Edinburgh’s oldest purpose-built visitor attraction, the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, has been ranked among the UK’s best days out this summer.
The popular mind-bending attraction in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, which dates back to 1853, was ranked third best UK attraction by Which?, after Eureka Science and Discovery in Merseyside, and Go Ape.
The rankings were based on feedback from customers and Which? experts who measured each attraction against a set of “relevant, detailed and proven criteria”.
The 5-star VisitScotland-rated visitor attraction features five floors of interactive optical illusions, hands-on exhibits and immersive experiences with panoramic views of the city from its rooftop terrace overlooking Edinburgh Castle.
It was singled out for its unique blend of entertainment and discovery, including the “still impressive” Camera Obscura, a 19th century invention that projects an image of the city onto a table.
Which? add: “The dizzying hall of mirrors, ‘mind -boggling’ optical illusions and high-tech displays have brought this Victorian attraction into the 21st century.”
Andrew Johnson, General Manager at Camera Obscura, said: “Being recognised by Which? as one of the top visitor attractions in the UK is a hugely exciting achievement for our team.
“Feedback from visitors is incredibly important to us, and this recognition reflects the effort that goes into delivering memorable experiences every single day at Camera Obscura.
“We’ve welcomed generations of families through our doors over the years and remain committed to offering fun, interactive and accessible days out for visitors of all ages this summer and all year round.”
One visitor, highlighted by Which?, said: “I was really impressed by how interactive and fun the exhibits were. We weren’t just looking at things, but actually engaging with them.”
Eureka Science and Discovery in Merseyside came top ahead of Go Ape and Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in County Antrim was fourth ahead of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Hertfordshire, with Game of Thrones Studio Tour in County Down, Jorvik Viking Centre in York, Landmark Forest Adventure Park in the Cairngorms, Paultons Park – Home of Peppa Pig World in Hampshire and The Beatles Story in Liverpool making up the top ten.
