Which? Recommended Provider 2026
In 2026, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions was named a Which? Recommended Provider for UK theme parks and attractions, ranking as the third-best attraction in the UK.
The recognition reflects the quality, variety and value of the experience, from interactive illusions and hands-on exhibits to our historic Camera Obscura show and rooftop views across Edinburgh. As one of the UK’s best-known independent consumer organisations, the Which? recommendation offers added reassurance when choosing a day out.
Tripadvisor Travellers Choice
Camera Obscura has received a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award every year since 2013.
The award is based on reviews and ratings shared by visitors, who regularly highlight our friendly team, interactive exhibits, rooftop views and the variety of experiences available throughout the attraction.
Receiving this award for more than a decade reflects the consistently positive experiences of visitors from Scotland and around the world.
Scottish Thistle Awards
The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate excellence across Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry. We are proud to have received several regional and national awards recognising different aspects of the Camera Obscura experience.
2025
Regional Award for Inclusion
Recognising our work to improve accessibility, support diversity and create a welcoming attraction for visitors with a wide range of needs and abilities.
2024
National Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year
Celebrating our workplace culture, staff development, wellbeing support and commitment to creating a positive environment for our team. A supported and enthusiastic team plays an important part in delivering the warm welcome and helpful service visitors experience every day.
Regional Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year
Recognising the policies, support and opportunities we provide for our employees.
Regional Climate Action Award
Celebrating the practical steps we have taken to reduce our environmental impact and make sustainability part of our everyday operations.
2023
National Award for Innovation in Tourism
Recognising the way innovation is embedded throughout Camera Obscura, from exhibit development and technology to accessibility and customer service. This approach helps us preserve the attraction’s historic character while continuing to introduce fresh, surprising and engaging experiences.
Regional Award for Innovation in Tourism
Celebrating our creative approach to developing new experiences and improving how visitors interact with the attraction.
Regional Best Visitor Experience
Recognising the complete visitor journey, including our welcome, exhibits, customer service and historic Camera Obscura presentation.
2022
Regional Best Visitor Experience
Celebrating our team’s commitment to providing an engaging, welcoming and memorable experience for visitors.
Together, these awards recognise the people, creativity and responsible practices behind every visit.
Five Star Quality Accreditation
Camera Obscura holds a five-star quality accreditation from the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions, recognising the high standard of our visitor experience.
The assessment considers areas including customer service, presentation, facilities, cleanliness, information and visitor care. The five-star rating reflects the attention given to the full experience, from planning a visit to exploring the attraction.
Forth Awards
Visitor Attraction Award — 2024
Camera Obscura was proud to receive the Visitor Attraction Award at the Forth Awards.
The awards celebrate the people, organisations and experiences that make a positive contribution to Edinburgh and the surrounding area. This local recognition reflects our place as a much-loved part of the city’s visitor experience.
Green Tourism
Gold Award
Camera Obscura holds Gold accreditation from Green Tourism, its highest award level.
The accreditation recognises our work across areas including energy, waste, water, purchasing, travel, communication and community engagement. It reflects our commitment to offering a memorable day out while operating in a more responsible and sustainable way.
You can read about all our sustainability work here.
Hospitality Health Wellness Charter
Camera Obscura was the first visitor attraction to receive the Hospitality Health Wellness Charter.
The charter recognises our commitment to employee health and wellbeing, including mental health support, communication and workplace wellbeing initiatives. Looking after our team helps us maintain the friendly, knowledgeable and enthusiastic service for which the attraction is known.
Living Wage
Accredited Living Wage Employer
We are proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer. This commitment forms part of our wider approach to fair employment, staff wellbeing and creating a responsible and sustainable workplace. By supporting and fairly rewarding our team, we can continue to build the experience, knowledge and confidence that contribute to a great visit.
Trailblazer Award 2023
Winner of the Trailblazer Award at the 2023 Living Wage Scotland awards ceremony.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions was recognised for going well above and beyond paying our staff the real Living Wage, setting the bar high for employer standards within the tourism sector and providing an outstanding example it is hoped others will follow. Being accredited as a Real Living Wage employer aligns with our aims to deliver exceptional, world-class experiences and supports the organisation in attracting and retaining the high quality staff required to achieve this.
