Terms and Conditions

T&Cs

To enter the giveaway, is make sure you are following Camera Obscura & World of Illusions on Facebook, share the post and tag someone you would love to spend the day with and tell us why you two deserve a day out together?

• One entry per person. Both winner and plus one must be over the age of 18. 
• The competition will close at 23:59 BST on Monday 17th August 2020 at 23.59
• The winner will be selected after the closing date and contacted via Facebook messenger by Camera Obscura & World of Illusions within 3 working days of the competition closing. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions decision on the winner is final.
• The prize is for 2 Adults to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, £20 voucher for any restaurant in the Vittoria Group in Edinburgh and a 12 case of Cold Town Peach Summer Ale and Raspberry Berliner Weisse.
• Drinks must not be resold. Please, drink responsibly.
• Not valid with any other promotion.
• Exchanges of the prize for alternatives is not permitted.
• Travel to or from both Camera Obscura & World of Illusions or other venues are not included. Winners will need to make their own arrangements for travel, sustenance and accommodation if necessary.
• To claim the prize, the winner must follow the instructions that will be supplied to them by Camera Obscura & World of Illusions on acceptance of their prize.
• The prize must be taken in whole, not in part.
• This competition is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook in any way.
• The competition is restricted to non-employees of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.

Facebook Competition: Terms & Conditions

Win a family fun package to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Terms and conditions are below, and the closing date is Monday 30th September 2019 at 23:59 BST.

T&Cs

To enter the competition, is make sure you are following Camera Obscura & World of Illusions on Facebook, comment below and tell us what your favourite day out is?

• One entry per person.
• The competition will close at 23:59 BST on Monday 30th September 2019 at 23.59
• The winner will be selected after the closing date and contacted via Facebook messenger by Camera Obscura & World of Illusions within 3 working days of the competition closing. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions’s decision on the winner is final.
• The prize is for a family ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children) to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions and a family ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children) to Adventure Golf Island.
• Not valid with any other promotion.
• Exchanges of the prize for alternatives is not permitted.
• Travel to or from both Camera Obscura & World of Illusions and Adventure Golf Island is not included in the prize. Winners will need to make their own arrangements for travel, sustenance and accommodation if necessary.
• To claim the prize, the winner must follow the instructions that will be supplied to them by Camera Obscura & World of Illusions on acceptance of their prize.
• The prize must be taken in whole, not in part.
• This competition is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook in any way.
• The competition is restricted to non-employees of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.

Happy 130 Edinburgh!

“It is interesting sometimes to stop and think and wonder what the place you are currently at used to be like in times past, who walked there, who worked there and what the walls have seen” – Patrick Geddes

2019 marks the 130^th year Edinburgh has been officially a city. Our tower has been a fixture on the skyline since 1853 and we have been able to watch it grow and change from one of the best seats in the house! Sometimes, we’ve even been able to document the process.

Edinburgh circa mid 20th century

Edinburgh today

We are part of a grand tradition of people in Edinburgh who love the city and want to see it get even better and grander than it already is; from the likes of town planner, philanthropist and early Camera Obscura owner Sir Patrick Geddes right up to us today, we’re so proud of our home and we can’t wait to see what’s going to happen in the next 130 years.

Come check out our wall of photos of Edinburgh through the years (and maybe start your own with some of the stunning views from our rooftop), as well as all the other wonderful and wild exhibits we have to offer you!

National Pokémon Day

Today is Pokémon day!

For those of you who began collecting those pocket monsters when you were young it will make you feel both old and nostalgic. Today marks the anniversary for the Japanese release of Pokémon Red and Green and there is a wide array of events taking place to celebrate.

There will be an increased number of Pokémon available from the Kanto region and a chance to catch shiny editions of both Rattata and Pidgey.

You can find out more about this via the link below:

https://pokemongohub.net/post/event/pokemon-day-celebration-event-2019/

At Camera Obscura & World of Illusions we are joining in the fun and furiously catching as many as we can via Pokémon Go.

 

We hope you have lots of fun on your Pokémon adventure and don’t forget Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is an official Pokestop, so come say hi and catch them all!

