Latest news with #CameraObscura
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Daily Record
One Scottish city has the most 'historical charm' in the UK and another is close behind
SIXT ranked UK cities for historical charm by counting museums, landmarks, and heritage sites within two miles of each centre Two of Scotland's biggest cities have been recognised for their timeless appeal, securing top spots on a new list of the most historically charming destinations in the UK. Edinburgh has officially been crowned as Britain's most historically rich city. And Scotland's biggest city, Glasgow, came in close behind, proudly taking third place in a ranking compiled by car rental experts SIXT. The list, which also places Brighton in second, celebrates cities that offer a window into Britain's past through architecture, museums and cultural landmarks. To compile the rankings, SIXT analysed the number of museums, listed buildings, conservation areas, heritage sites and historical landmarks within a two-mile radius of each city centre. It comes amid a surge in interest in the nation's heritage, with more than 51,000 Google searches for 'UK history' made in the past month alone. SIXT said: 'So, if you're looking for some historic charm during your UK road trip, where exactly should you be aiming to take a detour? 'We calculated which cities are home to the most museums, heritage sites, listed buildings, conservation sites and landmarks within a two-mile radius to provide you with the ultimate guide to history on wheels.' Edinburgh leads the way with 65 historic attractions Scotland's capital city came out on top with 65 notable historical points of interest, from iconic landmarks to immersive museums. Known for its striking skyline and centuries-old buildings, Edinburgh offers something for every type of visitor. Among the most searched attractions are the Royal Yacht Britannia, the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, and the National Galleries. As well as these the iconic Edinburgh Castle also featured, as it has seen a staggering 25,000 UK searches in the last month alone as people plan summer visits. Whether you're exploring solo, as a couple or with family, Auld Reekie promises a history-filled experience at every turn. Glasgow secures a top-three finish Just behind Brighton, Glasgow takes third place with 48 historical hotspots scattered across the city. Long known for its industrial heritage and dynamic cultural scene, Scotland's largest city is also earning praise for its deep historical roots. SIXT's findings reveal more than 39,000 searches for 'things to do in Glasgow' in the past month, indicating a strong appetite for exploring the city's past. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Glasgow Cathedral, the nearby Provand's Lordship - the oldest house in the city - and the People's Palace and Winter Gardens. The Dear Green Place is also abundant with parks, including the stunning Kelvingrove, which sits right beside Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, for added culture to your trip. Brighton ranked second for seaside heritage Brighton claimed the runner-up spot, thanks to its 50 heritage-rich sites that include the famous Royal Pavilion, once the seaside palace of King George IV, and The Lanes, a charming labyrinth of historic alleyways filled with antique shops and old pubs. While known today as a bustling beachside escape that draws over 11 million visitors each year, Brighton's historical offerings prove just as magnetic as its sunny shores.
