Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

A Victorian viewing machine

The attraction traces back to Maria Short, who ran a popular observatory on Calton Hill from 1835 and moved it to Castlehill, opening here in 1853. In 1892 the town planner Patrick Geddes took over the building, renamed it the Outlook Tower and used it to show visitors their city from the top down. The camera obscura show on the top floor still works the same way: a lens and mirror throw a moving picture of the streets below onto a white table while a guide picks out landmarks.

Floors of illusions

Underneath the show are several floors of interactive exhibits, including Bewilderworld with the largest illusions, the Light Fantastic and the Magic Gallery. There is a rooftop terrace on the top floor and a viewing level called Eye Spy Edinburgh. It suits families, school-age children and anyone who likes puzzles, and it works well on a wet day.

Planning your visit

Tickets are sold by date and time slot and numbers per slot are limited, so booking online is the safer bet in summer and school holidays; on-the-day tickets are sold at the desk if there is space. Combine it with Edinburgh Castle at the top of the hill, or the Scotch Whisky Experience almost next door.

Highlights

• Victorian camera obscura show with live views of Edinburgh
• Rooftop terrace beside Edinburgh Castle
• Five floors of hands-on optical illusions
• Category A-listed building on the Royal Mile

Good to know

• Access between floors is by stairs only; pushchairs are left at admissions and baby carriers can be borrowed free.
• Children aged 12 and under must be with an adult aged 16 or over.
• Only guide and assistance dogs are allowed inside.
• Booking a time slot online is recommended; walk-up tickets depend on availability.

Frequently asked questions