Royal Observatory, Edinburgh

Name: Royal Observatory
Address: Observatory Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 131 668 8404

#57 among attractions in Edinburgh

Visitor center, Observatories and planetariums

Gallery (5)

Map

Gallery

Facts and practical information

The Royal Observatory, Edinburgh is an astronomical institution located on Blackford Hill in Edinburgh. The site is owned by the Science and Technology Facilities Council. The ROE comprises the UK Astronomy Technology Centre of STFC, the Institute for Astronomy of the School of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Edinburgh, and the ROE Visitor Centre. ()

Alternative names: Established: 1896 (128 years ago)Coordinates: 55°55'22"N, 3°11'17"W

Address

Observatory RoadBlackfordEdinburgh EH9 3HJ United Kingdom

Contact

+44 131 668 8404

Website

Social media

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Edinburgh

Day trips

Royal Observatory – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Royal Commonwealth Pool, Warrender Swim Centre, Mortonhall Golf Club, Hermitage of Braid.

1.3 miNE
Sport venue, Sport
Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh
33 min walk • The Royal Commonwealth Pool is a category-A-listed building in Edinburgh that houses one of Scotland's main swimming pools. It is usually referred to simply as the Commonwealth Pool and known colloquially as the 'Commie'.
0.9 miNW
Sport venue, Sport, Sport complex
Warrender Swim Centre, Edinburgh
24 min walk • Warrender Swim Centre – traditionally known as Warrender Baths – is a swimming pool and fitness complex in Marchmont, Edinburgh. It consists of a pool 25 yards in length, a sauna, and an assortment of fitness equipment. It is notable for its Victorian architecture with bright interior and its old-fashioned poolside changing facilities.
1.1 miSW
55°54'42"N • 3°12'35"W
Mortonhall Golf Club, Edinburgh
30 min walk • Golf, Outdoor activities
~1660 ftW
Park
Hermitage of Braid, Edinburgh
9 min walk • The Hermitage of Braid is an area between the Braid Hills and Blackford Hill. The Braid Burn runs through it. It comprises part of the 60.3-hectare Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve.
1 miNW
Nightlife, Cinema, Concerts and shows
Dominion Cinema, Edinburgh
25 min walk • The Dominion Cinema is an independent Streamline Moderne cinema located in the Morningside area of Edinburgh, Scotland. The company was incorporated by William Cameron, on 13 May 1937 when he bought the land in Newbattle Terrace.
1 miNW
Church
Gillis Centre, Edinburgh
25 min walk • Gillis Centre, formerly Gillis College and founded as St Margaret's Convent and School, is a complex of buildings situated close to the city centre of Edinburgh, Scotland. The history of the site can be traced back to the 15th century.
0.9 miN
Church
St Catherine's Argyle Church, Edinburgh
23 min walk • St. Catherine's Argyle, or St. Cath's, is a Church of Scotland church located in the Grange, Edinburgh. The Scottish churchman and poet Horatius Bonar was its first minister. In April 2008 the Rev.
1.2 miNW
Forts and castles, Vernacular architecture
Merchiston Tower, Edinburgh
32 min walk • Merchiston Tower, also known as Merchiston Castle, was probably built by Alexander Napier, the 2nd Laird of Merchiston around 1454. It serves as the seat for Clan Napier. It was the home of John Napier, the 8th Laird of Merchiston and the inventor of logarithms, who was born there in 1550.
~1480 ftNE
Church
Reid Memorial Church, Edinburgh
8 min walk • The Reid Memorial Church is a church in Edinburgh. It is a congregation of the Church of Scotland and is located in the Blackford area on the south side of the city.
1.1 miNW
Theater, Concerts and shows
Church Hill Theatre, Edinburgh
27 min walk • Church Hill Theatre is a Category B listed pink sandstone former church and current theatre venue owned by the Edinburgh City Council. Built originally as Morningside Free Church, the council purchased it in 1960. After undergoing an extensive refurbishment, it re-opened in August 2006.
0.8 miSE
55°54'44"N • 3°10'46"W
Braid Hills Golf Centre, Edinburgh
21 min walk • Golf

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Royal Observatory?

Nearby attractions include Blackford, Edinburgh (4 min walk), Reid Memorial Church, Edinburgh (8 min walk), Hermitage of Braid, Edinburgh (9 min walk), Blackford Pond, Edinburgh (10 min walk).

How to get to Royal Observatory by public transport?

The nearest stations to Royal Observatory:

Bus

Eva Place • Lines: 41 (7 min walk)
Blackford Avenue • Lines: 41 (8 min walk)