Family Attractions in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has been at the centre of Scottish history for centuries and the evidence of its ancient past are all around you in the City.  But this isn't a dour, grey old town; its ancient monuments maintain their grandeur yet are vibrant and compelling.  The city celebrates its heritage with events like the annual Edinburgh Tattoo, but also bangs the drum for modern culture with the Edinburgh Festival.

So, if you are in need of a break, but have only a few days to spare, consider spending them in Edinburgh, a perfect blend of ancient and modern, with something to appeal to both adults and children.

Most people’s holidays in Edinburgh have one must-see destination: Edinburgh Castle.  The castle is the City's most popular tourist attraction, with over a million visitors annually.   Who could fail to be impressed by this imposing piece of Scottish history, sitting atop its own extinct volcano?

 A visit to the castle should appeal to all the family.  The castle itself is impressive; the magnificent great hall, dating from the early 16th Century, must surely be a highlight of a castle tour.  More royal grandeur is to be found in the rooms of the Royal Palace, home to the Scottish Royal family.  The Honours of Scotland, the Crown Jewels, are on display at the castle too, along with the Stone of Destiny, the coronation seat of the ancient kings of Scotland.  Although all this history can speak for itself, the castle does put on special events with costumed performers throughout the year to bring the castle's history to life.  

You can visit Edinburgh Castle throughout the year, excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day; it is suggested that you book your tickets online to avoid the queues.  

Feeling wild? Head over to Edinburgh Zoo. The Zoo was founded in 1909, opening in 1913. It has occupied the same site on the outskirts of Edinburgh since it opened. The Zoo has earned plaudits for its conservation work.

The Zoo is open all year round and has a huge variety of animals from all over the world. Keepers give scheduled talks about the animals and there are opportunities for hands-on encounters with the animals. Particularly popular is the daily Penguin Parade or if you fancy something a little more adventurous go on the Hilltop Safari. If the little ones tire of the animals there are some fantastic new play areas as well as cafeterias and snack kiosks.

On 4 December 2011 the Zoo welcomed two new addtions: Sunshine and Sweetie, two Giant Pandas, a gift from China. See the video below for a preview of these two gorgeous creatures.

If you haven’t visited a museum for a few years, you are in for a surprise at the Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street, a few minutes away from the Castle.  No quiet rooms full of musty exhibits in glass cases in this brand new national museum.  The museum houses an amazingly diverse collection of objects and artefacts in bright and airy modern galleries. 

The children won't be bored by a trip to the museum either; they can try an Egyptian tomb adventure, pilot an airship, or dress up as a Roman, amongst other things.  So much fun, and all for free!

Another fantastic day out can be found at the Museum of Childhood located on the High Street. This was the world's first museum solely dedicated to childhood. Adults can get all nostalgic whilst the children will be delighted by the vast collection of toys and games from times gone by.

Highlights include the collection of Steiff bears and a beautiful Queen Anne doll, dressed in her 18th Century finery. Like the Museum of Scotland, this is a hands on experience, including dressing up opportunities and a puppet theatre.

Older children and adults can enjoy a unique and spooky candlelit tour of the underground vaults that lay beneath Edinburgh. Mercat Tours provide a mysterious cloaked guide who unfolds the gruesome history of Edinburgh’s past in a spine-chilling walking tour. The tours begin at Mercat Cross in the High Street and booking is essential.

Tours are available all year and include not only the underground tours, but also guided walks around the historic old town. 

Derren Brown, the illusionist, recently gave this popular Edinburgh attraction his seal of approval. Located near the Castle, the Camera Obscura combines a breath-taking panorama over the City with optical illusions, 3D holograms, thermal imaging and a giant pinhole camera. The mind-bending interactive exhibits make this a truly memorable experience for all ages.