Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Fountainhall

"Be Mystified at Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura Almost opposite the Scotch Whisky experience is Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura, also home to the World of Illusions attraction. Being a photographer I was particularly interested in the Camera Obscura at the top of the building, but I have to admit to finding the World of Illusions a lot of fun."

"On Castle Hill, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions offers five floors of interactive hands-on optical illusions, tricks and fun things to do including vortex tunnel, mirror maze and shrinking room. Tickets are £12.15 for children and £15.75 for adults."

"Located just behind the Scottish Parliament Building, Calton Hill is part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The views from the top of this hill are usually the panoramic views you see of Edinburgh. Several of the monuments we have mentioned above will be found here including the National Monument (which resembles an Athenian acropolis), Nelson Monument, Dugald Stewart Monument, Robert Burns Monument and the Greek-inspired Old City Observatory, which also holds free exhibitions."

"Calton Hill is one of the most recognisable hills in Edinburgh, located close to Princes Street, and offers one of the best views of the city."

"Located on the east part of the New Town, at the end of Princes Street, Calton Hill offers stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh."

"Down underneath Edinburgh Castle is the Princes Street Gardens, a large public park which runs parallel to Princes Street, divided into the East and West gardens by The Mound. The gardens are the former site of the “Nor Loch”, a defensive lake that sat here until the mid 18th century, and was usually very badly polluted by everything that dribbled out of the medieval city. Today, the landscaped gardens are a rather nicer environment, particularly popular in the summer as a place to relax and take in the views."

"This one might not run all year round but we couldn't write a piece on Edinburgh's markets and fail to mention it. The European festive market is a huge hit with visitors to the city and has become something of a tradition for many of those living in the capital."

"Not only do the gardens offer excellent viewpoints of Edinburgh Castle but there are a few Edinburgh landmarks located within it. Other monuments in the park include both the Ross Fountain and Wojtek the Bear."

"Address: 28 Manor Place / Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AW, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 225 6293 Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the Cathedral Church of St. Mary the Virgin is located on the western side of the city centre. Construction of the cathedral began in 1874 and whilst the nave was opened just five years later, the twin spires on its western side were not actually completed until 1917. Highlights include impressive neo-Gothic architecture, well-preserved stained-glass windows, murals and an outstanding art collection, as well as daily choral services."

"St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral is a short walk from Princes Street towards Haymarket. Its spires are visible from most places in Edinburgh, especially looking west from Princes Street. Not only does this cathedral offer a place of stillness in the bustling Scottish capital, there are also opportunities such as learning to be a stonemason in the Cathedral Workshop or a Cathedral Chorister at St Mary’s Music School."

"The neo-Gothic St. Mary's Cathedral is a striking building set in large grounds. Designed by George Gilbert Scott, it was consecrated in 1879. St. Mary's is the largest ecclesiastical building to be built in Scotland since the Reformation."

"Today we explore more of the Old Town of Edinburgh, tour some of Edinburgh’s best museums, and visit picturesque Dean Village. Tour One of Edinburgh’s Best Museums"

"In the city centre, seek out the Heart of Midlothian for a uniquely Scottish piece of history. The Heart of Midlothian is set in the pavement on the Royal Mile, constructed from coloured granite blocks that form the shape of a heart and cross. This landmark records the position of the 15th century ‘heart’ of the town, the Old Tolbooth."

"Mimi’s is one of the most popular spots for a coffee and cake in Edinburgh, and being the Scottish Baker of the Year for 4 years running, it’s understandable. While their breakfast, brunch and lunch menu is hearty and delicious, it’s really the cakes put this warm and welcoming family-run bakery on the list. Find Mimi’s main cafe right by the river in the heart of Leith, or Mimi’s Little Bakehouse in two locations in the Old Town."

"Good news for vegans out there, Mimi’s Little Bakehouse offers vegan cakes!. Aside from the traditional cakes, the shops also create cupcakes, traybakes, and brownies so you would have wider option to choose from."

"If you look for a nice place for an afternoon tea, look no further. Mimi’s Bakehouse is the best choice. The freshly prepared sandwiches and mouth-watering cakes are the perfect addition to a good cup of tea."

"Tucked away in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Urbane Art Gallery is one of the most cutting edge spaces in the city. It covers a range of artists and mediums, but the majority of work has a hint of urban delight about it. Visit the gallery’s website."

"In the city centre, seek out the Heart of Midlothian for a uniquely Scottish piece of history. The Heart of Midlothian is set in the pavement on the Royal Mile, constructed from coloured granite blocks that form the shape of a heart and cross. This landmark records the position of the 15th century ‘heart’ of the town, the Old Tolbooth."

"One of the best things to do in Edinburgh with kids is to take them to Gorgie City Farm, a free farm that features an awesome outdoor learning experience and of course, adorable animals. The farm prides itself on being a slice of countryside life right in the heart of Edinburgh, and it is a working farm so the animals are being raised for food production in case this is something you need to take into consideration before you visit. In addition to having lovely animal exhibits, there are also regular educational talks as well as the opportunity to host kid’s birthday parties or other events here."

"If your little one loves animals, LOVE Gorgie Farm is a friendly urban farm that offers hands-on educational and learning opportunities for all our visitors. They also hold private functions for birthdays, school trips and farm tours. The best part is that it's free!"