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Edinburgh

Attractions - General

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Attractions - General

Edinburgh - Tourist Attractions, Amusements,
Theme Parks, Walks, Viewpoints, Zoos, etc

This page covers general Tourist Attractions, including Amusement Parks, Boat Trips, Theme Parks, Specialist Shops, factory shops and outlet villages, Guided Walks, Country Parks,  Viewpoints, Zoos and wildlife parks, etc.
 


We know that not all the attractions in Edinburgh are listed.

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Attractions

General

SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE

354 Castlehill, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 2NE
Tel: 0131 220 0441       Fax: 0131 220 6288
E-mail: info@scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk
Web: www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk

Situated beside Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile, the Scotch Whisky Experience reveals the mystery behind Malt, Grain & Blended whisky. The Whisky Tour includes a barrel ride through whisky history and a chance to meet our resident ghost.

Adults also get a free taste of whisky, and children receive a soft drink and balloon. Visit our Whisky Bar with over 270 different whiskies and Restaurant serving excellent 'Taste of Scotland' lunches, coffees and cakes. Our Gift Shop has an extensive range of whisky. Open seven days (except Christmas day) 9.30am-5.30pm.

Clan Tartan Centre - Leith Mills

70 - 74 Bangor Road, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 5JU
Tel: 0131 553 5161    Fax: 0131 553 4415
E-mail: simplythebest@ewm.co.uk
Web: www.ewm.co.uk

Only 5 minutes from the Royal Yacht Britannia you will find a world of truly Scottish style. In our clan tartan centre you can find out if your name is linked to a Scottish clan or tartan. Search our database of 50,000 names and take a printed clan certificate home with you. Browse at leisure through a superb selection of knitwear, tartan, gifts and souvenirs. Free parking.


Water of Leith Visitor Centre

24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ
Tel: 0131 455 7367    Fax: 0131 443 1682
E-mail: admin@waterofleith.demon.co.uk

The centre has photographic and interactive displays on Edinburgh's river plus information on history, wildlife and maps for the Water of Leith walkway. Guided walks for groups can be booked by prior arrangement. Assisted wheelchair access.


BRASS RUBBING CENTRE

Trinity Apse, Chalmers Close, High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1SS
Tel: 0131 556 4364  
Web:
www.cac.org.uk  
Open: Apr to Sep: Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm, Sunday (August only) 12noon - 5pm Admission free (charge to make a rubbing).

The Brass Rubbing Centre occupies Trinity Apse, the only surviving fragment of the Gothic Trinity College Church, founded in 1460 by Queen Mary of Gueldress, wife of James II of Scotland.

No experience is required to make a brass rubbing and staff are on hand to help.

Shaping a Nation

Fountainpark, Dundee Street, Edinburgh, EH11 1AW
Tel: 0131 229 0300    Fax: 0131 229 0317
E-mail: info@lightspeedfun.net

Entertaining and educational visitor attraction. Explores the innovative and creative energy of the Scottish people through the use of state of the art interactive technology, culminating in an exciting and unique motion simulator ride around Scotland. Unforgettable experience for all ages.


Edinburgh Dungeon

31 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QB
Tel: 0131 240 1000    Fax: 0131 240 1002
E-mail: marketing@merlinentertainments.biz

Indoor visitor attraction depicting darkest chapters of Scottish history. Heavy emphasis on interaction, via actors, ride and tableaux. The attraction blends horror and humour to represent Scotland's bloody past. Please note that the Edinburgh Dungeon may not be suitable for very young children, or for those of a nervous (or squeamish) disposition.


The Royal Observatory Visitors Centre

Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH9 3HJ
Tel: 0131 668 8405    Fax: 0131 668 8429
E-mail: eas@roe.ac.uk
Web: www.roe.ac.uk

The Observatory houses one of Scotland's largest telescopes and also features interactive exhibits on light and prisms; a computer gallery with the latest CD-ROMs based on space and astronomy in general and science books, posters and toys can be found in the shop. A history of the Observatory is also available and you can enjoy the panoramic view of Edinburgh without the aid of a telescope! Partial disabled access.


