See Edinburgh from a different perspective (Camera Obscura (Edinburgh))

Member Name: PurpleSkies

Product:	Camera Obscura (Edinburgh)
Date:	18/08/08 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun for all the family

Disadvantages: Poor weather can affect how good the view from the camera is

Situated right in the heart of Edinburgh Camera Obscura sits at the top of the Royal Mile, near the famous castle.
Initially established in the early 1850's the Camera Obscura is Edinburgh's oldest purpose built visitor attraction.

This is one of my favourite attractions in Edinburgh. It's entertaining and informative for both visitors and locals.

Your visit begins by climbing all the way to the top of the tower to see the camera obscura itself. There you see live images of Edinburgh while a guide talks you through how the camera works as well as sharing stories about the history of the city. At the end of the talk you get the opportunity to "pick up" pedestrians and even vehicles off of the table the image is projected onto. It sounds quite strange but go see for yourself!

These talks are run continuously throughout the day and if you're waiting for a talk to begin you can wander about on the rooftop and view Edinburgh through the telescopes.

The building has 5 floors and each has a different mix of attractions.

The Magic Gallery has a wonderful set of optical illusions. Everything from bendy mirrors to giant kaleidoscopes and a giant plasma sphere!

The Light Fantastic exhibition is one of the largest hologram exhibitions in Europe. Some of the holograms look very realistic so be prepared for a few surprises!

On the Edinburgh Vision floor you have the opportunity to learn more about the history of both Edinburgh and photography. As well as the chance to morph yourself into a baby or an ape.

The Illusion Lab showcases some famous optical illusion and some unexpected ones.

Some of the things you will see here are truly spectacular. There is definitely something for everyone and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Opening times vary throughout the year but they usually open at 9:30am (10am Nov-Mar) and will close at 5pm at the earliest and 7:30pm at the latest but I would advise to check the opening times before you go. The last talk usually begins 1 hour before closing time and remember it's on the top floor so give yourself plenty of time to climb all those stairs!

The only downside to this attraction is that on days where visibility is poor you might now see much through the camera obscura so try and go on a nice day!

Summary: A must see - highly recommended