Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Whitburn

"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."

"Capture five floors full of optical experiences through the mirror maze, giant kaleidoscope, giant vortex tunnel, magic gallery, horrogram and lots more, here in a world that blends reality and illusion. Distance from Hotel:300 m4 mins4 mins2 mins"

"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."

"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."

"0 km from city center 2 out of 11 places to visit in Edinburgh. Situated on the east end of the Princes Street, the Calton Hill in Edinburgh is included in the city's UNESCO world heritage site. The National Monument of Scotland is situated on the Calton Hill."

"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."

"After your visit, consider a stroll through the Princes Street Gardens or climb the Scott Monument for another bird’s eye view of Edinburgh. Royal Yacht Britannia"

"Located between Princes Street and the Old Town, these gardens are a beautiful place to enjoy, and easily accessible from the city centre."

"It was established during the seventeenth century and was the main parish church in Edinburgh from 1648 until 1952. It was named “Tron Church” because the temple was located beside a weighing beam (tron in Scots), which was normally used in the town's marketplaces, one of which was on the Royal Mile. In 1824 a great fire destroyed the bell tower, but it was reconstructed so well that visitors will hardly notice that it was built two hundred years later."

"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."

"Cramond Island: This pretty tidal island is located an hour or so from Edinburgh’s Waverly Bridge by bus. Purchase some picnic essentials, grab a book and hop on a bus on a sunny day to make the most of this short day trip from Edinburgh. Nearby, there are coastal paths to follow and history to uncover; the most important Roman statue ever found in Scotland, the Cramond Lioness was uncovered in the estuary near Cramond Island!"

"The plans to construct an iconic city hall in Edinburgh were sparked in 1896 by Andrew Usher, renowned whisky distiller, who promised to fund the project. In 1914, Usher Hall was built by architects Stockdale Harrison and Howard H Thomson, a magnificent and classical beaux-arts-style concert hall which stood in defiance against the Victorian Gothic architecture so commonly found within the city of Edinburgh. Situated on Lothian Road in the west of the capital, Usher Hall is instantly recognizable with its curved walls, geometric precision and intriguing exterior design, featuring famous Scots such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Burns."

"Usher Hall is Edinburgh’s premier concert venue and a must-visit for fans of entertainment and culture. The hall was built in 1914 and features beautiful architecture, including a curved exterior decorated with panels of famous figures such as Sir Walter Scott and Mozart. The hall has historically been used for a variety of events, including concerts, political events, and sporting events."

"The grounds of 17th-century Bonnington House, 10 miles west of Edinburgh, have been lovingly converted by owners and art patrons Robert and Nicky Wilson into a gorgeous, landscaped sculpture park. Meadows and woodland showcase works – many of them specially commissioned – by a clutch of Britain's leading artists, including Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Cornelia Parker and Nathan Coley, anchored by the the vast landscape sculpture Cells of Life by Charles Jencks. A varied events program includes tours every Wednesday at 10.30am."

"The beautiful grounds of a Jacobean manor house have been transformed by an art-loving couple, Robert and Nicky Wilson, into an impressive…"

"This space is a working studio, gallery, non-profit organisation and shop. It's the first open-access printmaking studio in Britain, and has been going strong since 1967. Visitors can watch artists at work, see an exhibition, attend a lecture or buy original prints, books, jewellery and other splendid stuff in the shop."

"Housed in a grand Ionic temple designed by William Playfair in 1832, these three fascinating museums were originally established as teaching collections. The History of Surgery Museum provides a look at surgery in Scotland from the 15th century to the present day. Highlights include the exhibit on murderers Burke and Hare, which includes Burke's death mask and a pocketbook made from his skin, and a display on Dr Joseph Bell, who was the inspiration for the character of Sherlock Holmes."

"The Physicians' Gallery is a free public exhibition space which is part of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Our exhibitions are based on the wealth of historical medical material which the College has collected over the last 300 years. ‘Moonstruck: 500 years of mental health’ is our new free exhibition– opening on 14 June 2019 and running until Spring 2020"

"They are centrally located near bus and tram stops and have ample parking for self-driving guests. They do recommend reservations but it does not look like walk-ins will be turned away automatically. The website says they have ample facilities for families and handi-guests, such as Baby Changing Facilities, Disabled Access and Free WiFi for everyone."

"If you're a big fan of really authentic dim sum dishes you'll find great quality food on offer here at great value prices. This small and unassuming restaurant is to be found just off Leith Walk and you're unlikely to think much of it looking at the outside, but don't be fooled, an irresistible range of Chinese cuisine awaits you within. There are only eight tables and it could be described as cozy, but the food is fresh and impossible to pass up."

"It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but Stack Dim Sum Bar serves up some of the best traditional dim sum in Edinburgh. The menu is great value for money, with each dim sum portion costing around £3 and main courses around £8, allowing diners to try out a variety of authentic Chinese dishes on a budget. Visit: 42 Dalmeny Street, EH6 8RG - facebook.com/Stack-Dim-Sum-Bar"

"But it’s the food that matters and Stack serves the best Dim Sum in Edinburgh. Though Dim Sum is traditionally a late morning meal in China, having a multitude of baskets of delicious steamed parcels of joy is an ideal lunch or dinner choice. It can get very busy as they only have a few tables, so make sure to book in advance."