3D Loch Ness Experience

192B The High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE
Tel: 0131 225 2290    Fax: 0131 225 2291
E-mail: info@lochnessdiscovery.com
Web: www.3dlochness.com 

The Secret of Loch Ness in Stereo 3D. Your chance to learn about the real environment of Loch Ness and to investigate the legend of Nessie. What is the evidence? What are the problems? Could it be true? 1000 Eyewitness Accounts, Photographs, Hoaxes, Illusions, Facts and Figures, Ecology, History & Mystery & Much More. Suitable for all ages and great fun for all the family. Visit The Nessie Shop Souvenirs, Gifts and Quality Merchandise. Open all year. Narrated in five languages. Designed & Presented by Naturalist Adrian Shine Leader of the Loch Ness Project. Journey over the sunlit hills above Loch Ness down into the abyss. Life is sparse in the cold deep waters .... but not absent!


Bo' ness & Kinneil Railway

Bo' ness Station, Union Street, Bo' ness, EH51 9AQ
Tel: 01506 822298    Fax: 01506 828233
E-mail: railway@srps.org.uk

7 mile round trip by steam train to Birkhill for visit to scenic Avon gorge and guided tour of Birkhill fireclay mine. Scotland's largest collection of locomotives, rolling stock and relocated railway buildings in Bo'ness. Assisted wheelchair access to train and exhibition but no access to mine. Ramped access for wheelchair users. Awarded 3 star visitor attraction by Scottish Tourist Board.


Edinburgh Science Festival

Roxburgh's Court, Off 323 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1PW
Tel: 0131 220 1882    Fax: 0131 220 1771
E-mail: esf@scifesst.demon.co.uk

The Edinburgh Science Festival is 12 days of non-stop events - shows, workshops, hands-on activities, talks, exhibitions and tours - that will inspire, stimulate and entertain you. Events take place in venues in and around the city every Easter.


The Edinburgh Crystal Visitor Centre

Eastfeild, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 8HB
Tel: 01968 675128    Fax: 01968 673622
E-mail: visitorcentre@edinburgh-crystal.co.uk

Visit are Heritage Centre to marvel at exquisite pieces of Edinburgh Crystal produced over the last 137 years. Chat to the master craftsmen as they transform plain crystal into pieces of art. Shop in the world's largest Edinburgh Crystal first quality and seconds outlet, and relax in our scrumptious restaurant.


Our Dynamic Earth

112-116, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH8 8AS
Tel: 0131 550 7800    Fax: 0131 550 7801
E-mail: enquiries@dynamicearth.co.uk
Web: www.dynamicearth.co.uk

Our Dynamic Earth is one of Edinburgh's "must see" attractions. It's a fantastic journey of discovery, using dramatic special effects, stunning imagery and state-of-the-art interactive displays, that take you from the very beginning of time to our unknown future. Discounts available for groups of 12 and over.


The Royal Yacht Britannia

Ocean Terminal, Leith, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH6 6JJ
Tel: 0131 555 5566    Fax: 0131 555 8835
E-mail: enquiries@tryb.co.uk
Web: www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

Now at Edinburgh's stylish waterfront shopping and leisure development, Ocean Terminal, in the historic port of Leith, only 2 miles from the city centre. Visit the Britannia Visitor Centre and learn about life on board and then step on board and tour the five main decks of Britannia, with the aid of a complimentary audio handset. Visitors can then browse in the shop. Go to the Visitor Centre or call information line for tickets.


The Cadies & Witchery Tours

84 West Bow (Victoria Street), Edinburgh, EH1 2HH
Tel: 0131 225 6745    Fax: 0131 220 2086
E-mail: lyal@witcherytours.demon.co.uk
Web: www.witcherytours.com

The Cadies and Witchery Tours provide light-hearted ghostly walking tours around the old town of Edinburgh. Tours operate all year round and booking in advance is essential. Visit our ghosts in person by calling into our ghoulish gift shop. We stock a range of unusual and novelty items which include: historical books and videos, CD's, DVD's, pewter giftware, hand crafted cards and candles, framed art prints, numerous gothic gifts, clothing and ghostly mugs!



