CATEGORY · RAINY DAY APPROVED

Observatories & Planetariums in Edinburgh

Edinburgh's not overflowing with telescopes and star domes, but there are a couple of places that scratch the itch for space and illusion. Dynamic Earth, by Holyrood, has a planetarium tucked in among its earthquake simulator and rainy-day galleries, and it's an easy one for school groups since booking is built in. Camera Obscura on the Royal Mile is a different kind of head-spin, five floors of optical trickery from £17.95, finishing with a rooftop view over the city rather than the sky. Both are indoor, so they're solid choices when the weather turns, and both have toilets and a gift shop if you need to time a visit around a small bladder. Camera Obscura works from any age, so it's the one to pick with toddlers in tow. Dynamic Earth suits a bit more patience and curiosity, and it's worth booking ahead if you're bringing a school or nursery group along.

✓ 2 places✦ From £17.95