Latest reviews for Sightseeing & Attractions in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh Zoo - by travelwhammy

travelwhammy — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:38:07 +0000

Review by travelwhammy

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 334 9171

Website: http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

Tags: rare finds, bargain, healthy food

Edinburgh Zoo is a great day out for all ages and I visited with family and friends on my stag do to Edinburgh last year (well, youâ¬"ve got to walk off the hangover somehow!). The weather was fine and it was quite a hot day, but this meant that some animals were sleeping so were hiding away out of view, which was a minor disappointment.

The penguins were probably the highlight of the day and we watched feeding time with eyes all aglow! There is a large window panel at the lower side of the penguinâ¬"s pool, so you can get right up close to the birds as they swim from one side of the water to the other â¬ meaning some excellent photo and video opportunities.

From the highest point of the park, you can get an excellent view of Edinburgh and the surrounding hills. This is a good place to rest and have a quick bite to eat on one of the large stones that have been placed around the perimeter of this area.
Edinburgh Zoo is a great day out for all ages and I visited with family and friends on my stag do to Edinburgh last year (well, youâ¬"ve got to walk off the hangover somehow!). The weather was fine and it was quite a hot day, but this meant that some animals were sleeping so were hiding away out of view, which was a minor disappointment.

The penguins were probably the highlight of the day and we watched feeding time with eyes all aglow! There is a large window panel at the lower side of the penguinâ¬"s pool, so you can get right up close to the birds as they swim from one side of the water to the other â¬ meaning some excellent photo and video opportunities.

From the highest point of the park, you can get an excellent view of Edinburgh and the surrounding hills. This is a good place to rest and have a quick bite to eat on one of the large stones that have been placed around the perimeter of this area.

Edinburgh Castle - My favourite destination in Scotland by ident7

ident7 — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 03:25:28 +0000

Review by ident7

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 225 9846

Website: http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Tags: helpful staff, gift shop, guided tours

I've always loved Edinburgh Castle ever since I visited as a kid.

The Castle absolutely dominates central Edinburgh. I've often wished I could visit Edinburgh with someone who has never been before just to be able to go onto Princes Street with them and say 'Look right' and see their face when they see this amazing castle that towers over the modern shopping street.

The last time I visited they gave you this audio guide thingy (Can't remember it was a CD player or some other device) so you could explore the castle in your own time and in your own way if you didn't want to go on one of the guided tours.

Expensive but well worth it. I've actually not visited the castle on my more recent trips because I've had other business in the city and I want a whole day to explore when I next go to the castle.I've always loved Edinburgh Castle ever since I visited as a kid.

The Castle absolutely dominates central Edinburgh. I've often wished I could visit Edinburgh with someone who has never been before just to be able to go onto Princes Street with them and say 'Look right' and see their face when they see this amazing castle that towers over the modern shopping street.

The last time I visited they gave you this audio guide thingy (Can't remember it was a CD player or some other device) so you could explore the castle in your own time and in your own way if you didn't want to go on one of the guided tours.

Expensive but well worth it. I've actually not visited the castle on my more recent trips because I've had other business in the city and I want a whole day to explore when I next go to the castle.

Edinburgh & Lothians Tourist Board - Very helpful by ident7

ident7 — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:12:31 +0000

Review by ident7

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 473 3898

Website: http://www.edinburgh.org.uk

Tags: helpful staff

As a visitor to Edinburgh rather than a resident, I found the tourist board office very helpful on my first visit. I didn't need to ask the staff for anything on that particular visit but I found it well stocked with the leaflets I needed and it was great to hear all the accents of the visitors to Edinburgh you hear in there.

on the occasion I was there it was packed with people but then that was the height of the Festival and it is right in the best place on Princes Street.

The two triangles of the sign for the Princes Street Mall in front of it are really striking and make it really easy to find if you know to look for them.As a visitor to Edinburgh rather than a resident, I found the tourist board office very helpful on my first visit. I didn't need to ask the staff for anything on that particular visit but I found it well stocked with the leaflets I needed and it was great to hear all the accents of the visitors to Edinburgh you hear in there.

on the occasion I was there it was packed with people but then that was the height of the Festival and it is right in the best place on Princes Street.

The two triangles of the sign for the Princes Street Mall in front of it are really striking and make it really easy to find if you know to look for them.

