New telescope

Pre-booking is not required to visit Collective.

We look forward to welcoming you to our site!

Opening Times

Tuesday – Sunday, 10am—5pm

Find Us

Collective
City Observatory
38 Calton Hill
Edinburgh
EH7 5AA

+44 (0)131 556 1264
[email protected]

On foot
Collective is situated on the top of Calton Hill, in the heart of Edinburgh. Calton Hill is a public park and there is no vehicle access, except for disabled visitors. Steps lead up the Hill from Waterloo Place and Royal Terrace.

By bike
Bikes can be locked to the rack at the base of the steps on Waterloo Place, or outside of our main East Gate entrance.

By bus
Regular buses stop on Waterloo Place and Royal Terrace – visit Lothian Buses or download their app to plan your journey.

By train
Waverley station is just a few minutes away on foot – visit National Rail Enquiries to plan your journey.

By car
There is no vehicle access (except for disabled visitors) or parking at Collective and we encourage visitors to use public transport wherever possible. The nearest Pay & Display car parking is on Regent Road or at the Q-Park Omni.

By taxi
Taxi drop-off and pick-up (no parking) is permitted via the access road.

By plane
Edinburgh Airport is well connected internationally. Take the Airlink 100 bus or tram to reach the city centre.

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Explore Collective

Site History

Calton Hill is the birthplace of astronomy and timekeeping in Edinburgh. Within the walled grounds of Collective sits a collection of buildings including the City Observatory - designed by William Henry Playfair in 1818- the Transit House,City Dome, Observatory House and Playfair Monument. The City Observatory stands in the centre, a temple to scientific innovation and discovery.

The site forms a vital component in the group of buildings on Calton Hill, which arecentral to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and both architecturally and culturally significant to the history of Edinburgh and Scotland.

Read more

James N Hutchinson, Sightseers

Kiosk

Genius to go by Union of Genius offers a range of hot and cold food to enjoy in the grounds of Collective

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
(closes 4pm Nov-Mar)

Cafe Kiosk
Collective Hillside City Dome City Observatory  Photo By Tom Nolan October 2018 4