Camera Obscura & World of Illusions welcomes Minister Kirsty McNeill to launch Great British Summer Savings
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions was delighted to welcome UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill to our Edinburgh attraction to mark the launch of the Great British Summer Savings initiative.
The new UK-wide scheme is designed to help families enjoy more affordable days out during the summer holidays, with VAT reduced on a range of eligible activities, including admission tickets to attractions. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is proud to be one of the Scottish attractions taking part and passing the saving directly on to visitors.
Tickets from 25 June to 1 September are already reduced and available to book online now.
Located on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, just beside Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has been entertaining visitors for generations. With five floors of interactive exhibits, optical illusions, hands-on activities, immersive experiences and panoramic rooftop views across Edinburgh, it is one of the city’s most popular family attractions and a great choice for anyone looking for things to do in Edinburgh this summer.
Helping families enjoy Edinburgh days out for less
The Great British Summer Savings initiative has been introduced to support families with the cost of living during the summer holidays, helping more people enjoy memorable days out together.
From today, families across the UK can benefit from reduced costs on eligible children’s meals, family entertainment and admission tickets to attractions. The scheme includes a wide range of activities, from cinemas and theatres to museums, zoos, observation attractions, adventure parks and family days out.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is committed to passing the saving directly on to visitors through reduced summer ticket prices. We have also already refunded the difference to 1,200 pre-paid tickets, ensuring visitors who booked ahead for eligible dates benefit from the savings too.
Minister Kirsty McNeill visited Camera Obscura & World of Illusions in Edinburgh to celebrate the launch of the scheme and highlight the role attractions across Scotland can play in helping families make the most of the summer break.
UK Government Minister for Scotland Kirsty McNeill said:
“This summer, the UK Government is cutting the cost of a family day out and making sure families across the UK get to make the most of the summer break.
“Businesses will also feel the benefits with increased visitor numbers and more people discovering the wonderful range of activities and attractions we have throughout Scotland and the whole of the UK.
“Too many parents feel they have to hold back on treats or days out together because of cost of living pressures so the UK Government is slashing the VAT on a range of kids' activities so families can afford more time together.”
A fun and affordable family attraction in the heart of Edinburgh
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is an ideal choice for families, tourists, local residents and groups looking for a memorable day out in Edinburgh.
Inside, visitors can explore five floors of interactive fun, including mind-bending optical illusions, playful photo opportunities, immersive installations, hands-on exhibits and the historic Camera Obscura experience itself. From shrinking rooms and mirror mazes to light tricks, visual puzzles and city views, the attraction offers something for all ages.
As an all-weather attraction in Edinburgh city centre, Camera Obscura is also a perfect summer holiday option whatever the Scottish weather decides to do. Visitors can enjoy the indoor experience across the building, then head to the rooftop terrace for some of the best views of Edinburgh’s Old Town, New Town, Royal Mile, Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle.
Whether you are planning a family day out in Edinburgh, looking for affordable things to do with kids in Scotland, visiting during the school holidays, or searching for an unforgettable activity near Edinburgh Castle, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions offers a unique experience in one of the city’s most historic locations.
Passing the savings directly on to visitors
Tony Millar, Manager at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, said:
“We’re delighted to be part of the Great British Summer Savings initiative and to pass the benefit directly on to visitors. The summer holidays are an important time for families to make memories together, but we know the cost of days out can add up.
“By passing on the VAT reduction and reducing our ticket prices over the summer, we hope to make it easier for families, tourists and local visitors to enjoy a fun, memorable and great-value day out in the heart of Edinburgh.”
The initiative is expected to support both families and businesses, encouraging more people to discover the wide range of attractions, activities and experiences available across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
For Edinburgh, where tourism plays such an important role in supporting local jobs and the wider city centre economy, schemes that encourage people to visit attractions can have a positive impact beyond the attraction itself. A visit to Camera Obscura often forms part of a wider day out, with visitors also spending time in nearby cafés, restaurants, shops, hotels and other cultural venues across the Royal Mile and Old Town.
Recently recognised by Which?
The summer savings launch comes at an exciting time for Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, following our recent recognition as a Which? Recommended Provider.
This recognition highlights Camera Obscura as one of the UK’s top-rated visitor attractions and reflects the quality, creativity and visitor appeal of the experience. We are proud to offer an attraction that is fun, interactive, surprising and memorable for all ages.
For visitors planning how to spend their time and money this summer, the Which? Recommended Provider status offers extra reassurance that Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is a trusted choice for a brilliant Edinburgh day out.
Plan your summer visit to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
If you are looking for things to do in Edinburgh this summer, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is ready to welcome you.
Located beside Edinburgh Castle on the Royal Mile, the attraction is easy to include in a day exploring Edinburgh’s Old Town. It is a great option for families visiting during the school holidays, tourists looking for one of Edinburgh’s must-see attractions, and local residents planning a fun and affordable day out.
With five floors of illusions, hands-on fun, immersive exhibits and spectacular rooftop views, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is one of the best family attractions in Edinburgh — and thanks to Great British Summer Savings, visitors can enjoy it for less this summer.
Book your visit today and experience a world of illusions, surprises and unforgettable views in the heart of Edinburgh.