Royal Yacht Britannia - by jamtart6

jamtart6 — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:06:04 +0000

Review by jamtart6

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 555 5566

Website: http://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

Tags: gift shop, guided tours

Really enjoyed this day out. Spent about 4 hours looking around the Yacht. It was around Â£10 to get in, but you can sometimes get ddiscount vouchers online to get 10% off so worth looking before you go! Also really handy to park here and get the bus into Edinburgh its about Â£1 on the bus and free parking outside of here. Lots of shops and restaurants outside of the Yacht too.

The Yacht itself is great, lots to read and see - I THINK there is a headset tour if my memory serves me right. Definitely visit the fudge shop onboard! It is yummy fudge! Would definitely go back! Wrap up warm on a chilly day as some of the exhibits are outside!Really enjoyed this day out. Spent about 4 hours looking around the Yacht. It was around Â£10 to get in, but you can sometimes get ddiscount vouchers online to get 10% off so worth looking before you go! Also really handy to park here and get the bus into Edinburgh its about Â£1 on the bus and free parking outside of here. Lots of shops and restaurants outside of the Yacht too.

The Yacht itself is great, lots to read and see - I THINK there is a headset tour if my memory serves me right. Definitely visit the fudge shop onboard! It is yummy fudge! Would definitely go back! Wrap up warm on a chilly day as some of the exhibits are outside!

Our Dynamic Earth - Good but been to better! by jamtart6

jamtart6 — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 22:01:25 +0000

Review by jamtart6

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 550 7800

Website: http://www.dynamicearth.co.uk

I liked dynamic earth a lot, it is probably directed more for kids and not THAT iteractive but it informs you about how the earth was created and various systems on the earth such as glacial system etc. Good for a day out but you couldn't go very often. Think its about Â£8 per adult to get in so not too bad seeing as it is in the centre of Edinburgh. You can park at Leith (by Royal Yacht Britannia) for free and get the bus in for about Â£1. It is about a 10min bus ride from Princes Street Gardens, so worth getting the bus to save weary legs!!I liked dynamic earth a lot, it is probably directed more for kids and not THAT iteractive but it informs you about how the earth was created and various systems on the earth such as glacial system etc. Good for a day out but you couldn't go very often. Think its about Â£8 per adult to get in so not too bad seeing as it is in the centre of Edinburgh. You can park at Leith (by Royal Yacht Britannia) for free and get the bus in for about Â£1. It is about a 10min bus ride from Princes Street Gardens, so worth getting the bus to save weary legs!!

The Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre - Whisky by creative

creative — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 04:18:25 +0000

Review by creative

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 220 0441

Website: http://www.whisky-heritage.co.uk

Tags: toptable

If you're a whisky fan you should make the effort to stop by here. It's near the castle and very easy to find. I can't comment on the tour as I didn't go on it (I ran out of time) but the restaurant is priced well, has traditional Scottish dishes, tastes good, and there's a huge selection of whiskies to have with your meal. The restaurant is bustling, cosy and friendly.

The shop is very impressive. It has every kind of whisky imaginable, many of which are hard to find elsewhere. You can also buy most of them in sample size bottles, great for trying out new brands.

Next time I'm definitely going to take the tour.If you're a whisky fan you should make the effort to stop by here. It's near the castle and very easy to find. I can't comment on the tour as I didn't go on it (I ran out of time) but the restaurant is priced well, has traditional Scottish dishes, tastes good, and there's a huge selection of whiskies to have with your meal. The restaurant is bustling, cosy and friendly.

The shop is very impressive. It has every kind of whisky imaginable, many of which are hard to find elsewhere. You can also buy most of them in sample size bottles, great for trying out new brands.

Next time I'm definitely going to take the tour.

Edinburgh Military Tattoo - Tattoo by creative

creative — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:54:26 +0000

Review by creative

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 225 1188

Website: http://www.edintattoo.co.uk

The Edinburgh Tattoo is an annual event and it's a bit like Marmite, you'll either love it or hate it. I hated it but I realise that I shouldn't mark it down just because it's not my thing. Most of the people I know love it and I can see why.

The Tattoo is spectacular and it's done for charity, what's not to like? Well, the Tattoo happens in the courtyard of the castle. The seating looks rickety and is really quite high. There's no shelter from the wind and so, even in the summer it can be quite cold. I didn't think to bring a coat and was too cold to enjoy myself. BRING A COAT! If you can stay cosy you should enjoy the show.The Edinburgh Tattoo is an annual event and it's a bit like Marmite, you'll either love it or hate it. I hated it but I realise that I shouldn't mark it down just because it's not my thing. Most of the people I know love it and I can see why.

