Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Silverknowes

"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."

"Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 2ND. Things to do at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions review. Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions is located on the Castlehill section of Edinburgh, Scotland, close to the Royal Mile and Edinburgh castle."

"This is by far one of the most fun things to in Edinburgh, especially if you are visiting with kids. This attraction is made up of 2 different areas. The first the World of Illusions, which is several floors of magic displays, optical illusions and other fun things that everyone will enjoy."

"Start at the end Princes Street and climb the staircase up the hill for some of the best views over the city – from here you can see out to the castle and over to Arthur’s Seat. Home to the National Monument, designed to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens but never finished, it’s also where you’ll find the huge Nelson monument. At 1pm, the time ball here drops – designed to be seen by ships far our at sea, the castle’s One O’Clock gun was added as bad weather meant the ball couldn’t always be seen."

"Did you know Edinburgh is often referred to as the Athens of the North?. The reason for this is Calton Hill and its monuments. In fact, Calton Hill is also known as Edinburgh Acropolis."

"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."

"On your way there, take a slight detour and check out the beautiful Princes Street Gardens. Personally, I love the Mac and Cheese or the grilled Halloumi but they have other great items to choose from too. And don’t worry about missing dinner since the kitchen is open until 10:30 pm daily. Oh, and join their website mailing list if you want a discount!"

"Right next to the train station, not far from the National Gallery of Scotland is the gorgeous Princes Street Garden. When I went in April, the tulips were bursting with color, even though the weather was dreary."

"Address: Greyfriars Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2QQ, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 226 5429 Greyfriars Kirk, formerly the site of an ancient Franciscan friary, dates back to 1620. Severely damaged by fire in 1845, Greyfriars features a small visitor's centre with information relating to the church's lengthy 400-year history, including a display about the National Covenant. People come here to view the original portrait of Greyfriars Bobby, a dog owned by John Gray who, after his master's death, sat watch on his grave for around 14 years."

"Greyfriars Kirk is situated on the south side of the Grassmarket. Built between 1602 and 1620, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The church is surrounded by Greyfriars Kirkyard (cemetery) where following the defeat of the Covenanters in 1679, some 1200 men were imprisoned on the south side of the church."

"Greyfriar’s Bobby is the tale of a wee dog from the Greyfriar’s area of Edinburgh. His is a tale of friendship and devotion. A kind local policeman named Jock Grey adopted a little Skye terrier and named him Bobby when he was just a couple of weeks old."

"Address: 61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 556 1798 This popular Roman Catholic church dates back to 1814, being designed by James Gillespie Graham. Each month on the third Tuesday, look out for the organ and choir recitals. The adjacent Cafe Camino provides a rather tempting menu, offering bacon sandwiches, freshly made soup, lunchboxes for children, a choice of beverages (including coffee, tea, wine, beer and cider) and tubs of locally produced ice cream."

"St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, originally called the Chapel of St Mary’s, held its first masses in August 1814. The Cathedral houses the National Shrine of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, and even has an underground passage leading to a priest’s house in York Place. It wasn’t until the 1970s that passers by could see the Cathedral in its full splendor when tenements in front of the building were demolished."

"Dean Cemetery was inaugurated in 1846 and belongs to a beautiful hamlet located very near the city centre called Dean Village. It is one of the most remarkable cemeteries in Edinburgh and if it weren’t for the gravestones it could pass as a tranquil park full of trees."

"This ruined medieval castle was built in the 14th century and gradually added to over the centuries until it fell into disrepair in the 1700s. Mary, Queen of Scots recuperated here after an illness following the birth of her son, James VI, who would later become James I of Great Britain after the Union of the Crowns. The structure is a fascinating example of a medieval castle and much of it still stands, including the tower house and the defensive walls."

"Craigmillar Castle is one of Scotland’s most beautiful and well-preserved castles, and a must-visit. The castle has existed since the 15th century and was inhabited by royals including Mary Queen of Scots. At the entrance to the castle, a pair of yew trees stand in the same place they have been for centuries, having once supplied wood for weapons."

"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art — also known as "Modern One" — is another must-visit for art enthusiasts. Here, you'll find displays of paintings by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso; surrealistic works by Rene Magritte, Joan Miró, and Max Ernst; and contemporary paintings by Bruce McLean, Callum Innes, and Gwen Hardie. The gallery is also well-known for its impressive collection of sculptures."

"The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is housed in 2 historic buildings. Art lovers will be in their element viewing the over 6000 pieces on display. For the latest exhibitions visit the official Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art website."

"You can explore Leith and visit the Trinity House Maritime Museum, stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway or see the latest exhibits on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art."

"Explore the history of Edinburgh’s everyday life from the 18th century through to modern day. Peruse real objects and visit the historic building, which used to be a tax office and a jail!. And when you are done, you can even test your knowledge taking one of the Museum’s quizzes and games online."

"This second free museum in Edinburgh is dedicated to the real working-class people of Edinburgh. Images, objects and personal stories are used to document the lives of locals between the 18th and 20th centuries. Spend an hour browsing."

"Teuchter’s Landing has one of Edinburgh’s best beer gardens, a wide array of whiskies and some incredibly hearty meals served in mugs. Cup-a-Soup and Lemsip once fought over the right to use the slogan “hug in a mug” – if either party had visited Teuchtar’s Landing in Leith, they’d hand over the slogan after any one of their comforting mugs. Tuck into a mug of Cullen Skink, Haggis Stovies, Haggis Neeps and Tatties, Mac and Cheese or some chunky chips."

"This bar is located in the Shore area of Leith and its outdoor seating area is always popular in summer. However, the warm and homely inside area of this bar is an even bigger draw in winter. A formal restaurant (A Room In Leith) lays adjacent, but it's the mug menu of Teuchters Landing which is an absolute steal."

"Purslane eschews the stuffiness often associated with fine dining|Courtesy of Purslane Restaurant. Situated in a bijou basement in ever-fashionable Stockbridge, Purslane is that apparent oxymoron: a casual fine-dining restaurant. But Purslane, headed up by chef-patron Paul Gunning has successfully pulled it off, serving up ambitious modern cuisine without the stuffy formality often associated with fine dining."

"At first glance Purslane appears to be a contradiction, offering casual and rustic fine dining. Yet scores of happy customers and a rapidly growing reputation confirm that this commitment to excellent cuisine without the stuffy formality sometimes associated with fine dining is very popular. This delightful Stockbridge restaurant has a laid back and welcoming ambience and no dress code."