Edinburgh

[Snuzzle]

Taking DD 8 to Edinburgh zoo in April and looking for suggestions of other places to visit while we're there.
We'll be using public transport so ideally only places in central Edinburgh or east to get to

The zoo is not that central. Botanic Gardens are nice, castle or Holyrood for history, Dynamic Earth, Camera Obscura, Harry Potter walking tour, National Museum of Scotland has various galleries and view from rooftop.

@LIZS thank you
I know the zoo isn't central but from what I've read it's easy enough to get to - lots of public transport - so hopefully not too much of a problem

Definitely accessible by bus, not sure about tram.

Camera obscura was a big hit my my kids. If she can tolerate things which are a bit spooky then Mary King Close is excellent

Camera obscura, Edinburgh castle, dynamic earth and the museum on chamber street are all great and very central

I second camera obscura for that age, although I did think it was quite expensive!

Camera Obscura, Dynamic Earth, bus tours, walking tours, Mary Kings Close, National Museum of Scotland and Edinburgh Dungeons (they recommend a minimum of 8 but it isn't particularly scary, our tour had two children around that age and they found it hilarious at points).

Some of the bus tours also go down to the Forth and include a boat tour too.

Using the train from Waverly you can also cross the Forth Rail Bridge and access some beaches in Fife.

I'd avoid Deep Sea World. I loved it as a child but it is really disappointing now and not worth the money.

Camera Obscura, Dungeon, or HP walking tour if you're into the books

We went in the summer of 2021 with an 11 and 7 year old.
Stayed in the centre- York Place.

The public transport was absolutely amazing.

I downloaded 2 apps... Transport for Edinburgh or something. These were fab for helping which bus or tram to catch etc.
One app plans the route, the other you can buy your ticket on. Make sure you activate the ticket before boarding, then you just show the phone screen to the driver or ticket inspector.

We did the zoo- really good day, we took a picnic with us.

Also did Camera Obscura- that took a couple of hours and was really good.

The castle was ok- but probably wouldn't rush back to that- it was very heavy on Scottish military history.

The royal yacht Brittania was absolutely brilliant- so much better than I was was expecting. That took a couple of hours too- and is actually accessed through a shopping mall that had places to eat in.

We had a day at Portobello beach as well.

Also had an afternoon just wandering around, we went to find Tom Riddles grave and a few other Harry Potter things.

There was an Italian restaurant just near York Place called Mama Roma- it's probably the best restaurant we've ever eaten at. Very friendly for children too.

The zoo is really easy on the bus. I’d pick up lunch provisions in M&S or a local supermarket as the cafes aren’t great. www.lothianbuses.com you can pay contactless so no need to faff about with ticket apps
dynamic earth
camera obscura
i wouldn’t bother paying to go in the castle, there’s too much history stuff for kids
national museum
calton hill for the view
visit greyfriar’s bobby but don’t rub his nose!
there’s a big play area at the east side of The Meadows and a small one at the west end of princes street gardens
dean village and walk along the water of leith to Stockbridge where there’s a Sunday market
victoria street - supposedly the inspiration for Diagon alley in Harry Potter if she’s read it
i would avoid the dungeons after a bad experience with kids that age!

Just came back yesterday from a long weekend. We had such a great time.
My son is older now but it was a return visit for us.
Camera Obscura was fantastic - we spent over two hours there - well worth the money and great view over the city
Walk up Calton Hill to see the monuments and another great view.
Museum of Childhood on the Royal Mile
Dynamic Earth and Holyrood at the bottom of the Royal Mile
Mary Kings Close - I wouldn't call it spooky but it is underground and closed in.
We did walk up Arthur's Seat - it's a tough walk but it's still a nice walk/views if you stay on the lower pathways
The Royal Yaught went down well on a previous experience.
There is a Chocolate Experience - though not been.
Lots of lovely cake and tea shops for afternoon tea
Boat trip from the Forth Bridge good fun - you should see some seals
Tons to do

Fantastic thank you
I don't think she'll be interested in the dungeons but will definitely check out the Harry Potter walks
Camera obscura sounds right up her street and she loves royal history so will probably enjoy the royal yacht Britannia too

Scottish National Portrait Gallery may be of interest about royal history. They have a mural with all the Scottish kings and queens, such as Macbeth.

I don't have children myself, but friends we recently went there with raved about the camera obscura also.

I thoroughly enjoyed the national museum of Scotland. Its free and I spend almost 2 days there. Certain sections would be more fascinating for a child but equally interesting for an adult 😀

Yes re the museum of Scotland. Also opposite you'll find the statue of Greyfriar's Bobby with its little nose polished clear by tourists touching it for luck. In Greyfriars churchyard behind there, you will find many names in Harry Potter on the gravestones. After that walk into town via very pretty Cockburn Street with excellent gelato shop at bottom.
Your daughter may also enjoy the big Lego shop in the new st James shopping centre