The Tattoo is spectacular and it's done for charity, what's not to like? Well, the Tattoo happens in the courtyard of the castle. The seating looks rickety and is really quite high. There's no shelter from the wind and so, even in the summer it can be quite cold. I didn't think to bring a coat and was too cold to enjoy myself. BRING A COAT! If you can stay cosy you should enjoy the show.

Mercat Walking Tours - Entertaining by creative

creative — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:28:30 +0000

Review by creative

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 557 6464

Website: http://www.mercattours.com

I really like these tours, they're fun and informative, if a little embellished. You can see signs for the tours all down the Royal Mile and it's quite easy to find out where to be when the tours start.

As the Mercat Tours are walking tours sometimes you'll see people who haven't paid trying (and failing) to surreptitiously sneak along. Don't do this, everyone notices and knows you're too cheap to pay the very fair prices Mercat charges.

I particularly liked the tour that takes you under the bridge. Do that one if you can. Remember you can stick around for a drink and to ask your guide questions after the tour.I really like these tours, they're fun and informative, if a little embellished. You can see signs for the tours all down the Royal Mile and it's quite easy to find out where to be when the tours start.

As the Mercat Tours are walking tours sometimes you'll see people who haven't paid trying (and failing) to surreptitiously sneak along. Don't do this, everyone notices and knows you're too cheap to pay the very fair prices Mercat charges.

I particularly liked the tour that takes you under the bridge. Do that one if you can. Remember you can stick around for a drink and to ask your guide questions after the tour.

Royal Botanic Gardens - Idyllic by creative

creative — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:09:59 +0000

Review by creative

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 552 7171

Website: http://www.rbge.org.uk

Tags: bargain, gift shop

This is a lovely, lovely garden. If you're visiting the city you should visit this place, especially if you happen to be there in nice weather.

The Botanic Gardens are very well kept but still allow for a feeling of natural surroundings. There are inquisitive squirrels you can sometimes get close to and a large duck pond, this place is also a haven for a variety of other birds. It's a great environment to let kids run around safely and if you wanted to you could bring a picnic, there's enough space for everyone to spread out. If picnics aren't your cup of tea then there's a little cafe you can use, it's nothing spectacular but it is nice and worth going to.This is a lovely, lovely garden. If you're visiting the city you should visit this place, especially if you happen to be there in nice weather.

The Botanic Gardens are very well kept but still allow for a feeling of natural surroundings. There are inquisitive squirrels you can sometimes get close to and a large duck pond, this place is also a haven for a variety of other birds. It's a great environment to let kids run around safely and if you wanted to you could bring a picnic, there's enough space for everyone to spread out. If picnics aren't your cup of tea then there's a little cafe you can use, it's nothing spectacular but it is nice and worth going to.

The Edinburgh Dungeon - Schlock Horror by creative

creative — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:57:06 +0000

Review by creative

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 0131 240 1000

Website: http://www.thedungeons.com

I think this place is the biggest tourist trap in Edinburgh. It's okay for kids old enough to enjoy horror but young enough not to notice the details. The details kinda ruin the experience. Nothing looks realistic or stands up to the slightest scrutiny.

This is an interactive theatrical experience. It's not very historically accurate (but then, a lot of the stories in Edinburgh aren't) and the actors are clearly enthusiastic and work hard but it still feels off. I could barely contain myself from rolling my eyes.

The maze bit is the most fun part of the experience. It doesn't cost too much to go here, so go if you've got kids and time to spare. Otherwise avoid it.I think this place is the biggest tourist trap in Edinburgh. It's okay for kids old enough to enjoy horror but young enough not to notice the details. The details kinda ruin the experience. Nothing looks realistic or stands up to the slightest scrutiny.

This is an interactive theatrical experience. It's not very historically accurate (but then, a lot of the stories in Edinburgh aren't) and the actors are clearly enthusiastic and work hard but it still feels off. I could barely contain myself from rolling my eyes.

The maze bit is the most fun part of the experience. It doesn't cost too much to go here, so go if you've got kids and time to spare. Otherwise avoid it.

Portobello Beach - Portobello Beach by Minmouse

Minmouse — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:36:22 +0000

Review by Minmouse

Rating: 3.00Portobello Beach in on the outskirts of Edinburgh easily reachable from the town centre on a 26 bus which will take about 10 minutes.

