Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in West Calder

"Edinburgh's Camera Obscura (meaning "dark room") is a fascinating and delightful way to take advantage of the wonderful views of the city from Castle Hill. Located immediately beside Edinburgh Castle, this intriguing attraction is housed in a Victorian rooftop chamber at the apex of the Outlook Tower. Inside this mysterious room, you can see moving images of Edinburgh's panorama projected onto the walls by the giant periscope."

"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."

"One of the most iconic views from Edinburgh is from atop Calton Hill, looking across Princes Street towards the castle, and placing the Dugald Stewart Monument in the foreground of your frame. This is a really lovely composition, and this image is often used to represent Edinburgh in photos around the world. You can shoot this particular shot either with a wide angle, or you can back up a bit and use a longer lens to compress the different elements together."

"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."

"The unfinished acropolis is completely unmistakable - referred to historically as “Edinburgh’s shame”, but any notion of that is wholly absent should you take the journey up the stairs and experience the joy to be found at the summit. Panoramic views of the city, the undulating buildings contoured to the cities foundations. Rugged and beautiful, and uniquely Edinburgh."

"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."

"At the foot of the castle and along Edinburgh's main thoroughfare you'll find Princes Street Gardens. It's a popular place for locals and tourists to enjoy a spot of lunch and take in the breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle. The park is split into two by The Mound where you'll find two excellent art galleries."

"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..."

"Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, New Lanark was home to a social experiment at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Robert Owen…"

"Address: 61 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 556 1798 This popular Roman Catholic church dates back to 1814, being designed by James Gillespie Graham. Each month on the third Tuesday, look out for the organ and choir recitals. The adjacent Cafe Camino provides a rather tempting menu, offering bacon sandwiches, freshly made soup, lunchboxes for children, a choice of beverages (including coffee, tea, wine, beer and cider) and tubs of locally produced ice cream."

"St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, originally called the Chapel of St Mary’s, held its first masses in August 1814. The Cathedral houses the National Shrine of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, and even has an underground passage leading to a priest’s house in York Place. It wasn’t until the 1970s that passers by could see the Cathedral in its full splendor when tenements in front of the building were demolished."

"At Union Canal every Friday, Fountainbridge is home to some of the country’s best street food retailers offering the prefect location for lunch. Elevenses or an afternoon treat. Each week hosts different suppliers but regular favourites include Babu Bombay Street Kitchen, Barnacles & Bones, Bonnie Burrito, French Connection Creperie, Union of Genius Soup and Steampunk Coffee."

"It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque market setting than this – Edinburgh Farmers’ Market looks right up at the city’s medieval castle. Every Saturday (9am–2pm) the blue and white striped awnings on Castle Terrace shade an excellent range of products: meat, seasonal fruits and vegetables, jams, chutneys, crusty bread, handmade chocolates and pies. Tasting samples are commonplace, so try before you buy from some esteemed suppliers including Puddledub Pork, natural organic producers Caurnie Soap and – for some famously good Scottish soft fruit – Tay Valley Fruits."

"More than 55 producers sell meat, fish, eggs, honey, seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheeses, breads, plants, and a whole range of specialties here. Pull up a bench and have some creamy porridge with whisky or a hot hog roast roll while you gaze up at the forbidding walls of the castle. The adjacent NCP Castle Terrace car park offers a discounted rate during market hours – validate your ticket at the market information stall."

"TV chef Lloyd Grossman once described this as "one of the world's best farmers' markets". It is now in its 18th year and features a range of fresh goods from more than 35 specialist producers – with the majority growing or rearing what they sell themselves. Some of the speciality produce includes heart-warming soups, gourmet crisps and Shetland knitwear."

"Ocean Terminal is designed by Sir Terence Conran in the heart of Edinburg occupying 45000 sqm space for shopping and recreation. What makes it one of the best shopping malls in Edinburgh is that not only does it have more than 75 shopping stores such as Debenhams and Charlie Miller, but it as well as has bars, restaurants, and even a gym!. There is also a cineplex inside the mall with 12 theatres!"

"Ocean Terminal is located in the Leith area of Edinburgh on the city's waterfront. The huge modern shopping centre has free parking and is ideal for dining, shopping and cinema goers. Inside, Ocean Terminal has a VUE Cinema and numerous shops, restaurants and cafes."

"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."

"Image SourceWaverley mall is an ideal shopping destination that has direct access from both Princes Street and from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station. It has recently been renovated creating a perfect space for fashion, food, and Scottish souvenirs.Location: 3 Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1BQ, United Kingdom. Suggested Read:10 Hidden Beaches In Scotland To Spend The Most Magical Vacation Ever!"

"With direct access onto both Princes Street and into Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, Waverley Mall is an ideally located shopping destination. It's the perfect place to stop by for fashion, food and a last minute Scottish souvenir before catching your train."