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Theme Parks


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Walks & Viewpoints

AULD REEKIE TOURS

45 Niddry Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LG
Tel: 0131 557 4700
E-mail: info@auldreekietours.com
Web: www.auldreekietours.com

Probably the Scariest Ghost Tours in the World!

Halfway between Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood palace on the Royal Mile is the Tron Kirk, the departure point for Auld Reekie's Ghost Tours in Edinburgh.

Located in the old town below South Bridge, in the centre of Edinburgh, are the infamous underground vaults that have featured on U.S. and European television as one of the most actively haunted and paranormal experiencing locations in the world.

 


Learn about the historical dark side of Edinburgh, with tales about Mary Kings Close, Mercat Cross, Graverobbers, Cannibals, Plagues, The Great Fire, Witchcraft, Ghost and Ghouls, Myths and Legends. The walking tours take place in our haunted underground vaults beneath South Bridge, which formed part of the old underground city. You will be taken to a candlelit vault to hear tales about how Edinburgh was the worst city in the world for using young children to clean chimneys and the fates that befell them.

· Observe the now disused stone circled Pagan temple and why it can never be used again. Enter into the crypt where the plague victims lived to hear about the squalid conditions here in the 1700's.

· Delve into our Legendary Haunted Vault - home of the South Bridge Misogynistic.


Poltergeist - and our most active paranormal area, subject of thousands of sightings and supernatural occurrences. The ghost tours also include a visit to our Torture Museum where you will witness the terrible pain and death inflicting instruments from Nuremberg and Bamberg castles in Germany dating from the late 1500's and early 1600's. On our evening tours you will see fireplaces below the pavements of the Street above where no natural light entered and poor wretches had to live there. Enter then through a special doorway into Nicol Edwards - Scotland's most Haunted Pub for a well deserved drink. But remember BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID.

City of the Dead Tours

Blackhart Story Tellers, 40 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QE
Tel: 0131 225 9044
E-mail: storytelling@blackhart.uk.com
Web: www.blackhart.uk.com

Historical tours, ghost tours & storytelling. Professional actors, historians and storytellers combine to enthral with original tales. City of the Dead Graveyard Tour, featuring the infamous "McKenzie Poltergeist" takes the ghost tours to new levels of terror!!! Tour not suitable for young children.


Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour

Suite 2, 97b West Bow, Edinburgh, EH1 2JP
Tel: 0131 226 6665    Fax: 0131 226 6668
E-mail: info@scot-lit-tour.co.uk
Web: www.scot-lit-tour.co.uk

Follow in the steps of Scotland's literary heroes to the famous and infamous pubs of Edinburgh. Experience Burns, Scott, Stevenson and many more. Duration of tour 2 hours. A brilliant and witty dramatic romp through the winds, courtyards and pubs of Edinburgh's Old and New Town.


Leith Walks

11 Madeira Place, Edinburgh, EH6 4AN
Tel: 0131 555 2500
E-mail: mail@leithwalks.co.uk
Web: www.leithwalks.co.uk

Good quality guided walks in the city, revealing the sights, skyline and history of the capital, mostly away from the traffic. Or go walking in the neighbouring Pentland Hills. Alternatively, get out of town with a friendly, knowledgeable driver/guide, to places you would never reach alone! Everything discussed, researched and conducted by the proprietor.


Mercat Tours Ltd

Mercat House, Niddry Street South, Edinburgh, EH1 1NS
Tel: 0131 557 6464    Fax: 0131 557 6464
E-mail: info@mercattours.com
Web: www.mercattours.com

'The best ghost & history walking tours in Scotland. STB **** attraction. Scottish Thistle Award Winner. Historically authentic. Dramatically presented. Exclusive access to the Underground Vaults, largest area of hidden chambers beneath the city streets. Historic tavern... Haunted graveyard...Stories to make your flesh creep. 6 tours available, all year round. (except Dec 24,25,26) Daytime history tours; evening ghost tours. Full details on website.


