Families have just a few weeks left to enjoy discounted tickets at Which? UK’s third best tourist attraction, with five floors of interactive illusions, family-friendly experiences and panoramic rooftop views waiting to be discovered.
With the school summer holidays in full swing and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival bringing the city to life in August, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is inviting visitors to make the most of their Edinburgh adventure with all tickets reduced as part of the Government’s Great British Summer Savings Initiative.
Families, friends and curious explorers can save on admission while stepping into a world where nothing is quite as it seems from shrinking rooms and gravity-defying illusions to mesmerising light displays and spectacular views across the capital.
After exploring more than one hundred interactive exhibits, visitors can unwind away from the festival crowds with panoramic views of Edinburgh from the attraction’s latest rooftop bar, with refreshments available to purchase including cold soft drinks, snacks and ice cream.
With extended summer opening hours and a location on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, Camera Obscura offers the perfect addition to a summer day in the city.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions welcomes families of all needs. To support visitors with sensory needs, they can borrow Sensory Backpacks containing items such as ear defenders, sunglasses, a torch, an activities sheet and sensory toys, alongside a sensory map of the building to help families plan and enjoy their visit.
Discounted tickets are now available via the Camera Obscura’s website and available for walk-up admissions and will continue to be until September 1. A family of four visiting during the summer holidays could save more than £10 compared to standard admission prices.
Reduced ticket prices include:
Adult tickets reduced from £24.95 to £21.85
Senior/Student tickets reduced from £21.95 to £19.20
Child tickets reduced from £17.95 to £15.70
Children under 5 go FREE
Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Camera Obscura said; “The response to the Summer Savings initiative has been fantastic so far, and we are delighted to be supporting an initiative that helps people discover and enjoy what UK attractions have to offer.
“The summer holidays can be a financially stressful time for many families, which is why we are pleased to be offering discounted rates and helping visitors make the most of the summer season, especially as the city comes alive with activity.
“Our latest addition to the rooftop offers the perfect place to take a break from the festival crowds, enjoy a soft drink or an ice cream and soak up some of the best views overlooking Edinburgh.”
It’s the last full week of the summer holidays, and we’ve got a few more special events on for you.
We’re super excited to host Danyah Miller for an amazing storytelling session on Tuesday afternoon. Come in and help inspire some truly great tales with her and a magic carpet!
This is best for ages 4-7 but older and younger children can definitely still enjoy it, as can the whole family!
Remember to book your place on Eventbrite. with the following link:
On Wednesday at 3:30pm, join Kali from Edinburgh Zoo for a story, lots of facts, and a fun activity all related to sloths and armadillos.
Join us for our Library Afternoon Tea at 2:30pm on Friday. We will be talking about books, colouring in, and enjoying a warm drink, juice and some snacks.
Just like every Saturday, we have Junior Board Games on at 2pm. Discover a new game or play an old favourite with your family, other library users, and maybe a member of staff!
We also have Bookbug on for your wee ones, including our fortnightly Saturday session. Tuesday and Saturday are at 11am, Wednesday is at 2pm.
This coming week at Granton Goes Greener we will be focusing on sewing and have 2 FREE sewing events on offer:
Monday 3rd August: – fabric picture hand stitching session open also for CHILDREN (must be accompanied by an adult), usual time 10-12 noon. There will be no other sewing option on the day, we will all be making some hand stitched fabric pictures,
Thursday 6th August: – first Thursday of the month regular evening sewing class, ADULTS ONLY.
We would like to ask everyone interested in the classes to arrive on time and help tidying up after the class.
There is no need to register, all the classes are drop-ins
‘a thousand words’ commissioned by Scottish Womens Aid and Zero Tolerance. Copyright Laura Dodsworth
New legal provisions that help some domestic abuse victims to remain in their home where it’s their wish, and where it’s safe and appropriate for them to do so, come into effect today (Saturday 1 August).
They allow social landlords, in certain circumstances, to apply for a court order on domestic abuse grounds to end an abuser’s tenancy.
If an order is granted by the court, the landlord can transfer the tenancy to the victim, allowing them to remain in, or return to, their home.
This means that for the first time, social landlords, rather than victims themselves, have power to help end an abuser’s tenancy.
Equalities Minister Simita Kumar is now urging the sector to make use of these new powers in appropriate cases.
Ms Kumar said: “Domestic abuse must be eradicated from our society and I am determined to protect the housing rights of women and children, working with the sector to find victims the safest and most suitable form of accommodation to begin to rebuild their lives.
“Social landlords must make use of these new powers, where appropriate, to protect victims of domestic abuse and I urge them to do so.
“This removes a significant barrier for domestic abuse victims, the vast majority of whom are women and are too often trapped by violence. I will continue to work with the sector to ensure these powers are utilised.”
Parliament approved the regulations in January 2026 and today brings Part 2 of the Domestic Abuse (Protection) (Scotland) Act 2021 into force.
