1835, housed in a wooden and stone building next to the National Monument on Calton Hill. She exhibited many scientific instruments and kept her Observatory open till 9pm each evening.
Amazing place, my 3yr absolutely loved it, so much to do and everythings so hands on which is a bonus so you dont spend your time worrying about them touching what they shouldnt!! We spent at 6 hrs here!! The beauty of the place is you can go in and out throughout the day so you can leave for lunch etc.. its also opened to 8pm which is great!! It is a bit more pricey but for what your getting its well worth it!!
This place is trippy to say the least, and that's a good thing. Room after room uses mirrors, machines, or just psychology to mess with your head in all the best ways. It's ideal to go before 5pm for the top floor room, but the museum as a whole stays open until 9pm, so since it's next to the Edinburgh Castle, it's a great thing to do after visiting the fortress.
A small warning, while this place is amazing, it is best enjoyed with groups of two or more, as many exhibits require two people to work or a 2nd or 3rd person to take pictures. This did not detract too much from my enjoyment, as members of staff were often on hand to assist, but it is still worth keeping in mind when planning a trip.
Amazing place ! We spend 3 great hours looking into the different illusions and having tons of fun! I totally recommend it . Also the view from he rooftop is superb!
Brilliant for curious children from age 5 to 40+! Had to queue for about 20 mins to get in during school holidays. Not cheap, but well worth it, really well put together, does exactly what it says on their website. Only caution is due to the age/shape of the building it's not viable for those who can't manage stairs - there's nearly 100 of them from bottom to top.
I came here with my family last week while we were staying in Edinburgh and we all really enjoyed this place and the price was reasonable too. The Camera Obscura is very interesting and gives you a live view over Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. Would 100% recommend visiting Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
So much fun for both adults and children. I would say it's definitely worth visiting whilst in Edinburgh.
So much fun... And such a great view! 11/10, I'd go back in a heartbeat!
Five floors of immersive fun, ideal for singles, friends, couples and family all around!! All sorts of illusions, 3D portraits, games, lights... You simply can't miss going here because you'll definitely enjoy yourself.
And the view.... The view was astounding. I loved taking a picture from the 1st and last floor.
Plus, with the ticket we also got to enjoy a 15min show which consisted in viewing the panorama in a closed, dark room on a table where the reflection of Edinburgh was projected.
Don't miss it! You'd be silly if you did!
Attraction very busy, lots of people barging past jumping the line, not enough staff around to monitor proceedings.
Throwaway Plastic gloves (pure waste) being used for the mirror maze to prevent people leaving their finger marks on the glass but what's the point when the maze is so easy to get through, your in and out in a couple of minutes flat.
A lot of fun playing with the illusion, and the Obscura show is very informative. A little bit pricy though, but overall a great couple of hours!
Lots of fun. A lot of stairs to get to the Camera Obscura itself where we were treated to an entertaining camera tour of the city by one of the guides. A bit weather dependant to get the best images. Plenty else to see there, very friendly staff and well worth visiting
Great interactive resources. Quite pricey and actual obscura show useless for my child. May suit others.
Great museum.
Yes it seems a little pricey BUT it is worth it. We took the kids and they loved every minute.
So much to see and do.
Good views from above too.
Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff.
Remember, the ticket price is for access ALL day, get you hand stamped and come back anytime that day.
Went here purely for something to do in Edinburgh and so glad I did. Staff explained the camera obscura and the demonstrations were made fun. The other exhibits were thought provoking and I really liked them all, some are even interactive. The vortex tunnel was my favourite, made me feel so sickly I went back for a second go
Really good fun attraction with a range of puzzles and amusements across multiple levels. Suitable for all age ranges
Absolutely love this place, been twice so far.
The staff here are always friendly and quite funny.
The rooftop show is very interesting and I recommend you go see it (I won't spoil what happens)
Each floor of this place is filled with all sorts of fun illusions most of which are quite interactive.
Perfect place for people of all ages, especially kids!
Absolutely brilliant day out, really friendly and helpful staff, and a great destination/experience for families. The hall of mirrors and the spinning tunnel were a big favourite with my teenagers
Quite expensive. Good city views from the top. Some fun expeditions. Sometimes too busy and toddlers running around wild.
Very gimmicky, overpriced and not worth the entry admission unless you have kids with you I guess. The camera obscura and the views right on top were obviously the highlight (our guide at the top Maria was excellent) and we wish we could have paid a couple of pounds just to see that and get out. If you have less than 2 days in Edinburgh, I would skip this and climb the Scott's monument for the views instead.
