Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Hayfield

"Edinburgh's Camera Obscura (meaning "dark room") is a fascinating and delightful way to take advantage of the wonderful views of the city from Castle Hill. Located immediately beside Edinburgh Castle, this intriguing attraction is housed in a Victorian rooftop chamber at the apex of the Outlook Tower. Inside this mysterious room you can see moving images of Edinburgh's panorama projected onto the walls by the giant periscope."

"Getting to Camera Obscura : Located on Castlehill, the museum is a 6 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. Photo credit: Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh. Right at the top of the Royal Mile, just a few seconds walk from Edinburgh Castle, is the most fun, interactive museum on this list."

"The unfinished acropolis is completely unmistakable - referred to historically as “Edinburgh’s shame”, but any notion of that is wholly absent should you take the journey up the stairs and experience the joy to be found at the summit. Panoramic views of the city, the undulating buildings contoured to the cities foundations. Rugged and beautiful, and uniquely Edinburgh."

"Calton Hill is an easy climb where you can see some of the best views of Edinburgh, discover the monuments built there, or just relax for a while."

"Nestled below the castle is this charming, flora-filled park, which features walking paths as well as the Scott Monument and the Ross Fountain. The Ross Bandstand plays home to assorted concerts and special events, including during Edinburgh’s legendary hogmanay, or New Year’s Eve, celebrations as well as a Christmas Market and ‘winter wonderland’ in the lead-up to Christmas."

"If weather is good you should take a moment to relax in the green corner of Princes Street Gardens. These beautiful gardens are perfect to take a pic nic or read a book. The people of Edinburgh often visit here to meet friends and take time out."

"These beautiful gardens lie in a valley that was once occupied by the Nor’ Loch (North Loch), a boggy depression that was drained in the early 19th century. At the gate beside The Mound is the Floral Clock, a..."

"Old Calton is situated at the foot of Calton Hill and is the resting place of numerous important people including the philosopher David Hume. Inaugurated in 1718, the cemetery had to be altered due to the construction of Waterloo Place in 1819 and was divided into two. As well as the neoclassical memorial of David Hume, it is also worth highlighting the tall black obelisk erected in the memory of a number of political reformers and an enormous statue of Abraham Lincoln which is Scotland’s American Civil War Memorial."

"The only 5 Star walking tour company in Scotland, Mercat Tours thrill and entertain visitors with their tales of ghastly ghouls, hauntings and mysteries of Edinburgh of old. They offer exclusive access to the renowned Blair Street Underground Vaults, an underground world hidden underneath the streets of the city centre, full of goulish and gory tales of the residents who lived here hundreds of years ago. Since 1985, Mercat Tours have also operated historical tours of the Old Town which are designed to both entertain and educate."

"Little ones will love this small, family run city farm where they can interact with goats, lambs, chickens and even a tortoise!. There’s also a small playground and some fruit and vegetable gardens – you can purchase the fresh, organic produce at the end of your trip. Address: 51 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh EH11 2LA"

"For the little ones who love animals, LOVE Gorgie Farm is the urban farm that welcomes families to come and meet the farm animals including chickens, ducks, cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. They can even learn about the hands-on farming. They also provide birthday events, school trips and farm tours."

"If your little one loves animals, LOVE Gorgie Farm is a friendly urban farm that offers hands-on educational and learning opportunities for all our visitors. They also hold private functions for birthdays, school trips and farm tours. The best part is that it's free!"

"Black Medicine Coffee Co has been serving up amazing coffee in Edinburgh since the last millennium – no, really, its been nearly 20 years. Starting with an idea for a café that became a coffee shop, so-named because of the notion that the native peoples of America once called coffee Black Medicine. Over the years It's identity and character as one of the best coffee shops in Edinburgh is a cumulative product of beautiful humans who have been on either side of the machine, without whom they wouldn’t of solidified themselves as one of the best places to grab a coffee in Edinburgh."

"Named after the Native American’s medicinal use of java, Black Medicine Co. is one of the most fun and vibrant hang-outs in the city, boasting lots of space and a range of interesting seating areas. Staying true to the theme, there’s plenty of quirky wooden carvings and Native American décor inside and there’s a more relaxed vibe in here that’s perfect for meet-ups and brunches with large groups of friends. As well as their signature coffees, locals also go wild for their cold brew recipe, home-made lemonade and an always mouth-watering selection of cakes, soups and sarnies."

"Black Medicine Coffee Co. opened in Edinburgh in 1998|© Stuart Kenny. Across the road from Brew Lab is Black Medicine – a vibrant coffee shop in the heart of Edinburgh. The place is named after a Native American word for coffee that translates as ‘Black Medicine’, with decor (including a carved, wooden totem pole) heavily inspired by this culture."

"This cafe and shop offer everything a chocolate lover could want from dairy-free hot chocolate, delicious vegan chocolate cake, tarts, vegan chocolate sorbet and vegan choc ice cream. The shop also runs guided chocolate tasting tours if you fancy being a connoisseur for the afternoon. 123 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh, EH10 4EQ, +44 (0)131 228 3144"

"Last but certainly not least we have Artisan Gelato Edinburgh in the Old Town, with their authentic Italian-looking store that is the perfect backdrop for a shot of your Instagrammable ice cream. Their hand crafted ice cream is to die for and some of their most popular flavours include pistachio bronte Sicily, chocolate orange and cheescake...we will take ten scoops please. One reviewer said it is the "best gelato outside of Italy" and, like their neighbours Over Langshaw Farm, they offer vegan, gluten free and dairy free options."

"This luxury ice creams travels all the way from the Scottish Borders to Edinburgh's doorstep, sold out of a police box in the Grassmarket. Over Langshaw Farm's ice cream is locally known as some of the best gelato in town, made with fresh milk, cream and eggs straight from the family farm. They even offer gluten free, dairy free and vegan options, so there is something to keep everyone happy."

"If you find yourself in the Fountainbridge area be sure to pop into this light and bright cafe to enjoy brunch or lunch!. Another bonus is they serve up delicious fluffy pancakes. Choose from classic American Style Pancakes, Vegan Blackcurrant Pancakes, or if you’re looking for a healthy boost they also serve Superfood pancakes (pictured below)!"

"Loudons is a stylish, spacious café in Fountainbridge that's ideal for getting some work done, or just relaxing on one of the comfy couches. They offer home-made breakfasts and cake, with gluten-free and dairy-free choices too. Their cooked breakfasts also come with a choice of brown and gluten-free bread."

"Loudons is an Edinburgh staple, serving all-day breakfast at its restaurants in New Waverley and Fountainbridge. From a full breakfast with haggis and all the trimmings, to vegan pancakes, there's something for everyone."