Chinese New Year 2019

Chinese New Year 2019 is Tuesday 5th February and will be the year of the pig. This will be Edinburgh’s first official Chinese New Year festival, will lots of events and festivities taking place around the city from 2 – 17 February.

There is the 2019 Edinburgh Official Chinese New Year Concert taking place at the Usher Hall on 9^th of February. It will include a dazzling display of music on stage by the Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra, Edinburgh Singers and many other artists from far and wide.

Tickets are now available from http://www.usherhall.co.uk/whats-on/2019-edinburgh-official-chinese-new-year-concert

National Museum of Scotland

The National museum of Scotland will be celebrating Chinese New Year with fun family activities such as paper lantern and hong bao making activities, and calligraphy workshops just to name a few. To find out more click on the link below,

https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/chinese-new-year/

Edinburgh Zoo

Edinburgh Zoo is also home to The Giant Lanterns of China event which is a vibrant colourful display of beautiful, mythical lanterns. To find our more follow the link below,

https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/giant-lanterns-2018/

 

This is just a few of the many displays taking place across the city of Edinburgh and from all of us here at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions we wish you all the best in the year of the pig!

新年快乐

January 2019

On January the 1^st we will be celebrating a New Year and looking forward to seeing in the New Year’s Day as we are open 10am-9pm!

Other events taking place in or around the city in include the “Loony Dook”.

The Loony Dook is as mad as the name suggests as it involves people in fancy dress running into the Firth of Forth in fancy dress to brave it’s icy but refreshing waters. What a strange tradition to start the new year with!

https://www.edinburghshogmanay.com/whats-on/loony-dook

If you fancy a wee trip through the Glasgow there will be the Irn Bru carnival at the SEC centre. It is Europe’s biggest indoor fun fair filled with a variety of rides and attractions to go on. It sounds like great fun for all the family.

http://www.irn-bru-carnival.com/

If you don’t fancy going through to Glasgow, at Edinburgh Zoo there is the Chinese Lanterns event that will be open on the 1^st of January. This is an amazing colourful display of beautiful lanterns perfect for all to enjoy. Follow the link below for more details –

https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/giant-lanterns-2018/

Alternatively, if you are out to brave the New Year’s sales why not bring the family to Camera Obscura and the world of illusions we would love to see you!

Written by Christine McCleary

Christmas Gift Bag offer!

At Camera Obscura & World of Illusions we have an early Christmas present for you. Our gift shop team have pulled together an exciting Christmas offer!

When you pop in to purchase all the most mind-bending and unusual gifts, you can get a FREE luxury festive gift bag worth over £15 when you spend £30* or more in our shop!

This is for a limited time only and a great addition to your Christmas shopping. The festive gift bag includes a set of face mats, festive socks, a selection of sweets and a Camera Obscura& World of Illusions pencil topper. This is the perfect gift for all ages.

We look forward to seeing you soon and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

*This offer excludes books

Christmas at Camera Obscura

We’re now into December, so here at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions that can only mean one thing – we are counting down to Christmas!

Our decorations are up, including our rooftop Christmas tree and brilliant bauble display in our Giant Kaleidosphere and the team are writing their Christmas wish list for Santa. We’re open every day apart from Christmas Day, with extended opening hours to welcome you morning and night. As well as stopping by to see us, Edinburgh is bustling with festive entertainment, and here are our recommendations on what to do in the city.

Christmas baubles at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas here in Edinburgh without a few local traditions like visiting the Christmas Market. It is located on East Princes Street Gardens and will be open until 5th January 2019. The Christmas markets are open from 10am – 10pm most days and will close for Christmas Day itself, so stock up on your festive treats now. You can find out more about the market and its festivities on the link here.

Located just next to the Christmas market is the unmistakable Forth 1 Big Wheel. You get phenomenal views of the city with all the fun of going on the big wheel, this is something that can’t be missed. Follow the link here to find out more!

