Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Loanhead

"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."

"This is by far one of the most fun things to in Edinburgh, especially if you are visiting with kids. This attraction is made up of 2 different areas. The first the World of Illusions, which is several floors of magic displays, optical illusions and other fun things that everyone will enjoy."

"Located on the end of Princes Street, Calton Hill offers one of the best panoramic views of Edinburgh. Best-seen at sunset or sunrise when candy colours dance across the sky, highlights of Calton Hill include plenty of monuments and follies which commemorate various achievements of former residents from over the years. On a warm summer’s day, this green space is the ideal place not only to snap photos, but to enjoy a picnic among friends!"

"Climb Calton HIll Towards the end of the day, I’d suggest you head up Calton Hill. This is a wonderful spot for a view of the city and can be found at the east end of Princes Street. This hill is home to a series of monuments, including the National Monument of Scotland, which bears more than a passing resemblance to the Parthenon in Greece."

"Edinburgh is built on Calton Hill, like Rome in Italy and Bergen in Norway. The top of Calton Hill is one of the best spots for a spectacular view of Edinburgh, especially at sunset. It is a much easier climb than Arthur’s Seat, taking less than ten minutes to reach the top from Regent Road."

"It extends for almost a mile and is lined with colorful gardens and elegant shops, including the tradition-conscious Jenners of Edinburgh, founded in 1838 and one of the world's oldest department stores. Also good for shopping is the Princes Mall, popular with its small shops set among fountains and cafés and plenty of places to browse. As well as these temples to consumerism, you'll find restaurants, from fast food to gourmet bistros."

"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."

"These beautiful gardens lie in a valley that was once occupied by the Nor’ Loch (North Loch), a boggy depression that was drained in the early 19th century. At the gate beside The Mound is the Floral Clock, a..."

"Dean Cemetery was inaugurated in 1846 and belongs to a beautiful hamlet located very near the city centre called Dean Village. It is one of the most remarkable cemeteries in Edinburgh and if it weren’t for the gravestones it could pass as a tranquil park full of trees."

"Right over the road from Holyrood Palace is the Scottish Parliament building, a relatively new addition to the city, from where the governing of Scotland takes place. It’s possible to visit the Scottish Parliament, either as part of a guided tour, or you can pop in yourself and see government at work. It’s free to visit, both on a guided tour or self-guided, although you need a ticket (free) if you want to watch a debate in the chamber."

"If you fancy a tour of how democracy works in Scotland, book yourself a tour of the Parliament. In a building known to turns heads with its modern architecture. The tours are informative and allow visitors a great glimpse into understanding politics and culture in Scotland, and the United Kingdom, in general."

"Swing by the Scottish Parliament and see a, how shall I say this diplomatically (I made another lame funny!), rather interesting building. Yeah, the design is super offbeat and modern so you will either love it or place a curse upon the man that conceived of the building."

"The only 5 Star walking tour company in Scotland, Mercat Tours thrill and entertain visitors with their tales of ghastly ghouls, hauntings and mysteries of Edinburgh of old. They offer exclusive access to the renowned Blair Street Underground Vaults, an underground world hidden underneath the streets of the city centre, full of goulish and gory tales of the residents who lived here hundreds of years ago. Since 1985, Mercat Tours have also operated historical tours of the Old Town which are designed to both entertain and educate."

"Ghosts, Gore and Grime brings tales of stinking streets, terrible tortures and ghostly goings-on. The perfect way to see the sights of Edinburgh’s Old Town while also learning a thing or two about our past. On this kids daytime tour you will visit some of the city’s most horrible haunts including Edinburgh's underground vaults."

"Travel underground and experience the dark underbelly of the city in the Edinburgh Vaults. The vaults are a number of chambers formed from the arches of the South Bridge, built in 1788. Originally, the vaults were used by tradesmen and illegitimate figures."

"Other things to do in Dunkeld include walking along the river to see the Thomas Telford Bridge, checking out the shops along Atholl Street (and the Atholl Memorial Fountain), checking out the colorful exteriors of the “Little Houses” of Dunkeld which include twenty 18th century private houses restored by the National Trust of Scotland, and stopping at the National Trust owned Ell Shop, which is a restored weaver’s shop. If you have more time, there are a number of lovely woodland walks around Dunkeld including taking a trail through the Hermitage."

"Address: 7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4DRWebsite: The Georgian House. To the west end of George Street you’ll find Charlotte Square, a large area of private gardens that mirror St. Andrews Square to the east, and it’s within the surrounding buildings where you’ll find the Georgian House. This 18th-century townhouse was built to accommodate the wealthy Edinburgh residents who could afford to escape the dilapidated Old Town, and over the course of 170 years, 5 families called 7 Charlotte Square their home."

"Take your kids back in the Georgian era and learn about the architecture and fashion of the time. Learn what kind of life the servants lived, visit the kitchen and see what people used to cook and what ate. Take the special Living History Tours and go back to Hogmanay 1815, when King George III was still on the throne and Mr and Mrs Lamont were preparing to celebrate the New Year in the same Georgian House."

"The People’s Story offers a look at a different side of Edinburgh’s history, focussing on the lives of the everyday citizens."

"The Pop Up Geeks offers a different theme every three months|© SJS Photography. If you’ve ever wanted to step into a scene from Game of Thrones, Stranger Things or The Walking Dead, visit The Pop Up Geeks. Every three months, this micro-bar in the arches of Waverley Station reinvents itself around a different pop-culture theme – complete with a food menu and cocktails to match."

"A post shared by The Pop up Geeks (@thepopupgeeks) on Jul 31, 2020 at 12:44pm PDT. Passionate about all things geeky, the Pop Up Geeks have become one of Edinburgh's hippest night spots. They create unique and immersive experiences based on popular films and TV shows."

"One of two places on this list that I haven’t made it to yet, but it’s worthy of a mention!. Now a permanent fixture along from Waverley train station, Pop Up Geeks changes its theme every few months. At the moment, it’s on a Star Wars theme until March!"

"Every Saturday, all year round you can visit the award-winning Farmer’s Market at Castle Terrace. Fresh, seasonal produce right below the castle will tempt you with their delicious smells with a menu of organic meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade jams, chutneys, chillies, cheese, freshly baked bread, handmade confectionary and organic beer there’s something there that will tempt you."

"Fresh, seasonal produce awaits you at the award-winning Edinburgh Farmers' Market. This all year round market is open from 9am-2pm each Saturday in the shadow of the castle ramparts in Castle Terrace. Now in its 19th year the market is a staple amongst locals to support small businesses and vendors."

"Every Saturday you can enjoy the fantastic fresh produce on offer at the Edinburgh Farmer's Market. The stalls are set up on Castle Terrace and the market runs from 9AM until 2PM. The castle forms a stunning backdrop to the mouth-watering offerings on display."

"At the heart of Edinburgh's flagship waterfront regeneration, Ocean Terminal is a state-of-the-art leisure and retail complex designed by Sir Terence Conran. It boasts 45,000 sq m of shopping and leisure accommodation on three floors and 1600 car parking spaces. The mix includes more than 50 stores, bars and restaurants, a gym and a 12-screen cinema, not to mention stunning views over the Firth of Forth."

"We are going to explore Leith today, so we’ll hop on the bus towards Ocean Terminal and get off near Roseleaf Bar and Cafe. The dish to order here is the Yin or full Scottish breakfast with sausage, black pudding, bacon, and haggis."