Celtic Trails

17 Falcon Gardens, Edinburgh, EH10 4AP
Tel: 0131 477 5419    Fax: 0131 477 5419
E-mail: jac@celtictrails.co.uk
Web: www.celtictrails.co.uk

Unique half/full-day tours by people-carrier to beautiful ancient sites of historic & cultural significance. Not a bus tour! Tours are researched in depth, offering a truly personalised day out. Rosslyn Chapel, sites of ancient Edinburgh, Knights Templar, Celtic saints & prehistory. Country gardens in Border hills & ancient Midlothian chapels. Geared to personal interests (e.g. archaeology, early Christians, sacred site). Intro sessions - refreshments, fees & notes.


The Cadies & Witchery Tours

84 West Bow (Victoria Street), Edinburgh, EH1 2HH
Tel: 0131 225 6745    Fax: 0131 220 2086
E-mail: lyal@witcherytours.demon.co.uk
Web: www.witcherytours.com

The Cadies and Witchery Tours provide light-hearted ghostly walking tours around the old town of Edinburgh. Tours operate all year round and booking in advance is essential. Visit our ghosts in person by calling into our ghoulish gift shop. We stock a range of unusual and novelty items which include: historical books and videos, CD's, DVD's, pewter giftware, hand crafted cards and candles, framed art prints, numerous gothic gifts, clothing and ghostly mugs!


Edinburgh Saints & Sinners Walking Tours

Web: www.oldtowntours.co.uk



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Zoos & Wildlife Parks

EDINBURGH ZOO

134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH12 6TS
Tel: 0131 334 9171    Fax: 0131 314 0384.
E-mail: info@rzss.org.uk
Web: www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

The wildest visitor attraction in Scotland, this leading Zoo is home to over 1,000 rare and beautiful animals. Gift shop, cafeterias & wonderful hilltop safari ride - it's a great day out. Attractions include: Asiatic lions in wonderful new enclosure, fantastic walk through enclosure for lemurs, two new children's play areas, meet the keeper sessions and all new live animal presentations.


Gorgie City Farm

51 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2LA
Tel: 0131 337 4202    Fax: 0131 538 7263
E-mail: gorgiefarm@compuserve.com

This child-friendly attraction is billed as "a breath of the countryside in the heart of the city". There is a pet lodge and loads of friendly farm animals for you to meet including goats, ponies, poultry, rabbits, sheep and tortoises. Bring your hamper and set out your spread in the idyllic picnic area. Children can enjoy the play areas and the educational Discovery Centre. There is also the chance to have a go at woodworking, spinning, weaving and pottery in the workshops. Birthday parties and group tours can be catered for, and there are vegetable, herb and wildlife gardens to explore too. Admission: is free - donations are welcome.


Falconry Scotland

Web: www.falconryscotland.co.uk

Welcome to Falconry Scotland - providing falconry services from our centres at Jedforest and Dalhousie. Both of our centres provide the opportunities for handling falcons, hawks, owls and eagles. Whether it be for an experienced falconer, a beginner, a corporate day, a school visit, a gift, a special occasion or just for fun, we can provide you with whatever you need. Whatever you choose to do, our experienced falconers are on hand to advise on any activity you may wish to partake in, or event you wish to arrange - just give us a call. We look forward to seeing you soon!


Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World

Dobbies Garden World, Lasswade, Midlothian, EH18 1AZ
Tel: 0131 663 4932    Fax: 0131 654 2774
E-mail: info@edinburgh-butterfly-world.co.uk
Web: www.edinburgh-butterfly-world.co.uk

Free flying exotic butterflies in an indoor tropical rainforest. Bugs and Beasties exhibition, Reptile Room, Honeybee display. Cure your phobias with our daily 'meet the beasties' handling sessions. Also gift shop and garden centre.


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