The beach goes from Seafield all the way to Joppa.
Along the promondate there are a few arcades, chip shops/takeaways, a playpark, Porotbello Indoor Pool.
On a nice day the beach can become very busy with visitors. During the school holidays there is usually a police presence near the seafield end of the beach near to the arcades.
The beach has been cleaned up a bit over the years but glass and dog poo is still a problem on the sand.
Towards the joppa end there is a nice seated area and if you are taking a walk pop into the Dalriada for a drink or too. If in the evening you can sit in there garden and watch the tide which is lovely.Portobello Beach in on the outskirts of Edinburgh easily reachable from the town centre on a 26 bus which will take about 10 minutes.

The beach goes from Seafield all the way to Joppa.
Along the promondate there are a few arcades, chip shops/takeaways, a playpark, Porotbello Indoor Pool.
On a nice day the beach can become very busy with visitors. During the school holidays there is usually a police presence near the seafield end of the beach near to the arcades.
The beach has been cleaned up a bit over the years but glass and dog poo is still a problem on the sand.
Towards the joppa end there is a nice seated area and if you are taking a walk pop into the Dalriada for a drink or too. If in the evening you can sit in there garden and watch the tide which is lovely.

Camera Obscura - Brilliant! by doggydogfoot

doggydogfoot — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:21:44 +0000

Review by doggydogfoot

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 226 3709

Website: http://www.camera-obscura.co.uk

Tags: views, gallery

I went to this attraction not quite knowing what to expect. It was definitely interesting. You have to walk up to top of the tower first which is quite a few flights of stairs. There is no lift so no option at all! At the top there are a few binoculars and then there is the show. This shows you a live tour of Edinburgh in a darkened room; it was quite good although the image would be better in sunny, bright weather. There are quite a few activities to do after this; loads of optical illusions which are just great fun. Also there is a whole floor dedicated to holographic images which are so cool. Overall I loved the visit and would definitely recommend it.I went to this attraction not quite knowing what to expect. It was definitely interesting. You have to walk up to top of the tower first which is quite a few flights of stairs. There is no lift so no option at all! At the top there are a few binoculars and then there is the show. This shows you a live tour of Edinburgh in a darkened room; it was quite good although the image would be better in sunny, bright weather. There are quite a few activities to do after this; loads of optical illusions which are just great fun. Also there is a whole floor dedicated to holographic images which are so cool. Overall I loved the visit and would definitely recommend it.

National War Museum Of Scotland - Lump to the throat by elkay115

elkay115 — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:11:30 +0000

Review by elkay115

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0131 225 7534

Website: http://www.nms.ac.uk

This is well worth a visit. It is a very large Museum and lists everyone who has died for any of the war efforts so from past to present. It really makes you think when you visit here and makes you appreciate what our armed services (past and present) actually put themselves through for our country. It is a beautiful old building within Edinburgh Castle and is a real thought provoking experience. They have all the regiments listed all around the building. Please remember to give a donation on your way in or out of the building to help.This is well worth a visit. It is a very large Museum and lists everyone who has died for any of the war efforts so from past to present. It really makes you think when you visit here and makes you appreciate what our armed services (past and present) actually put themselves through for our country. It is a beautiful old building within Edinburgh Castle and is a real thought provoking experience. They have all the regiments listed all around the building. Please remember to give a donation on your way in or out of the building to help.

Canongate Kirk - Lovely Kirk by elkay115

elkay115 — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:06:45 +0000

Review by elkay115

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0131 556 3515

Tags: guided tours

This is a beautiful old Kirk. They hold part of the Witchery Tours in here and it can feel quite spooky when on the tour. It has a very atmospheric and spooky feel to the Kirk. It is a lovely old building and is easy to access, with it being a 5 minute walk from Edinburgh Centre. It is down the old part of town and situated in a lovely part of Edinburgh. Burke and Hare were alledgedly supposed to have dug up some of their bodies from this Kirk graveyard. Well worth a visit if you are down this part of town.This is a beautiful old Kirk. They hold part of the Witchery Tours in here and it can feel quite spooky when on the tour. It has a very atmospheric and spooky feel to the Kirk. It is a lovely old building and is easy to access, with it being a 5 minute walk from Edinburgh Centre. It is down the old part of town and situated in a lovely part of Edinburgh. Burke and Hare were alledgedly supposed to have dug up some of their bodies from this Kirk graveyard. Well worth a visit if you are down this part of town.