I took my kids to the beautiful UK city with huge Lego ships and illusion museums
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
IF you're looking for the best views in Edinburgh, you might climb Arthur's Seat hill or make the ascent up the Royal Mile.
But with sons Ralph, eight, and five-year-old Max in tow, my husband and I marched up Corstorphine instead, a lesser-known member of the city's Seven Hills — but significantly more child-friendly.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
5
Alex Lloyd with Ralph and Max at the castle
Credit: Alex Lloyd
5
Playing with a wonder ball at Camera Obscura Museum in Edinburgh
Credit: Alex Lloyd
5
An optical illusion at the museum
Credit: Alamy
It's the home of Edinburgh Zoo and reaching the top rewards you with giraffes munching on a leafy lunch — a strong motivating factor to get my children racing up the steep path.
While a chilly breeze meant the lions and tigers kept a low profile, the newly arrived capybaras were keen to say hello.
We were also charmed by Haggis, a rare pygmy hippo born last October and fast becoming the zoo's star attraction.
But my boys' favourite was red panda Bruce, closely followed by the playful penguins.
Edinburgh was the first zoo in the world to house these birds in 1914.
After all our walking, it was good that our base for the weekend, the Novotel Edinburgh Centre on Lauriston Place, was an easy bus ride away.
And it ticked the boxes of each family member — a comfy double bed and spacious sofabed for the kids (me), cool bar with live music (my husband), basement swimming pool with jacuzzi (Ralph) and a waffle machine at the breakfast buffet (Max).
The location was ideal, too, with the street quiet but within strolling distance of Grassmarket, Greyfriars Bobby and the National Museum of Scotland.
Our taxi driver also told us that George Heriot's School next door had inspired JK Rowling's Hogwarts, to the kids' delight.
The hotel was just minutes from our next destination — Camera Obscura, the city's oldest tourist attraction, in a lookout tower on Castle Rock (home to Edinburgh Castle, unsurprisingly).
Martin Lewis gives travel advice about checking your passport
Earthquake simulation
Its five floors of interactive illusions — from the mind-bending Maze of Mirrors to the dizzying Vortex Tunnel — were as irresistible to my 21st-century kids as they would have been to our Victorian ancestors when it opened.
From here, we took a leisurely stroll down the Royal Mile.
The boys loved the atmosphere and were so full of energy that it took a lot of coaxing to stop them leaping into the Scottish Parliament's ornamental ponds.
Full soaking averted, we headed to Dynamic Earth — which takes you back in time to the origins of the universe.
Aptly located at the foot of Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano, it's an immersive experience with earthquake simulation, a 4D plane ride around the planet and a mini- iceberg that you can touch.
After a good night's sleep back at the hotel — followed by bao buns at its Tap Kitchen — we headed down the Royal Mile once more, this time by double-decker bus to the Port of Leith.
5
A new baby Pygmy Hippo called Haggis
Credit: Andrew Barr
5
A bagpiper in Edinburgh
Credit: Alamy
Here, we boarded the Royal Yacht Britannia, which recently opened a new exhibition that includes an 11ft Lego replica of the vessel.
I feared my lads would be as bored as Prince Louis on an official engagement, but this wondrous yacht had them rapt.
So their good behaviour was rewarded with tea and cake in the Royal Deck Tearoom.
The scones were so big, even Prince Louis would have raised a smile.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Holiday warning to Brits as flights cancelled to tourist hotspots including Dubai after Trump's bombing raid on Iran
AIR SHUTDOWN Holiday warning to Brits as flights cancelled to tourist hotspots including Dubai after Trump's bombing raid on Iran Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FLIGHTS to tourist hotspots have been cancelled following Donald Trump's bombing raid on Iran. Following the US attack on Iran's nuclear sites, all scheduled flights from London to Dubai and Doha have been axed. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 All flights to Dubai and Doha from London have been cancelled Credit: Getty This comes as a British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Dubai was diverted to Zurich on Saturday night. All of the airline's flights to Dubai and Doha from London Heathrow were cancelled on Sunday, including return flights, according to the company. In the wake of the US attacks, Israel has announced that its airspace is closed to both inbound and outbound flights. Tehran launched retaliatory missile strikes after the US struck three nuclear sites in Iran overnight. In a statement, British Airways said: "As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority. "We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation." For those already booked onto flights to Dubai and Doha between Sunday and Tuesday, the airline is offering a flexible booking policy if they wish to change their date of travel. But according to London Gatwick's website, flights to and from Dubai and Doha are continuing as scheduled.
