Camera Obscura & The World of Illusion
A truly unique attraction, the Camera Obscura show offers an unusual way to view the city, learning about Edinburgh from entertaining and friendly guides who share stories of the city’s past and present.
The world of illusions offers a range of ‘hands on’ exhibitions playing with light, illusions, and the way we see the world, from the ‘magic gallery’ to the ‘fun, games & stairway’ illusion lab. Admission costs £14.50 for adults and £10.50 for children, and opening times depend on the time of year.
Camera Obscura is a walk from our Edinburgh hotels.
The Royal Yacht Britannia
Explore the state apartments, crew’s quarters, the bridge, and the engine room of the now berthed Royal Yacht Britannia. The floating home of the Queen and the Royal family for over 40 years, a tour of the Britannia offers a glimpse into life on the yacht, following in the footsteps of Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Rajiv Gandhi. Before embarking on the audio tour around the Britannia, visitors can learn about the history of the Royal Yachts and peruse the displays and photographs of this impressive royal residence.
Opening times vary depending on the time of year, and admission costs £15 for adults and £8.50 for children (5-17), with under 5’s entering for free. The Royal Yacht Britannia is a short drive from our Leonardo Edinburgh Hotels.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Housed in a beautiful red sandstone neo-gothic palace, the Scottish National Portrait Gallery offers a range of different displays to tell Scotland’s story. With portraits of famous historical figures such as Mary Queen of Scots, Prince Charles Edward Stuart, and Robert Burns, as well as more recent Scottish heroes and heroines of science, sport, and the arts, the gallery allows visitors to immerse in history, surrounded by incredible architecture.
Admission is free and the gallery is open daily 10am-5pm, closing at 7pm on Thursdays. The portrait gallery is a short walk from our Edinburgh hotels.
The Writers’ Museum
Celebrating the lives of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson, The Writers’ Museum is filled with artefacts, portraits, rare books, and personal objects of the writers, from Burns’ writing desk to Scott’s rocking horse. The museum is housed in the historic Lady Stair’s House, dating as far back as 1622, and is filled with first editions, manuscripts, and the printing press on which Scott’s Waverley novels were printed. This museum is a ‘must’ lovers of books and literature, especially admirers of iconic Scottish writers!
The museum offers free entry and is open Monday – Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sundays 12pm to 5pm (August only). Our Leonardo Edinburgh hotels are a short walk from The Writers’ Museum.
Scottish Opera
Experience something new and exciting during your visit to Edinburgh with Scottish Opera! The Scottish Opera stage many productions in Edinburgh's theatres throughout the year, for current and future productions, please visit the Scottish Opera website.
