Must See Sights and Landmarks in Auchengray Area

"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."

"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."

"Originally known as Caltoun or Caldoun Hill, Calton Hill offers one of the best and most iconic views of the city of Edinburgh. Granted to the people of Edinburgh by James II in 1456, the hill is now home to a bewildering number of buildings and monuments including the National Monument (an unfinished folly resembling the front of the Parthenon which is dedicated to those who died in the Napoleonic wars), Nelson's Monument (housing a time-ball mechanism by which ships used to set their chronometers), the Dugald Stewart Monument (a beautiful circular temple of nine columns dedicated to the Scottish philosopher), the Political Martyrs Monument, and the City Observatory (to name only a few). Recommended for Parks because: Calton Hill is home to some of the most famous Edinburgh monuments and offers some of the best views of the city."

"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."

"Did you know Edinburgh is often referred to as the Athens of the North?. The reason for this is Calton Hill and its monuments. In fact, Calton Hill is also known as Edinburgh Acropolis."

"Why not walk in the footsteps of royalty with a visit to Ocean Terminal in Leith for a tour around the Royal Yacht Britannia. This palace on the sea was a home away from home for the Royal family, touring the world for over 40 years. The Royal Apartments on board hosted world leaders such as Sir Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Rajiv Gandhi."

"One of the most popular things to do in Edinburgh is visiting The Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith. This floating museum is Her Majesty the Queen’s ex-Royal Yacht. Built in 1953 it served as the Royal Yacht until it was decommissioned in 1957."

"Royal Yacht Britannia This is one of the most famous ships in the world. It was home to the Royal Family as they cruised to various ports around the world on official visits. Now you can tour this floating palace."

"Real Mary King’s Close This is the perfect tour to learn about medieval life in Edinburgh. Journey back in time to 1645 Edinburgh, down Mary King’s Close, a real alleyway in the city. This was the year of the Black Death, when one-third of Edinburgh’s population succumbed to this terrible illness."

"Head to one of my favorite Edinburgh points of interest, the Real Mary King’s Close. Truly one of the most amazing and historically accurate tours I have ever been."

"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."

"The John Knox House dates back to 1470 and it is associated with the Scottish Reformation. Even though the name-giver John Knox only lived in the house for a brief period in the 16th century, his association with the house stuck throughout the…"

"Despite being one of the oldest surviving buildings outside of Old Town, originally built in the early 1600s, Greyfriars was nearly demolished in a fire in 1845. Its restoration introduced the first post-Reformation stained glass windows to be seen in a Scottish Presbyterian church. The impressive old stone building lies south of the Grassmarket, next to renowned independent school George Heriot’s – also a sight to be seen!"

"Greyfriars Kirk is a beautiful sixteenth century church located in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town. It is surrounded by a churchyard in which over 80,000 people have been interred since it was dedicated in 1561. One of its most famous residents is Greyfriar's Bobby, a loyal Skye terrier who refused to leave the grave of his owner and who was cared for by local people until his death."

"Greyfriars Kirkyard is famous churchyard with adjoining graveyard in Edinburgh located in the lap of the nature with perfect solitude. The clam and serene atmosphere present there makes the place a famous tourist destination in Scotland. The big glass windows of the church with the entrance made of rock make it a real heritage of Scotland."

"Beautiful rose gardens and a children’s farm are just some of the highlights of Tollcross Park. Located in the Tollcross neighbourhood of Glasgow, this city retreat is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Amenities include picnic benches, toilets, and a children’s play area (kids 12 and under)."

"Another great pick if you have kids, this park has a farm with goats and sheep. If they get close enough, your kids can feed and pet them. The park also has an official nature walk, where you might be lucky enough to spot bats and foxes."

"Expect animalistic behaviours at Monkey Barrel so funny that everyone starts swinging off the trees. This club seats up to 100 persons at a time and those that quiver at the thought of being within view and thus within the target range of comedians may want to take caution. Situated at their own venue of No. 9 Blair Street, this venue is a playground for some cracking established Scottish comedians and up-and-coming acts, too."

"As well as being open for boozy lunches and after-work drinks, Boteco Do Brasil is also a brilliant place to shake it out when dusk falls. Bringing a slice of carnival spirit to Edinburgh's club scene, this party bar is known for its incredible dancers, regular salsa competitions and potent caipirinha cocktails."

"Boteco Do Brasil are a slice of Latin fun, bringing the vibrancy of South America to everything from its design to its atmosphere. Prepare for live music, caiprinhas, and delicious Brazilian food creating a wonderfully unique restaurant."

"113-115 George St, Edinburgh EH2 4JN and Unit 8, Omni, Leisure Dev, Edinburgh EH1 3BN. Slug and Lettuce do a Bottomless Brunch. You will need to prebook."