Royal Observatory Edinburgh Visitor Centre
Royal Observatory Edinburgh Visitor Centre
Royal Observatory Edinburgh Visitor Centre
4.5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The Royal Observatory, Edinburgh is unique among UK scientific establishments in that it houses on a single site a university astronomy research group, an establishment of a UK Research Council and a Visitor Centre. The Visitor Centre is open for pre-booked school groups and special events only. For full details of all our public events and how to book, please visit our website.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
53 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
15
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
DragonChowhound
Southlake, TX249 contributions
Feb 2020
We recently attended a Winter Public Astronomy Evening, and were fortunate to have clear skies. First things first, the staff who presented during the event were all absolutely terrific. They clearly knew their science and were experts in their fields.
We started out with some rooftop viewing, which was terrific fun for young and old. This evening, we saw Venus and the moon through (what I think was) a 12" Meade LX200. A very nice piece of kit for sure!
Next was a really cool presentation about meteorites, complete with samples to pass around the room. I found this part very interesting!
Last, we made the walk up to the large telescope dome. The telescope is not operational, but the presentation was exceptional at capturing the historic importance of the telescope, as well as the importance of the facility in the present day. Really great stuff!
If you are an astronomy buff, take a moment to book tickets for this. Events fill up, so plan accordingly. But it's definitely worthwhile!
We started out with some rooftop viewing, which was terrific fun for young and old. This evening, we saw Venus and the moon through (what I think was) a 12" Meade LX200. A very nice piece of kit for sure!
Next was a really cool presentation about meteorites, complete with samples to pass around the room. I found this part very interesting!
Last, we made the walk up to the large telescope dome. The telescope is not operational, but the presentation was exceptional at capturing the historic importance of the telescope, as well as the importance of the facility in the present day. Really great stuff!
If you are an astronomy buff, take a moment to book tickets for this. Events fill up, so plan accordingly. But it's definitely worthwhile!
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glennharrold
Scotland, UK5,191 contributions
Sept 2020 • Couples
Great views of Edinburgh City and all around, definitely worth the hike up and also on to the Blackfordhill. On a clear day can see for miles!
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizley2013
Scarborough, UK44 contributions
Feb 2017
We knew this might be disappointing if the skies were cloudy but we were pleasantly surprised. We had a long climb up steps to the top of the observatory for a talk about stars and to look at the giant telescope while waiting for the skies to clear which they did so we went outside to look at the moon through the telescope and have stars pointed out to us. we then had a talk on meteorites which was fascinating. A very enjoyable experience.
Written 13 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jayemem
South Queensferry, UK215 contributions
Dec 2013 • Friends
I can't believe I have never been here. When I visited I found a spectacular view over the city, with lights spread out below far off to the east, Musselburgh and beyond? Arthur Seat was in shadow against the night in the midst of a canvas of fireworks exploding from the Castle, Holyrood / Scottish Parliament and a variety of parks and events detailing landmarks across the area.
We drove up before 11pm, finding it already getting busy in anticipation of the Bells at midnight. By 11:50pm many small groups were collecting over the hillside vying for position in friendly bonhomie. Wow. While not as busy as Princes Street gardens it is probably more child and dog friendly without the noise and crowding.
There is a small car park at the visitor centre itself. A torch is handy if you are venturing over the pathways at night. The road up is steep but there are cross country pathways for easier access.
While the main reason for going here may be to visit the Observatory itself there are other great reasons to make a point if visiting. It sits on the edge of the Braid hills which offer a multitude of walkways. These appear to be popular with walkers, dog lovers, cyclists and strollers. There is also another hilltop point set a bit higher than the observatory for the more energetic, which would provide uninterrupted views.
I must return in daylight someday to take more photos and explore further afield. Perhaps with my head in the stars, without the dazzle of the New Year fireworks festooning the fabric of the night sky? Edinburgh, such a beautiful tableaux to be envisioned in all her glory from Coast to hills, and east to west.
We drove up before 11pm, finding it already getting busy in anticipation of the Bells at midnight. By 11:50pm many small groups were collecting over the hillside vying for position in friendly bonhomie. Wow. While not as busy as Princes Street gardens it is probably more child and dog friendly without the noise and crowding.
There is a small car park at the visitor centre itself. A torch is handy if you are venturing over the pathways at night. The road up is steep but there are cross country pathways for easier access.
While the main reason for going here may be to visit the Observatory itself there are other great reasons to make a point if visiting. It sits on the edge of the Braid hills which offer a multitude of walkways. These appear to be popular with walkers, dog lovers, cyclists and strollers. There is also another hilltop point set a bit higher than the observatory for the more energetic, which would provide uninterrupted views.
I must return in daylight someday to take more photos and explore further afield. Perhaps with my head in the stars, without the dazzle of the New Year fireworks festooning the fabric of the night sky? Edinburgh, such a beautiful tableaux to be envisioned in all her glory from Coast to hills, and east to west.