Forth 1 Big Wheel at Edinburgh

Join the party with Silent Light! This fun night has the brilliant light display from Street of Light used in 2015 and 2016 alongside a silent disco. This looks to be an incredibly fun event for all ages and is only running until 29 December, so don’t miss out. To find out more follow the link here.

From all of us here at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions we hope you have a fantastic Christmas and remember we are open Boxing Day 10am – 9pm if you want to say hello!

Lisa with Christmas Tree at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions. December 2018.

Bonfire Night 2018

Halloween has passed and in a few days we will be able to celebrate Bonfire Night. Soon we will have our heads tilted to the sky watching the festivities and marvelling at the fireworks above.

Image from https://edinburghtourist.co.uk/bonfire-night/

In Britain, Bonfire Night is associated with the tradition of celebrating the failure of Guy Fawkes’ actions on 5 November 1605. Its history begins when Guy Fawkes, a member of the Gunpowder Plot, was arrested while guarding explosives the plotters had placed beneath the House of Lords. Celebrating the fact that King James I had survived the attempt on his life, people lit bonfires around London; and months later, the introduction of the Observance of 5th November Act enforced an annual public day of thanksgiving for the plot’s failure.

Immortalised in this nursery rhyme, the Gunpowder Plot is introduced early into the young minds of children throughout the United Kingdom.

Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
We see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot! 

Guy Fawkes, guy, t’was his intent
To blow up King and parliament.
Three score barrels were laid below
To prove old England’s overthrow. 

By God’s mercy he was catch’d 
With a darkened lantern and burning match.
So, holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring. 
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the King. 

If you want to join int he fun we have a few suggestions on when and where the see firework displays throughout Edinburgh.

Currie, Balerno and District Round Table Fireworks Display 
Don’t miss the annual fundraising Currie fireworks display being held on Monday 5th November at George V Park.

Tartantastic Fireworks Extravaganza Shows 
A huge event, all for charity, held at George Heriot’s School and Heriot’s Rugby Club grounds on Friday 2nd November and Sunday 4th November. To buy tickets visit http://www.sla-india.org/news/fireworks-extravaganzas-2018/

Fireworks at Dobbie’s
A great celebration of food and fireworks for all the family on Friday 2nd November.

Fireworks and Bonfire Night 2018 at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry
Saturday 3rd November sees Hopetoun House host ‘The Greatest Fireworks Show on Earth’ and it’s bound to be another sell out event.

The Edinburgh Evening News has also come up with a few suggestions and ideas of places to enjoy fireworks. https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/here-s-your-2018-guide-to-edinburgh-s-bonfire-night-fireworks-displays-1-4821931

Wrap up warm and have a fantastic Bonfire Night!

 

 

Trick or Treat at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Come along to discover Edinburgh’s oldest visitor attraction this Halloween and prepare to have your mind-boggled with our weird and wonderful illusions and trickery. From 24 – 31 October, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions will be decorated with all things spooky, ghoulie and eerie. Our team will be in their most frightening family friendly fancy dress and encourage you to come along in yours!

During your visit take part in our pumpkin scavenger hunt and have your face painted free of charge on Friday 26th 1pm-5pm and Saturday 27th 2pm-5pm from our witches and warlocks in our gift shop. Our gift shop also has a fantastic range of spell-binding books, Harry Potter wizards merchandise, spiders and rats (not real ones!), for you to browse and purchase.

We have also extended our opening hours until 10pm over the October school holidays!
From the 20th October until 4th November, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions will be open 9am-10pm!

Other exciting Halloween events taking place in the city are….

Edinburgh Horror Festival
A fun event for adults is the Edinburgh Horror Festival. This is a multi-art-form event spanning across Thursday 25th October – Wednesday 31st October. If this has wet your appetite for some fun check out the link below to see the full range of venues and events.
https://www.edhorrorfest.co.uk/

Spooky Saturday at the Museum
Free fun for the family at the National Museum of Scotland, they will be hosting some spooky science demonstrations on the 27th October. Find out more via the link below.
https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/spooky-saturday/?item_id= 

We hope you have a Happy Halloween and we look forward to seeing you over the October Holidays!