Daily Record
16-05-2025
- Daily Record
The Scottish city that was named 'nicest place for summer visit' with family
It offers countless fun attractions for visitors of all ages. With May already halfway over, summer is so close we can practically taste it. That also means that we are about to enter the peak of the holiday season. If you aren't planning to fly off to Europe, there are a lot of options for a fun break closer to home. Summer is a great time to plan an exciting Scottish city break, especially if you are travelling with the whole family. Earlier this year, a list of the top 10 "nicest places in Scotland to visit in summer season with family" was revealed by Executive Cabs Glasgow. Coming in at number one on the list was Edinburgh. The Scottish capital is famous all around the world for its incredible history and culture, as well as its amazing architecture. Tourists love exploring its cobbled streets and many hidden closes. Edinburgh was praised by Executive Cabs Glasgow for its unique blend of heritage and fun. They singled out iconic attractions such as Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile. Another must-visit place in Edinburgh according to the experts is Arthur's Seat. The extinct volcano that dominates the city's skyline is the ideal place for a hike with the family on a sunny day. Meanwhile, there is unsurprisingly lots to get up for children in Edinburgh too. Many of the city's top attractions are specifically catered towards offering a fun day out for all ages. One of the best visitor attractions in Edinburgh that kids will love is Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. The attraction is home to more than 100 interactive exhibits, such as the Vortex Tunnel, Mirror Maze, and Ames room. Elsewhere, the National Museum of Scotland is free to enter and offers so much to see and do that it can be overwhelming. With thousands of rare objects, as well as lots of interactive exhibits, the museum will teach visitors about history, the natural world, fashion, and much more. Another must-visit destination in Edinburgh, especially for those with an interest in history, is The Real Mary King's Close. The spooky attraction details more than 400 years of history, with colourful characters bringing the city's grisly past to life. With summer on the way, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival will also once again soon be returning. Held each year over August, the biggest performance arts festival in the world hosts thousands of different shows across comedy, music, dance, and more. Edinburgh is also one of the best cities for food in the UK, with a seemingly endless list of acclaimed eateries. Among the city's Michelin-starred restaurants are LYLA, Timberyard, Heron, and Martin Wishart. Executive Cabs Glasgow commented: "Edinburgh is one of the best summer destinations in Scotland, where tradition sits alongside fun. The famous Edinburgh Castle gives guests fantastic views of the city, while Arthur's Seat is an easy family hike with beautiful views. "Edinburgh is also the home of the world's largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which takes place in the summer and provides children with street theatre, puppetry, and interactive exhibits. "The Royal Mile is a must-see, where performers known as buskers, and historic sites give the area a unique character." For the full list of the "nicest places in Scotland to visit in summer season with family", visit the Executive Cabs Glasgow website.
NDTV
15-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
"Found It": US Treasure Map Directs Explorer To Over Rs 8 Lakh Discovery
A San Francisco treasure hunter discovered a secret chest with USD 10,000, approximately Rs 8.6 lakh, worth of riches after a mysterious Reddit thread talked about the same. First mentioned on a San Francisco subreddit, the hunt ended when the reported $10,000 treasure chest was discovered buried in the city on Tuesday. While locals frantically searched for the hidden treasure, the lucky finder shared a picture of an open metal box filled with cash, rare baseball cards, and precious metal ingots on X, along with the caption, "Found it." In case you wanted to know how to find a treasure: ????☠️ "Eighteen Bold letters Preserved In a clearing" There are 18 gigantic concrete letters piled in a field near India Basin Park, remnants of a sign created by Michael Manwaring and removed in 2020. They're intended to… — . Vincent (@wivincent) May 14, 2025 The discovery was made less than 12 hours after an unidentified group released a pirate-style map of a "chest worth over $10,000," which could be located using mysterious clues about San Francisco. According to the website attached to the Reddit post, the 22-pound container was "brimming with gleaming ingots, currency, and San Francisco artefacts." Gold made up around half of the treasure's worth. A representative for the pirates told KRON 4 that the finder, who uses the X handle @wivincent, is a "value investor and tech guy from Europe." On X, the hunter revealed how he made the impossible treasure hunt possible. The first clue on the map said, "Eighteen bold letters, preserved in a clearing, sight a dark room's view of brave surfers reeling." The finder explained that the remains of a sign made by Michael Manwaring and taken down in 2020 were 18 enormous concrete letters stacked in a field close to India Basin Park. The ultimate plan is to use them as park signage. "A dark room's view..." meant surfers and surf fishermen are reeling from the view of Camera Obscura. The second clue was "from dry ruin's gate to solar's tall mast, chart a historic cross- the art of one's path." The finder explained that "dry ruin's gate" meant Pool of Fleishhacker, and "solar's tall mast" meant Point of Infinity on what is known as Treasure(!) Island but is Yerba Buena Island. "Chart a historic cross" was defined as drawing lines connecting these points, and X truly marks the spot. The third clue read, "Go trace the true route, venture only at night: to be certain of bearing, you'll need to pack a light." The hunter noted it meant five minutes down the path and along a side trail to a rock outcropping indicated by tiny indicators that glow when exposed to UV light from the X. The final clue was "in the steadfast basin, where feet part and agree, dig a shovel's depth down - you'll find the treasure you seek." It meant that the chest was hidden in a hole surrounded by big boulders, about eight inches deep. There is a brief and obvious divide in the trail as it passes around the rocks. Later, the modern-day pirates confirmed their treasure had been found in the Mount Sutro Open Space Preserve, southwest of San Francisco's downtown.
