Travel Guides Family Friendly
Diana Lotti
If you’re visiting Edinburgh with kids, you should consider exploring the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, as it will become an unforgettable experience for the little ones. Located on the historic Royal Mile, the attraction showcases multiple floors with many interactive displays and optical illusions. No doubt the destination is a place of wonder and amazement for visitors, and you and your kids will not forget the extraordinary experience of exploring the fascinating displays and engaging in the activities.
When Maria Short came to Edinburgh in the early 19th century, she professed to be the daughter of Thomas Short, the inventor of the so-called “great telescope” (per the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions). Maria opened an observatory in Calton Hill in 1835, followed by a site for a camera obscura. She moved the attraction to the Royal Mile in the mid-1800s, and after her death, the attraction remained at its location near Edinburgh Castle. Today, the camera obscura consists of a dark room, and as daylight enters through a small aperture in the rooftop chamber, it reflects live images of Edinburgh onto a table in the room. Kids will be impressed, and their curiosity piqued, making the camera obscura a must-see for any family visiting Edinburgh.
The Attractions at the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
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The building housing the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions has hands-on and interactive activities everyone will love. The adventure starts with Bewilderworld, which consists of the Mirror Maze and the Vortex Tunnel, which spins you into a state of confusion, all in good fun. The third floor features Eye Spy Edinburgh, which includes the Infinity Corridor showcasing old photographs of Edinburgh. There is even a Thermal Camera that lets you see your body heat.
The fourth floor of the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions has the Light Fantastic theme, with the Kaleido Tunnel, Colour Shadow Wall, Light Harp, Ames Room, and the Severed Head where you can create the illusion of your head on a plate served for dinner. The next floor features the Magic Gallery, which features the Plasma Ball alongside an array of illusions. You will finish your visit on the rooftop terrace with a sweeping view of Edinburgh, including the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. You can also experience the camera obscura show here. Make sure to visit on a sunny day, if possible, to see the reflections, although there are also projection shows on rainy days.
Tips for visiting the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions with kids
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Kids and adults will have a fun time exploring the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions thanks to all the hands-on activities and interactive displays across the six floors, including the roof. The attractions on each floor are suitable for all ages, so be ready to see the 3D holograms, optical illusions, and panoramic views of Edinburgh. Don’t forget to bring your own camera to capture the fun.
The Camera Obscura and World of Illusions is open every day. According to the website, the best times to visit are early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds and enjoy the views from the rooftop terrace. If you attend in the evening, you’ll also have the opportunity to see and experience the sunset and the city lights of Edinburgh. The attraction recommends at least two hours for your visit. For accessibility, make sure to contact the venue for information as the building has no elevators, only stairs.
