If you were lucky enough to immerse yourself into iconic scenery of Arthur’s Seat upon arrival to Edi, and are just heading up Royal Mile toward the Edinburgh Castle, you will not want to miss all that’s on offer here. If you happened to arrive when rain is pouring on the City, Museums will be your best bet for an entertaining day out with kids. Coming from someone who tends to be skeptical when combining ‘fun’ and ‘museum’ into one sentence – most of them are very cool.
World of Illusion – where magic mixes with science and just a pinch of spookiness
Museum of Edinburgh
First one, if walking from the End up the Mile, is Museum of Edinburg.
A little note on this one for all the mums planning the family excursion around Auld Reekie (translates to Old Smoky and is still favourite nickname for Edinburgh) Huntly House, home to Museum of Edinburgh, had a major role in TV series Outlander. That is correct, Jamie Fraser did walk here 😊
Now that for once you have a valid reason to go into a museum, good news is, your wee family members will have something to do as well. There are two craft rooms – smaller and bigger, with books, tests, quizzes, trails and puzzles and let’s get creative area. It is a great starting point to get familiar with Edinburgh history. From how they threw poo all over each other to heart-warming story of the most famous dog in Scotland – Greyfriars Bobby.
Bobby has a monument near his resting place. People of Edinburgh like the fact Bobby has a monument. They do not like people touching his nose for good luck. There is no scientific proof rubbing his nose off will bring you fortune but, there is as much chance as it is of rain, you’ll get a long angry speech from a local who just couldn’t take it anymore.
More personal side of history… …from working class point of view
The People’s Story Museum
On the opposite from Museum of Edinburgh is The People’s Story Museum with a little bit more personal side of history from working class people point of view. Museum takes pride in telling real stories from the 18th century to present times.
Museum of Childhood
A bit further up the road the first museum anywhere in the world devoted to the history of childhood waits for you. Now this one is either you love it, or if like me you’ve seen one to many horror movies (that include freaky dolls), this Museum just brings it all back to (sub)conscious mind.
I’m afraid I watched one to many horror movie to really enjoy Museum of Childhood
I will not deny there are some interesting displays, and yes, the boys did find things to play with, but for me that poltergeist feeling gets too creepy at one point and I do need to step out. Plus the fact that Patrick Murray, the founder of the museum, was not shy on publicly announcing his dislike of children – I mean, c’mon.
National Museum of Scotland
There are some amenities leading up to the Castle, but I am focusing here only on the ones that our family found most interesting. And that’s why somewhere in the middle of the Royal Mile it is time to turn left (possibly grabbing famous macaroni cheese pie/or pizza roll at Piemaker) then right and to get lost in the National Museum of Scotland.
When I say ‘get lost’ I mean it. We are frequent visitors here and each time we come it is only a very small part of the museum we are exploring. It depends on kids focus in that time and can go from animals, space, volcanos, racing in a Formula or firing out trebuchet and then some. We love it so much I would even say go and visit even if it is not a rainy day 😊
While you could easily stay in the National Museum the whole day, going out and back to Royal Mile will bring you to Edinburg Castle and brilliant World of Illusion.
Camera Obscura
World of Illusion is quite a quirky place where you can get lost in magic and mirror mazes, find some scary sightings plus spy on the whole city from its rooftop. Cool thing – tickets last the whole day. You can freely pop out for some lunch and come back later to immerse in a bit more deceptions.
Every kids nightmare – candies you can see but never touch Where tiny parents meet their gigantic offspring
Edinburgh Castle
Rich history stitched into walls of this fortress will carry you way back as far as Iron Age when it was first time used as a stronghold. Planning your visit in advance is highly recommended as there are performances on certain hour and days. Also, if possible, aim to get there in time to witness the One o’clock Gun firing. If you are not in the Castle around 1pm be warned it fires every day except on Sundays.
Be warned – Edinburgh Castle Gun fires every day (except Sunday) at exactly 1pm
If you are looking for Auld Reekie’s green scenery don’t miss Royal Botanic Garden and mesmerizing Holyrood Park. Check here for a glimpse of Stirling and Stirling Castle audio tour.