Royal Observatory Edinburgh
The Royal Observatory Edinburgh sits atop Blackford Hill. Opened in 1896, it remains a working observatory, which accommodates around 140 staff and students. The ROE Visitor Centre at the Royal Observatory Edinburgh hosts a programme of astronomy evenings and events. Perfect for budding astronomers are stargazers! Here you can delve into the world of astronomy and technology. Please note, the centre is only open to the public for special events and open days – check before visiting.
History of the Royal Observatory
The first observatory building in Edinburgh was built on Calton Hill in 1818. That historic building is now known as the City Observatory or Playfair Building, and is currently used as a contemporary art centre. The Royal Observatory moved to its new location on Blackford Hill in 1896. This new building included laboratories, offices, a library and two domes containing state-of-the-art telescopes, which were used for astronomical research until the 1970s. Today, the building encompasses two organisations: The UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) and the Institute for Astronomy (IfA). The observatory carries out research and teaching, and there is also a Visitor Centre, located beneath one of the domes, which runs public tours and events on selected dates.
‘Great views of Edinburgh City and all around, definitely worth the hike up and also on to the Blackfordhill. On a clear day can see for miles!’
– Royal Observatory Edinburgh Tripadvisor Review
Visiting the Royal Observatory
The ROE Visitor Centre on Blackford Hill hosts a programme of public tours and events on selected dates, such as observatory tours, astronomy talks and open days. Find out more about the Royal Observatory’s public events here. The observatory also occasionally runs special events with festivals and partners around Edinburgh. Such as Doors Open Days and Edinburgh Science Festival.
Public events are on selected dates only. However, you can walk up to the top of Blackford Hill at any time, where you can admire the grade-A-listed building from the outside, including its impressive copper-covered domes. The walk up Blackford Hill is stunning and offers magnificent views over the city and beyond.
For guests staying with us at Parliament House Hotel in Edinburgh, you can catch a bus from the city centre towards Blackford Hill, which is around a 30-minute journey. Then the walk to the top of the hill takes a further 20 minutes. Directions here.
