The good news is that Edinburgh is one of the drier UK cities, though the British climate is famously unpredictable. Worry not. Edinburgh is jam-packed with activities for all tastes, should rain start to fall and umbrellas quickly rise across this grandiose, atmospheric city. Come rain or shine, Edinburgh’s outdoor beauty – lush green spaces to stretch the legs and revel in the views, or charming cobbled streets to get lost in – are under stiff competition from a rich variety of indoor activities, some of which are the most popular in the UK.
ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA
For nearly 50 years, one of the most famous ships in the world was the sole preserve of the British Royal Family – a stunning floating palace, a royal residence, and a functional yacht. But after it was decommissioned in 1997, signalling the end of an era for the royal family and their travels by sea, the Britannia was permanently moored in Leith, Edinburgh, and opened to the public as a museum ship, where she attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Its popularity is easy to understand – this impressive yacht is preserved in its original state, providing a fascinating glimpse into both royal life and maritime history.
The Britannia played a role in many significant events, adding to its lure and interest – Prince Charles and Princess Diana spent time on it for their honeymoon in 1981, and it also served in a humanitarian role, evacuating refugees from Yemen during the civil war in 1986. Throughout her 44 years of service, the Royal Yacht Britannia was instrumental in projecting British influence and diplomacy across the globe, hosting official functions and numerous state visits, sailing 135 countries in total. Now, however, it’s not going anywhere. The ship, and the equally famous Royal Deck Tearoom, are just 15 minutes from Edinburgh city centre.
CAMERA OBSCURA
Increasingly popular and always quirky, Camera Obscura offers a tantalising alternative to some of the more classic attractions of the Old Town – five floors of thrilling optical illusions to make the eyes pop and the mind bend, for a good few hours at least. Inside, there are over 100 features to tackle, with puzzles and photo opportunities all influenced and guided by the bewitching history of Edinburgh itself. Speaking of which, Camera Obscura is right next to Edinburgh Castle, so if you’re hopping between the two, inclement weather can be largely avoided. Like all the best attractions, it’s entertaining and informative: explaining the origins of capturing a snapshot moment. Just so you know, a camera obscura – meaning "dark chamber" in Latin – is an optical device that led to the development of photography and the modern camera, paving the way for the all-conquering instant picture-share culture.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND
One of the classics – and one of the most family-friendly visitor attractions in Scotland, The National Museum of Scotland prides itself on highly reputable interactive displays which make it an energising, proactive place. It boasts extensive and diverse collections, which span natural history, world cultures, science and technology, art, design, fashion, and Scottish history – but it doesn’t rest on its laurels, continually evolving its exhibits and special events. The imposing architecture is impressive alone– it’s a huge, spectacular space that easily takes the breath away, before you turn your attention to the likes of enormous dinosaur skeletons, or the much talked-about display of Dolly the Sheep, the first cloned mammal. Overall, it’s considered a must-visit attraction: enriching, well-curated exhibits and displays which illuminate both historical and contemporary topics. It is also free to enter.
THE UNDERGROUND VAULT TOURS
Make sure to explore an unexpected side of the Scottish capital that many visitors – and even locals – fail to discover. Because, deep below the buzz of activity on Edinburgh charming streets, lies a mind-blowing labyrinth of underground tunnels and vaults that are accessible to the public via several tours. While touring the underground warren below South Bridge in Edinburgh’s Old Town, you’ll learn about Edinburgh’s spookiest hauntings, terrifying murders, and quirks of architecture. Amid grisly stories from the city’s dark past, you’ll even be led to a hidden witchcraft temple. Beyond the somewhat spooky narrative, expert guides will shed light on fascinating and important local history, focusing on tales of hardship and struggle in 18th-century Edinburgh, when crime and disease were rife in the city.
DYNAMIC EARTH
Past, present and future: nothing is more important than the planet we live on, and Dynamic Earth digs deep to bring it brilliantly to life for visitors of all ages. It’s the second largest visitor attraction in Edinburgh, and was built to encourage play, learning and work, taking an in-depth look at our planet, its changes, and its threats. The riveting journey through Earth's history, from the Big Bang to contemporary environmental challenges, is supported by highly knowledgeable and friendly staff, who facilitate special 3D trips to the rainforest and volcano dome shows. While this is a fruitful environment for encouraging learning, it’s done with a light touch – fun and interactivity are the fuel, and standout attractions include a real iceberg, a ground-shaking earthquake simulation, and a 6K full-dome planetarium.
AFTERNOON TEA AT THE BONHAM HOTEL
The Bonham Hotel is well known throughout Edinburgh and beyond for its opulent, elegant accommodation and stylish atmosphere and, among an impressively high influx of tourists and visitors, has hosted a variety of famous guests over the years. With stunning views and a calm West End setting, it’s no surprise, and the Georgian hotel’s reputation for luxury and comfort extends to its Afternoon Tea. Classic sandwiches, freshly baked scones and cakes, and a selection of Brodies tea from around the world, it’s a luxury 5-star dining experience. A very British experience, in a pristine location – the perfect way to spend a wet afternoon.
Entertaining, informative, surprising – however you want your senses stimulated, there is plenty to do if the weather takes a nasty turn or if you want to relax indoors. And the selections above are far from exhaustive; Edinburgh has dozens of attractions to explore.