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
One of the world's most beautiful train stations that looks like ‘Gotham City' is home to weirdly-beautiful Burger King
And we round up the UK's most beautiful train stations ON TRACK One of the world's most beautiful train stations that looks like 'Gotham City' is home to weirdly-beautiful Burger King Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ONE of the world's most beautiful stations has been described as looking like something from a comic book. Helsinki Central Train Station in Finland has been named one of the most stunning train stations by both Lonely Planet and BBC. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Helsinki Central Train Station has been named one of the world's most beautiful Credit: Alamy 5 Some have said it looks like Batman's Gotham City Credit: Alamy It dates back as far as the 1860s which is when the railway tracks were first laid, although the main building opened in 1919. The Art Nouveau station also has a huge glass roof inside that was added in 2001. The main features outside are the two statues, called the Lyhdynkantajat (Lantern Bearers) on either side of the entrance, as well as the huge clock tower. One tourist wrote online: "The central station wouldn't look out of place in Gotham City with the characters built into either side of the main entrance." Another agreed: "One of the most Impressive buildings in Helsinki. To me looks Like from Gotham city in the Batman movies." Around 240,000 people use the station per day, as it is used as a transport hub for both commuters and long-haul travellers. Yet only half of those people are actually using the station for transport purposes, with the other half visiting it as a tourist attraction. It is so popular, it is is actually the most visited building in all of Finland. Along with 19 platforms, there are 15 cafes and restaurants including everything from juice bars and sandwich delis to fancier wine bars and beer stops. And the station is currently undergoing a huge renovation with improvements to the platform waiting area. Huge new train station to open in world's most popular city 5 The two statues outside are a famous feature Credit: Alamy As well as the addition of more seating, digital displays and automatic doors, a new brewery, restaurant and food court are also being added. Passengers are warned of temporary restrictions because of this until spring 2026. The Burger King in Helsinki's Central Station is even praised for being on of the most beautiful in the world. Tourists enter through a glass archway and are met by a huge chandelier hanging outside. 5 Inside are more than 15cafes, bars and restaurants Credit: Alamy One Youtuber said: "Absolutely the fanciest Burger King in the world, it's got to be." Visit in the winter months as you will also post a huge outdoor ice skating rink outside the station as well. Here's what it is like to go on a European train holiday, including a stop at the train station. For other beautiful train stations, Schafbergbahn Station in St. Wolfgang, Austria was named the most beautiful by architecture and design award Prix Versailles. Milan's main train station as well as Liege-Guillemins railway station in Belgium have also been praised. And we've rounded up the prettiest ones in the UK. 5 The train station renovations are set to be complete by 2026 Credit: Alamy
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Scotland's best day out named as outdoor activity centre in city with quad bikes & water sports
The activity centre has also racked up an impressive number of positive reviews online 'INCREDIBLE' Scotland's best day out named as outdoor activity centre in city with quad bikes & water sports Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR outdoor activity centre with quad bikes and water sports has been named Scotland's best day out after scooping a prestigious award. The centre is located in one of the country's most picturesque locations and offers a little bit of something for all thrill seekers. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Action Adventure Activities has a range of watersports like paddleboarding Credit: Alamy 4 Or groups can try their hand at river tubing Credit: Alamy 4 The outdoor activity centre also has activities ike archery Credit: Alamy Action Adventure Activities is located on the edge of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. And it won Best Day Out at the prestigious Scottish Hospitality Awards 2025, which recognise and celebrate the best of the industry from around the country. It is an annual event that highlights the very best in hotels, restaurants, bars, spas, and other sectors. This year, the winners were announced at an elegant ceremony that was held at the Marriott Hotel in Glasgow on Wednesday. And Action Adventure Activities impressed judges with its incredible experiences for anyone over the age of five. Whether you're looking for a shot on a quad bike or some fun in the water, you're guaranteed to have a great time. If off-road driving is your thing, then talented experts can take you on a journey on a quak bike or a 4x4 on specially created tracks - each one being more challenging than the next. Or if you love a water adventure, then you can choose from a range of options, including adventure gorge walking, river tubing, canyoning, paddleboarding and adventure canyoning, which is slightly harder. There are also a number of other fun activities for families to try if they're not up for something as gruelling. The activity trail takes visitors on a trek to overcome obstacles and find treasure, or the climbing wall is ideal for beginners to want a taste of action. SCOTLAND FROM A JEEP There are also target sports for people to try, including air rifle and pistol shooting, archery, axe throwing and crossbow. Describing the outdoor activity centre on their website, bosses wrote: "Action Adventure Activities offer a wide range of outdoor activity experiences. "We are based at our Outdoor Activity Centre on the edge of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. "We provide activities for both individuals and groups and all our activities are led by an experienced and welcoming team. TOP REVIEWS THE activity centre has also racked up an impressive number of positive reviews online, with many happy customers flocking to TripAdvisor to praise the team. One person said: "Incredible day out with really experienced guides, can't fault it, would give six stars if possible. Highly recommend to anyone thinking about trying it out". Another added: "My friend bought this adventure for my birthday and it was the best experience ever! Climbing through the rivers, jumping off of huge rocks, floating down fast rapids, wow, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. Would love to do this again and again. Thanks for this amazing, unique nature experience!" Someone else wrote: "So much fun! My partner and I had a great time at Target Sports. We got to try air pistols, bow and arrow, crossbows and throwing axes. We will definitely be back and we'll be recommending it to our friends." While a fourth chimed in: "We had a great quad biking session that was tailored for the whole family. Some were confident and some were really nervous, but we all got what we needed. A really relaxed and inviting environment while feeling safe and looked after. Plenty of helpful instructions when needed, but lots of time to give our new skills a go. We would definitely recommend using action adventure activities." "We are perfect for a day out in Scotland, as we are within an hour's drive of Glasgow and just over an hour from Edinburgh. "Our extensive range of team building activities and outdoor activities for adults is ideally suited for groups of friends, Stag and Hen groups, corporate development and family days out." Irfan Younis, spokesperson for The 8th Scottish Hospitality Awards 2025, prasied all of the winners at the event this week. They said: 'We're proud to once again get to showcase the remarkable talent and exceptional standards within Scotland's vibrant hospitality industry. "The people shortlisted for these awards have consistently demonstrated excellence, innovation, and dedication in their respective categories, setting the benchmark for quality and service within the Scottish hospitality industry. "We want to congratulate all of our winners on their incredible accomplishments.'