A stroll away from Edinburgh Castle. A must visit place with whole family.
Very entertaining- not sure if it was worth the entrance fee. Maybe if you have children.
This was a great day out. I had been some years ago but the whole thing is so much better now. The extra floors of activities kept my family entranced. Really good place to go and spend several hours. Well done to the team!
Great place to bring young kids. Fascinating optical illusions and interactive exhibits.
Good tourist attraction to take the family to when visiting Edinburgh.
Children love the eye catching visuals and illusions.
Lots of floors to enjoy and even fun for adults.
Great views from the roof and at the top of the royal mile so great pictures of the city can be taken here.
Excellent exhibit, time flies. Fun to be inside a pin hole camera.
Really interesting exhibition of the optical kind and a good way to pass a few hours.
Went with my girlfriend without planning on it and was extremely happy to have done so. Girlfriend and I had a fantastic time and would recommend.
First visit to camera obscura.
Very interesting range of optical illusions and loads of interactive exhibits. Some illusionary artwork on display. Very interesting. If you like Escher visit.
Unbelievable views from the roof terrace. Worth a visit just for that!
Easy to book a time. Track and trace registration was easy. There was a nicely defined one-way system throughout and hand sanitiser after all the exhibits that you could touch. All the covid safety measures seemed to be well thought out and didn't make the experience worse in any way.
Well organised throughout, you do need to prebook your tickets before arrival but you can do it when you walk in of the street but be prepared to come back at a later time in the day. Plenty to see and do with hand sanitizer openly available at each level . I visited with my 3 children aged between 14 and 8 and we all enjoyed out time there. We spent 2 hours going around but you can go around it quicker, it's your choice. I would recommend going, especially for families trying to entertain the children around the trip of the city
Spent all morning here! Amazing exhibits. Love the mirror maze! Our guide for the actual Camera Obscura was brilliant. Funny and entertaining and informative. Great place for all ages.
I really like it here; they have lots of interactive activities, fun for all ages, cool things to do. Every floor is different, we had a lot of fun exploring all of them and I would recommend to people and also probably come back again. However, its 6 flights of stairs and there is no wheelchair access :(. As someone who is chronically ill with heart problems and fatigue (very close to needing a wheelchair anyway) it was a really hard struggle going up all the stairs,, especially for the show on the top floor. Other than me being completely worn out I loved it.
I loved it. Such an easy way to pass a few hours and great for all ages. The staff were friendly and informative. The vortex tunnel was my favorite part.
Camera oscura highly recommended during the day. It is available only when the sun is up of course. The museum is really interesting and the staff is outstanding and funny.
Nice place for the kids but a bit pricey for what you get.
The view at the top is amazing. The 3rd floor is really cool but the other floors aren t as interesting.
Never. Ever. Miss this place. A fascinating world of make , well you'll believe and how technology evolved and that's what's always powerful . Getting started
Brilliant place. Great for kids. Spent 90 mins with family. Kept everyone interested.
I remember being taken here when I was small and finding it to be fascinating. I recently took my own son there and he was still as impressed by it as I remember being. The main attraction is the obscura on the top of the building but as you work your way up you are shown a host of different optical illusions, some really meas with your perspective, with each being illusion being explained.
Well worth a visit if you are a visitor or a resident and especially good fun for families.
Different and unusual tourist attraction. Worth a visit.
5 floors of mind boggling illusions. Really great fun for kids and adults alike. Pricy entrance fee.
What can I say - it was amazing, great view of Edinburgh from the rooftop and plenty of interactive displays to keep you entertained and intreged
Really enjoyed my time here, amazing wonders and weird illusions. Definitely a great family day out.
The show on the last floor wasn't a great choice for our 2.5 yo, it was more like a lecture in the dark about the city - very interesting for my husband and I but our toddler started asking to leave after like 5 minutes keep it in mind if you're with very young children.
Had a super fun time here. A ton of giggles!! Simon the guy who introduced us to the camera obscura was brilliant. Lots of interesting, fun & entertaining things to look at and play around with! Great for kids and adults who just want a fun trip out!!
Excellent place very good for children and adults alike.
The vortex is amazing!!!
Every floor kept us entertained and the staff were attentive and enthusiastic
So worth the money would recommend to anyone of any age
We all really enjoy this building, full of quirky art & illusions. Well worth a visit
Amazing experience! Had tons of fun, spent more than 2 hours enjoying all the attractions in the building. Be careful with the sparks when you touch people in the electric room
Great day out.. Very busy, and quite expensive but thoroughly enjoyable, kids loved every minute :)
camera-obscura.co.uk