Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Ravelston

"Camera Obscura and World of Illusions - where seeing is not believing!. Welcome to the oldest visitor attraction in Edinburgh, delighting visitors since 1835. Don't miss this Aladdin's cave filled with illusions, tricks, puzzles, hands-on experiences and unbelievable effects to experience and interact with."

"Don’t miss the Camera Obscura show on the top floor. PRO TIP: The presentation also gives you a nice overview of Edinburgh and its history, which is great if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Plan to spend about an hour here (or more, depending on your interests)."

"Weave your way through a world of illusions, and remember, nothing is what it seems. Venture through five floors jam-packed with over 100 illusions. You’ll need at least two hours to discover them all."

"Boasting gorgeous views, Calton Hill’s central location makes it a popular spot for those wishing to take in the entire city in all its beauty. On top of the hill you’ll find the Nelson Monument and the National Monument, an unfinished acropolis that is better known under its local nickname ‘Edinburgh’s disgrace.’ It may be seen as a failure in architectural endeavours, but it is still a popular place to get some fantastic photos."

"Situated at the east end of Princes Street sits Calton Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For sweeping city views from practically any spot, this is your place. Consider this sanctuary the perfect Kodak moment location for stunning views — and free of charge."

"If you are not ready for the summit of Arthur’seat you could see Calton hill. It’s a perfect place to take photos of Edinburgh. On top of the hill you can also visit Nelson's monument and the National monument."

"In the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, and at the very centre of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Princess Street Gardens is another of Edinburgh’s important parks. Here you will see the world-famous Floral Clock and an array of public monuments such as the David Livingstone Statue and the Scott Monument, to name a couple. Please note this is a gated park and the gates are opened and closed according to the opening times."

"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."

"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."

"This free-to-enter attraction, LOVE Gorgie Farm brings a slice of countryside to the heart of the city. This unique outdoor resource is the best place in Edinburgh to learn about farming hands-on. Head along and meet all the animals including chickens, ducks, cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, and take in all the sights and smells of the herb and sensory garden."

"For the little ones who love animals, LOVE Gorgie Farm is the urban farm that welcomes families to come and meet the farm animals including chickens, ducks, cattle, pigs, sheep and goats. They can even learn about the hands-on farming. They also provide birthday events, school trips and farm tours."

": Jam-jar lanterns and candles lighting the stairs set the mood and tone at Squeal, one of Edinburgh’s most romantic bars. This intimate basement haunt is sexy to boot, and serves a long list of cocktails that are guaranteed to have you swooning over them – and your partner. What’s more, they host regularly party nights too, making it the perfect place for couples who love a ‘scene’."

"It started out as a wine bar serving tapas and has evolved into a stylish and accomplished Italian restaurant - but the vino still takes center stage. The walls of the interior are lined with the "wine library" with Italian vintages from every region complimented by a selection of international stars. Patrons can also dine in the delightful courtyard under twinkling lights."

"Divino is part of the Vittoria Group, a third-generation Italian family restaurant and popular among locals. The Italian restaurant believes in using seasonal, fresh, and local produce to create genuine Italian cuisine!. If you’re looking for a romantic spot or a cosy dinner with your family, they have a brilliant outdoor patio with charming old stone and twinkly lights."

"If you like pizza, you’ll love NovaPizza Vegetarian Kitchen. It was founded in 2015 by two pizza experts from Rome called Sari and Fabiana Albertinelli, and they use the finest Italian techniques to create cruelty-free pizzas that have been the talk of the town since they first opened. The restaurant is based in the New Town, and popular vegan pizzas include the ‘4 Stagioni’ pizza – with artichokes, vegan ham, mushrooms and vegan pepperoni."

"Just a short 10-minute drive from Straits Meadow, Novapizza is the first meat-free Italian restaurant and pizzeria in Edinburgh!. Their vegan pizza is made in-house with their signature dough and offers bags of different flavours. There’s nothing better than a few moreish slices of pizza whilst watching a movie in your accommodation and Novapizza offers light, tasty pizzas for a great price!"