CEO of Scottish Women’s Dr Marsha Scott said: “We welcome the new legal provisions in place from today. For many women experiencing domestic abuse, housing, and fear of uprooting their children, is a barrier when it comes to leaving an abusive partner.
“We hope making abusive behaviour a ground for eviction, will reduce children’s and women’s homelessness by allowing housing officials to help survivors stay in their own homes, forcing the abuser to leave. This should provide safety and stability and move the consequences of abuse onto the abuser for a change.
“We now look forward to Part 1 of the Bill being implemented, which will introduce emergency barring orders as another housing protection, as we continue to work with the Scottish Government, in making Scotland safer for women and children.”
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Giants Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3 Until 14 Sep Tickets from £13
Giants showcases the colossal prehistoric creatures that lived after the extinction of the dinosaurs, 66 million years ago. Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils in this immersive, family-friendly exhibition. The Giants exhibition is designed and produced by the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.
Scotland’s First Warriors Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3 Until 16 May 2027 Entrance into the museum and exhibition is free
Explore archaeological evidence for the origins of organised conflict, from the Neolithic (late Stone Age) to the Romans, through over 250 objects. Scotland’s First Warriors explores how and why people fought, the impact of war, and the legacy of prehistoric conflict. Internationally significant discoveries from Scotland will be on display for the first time, including the Carnoustie Hoard.
National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Museum Late: Festival Ceilidh 7 & 14 Aug Tickets from £26
The sell out Festival Ceilidh makes a stomping return this August. Grab your pals for a night of reels and revelry and join the party in Scottish style. The fantastic Jacobites Ceilidh Band will get you twirling and birling through Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and other traditional dances in one of Scotland’s biggest ceilidhs.
Deaf Families Museum Takeover 7 Aug 11:00–15:00 Free, booking required
As part of Edinburgh Deaf Festival and in partnership with Deaf Action, join us for a day of activities for deaf families throughout the museum. Designed for families with children ages 0 – 11, the day will feature a range of free activities for different age groups, including sensory play, crafts, BSL storytelling, object handling, creative activities and family-friendly experiences inspired by the museum’s collections.
BSL Tour: Giants Exhibition Gallery 1 13 Aug 14:00 Tickets from £13, concessions available
Meet the colossal creatures that lived after the dinosaurs on a Deaf-led tour of ‘Giants’. Through life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, fossils and hands-on experiences, discover ten enormous prehistoric giants with tour guide, Babs Brown.
Creative Workshop: Egyptian Ceramics 22 Aug Tickets from £30, Members and concessions available
Explore Egyptian pottery with writer and ceramicist Mohamed Tonsy. Create your own decorative piece, inspired by historical objects from the National Collection. Mohamed will be joined by one of our Curators of the Ancient Mediterranean, who will share their knowledge about Egyptian objects in the collection.
Magic Carpet Sep 7, 14, 21 10:30 – 11:15 or 11:45 – 12:30 Tickets from £4 per session
Our Magic Carpet sessions introduce you and your little one to some of the fascinating objects and themes in the museum in a fun and interactive way. Each month we will explore a different theme using song, rhyme, movement, play and handling objects. This will help you and your little one discover more about our topic.
Creative Workshop: Drawing the Earth 12 Sep 12:30–16:30 Tickets from £30, Members and concessions available
In this workshop, led by geologist and illustrator Vojta Hybl, you will explore the rock cycle – the process by which rocks change from one type to another.
2026 marks 300 years since James Hutton’s birth. Often credited as the father of modern geology, Hutton’s ideas about deep time changed how understood the age of the Earth.
Vojta will combine scientific knowledge of geology with a range of creative approaches to demonstrate just how dynamic rocks can be.
You will visit some of our collections inspired by James Hutton, to encourage your drawing as a new way into understanding geology.
The Sunday Sketch 20 Sep & 25 Oct 14:00 – 16:00 Tickets from £13
Join artist Sheena Russell to take a new look at our collections and be guided through a range of drawing activities within the museum’s galleries. All abilities are welcome at this relaxed and informal session. Each month we will explore a different theme, and all materials are supplied.
Creative Workshop: Drop Spinning 26 Sep 10:30-12:30 Tickets from £50, Members and concessions available
Join Nic DeRushie, researcher and living educator, for this inspirational and practical workshop around traditional spinning techniques. There will be the opportunity to make spindles and learn the basics of spinning using Scottish heritage breed fleeces. Learn about yarn plying and explore projects that can be done using a small amount of hand-spun yarn.
In Conversation: Understanding Prehistoric Lives Beyond Conflict 26 Sep 14:30-16:00 Tickets from £10
The exhibition curator of ‘Scotland’s First Warriors’, Dr Matthew Knight, is joined by Tristan Hughes, television presenter, author and history podcast host, and Nicole DeRushie, historian and author of ‘Bog Fashion’, to discuss the archaeological evidence that tells us about life beyond conflict in prehistoric Scotland.
