Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Duddingston Loch

"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."

"Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a quirky little museum just down the hill from the Castle. It’s one of the most popular Edinburgh attractions and great fun for the whole family. The museum is set over 5 floors and contains hundreds of illusions, many of which are interactive."

"Calton Hill is another fantastic place for kids to let off steam and as a bonus you’ll get some of the ultimate best views of the city!. When you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views to the Firth of Forth, Arthurs Seat, the port of Leith, the Pentland hills and of course right down Princes street towards the castle. Calton Hill is also home to several unusual monuments including the national monument which looks like it was built by the Romans."

"If you head for the Balmoral Hotel (large clock tower in New Town) head Northeast and you’ll find your way up Calton Hill. There’s plenty to see up there – from Nelson Monument (see below) to just soaking up in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh!"

"Calton Hill is a mix of bustling commercial areas and quiet residential streets. The hill itself, with its city views, is home to the Collective contemporary art gallery and the unfinished National Monument. Calton Hill (World Heritage Site)"

"At the foot of the castle and along Edinburgh's main thoroughfare you'll find Princes Street Gardens. It's a popular place for locals and tourists to enjoy a spot of lunch and take in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. The park is split into two by The Mound where you'll find two excellent art galleries."

"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."

"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."

"For a small fee, you can go up the Scott Monument and get a gorgeous view of the Old Town from the other side. However, it was sadly closed for renovations when I was there, so I didn’t get a chance to go up."

"After your visit, consider a stroll through the Princes Street Gardens or climb the Scott Monument for another bird’s eye view of Edinburgh. Royal Yacht Britannia"

"Often referred to as Holyrood Palace, this is the official residence of the Queen of England when she comes to visit Scotland. The ruins of the Holyrood Abbey are connected to the Palace on one corner. Despite its city-center location, the Palace of Holyroodhouse – set in beautiful parkland and overlooking Arthur’s Seat – feels a million miles away from Edinburgh’s hustle and bustle."

"Adjacent to Holyrood Palace are the ruins of Holyrood Abbey which are an important part of the Edinburgh landmarks list. The history of this church dates back to the 12th century. You gain access to the abbey with your Holyrood Palace ticket."

"Located on the Royal Mile a short distance from the castle, the John Knox House & Scottish Storytelling Centre attraction is a treat for anyone interested in Scotland's rich cultural heritage. It was built in 1470 and is said to be the one time home of the protestant reformer after which it's named. A highlight of a visit is exploring the exhibits and displays related to the Scottish Reformation, a pivotal moment in the country's history."

"As the very last medieval building left on the Royal Mile the John Knox House is an exciting window into the 16th century. As you walk around the parlour, the dining room, the kitchen and the rest, you’ll see the way its past inhabitants (including Mary, Queen of Scots) used to live. Soak up the opulence and the drama of Scotland's turbulent past, before walking straight back into the bustling present on Edinburgh’s main drag."

"Address: 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SRVisitor guide:John Knox House. John Knox’s house in the middle of The Royal Mile is a historic building that was reputedly lived in by the Protestant reformer in the 16th-century. Although Knox only lived in the house for a short time it’s his association with the building that prevented it from being demolished in 1840 when many other derelict buildings were being torn down."

"At the foot of the castle and along Edinburgh's main thoroughfare you'll find Princes Street Gardens. It's a popular place for locals and tourists to enjoy a spot of lunch and take in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. The park is split into two by The Mound where you'll find two excellent art galleries."

"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."

"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."

"Offering an effortless aesthetic and a relaxing chill-out spot, Artisan Roast makes anyone feel welcome and it’s casual vibes and tasty java make it very much the king of Edinburgh’s thriving coffee culture. The popularity of its signature Janzsoon blend, as well as other funky choices, have seen its popularity soar in the Caledonian capital, so much so that it’s beginning to border on a national chain, with three Edinburgh shops and now a further café in Glasgow to boot. Our favourite haunt though is still Artisan’s Broughton Street shop, as it was the first coffee roastery and specialist coffee store in all of Scotland, making it essentially the start of Edinburgh’s ever-blossoming coffee story."

"A local favorite, Artisan Roast began their empire in Edinburgh back in 2007, when their Broughton Street location opened as the first specialty coffee shop and roastery in Scotland. Since then, they’ve expanded to multiple locations, all which serve up a global selection of high quality beans from places like South America, Central America and Africa. Pro tip: If it’s too late in the day for caffeine, order up the lemongrass hot chocolate for a cozy treat instead."

"Artisan Roast has three café locations in Edinburgh|© Artisan Roast. Many people credit Artisan Roast with laying the foundations for Edinburgh’s independent coffee scene when it first opened up in Broughton Street in 2007. Now it has a total of three shops, a lab and a roastery in the city (and one in Glasgow, for extra measure)."