"A photo posted by Sara Puhto (@saggysara) on Aug 8, 2016 at 1:04pm PDT. This cute little restaurant in the New Town is the first Italian vegetarian and vegan pizzeria in Edinburgh with a special menu dedicated just to vegan food."

"One Spa is part of the luxurious Sheraton Grand Hotel located just off Lothian Road in the center of Edinburgh. As well as a delightful rooftop hydro pool, nineteen meter infinity swimming pool, rainforest showers, and rock and bio saunas, the Spa includes a unique thermal suite which features treatments inspired by the ancient Celts and Romans – such as the Laconium (dry heat treatment room) and Tepidarium (warm room) and the deliciously scented Aroma Grotto. They have a well-equipped gym with a selection of classes including Yoga, Zumba, Boxing, LiveStrong Cycling and high intensity circuit training."

"One Spa is part of the luxurious Sheraton Grand Hotel located just off Lothian Road on Festival Square. Escape the busy city life, throw your worries and cares aside for the day to contrate purely on yourself, and enjoy Scotland’s most renowned urban thermal spa experience. Their facilities are second to none and have everything you need to re-energise your body and soul."

"Unwind in a stylish and modern setting with the Sheraton Hotel’s One Spa. There are 5 different steam rooms, a 19m swimming pool as well as the Ultimate hydro rooftop pool offering the most luxurious hotel spa experience in the heart of Edinburgh. There's also an amazing selection of sauna and thermal rooms, all stimulating the senses with scent, sight, heat and steam."

"Once better known as the Caledonian, the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh underwent an extensive renovation to bring it into the Waldorf a few years ago. These upgrades resulted in the hotel winning awards like the Luxury Hotel of the Year and the Spa of the Year, among others, for 2014. Whether you opt for a classic room or a luxury suite with a view of Edinburgh Castle, expect sumptuous linens and muted colours that signify class and elegance."

"If you are a fan of Elemis spa treatments, PURE Spa is the one for you!. The contemporary design of the spa is sophisticated and relaxing, with a brilliant relaxation room where you can completely unwind after your treatment and enjoy some complimentary fruit juice. Here in Edinburgh, we are lucky to have 3 amazing locations where you can experience a PURE Spa; Lothian Road, Rose Street & Newhaven."

"Situated on the Canongate, The People's Story explores the history of Edinburgh's working class people from the 18th to the late 20th century. Visit: 163 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN - edinburghmuseums.org.uk"

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

"As the very last medieval building left on the Royal Mile the John Knox House is an exciting window into the 16th century. As you walk around the parlour, the dining room, the kitchen and the rest, you’ll see the way its past inhabitants (including Mary, Queen of Scots) used to live. Soak up the opulence and the drama of Scotland's turbulent past, before walking straight back into the bustling present on Edinburgh’s main drag."

"John Knox House is a fascinating mediaeval building constructed in 1470. It is named after the famous Protestant reformer John Knox, although he actually only lived there for a short period in his life. The house was also home to James Mosman, an ardent supporter of Mary Queen of Scots who was one of the "Queen's Men" who seized Edinburgh Castle in a failed attempt to have her reinstated."

"Getting to John Knox House : Located on the Royal Mile, the museum is a 6 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. Photo credit: David Ross. John Knox (1514-1572) was a Scottish minister, founder of the Scottish Presbyterian Church and leader of the Scottish Reformation."

"The museum of Edinburgh is in the 16th century Huntly House. Today, this historic building has been painted yellow, as a result it’s a top Edinburgh Instagram spot. Additionally, entry to the museum is free."

"Explore free museums such as The Museum on the Mound, the Writer’s Museum and the Museum of Edinburgh. These museums are smaller in size and will not take long to explore."