Dynamic Earth

A trip to Dynamic Earth demands a little planning, especially during Edinburgh’s busy summer. Conveniently located at the foot of Holyrood Road, just minutes from Holyrood Palace and the Royal Mile, the attraction draws a mix of locals, tourists, and schoolchildren year-round. Expect moderate crowds during weekends and holidays, but off-peak hours often allow for a more relaxed, interactive experience. Tickets can be booked in advance online, sometimes at a small discount, and late afternoons tend to feel quieter.

• Best time to visit: Weekdays outside of school holidays. Early mornings and late afternoons are typically less crowded.
• How to get there: Walk from Edinburgh Waverley Station (15 minutes), or use frequent local buses stopping nearby. Limited on-site parking available for drivers.
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with lifts and accessible toilets. Baby-changing facilities and stroller-friendly paths make it ideal for families.
• Average visit duration: 2–3 hours covers all major exhibits, though science fans may linger longer.

Dynamic Earth brims with hands-on opportunities and cinematic showpieces designed to engage visitors from the moment they step through the doors. Guided by themed zones, exhibitions flow from the Big Bang to the present, tracing Earth’s evolution with a blend of drama and fun. Senses come alive as guests “feel” an earthquake, touch a real iceberg, and marvel at a swirling planetarium show overhead. With each area, fresh stories reveal themselves: Scotland carved by glaciers, ocean depths full of mysterious creatures, and the ever-changing skies above. Photo spots and interactive displays encourage everyone to pause, laugh, and learn.

• Key sights or features: The immersive time machine ride, the tactile iceberg, the Real Science Lab, and the impressive ShowDome Planetarium.
• Unique experiences: Simulate a volcanic eruption, journey through tropical rainforests, or join a scheduled Science Show for live demonstrations led by real researchers.
• Photo-worthy locations: The central atrium with views up to Salisbury Crags, dramatic lighting inside the volcano zone, and the planetarium’s dazzling visuals.
• Cultural or historical facts: Rooted in Scotland’s tradition of scientific discovery, Dynamic Earth sits on the site where pioneering geologist James Hutton once walked, linking local history with global science.