Music at the Museum 27 Oct – 2 Mar 2027 11:30 – 12:15 and 13:30 – 14:15 Free, drop-in
In collaboration with Live Music Now Scotland, we are bringing live music into the heart of the museum on Tuesdays. With experienced performers and rising stars of live music, each week features a different soloist, duo or ensemble.
Find out Fridays 4 Sep – 26 Feb 2027, Friday afternoon during term time 13:30 – 16:00 Free, drop-in
Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons with our Learning team. Find out fascinating facts and hear surprising stories about our collections and get hands on with some of our favourite objects.
Museum Socials Learning Centre Seminar Room, Level 4 Third Friday of the month 10:30–12:00 Free, booking required
Museum Socials events are designed for people living with dementia, their relatives, friends, carers, and supporters. Relaxed and informal, each session explores a different museum theme through various interactive activities, including curator talks, object handling, and creative crafts. Tea, cake and a warm welcome are always provided.
National Museums Collection Centre 242 W Granton Rd, Edinburgh EH5 1JA
Collection Centre Tours 25 Aug, 10:30 – 12:00 or 13:00 – 14:30 Tickets from £10, advance booking required
Discover the secrets of how we store and research our collections. Find out how our collections are used in international research and see objects rarely on public display.
National Museum of Rural Life Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR Open 10:00–17:00 daily
Adult Workshop: Willow Basket Making 22 & Sun 23 Aug Tickets from £95
Choose from two full-day basket making workshops at the National Museum of Rural Life. Each workshop led by willow artist and forager Max Johnson features a different style of basket to make and take home. In the Saturday workshop make a traditional berry picking basket. In the Sunday workshop, make a beautiful Zarzo flower gathering basket.
Working Animal Day 12 Sep 10:30-16:00 Free with museum admission
Join us for a fun-filled celebration of working animals at the National Museum of Rural Life. See amazing outdoor displays from sheepdog training experts Glen and Jan Welsh, and specialist dog stunt team Les Amis d’Onno. Then head inside the museum for themed crafts and family storytelling.
Tractor Tots 18 & 21 Sep, 2 and 5 Oct Learning Centre £25 per child for block of 3, £20 per Member child for block of 3
Running in blocks of three sessions, Tractor Tots offers a fun, focused experience for younger visitors, introducing them to rural life through interactive creative play. Each session will feature handling objects from learning boxes, singing, storytelling, rhymes, actions, and sensory play to learn all about life in the countryside
Relaxed Afternoon: National Museum of Rural Life Last Tuesday of every month 14:30-17:00 Free with museum admission and Annual Pass
Relaxed Afternoon is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. This session is primarily for, but not limited to, families with neurodivergent children; neurodivergent young people and adults; adults living with dementia; adults and children with mental health problems; and any other visitors with sensory needs or who may prefer a more relaxed experience, plus their families, friends and carers.
National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Open Weekends only, 10:00–16:00
Expert Talks Concorde Theatre 7 Aug & 11 Sep 11:00-11:20 Free with museum admission
From April to October, learn more about the collections and history of East Fortune Airfield with a series of free expert talks at the museum. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each talk. In August, Eilidh MacKenzie will discuss ‘The Work of Poppy Scotland’ and in September, Elaine Edwards will discuss ‘The Work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.’
Escape From France Puzzle Room Until 7 Aug (weekdays only) 11:30-16:00 Free with museum admission, drop-in
Work together as a family in the puzzle room and see if you’ve got what it takes to escape from France. Can you disguise yourself, speak French well enough to fool a German and find the right money to pay your rail fare to the coast?
Sensory Sunday: National Museum of Flight 9 Aug 11:00-12:00 Free with museum admission
Children with additional support needs and disabilities and their families can explore the museum’s collections, get creative and meet other families.
Sensory Sunday sessions are relaxed, fun, hands-on, and respond to the needs of the families participating. You are welcome to come and go at any point during the session. Attendees can take their time exploring the museum as a family before and after the session.
From stunt shows and pedal-powered activities to interactive sessions and STEM science, there’s something to set everyone’s head spinning. See amazing 360° stunts and bike parkour from cycling experts, The Extreme Mountain Bike Show, get involved with hands-on activities in the aircraft hangars and have a go at some cycling fun.
Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight Every second Sunday of the month, 10:00-12:00 Free with museum admission
Relaxed Morning at the National Museum of Flight is for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum. Friendly staff will be there to give you a warm welcome and support your visit, as you explore the museum without noisy interactives and videos to create a more relaxed environment.
Doors Open Days 26 & 27 Sep 10:00-17:00 Free, booking essential
Visit the museum for free over Doors Open Days East Lothian weekend and learn about the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day. Immerse yourself in interactive galleries, supersonic experiences and our historic hangars and airfield.