Written 31 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fname L
Edinburgh, UK175 contributions
Jan 2011
Nice was to spend a few hours, if you walk from Westmains Rd, you can treck you way up, a small easy hill and plenty of views.
Close by you can also look at the BRAID HILLS, BLACKFORD POND and the HERMITAGE.
blackford pond is rather lovely with swans and ducks and nice foliage.
Close by you can also look at the BRAID HILLS, BLACKFORD POND and the HERMITAGE.
blackford pond is rather lovely with swans and ducks and nice foliage.
Written 13 January 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IAN D
Wigan, UK26,336 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
One of many attractions on Calton hill. Was closed when I went but the view from the surrounding area is sublime
Written 27 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
finglaspete
Dublin, Ireland2,516 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
Had come up Calton hill with no real advance knowledge of what was actually up there, only being told it was a great view of the city, So naturally enough we went up there, then we see among other things the observatory, and thinking of beer, and it getting dark we decided to watch the sunset and headed on back down to Rose street.
My review as it stands then is of the building itself, an observatory is an observatory, a functional building albeit with a sense of curiosity, that's what these places always done to me, catches the eye, and then you move on, down to Rose street on this occasion!
Also as a footnote, be prepared for a bit of uphill walking, which I know some people find a bit of a struggle, I always find when I visit places, you always see the odd one or two struggling, so hopefully that won't be you, and that you'll be like Kate Bush (Running up that hill with no problem)!!
My review as it stands then is of the building itself, an observatory is an observatory, a functional building albeit with a sense of curiosity, that's what these places always done to me, catches the eye, and then you move on, down to Rose street on this occasion!
Also as a footnote, be prepared for a bit of uphill walking, which I know some people find a bit of a struggle, I always find when I visit places, you always see the odd one or two struggling, so hopefully that won't be you, and that you'll be like Kate Bush (Running up that hill with no problem)!!
Written 31 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn M
Cardiff, UK18 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
I booked this as a surprise for my space & science mad husband's 40th birthday. We were lucky enough to have a clear night with a full moon to look at. The staff were very knowledgeable and we had the opportunity to look through a telescope at the moon, however I was hoping to look at some stars through a telescope but these were pointed out with a laser pen. The questions we were asked were very basic which is fine if you have no knowledge at all but a bit disappointing for people that have a little more knowledge. A nice evening but would've liked to have learned a little more. A taxi ride from the Royla mile will cost you around £11 each way so although the entry is a bargain £4, it's a very expensive night no to have learned anything or to look more closely at the stars at least.
Written 10 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting. Sorry you were disappointed not to learn more. The Friday evenings are really meant as an introduction to astronomy, but we do try to cater for everyone. If you and your husband would like something more detailed, you might be interested in our Winter Talks programme http://www.roe.ac.uk/vc/public-events/winter-talks.html which will start again at the end of October. Thank you for taking the time to write a review.
Written 12 June 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Equado
Edinburgh, UK58 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
Great views over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth. Reminded me of overlooking San Francisco from twin peaks and just as windy. The refurbished Observatory is a bit disappointing and the dome and other parts were closed. Nearby restaurants very good.
Written 19 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikki J
Edinburgh, UK13 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
This was an excellent tour.
The building is both wonderful and well presented, with some good exhibits.
The tour leaders really knew their stuff and were able to explain everything very clearly for a mixed age group. There was a good balance of information and exploring throughout the tour, including the opportunity to handle a couple of meteorites.
We were lucky to have clear skies and got a great look at the moon through a telescope from the roof (the views are amazing from up there too).
Our 5 year old loved it and the tour leaders were fantastic at getting down to her level and pointing out the stars above us. They had very thoughtfully provided paper and colouring pencils for the kids in an inside room whilst they waited for everyone to have a chance at looking through the telescope.
We learned a lot and had fun.
Great work!
The building is both wonderful and well presented, with some good exhibits.
The tour leaders really knew their stuff and were able to explain everything very clearly for a mixed age group. There was a good balance of information and exploring throughout the tour, including the opportunity to handle a couple of meteorites.
We were lucky to have clear skies and got a great look at the moon through a telescope from the roof (the views are amazing from up there too).
Our 5 year old loved it and the tour leaders were fantastic at getting down to her level and pointing out the stars above us. They had very thoughtfully provided paper and colouring pencils for the kids in an inside room whilst they waited for everyone to have a chance at looking through the telescope.
We learned a lot and had fun.
Great work!
Written 15 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do I get there using public transport? I am staying at the Premier Inn in the Royal Mile?
Written 9 December 2017
You can walk there quite easily. Will take you about 15 minutes from the Royal Mile and the Premiere Inn.
Written 16 April 2019
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