A Magical Day at Camera Obscura: The Happy Tartan Girls’ Illusion Adventure

There’s nothing quite like stepping into a world where mirrors bend, shadows dance, and the ordinary flips into the extraordinary. That’s exactly what happened when the Happy Tartan Girls visited Camera Obscura & World of Illusions in Edinburgh — an adventure filled with laughter, curiosity and a few “how did that happen?” moments.

Why we chose Camera Obscura

Located at the top of the Royal Mile on Castlehill (postcode EH1 2ND) in Edinburgh, Camera Obscura has been entertaining visitors since 1835, making it one of the oldest purpose-built tourist attractions in the UK. Wikipedia+2Edinburgh Expert Walking Tours+2
With over five floors of interactive exhibits, rooftop views and real live Victorian camera magic, it was the perfect fit for the Happy Tartan Girls (and especially for Iona, the storyteller and sketch-book keeper of our group) to explore, experiment and reflect on their own creative journeys. camera-obscura.co.uk+1

Arrival & first impressions

As the girls climbed the stairs inside the old building, they could already feel the sense of something special. The old brickwork, the anticipation of what was above, and the promise of illusions tucked around every corner – it made for an excited start. The view outside — Edinburgh Castle in one direction, the Firth of Forth in the distance — reminded everyone just how great a city our Scottish home is. camera-obscura.co.uk+1

Exploring the floors — surprise after surprise

1. Optical illusions and interactive exhibits
   On the lower floors they discovered rooms full of optical illusions: the Vortex Tunnel that made them feel like the world spun beneath their feet, the Mirror Maze where every turn sparkled with laughter, and the Shrinking Room where they looked tiny one minute, then enormous the next. Reviews say these floors “are great fun for all ages” and “over 100 hands-on exhibits” await. VisitScotland+1

   Iona was scribbling in her journal, noting how perspective change makes us see the world differently – something she wanted to bring back to the Happy Tartan world.

2. The rooftop & original Camera Obscura show
   After testing mirrors and illusions, the girls made their way to the rooftop terrace where one of the real treasures awaited: the vintage Camera Obscura itself. This device projects live, real-time images of the city onto a table in a darkened room — a bit like stepping into a moving picture from the 1800s. Wee Walking Tours+1

   Standing on the terrace, the girls gazed across Edinburgh rooftops. Iona held her journal, whispering ideas about sketching the skyline at sunset.

Moments worth capturing

• When one girl stepped into a mirror and suddenly saw herself as double her size — the giggles were unstoppable.

• In the rooftop chamber when the city appeared upside down then flipped back correctly — a magical “how is that possible?” moment.

• Iona opening her journal and writing: “Today I learned that what you see depends on where you stand.”

• The view of Edinburgh Castle across the Royal Mile, dusk light casting golden hues, the girls watching it together in tartan dresses and scarves.

Why it fits with Happy Tartan

At Happy Tartan we celebrate curiosity, creativity and colour. This visit was more than a fun day out — it was an inspiration.

• The illusions taught the girls that things aren’t always what they seem — a lovely reminder for creativity and design.

• The vintage Camera Obscura echoed our own love of telling stories, capturing moments and sketching the world around us.

• The rooftop view reminded us we live in a vibrant place, full of history and modern magic — just like our Happy Tartan girls.

Practical information for your visit

• 📍 Location: Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2ND. camera-obscura.co.uk+1

• 🎟️ Tickets: Book online in advance (there are time-slot bookings). camera-obscura.co.uk

• ⏳ Duration: Most families spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring. Tripadvisor

• 🕒 Opening Hours: Every day from early morning until evening (exact times vary by season). camera-obscura.co.uk

• ✔️ Good to know: Bring a camera (lots of photo-op spots), it’s indoors (great in all weather), and fun for all ages.

• 🚶 Getting there: Best by foot or public transport; it’s centrally located. camera-obscura.co.uk

Bringing it back to Iona’s Journal

After the visit, Iona opened her journal and wrote a new entry:

“Today I walked through illusions, saw the city turn upside-down and learned that even when things look strange, they can still be wonderful. I’ll draw the Castle, the mirrors and the rooftop sky. Because every colour, every light and every moment deserves a page in my journal.”

She then sketched a little mirror maze, a silhouette of Edinburgh Castle and a tiny drawing of her and the girls in their tartan dresses, heads tilted in wonder.

What we learnt and how your little listener can join in

• Explore: Just like the Happy Tartan Girls did, go somewhere you haven’t visited before — a museum, a hill, or even just a new park.

• Observe: Notice how things look different from different angles. Draw or journal what surprises you.

• Create: Use what you see as inspiration. Iona drew mirrors, shadows, city views — what will you draw?

• Share: The world is full of colours and stories. Tag us or use #IonasJournal if you sketch something inspired by the day.

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💬 Final thoughts

Visiting Camera Obscura & World of Illusions wasn’t just a day out — it was a spark of curiosity for the Happy Tartan Girls. It reminded them (and us) that wonder thrives when we look closer, laugh louder and draw our own stories.
So the next time you’re wandering the Royal Mile, up for an indoor adventure or just sketching in your journal — remember: the world is full of magic waiting to be found. And every story deserves a colourful page.

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Ready for your visit?
Plan ahead and book your tickets at the official site: Camera Obscura & World of Illusions camera-obscura.co.uk+1
See you at the top of the world (and in your journal) ✏️💜