Royal Observatory Edinburgh Visitor Centre
Royal Observatory Edinburgh Visitor Centre
Royal Observatory Edinburgh Visitor Centre
4.5
07:00 - 19:00
Monday
07:00 - 19:00
Tuesday
07:00 - 19:00
Wednesday
07:00 - 19:00
Thursday
07:00 - 19:00
Friday
07:00 - 19:00
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
Nicolle Z
Holt, MI682 contributions
Nov 2022
The Royal Observatory is a wonderful piece of astronomical history in the middle of a growing metropolis. It's really unfortunate that there is no observing and that it's in desparate need of upgrading and restoration, but I'm hopeful that the staff will find a way to continue to fund its preservation, a little at a time.
Written 1 January 2023
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, UK3,170 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.
AshKarachi
Karachi-Pakistan30 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Amazing views of sea and country side from the observatory. Good reward for hike. Worth a visit when in Edinburgh
Written 6 March 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.
DragonChowhound
Southlake, TX278 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.
IAN D
Wigan, UK19,629 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.
JeySC
Basingstoke, UK190 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
A little tough walk up to this Observatory, but the views are worth it. There is plenty to see across Edinburgh, worth a visit
Written 15 May 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.
PammyPeakDistrict
Peak District, UK36 contributions
Mar 2019 • Solo
It was quite a steep climb up to the observatory but the views were spectacular. However the observatory and café were closed apart from a small gift shop.
I didn't like the fact that it was free admission but were expecting a £5 donation therefore it wasn't free!
I didn't like the fact that it was free admission but were expecting a £5 donation therefore it wasn't free!
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.
Equado
Edinburgh, UK59 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, UK11 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.
Phoebeha
17 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
This is my favorite viewpoint of Edinburgh. It’s so quiet there and you have a 360 view which allows you to see the city, the sea and the Pentlands also. The sunset view from here is incredible.
Written 8 August 2018
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.
Julie G
Chesterton, UK8 contributions
How do I get there using public transport? I am staying at the Premier Inn in the Royal Mile?
Dan Jøran Hågensen
Norway67 contributions
You can walk there quite easily. Will take you about 15 minutes from the Royal Mile and the Premiere Inn.
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