Royal Observatory

There is already a good review on the actual Observatory, which is lucky because if I’m honest with you although I came here to see the Observatory I ended up walking straight past it. I’ll just go to the top of the hill and check out the view and then I’ll go see the Observatory, I told myself. Once I reached the top of this hill, however, I couldn’t care less about some telescope — I’d found the best view in Edinburgh. I’ve seen many good views in my time here and many great views around the whole of Britain, but in all my time I’ve never seen one as good as this. You can see why they put a telescope up here — I almost fancy you can see the starts unaided from here at night.
You sit on top of the hill almost deserted and you’re first challenge will be to pick a side to sit on. It’s a full 360 degree view tainted only by a mast and a blinking great telescope that someon decided to build up here. That said, the view remains outstanding.
At first I fancy you’ll have a rest — its quite a climb to the top here. Then you’ll wander round the perimeter and take it all in. When you’re done I’m sure you’ll agree that this probably tops Arthur’s Seat as a view point. I do apologise for not reviewing the actual Observatory, its just that I think I’ve found something better here — sorry.

One of my favourite places on Earth (ooh-​ho!)
It reminds me so much of being young and getting chosen to sit in the seat that lifts you up to the roof so you can look through the telescope to Jupiter. I always drive past it when I’m coming back from somewhere boring like Ikea and wish that I was there instead.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff is a must and they haven’t over looked this small point whilst the building itself is so monumental.
A little bit out the way, and obviously on the top of a big hill so I don’t recommend cycling there but if you’re wanting a day out a bit out of the ordinary then I’d recommend it highly.