Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in Windygates

"There’s nowhere quite like the World of Illusions and the range of illusions you’ll find over the five floors here – not to mention the fantastic views of Edinburgh from the rooftop. The 166-year-old Camera Obscura is still the highlight – I remember being wowed when I visited. There’s a 15-minute show with a guide telling tales of Edinburgh history, while showing off the whole city from the rooftop tower using the Victorian contraption, where images of what’s outside are displayed in the room."

"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."

"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."

"This hill at the east end of Princes Street provides the ideal perch for viewing Edinburgh's loveliest sights, including the Castle, New Town, Holyrood and Arthur's Seat. At 100 feet, you'll be surprised at how extensive the view is from the crest, and it's a great place for a picnic lunch. At the top of the hill, you'll find Nelson's monument, offering added lift for an increased perspective of the city."

"The hill overlooks the entire town, including Princess Street, which is the direction of the castle. Within that view is the Dugald Stewart monument, which makes for a wonderful shot. Calton Hill is particularly breathtaking at sunset."

"Not only do the gardens offer excellent viewpoints of Edinburgh Castle but there are a few Edinburgh landmarks located within it. Other monuments in the park include both the Ross Fountain and Wojtek the Bear."

"Located between Princes Street and the Old Town, these gardens are a beautiful place to enjoy, and easily accessible from the city centre."

"Princes Street Gardens is the most important public park in the heart of Edinburgh. Created in the 1820s after draining the Nor Loch."

"Built to commemorate four men who were executed in St Andrews during the 16th Century Scottish Reformation, Martyrs’ Monument has become one of the town’s most intriguing and iconic historic landmarks. The monument still stands tall and, as a beacon of religious freedom and tremendous courage, is a frequently visited landmark in Scotland. Along with St Salvators Chapel, which is said to have the face of Hamilton burnt into its walls, Martyrs’ Monument brings alive the rich history of St Andrews and its key involvement in the Scottish Reformation."

"An Edinburgh ice cream list wouldn't be complete without Scoopz in the capital's Southside, located conveniently next to the Pear Tree pub. They have on offer everything your sweet tooth could desire- from Creme Egg ice cream to waffles smothered in Nutella or a milkshake made with your favourite chocolate. It's Edinburgh's answer to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory and no matter your age you will probably find yourself getting carried away by the sheer number of sweeties on offer."

"Situated in Newhaven, this sloped, Victorian garden overlooks the Firth of Forth into Fife. This spot is perfect for relaxing under the cherry blossoms in the Spring and enjoying the delights of the lovingly maintained park throughout the year. Ray, our Merchandising Assistant, and Laura, our Finance Manager, favour this park for a spot of quietness with a picnic of foodie indulgence."

"Located near the Meadows, Considerit is a relatively new addition to Edinburgh’s exciting foodie scene. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, this is one for you as Considerit believe in a plant-based future and therefore all their sweet treats are free from animal products!. Also, their doughnuts, chocolate, and ice cream are all hand crafted on a daily basis."

"Tucked away in Marchmont, Deadly Donuts pride themselves on serving up freshly made, high quality and different doughnut recipes on a daily basis. The shop is owned by classically trained chef, Freddie Spindler, and their selection of doughnuts range from traditional flavours, to the more intriguing flavours such as matcha green tea. Website: www.instagram.com/deadlydonuts"

"06/07/2021: Need to learn how to smile and the words please and thank you. Asked what a couple of their cakes were and they grunted the answers. Shame on them....at wad as if they were doing us a favour."

"The quintessential St Andrews sweets shop, Fisher & Donaldson is the spot to hit if your sweet tooth is aching."

"One Spa is part of the luxurious Sheraton Grand Hotel located just off Lothian Road in the center of Edinburgh. As well as a delightful rooftop hydro pool, nineteen meter infinity swimming pool, rainforest showers, and rock and bio saunas, the Spa includes a unique thermal suite which features treatments inspired by the ancient Celts and Romans – such as the Laconium (dry heat treatment room) and Tepidarium (warm room) and the deliciously scented Aroma Grotto. They have a well-equipped gym with a selection of classes including Yoga, Zumba, Boxing, LiveStrong Cycling and high intensity circuit training."

"One Spa is part of the luxurious Sheraton Grand Hotel located just off Lothian Road on Festival Square. Escape the busy city life, throw your worries and cares aside for the day to contrate purely on yourself, and enjoy Scotland’s most renowned urban thermal spa experience. Their facilities are second to none and have everything you need to re-energise your body and soul."

"Unwind in a stylish and modern setting with the Sheraton Hotel’s One Spa. There are 5 different steam rooms, a 19m swimming pool as well as the Ultimate hydro rooftop pool offering the most luxurious hotel spa experience in the heart of Edinburgh. There's also an amazing selection of sauna and thermal rooms, all stimulating the senses with scent, sight, heat and steam."

"Lush have made a name for themselves with unique, handmade, ethically sourced health and beauty products. Now they have taken the next step an offer spa treatments from their Edinburgh store. Like their products, the treatments are unconventional and fresh and more specifically tailored to the individual than is the norm."

"If you love Lush or want to experience something different from your usual spa experience, Lush Spa is a must-try!. Each treatment therapist is highly knowledgeable and professional from the moment you meet them and will have a consultation with you before selecting the products for your treatment!"