Discover one of Edinburgh’s best tourist attractions and delve into the secrets of the Camera Obscura!
The summer holidays are filled with trips, holidays and adventures. Kindaba is a great way to plan your trips and share your memories with your family all over the world. Kindaba’s Edinburgh Festival Series provides you with our favourite shows, events and top tips to make sure you get the most out of your experience!
While I’m sure there is plenty to keep everyone occupied in Edinburgh during festival time, why not see the classic attractions while you’re there! Perhaps you want something a bit different or maybe this could be the perfect shelter from the rain that is likely to pelt down at some point. The Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is great for families with multiple ages with hands on exhibits and a whole range of optical illusions, there is something to keep everyone entertained. Stuck in the crowds on the Royal Mile? Fed up of the flyering? Just nip in here for something a bit different that can really get the imagination going!
Why The Camera Obscura can’t be missed!
With fantastic views of Edinburgh, a 4.5 star rating on Trip Advisor (based on 9676 reviews), a rich history AND five floors filled with a dazzling array of optical experiences that have been entertaining visitors since 1853, why wouldn’t you visit?
Climb up the tower with me and explore this enchanting treasure trove. First up, explore Edinburgh’s Vision through old, new and live photos of Edinburgh which can also be found in 3D! See how coke cans and sweet tins can be used to create pinhole cameras that take some pretty cool photos. If that wasn’t enough, check out the Morph Machine which can transform your face to look like a monkey or make you look 100 years old!
Next up, enter one of the largest hologram exhibitions in Europe on the Light Fantastic Floor. Watch out for some of the ‘horror-grams’ which include giant spiders and dinosaurs, look for the portrait gallery featuring the likes of Dracula and embrace science and nature!
Up the stairs we go to the Magic Gallery, the most popular floor. Filled with optical illusions from bendy mirrors to moving pictures to lightning, this floor has a treat or two.
Finally, we reach the main event — The Camera Obscura. See images of live Edinburgh projected onto a big viewing table through a giant periscope (read on to find out how it all works). Have some fun by picking people up, flicking them away and even moving traffic around!
Good with heights? Come up to the final floor and take in the breathtaking 360 degree views of Edinburgh’s Old and New towns and Edinburgh Castle itself. Have a shot on a free telescope and see what you can find in more detail.
Have a look at this youtube video if you want a more visual glance!
All things historical and technical
In 1776, Thomas Short built the ‘Gothic House’ to store all of his optical instruments and telescopes. He then began charging admission to those who visited to view them. As time went on, eventually Partrick Greddes bought the tower in 1892 and renamed it ‘Outlook Tower’ under the premise that he wanted to change people’s outlook. He used the Camera Obscura to show visitors “life” as a whole and show the relationship between the town and its surrounding countryside. Eventually it was sold by the University of Edinburgh to Visitor Centres Ltd. and became what it is now today.
Wondering how this mysterious Camera Obscura all works? The basic mechanics of the Camera are a cross between a periscope and a giant pinhole camera. The dark chamber holds a mirror at the top which reflects light downwards passing through three lenses before projecting the image onto the white viewing table below. Click here for some more in depth detail.
The Details
The tower is open daily from 9am-10pm at Castle Hill, Royal Mile, EH1 2ND. Look out for some bendy mirrors outside and you will know you’re in the right place. Due to the large number of stairs and the lack of lift, the building is not the most accessible. Visitors are welcome to leave buggies at reception as well as bulky bags and can be given a baby carrier. Those who have mobility issues can request a walking stick stool which may help them navigate the stairway. The exhibits are almost all visual, however, a printed version of the tour is available for those who are hard of hearing. There are also many hands on, interactive exhibits which may be fun of those with a vision impairment.
Call 0131 226 3709 for any enquiries.
Tickets: Adult (£15) Child 5–15 (£11) Concession — Student/Senior (£13)
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Written by Alice Dobie, intern and Blogging Wizard of Kindaba. Alice is known for her pancake breakfasts, questionable music taste and her love for helping people face their challenges.
