Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Avonbridge

"The ‘camera’ is a giant periscope inside a Victorian rooftop tower on the Royal Mile, giving a spectacular 360° perspective on Edinburgh, plus there’s interactive optical fun galore. The building also contains three galleries and lights up at night.Castlehill, 226 3709, camera-obscura.co.uk. Opening hours vary seasonally; core hours of 10am–6pm apply daily throughout the year, with extensions during school holidays and summer."

"The eye-catching Camera Obscura building stands at the top of the Royal Mile and contains an amazing range of optical experiences across five floors. The 'camera' itself is a giant Victorian periscope offering an interesting 360° perspective on…"

"Swap noses and heads, walk through a tunnel of never-ending stars and capture your own shadow on camera. Free rooftop telescopes. Enter a world of illusions where seeing is definitely not believing!"

"Originally known as Caltoun or Caldoun Hill, Calton Hill offers one of the best and most iconic views of the city of Edinburgh. Granted to the people of Edinburgh by James II in 1456, the hill is now home to a bewildering number of buildings and monuments including the National Monument (an unfinished folly resembling the front of the Parthenon which is dedicated to those who died in the Napoleonic wars), Nelson's Monument (housing a time-ball mechanism by which ships used to set their chronometers), the Dugald Stewart Monument (a beautiful circular temple of nine columns dedicated to the Scottish philosopher), the Political Martyrs Monument, and the City Observatory (to name only a few). Recommended for Parks because: Calton Hill is home to some of the most famous Edinburgh monuments and offers some of the best views of the city."

"0 km from city center 2 out of 11 places to visit in Edinburgh. Situated on the east end of the Princes Street, the Calton Hill in Edinburgh is included in the city's UNESCO world heritage site. The National Monument of Scotland is situated on the Calton Hill."

"Enjoy a glass of mulled wine at Edinburgh Christmas Market|© Monica Wells / Alamy Stock Photo. No visit to Edinburgh in the wintertime would be complete without a browse round the atmospheric Christmas Market (daily 10am – 10pm, mid November to early January). It’s also pretty much impossible to avoid, regardless of whether you’re a tourist or a beleaguered Edinburgh shopper."

"Nestled below the castle is this charming, flora-filled park, which features walking paths as well as the Scott Monument and the Ross Fountain. The Ross Bandstand plays home to assorted concerts and special events, including during Edinburgh’s legendary hogmanay, or New Year’s Eve, celebrations as well as a Christmas Market and ‘winter wonderland’ in the lead-up to Christmas."

"Princes Street Gardens is located in the middle of Edinburgh, right beneath the castle. They used to be the site of the Nor Loch – the North Loch which was drained when the New Town was built in the 1760s. The gardens have a wonderful view of the castle, and it is a great place to stroll or stop for a picnic."

"The Royal Mile ends at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. This palace is the official residence in Scotland of Queen Elizabeth. She resides here about one week every year. When the Queen is not here, the Palace is open for visit."

"Edinburgh Waverley is the perfect blend of old and new, with areas dating back to the 1800s and other sections being constantly expanded, developed and changed. Travellers are welcomed to Scotland’s capital with stunning arches, and can walk out straight onto Princes Street beneath a glass ceiling which offers a perfect view of the Edinburgh sky. As well as being the primary link between Edinburgh and the rest of the UK, the station is also one of several links between the Old Town and the New Town — bringing people together in many different ways."

"Located under North Bridge, between the Old and New Towns, the zigzagging rooftop of Waverley Station – Edinburgh’s main railway station – is another iconic feature of the city’s architecture. Its vast glass roof makes the interior light and open (provided the weather cooperates) making the first impression of Edinburgh a pleasant one."

"Inside Waverley Railway Station every Friday around 40 stalls come together to form this exciting market offering fresh hot food and ethical gifts from Scottish craftmakers"

"Another one to add to the list of brunch gems in the Bruntsfield neighbourhood is Honeycomb & Co. As you might have guessed by the name, this buzzing little place loves all things bee-related. They even use their own adopted beehives to produce the honey used in their signature Honeycomb & Co honey buns, home baking and granola bowls."

"Honeycomb & Co is not only a comfortable, bright and well decorated place. It also offers an immense selection of cakes, scones, toasties and everything you’ll need for a first-class brunch. Sweet, salty and all kinds of drinks make a truly spectacular experience."

"This place serves a variety of foods — from vegan options to gluten-free selections tailored to meet the needs of each customer. It also greatly embraces families with a family-sized serving and an outdoor setting where the kids feel comfortable. The separate bar is also friendly to ensure that there is no mix-up with the minors."

"The Highland Tolbooth Kirk is a gothic style church established between 1842 and 1844. It has the tallest spire in Edinburgh, measuring 71.7 m. Highland Tolbooth was closed as a church in 1979 and was unused until it became “The Hub” in 1999."

"Ten Hill Place Hotel is one of Edinburgh’s premier city centre hotels just 0. 5 miles from Edinburgh Waverley Rail Station. Opened in 2006, this 4-star modern hotel is situated in a quiet Georgian square, still within walking distance of all the city’s main attractions - 5 minutes’ walk from the Royal Mile, the focal point of the annual Edinburgh Festival and Edinburgh’s main shopping area of Princes Street, overlooked by the iconic Edinburgh Castle, only a 15 minute walk away."

"The Oxford is a small pub down an old side street in Edinburgh's new town. It derives its name from the Edinburgh offices of Oxford University Press, which in the early years of the twentieth century were based opposite. The Oxford is just two rooms, a slim bar where customers can stand two-deep facing the counter, and a slightly larger back room heated with a coal fire."

"Best for Exploring Leith and its food scene In a nutshell Leith is Edinburgh’s most exciting neighbourhood, having transformed in the last decade from a rough-round-the-edges port district to a buzzing going out destination. Malmaison Edinburgh (not to be confused with the newly opened, Malmaison Edinburgh City in St Andrew’s Square) is in a converted Seaman’s mission dating back to 1883. Perched right on the docks this was in fact the chain’s first hotel and set the tone for its glamorous cool vibe.Don’t miss Malmaison Edinburgh is perfectly located to discover Leith’s food and drink scene."

"Sitting on the banks of the Firth of Forth in the fashionable district of Leith, Malmaison Edinburgh is a chic boutique hotel which boasts a modern gym, spacious rooms, and bar. There is free parking for guests and, with the city centre easily reachable by bus, there’s little need to rely on the car during a stay. Rooms are comfortable, with stylish soft furnishings; all have complimentary WiFi and satellite television, and many enjoy pleasant views of the port."

"With a striking castle-façade and a gorgeous Georgian waterfront location, Malmaison is set within this former Seaman’s Mission in dockside Leith. It’s an on-fire foodie fave, with nearby pedigree provided by Edinburgh’s two most fabulous restaurants – Michelin-starred darlings The Kitchin and Martin Wishart are a brisk walk away. For crustacean lovers, there are also bumper-to-bumper restaurants where you can pick over the day’s catch."