Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Sands

"A combination of Edinburgh history, city views from a new perspective, and experience with optical illusions, the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is an attraction that certainly appeals to all ages. The centerpiece, set in a Victorian rooftop room, is a pinhole camera that projects live moving images of Edinburgh onto a viewing table. The panorama is created by a combination of mirror and lenses, and it has been entertaining people here since 1853."

"Getting to Camera Obscura : Located on Castlehill, the museum is a 6 minute walk from St Christopher’s Inns Edinburgh. Photo credit: Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh. Right at the top of the Royal Mile, just a few seconds walk from Edinburgh Castle, is the most fun, interactive museum on this list."

"Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a quirky little museum just down the hill from the Castle. It’s one of the most popular Edinburgh attractions and great fun for the whole family. The museum is set over 5 floors and contains hundreds of illusions, many of which are interactive."

"Start at the end Princes Street and climb the staircase up the hill for some of the best views over the city – from here you can see out to the castle and over to Arthur’s Seat. Home to the National Monument, designed to be a replica of the Parthenon in Athens but never finished, it’s also where you’ll find the huge Nelson monument. At 1pm, the time ball here drops – designed to be seen by ships far our at sea, the castle’s One O’Clock gun was added as bad weather meant the ball couldn’t always be seen."

"The hill overlooks the entire town, including Princess Street, which is the direction of the castle. Within that view is the Dugald Stewart monument, which makes for a wonderful shot. Calton Hill is particularly breathtaking at sunset."

"On your way there, take a slight detour and check out the beautiful Princes Street Gardens. Personally, I love the Mac and Cheese or the grilled Halloumi but they have other great items to choose from too. And don’t worry about missing dinner since the kitchen is open until 10:30 pm daily. Oh, and join their website mailing list if you want a discount!"

"Right next to the train station, not far from the National Gallery of Scotland is the gorgeous Princes Street Garden. When I went in April, the tulips were bursting with color, even though the weather was dreary."

"Princes Street Gardens is the most important public park in the heart of Edinburgh. Created in the 1820s after draining the Nor Loch."

"If you love gardening, you will love the Archivists’ Garden located in between the General Register House and the New Register House. Home to 57 different plant species, the Garden is not only beautiful, but all the plants are connected to Scotland’s history, be it through folklore, heraldry or association with famous Scots. Child friendly: yes Address: HM Register House, 2 Princess Street, Edinburgh EH1 3YY Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 9am – 5pm More information on this green space"

"I suggest a late lunch after you explore the charming, cobbled streets of this historic area and experience some street performers, Canongate Kirkyard (Adam Smith is buried here), Dunbar Close, St. Giles Cathedral, and eventually Edinburgh Castle itself, all the way at the top of the Royal Mile (Be sure to book your Edinburgh Castle skip the line tickets in advance). The charm and beauty of Edinburgh, Scotland never cease to amaze me."

"Address: East London Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4BL, Scotland, UK Mansfield Place Church is to be found within the New Town area, standing close to the bus depot and the King George V Park. Built in 1872 by Robert Rowand Anderson, this old church has had many uses over the years and once even functioned as a nightclub. Today, it is owned by the Mansfield Traquair Trust, a conservation group who have actively restored the building over a number of years."

"Also dating back to the 1800s, Old St Paul’s has since been renovated multiple times – the nave extended and the chancel floor raised with marble. Nearly all of the many panes of stained glass, ornaments and vestments were made possible by fundraising or donations. Unusually, the gargoyles at Old St Paul’s are located inside, not on the exterior of the church as is common on buildings of this period."

"Licks Cake Design is an award winning bake shop in Edinburgh. Their creative staff create cakes that are suitable for any kinds of events may it be a formal or novelty ones. They also occasionally offer price sales so make sure to always check their website."

"Disclaimer: My meal at Loudons New Waverley was a gifted experience. All opinions are my own. Loudons runs two cafes in Edinburgh – the original on Fountainbridge, and a new spacious location at New Waverley, a development project with living space, hotels, shops and restaurants just off the Royal Mile."