Scotsman
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
May The Fourth Be With You! New Star Wars illusion launched
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now This Star Wars Day (Sunday May 4th), visitors to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions can expect a surprising twist of perception! Launching Friday 2 May and running through to Monday 5 May, the attraction will unveil a unique new illusion exhibit to celebrate the intergalactic holiday in true topsy-turvy style. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Designed by in-house Technical Designer Grant McGuigan, the brand-new Rubin's Vase illusion is inspired by the classic optical trick that challenges viewers to see either two faces in profile or a central vase, depending on their focus. But in this special sci-fi twist, the profile changes aren't just any faces. As the vase rotates, the shadows shift dramatically between the silhouette of Darth Vader and that of Anakin Skywalker, offering a playful nod to the character's transformation from Jedi to Sith and back again. This one-of-a-kind piece is exclusive to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions and brings together the science of visual perception with cinematic storytelling. It continues the venue's long tradition of mixing classic illusions with contemporary creativity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Andrew Johnson, General Manager, said: 'Our team loves creating new ways to surprise and delight, and this exhibit is a perfect example. It's a clever, thought-provoking illusion with a fun pop culture twist and there's nowhere else in the world you can see it.' Grant McGuigan looks at the new Star Wars Ruben's Vase illusion he created for Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh The Star Wars Rubin's Vase illusion will be on display for a limited time only, across the May bank holiday weekend, and is included as part of standard admission. Visitors can enjoy it alongside over 100 interactive exhibits across five floors, including fan favourites like the Mirror Maze, Vortex Tunnel and Rooftop Terrace, which offers breathtaking views over Edinburgh. Camera Obscura & World of Illusions will be open daily throughout the weekend, with extended hours to give visitors plenty of time to explore. Tickets can be booked in advance at
Sharjah 24
20-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Xposure: A creative photography experience for all ages at Aljada
Whether you're a family looking for a fun day out, a casual explorer, or someone seeking creative inspiration, Xposure 2025 has something for everyone. For families, it is a treasure trove of activities Kids and curious minds will be captivated by the Ibn Haytham Experience , an interactive journey that brings the history and science of the 'Father of Optics' to life. Explore a giant Camera Obscura, marvel at optical illusions, and even meet a life-sized Ibn Haytham mascot. His work was pivotal in understanding how light travels and forms images, the beginning of the study of image projection and a precursor to photography. With hands-on experiments and a short film starring Omar Sharif, this immersive exhibit celebrates the legacy of one of history's greatest scientific pioneers and delights visitors of all ages. The fun doesn't stop there! Aljada transforms into a buzzing space with something for everyone. Photography enthusiasts can explore a dedicated section for camera sales and accessories, including vintage cameras, film, and even an instant camera vending machine. Dive into creative moments with fun photo booths, a green-screen studio, and Fujifilm's X-tra zone, where you can join workshops, masterclasses, and photo walks. Don't miss special sessions like 'Baking with Ola' on February 21 or 'The Power of Storytelling' on February 22. Also, early birds can snag a free limited-edition Fujifilm mug and coffee. It is the perfect way to kickstart your day of exploration. Want to take home a keepsake? Xposure 2025 has you covered with free family portrait sessions . Step into one of the designated locations, where professional photographers will be ready to capture stunning, high-quality portraits. Or just unwind with a cuppa at the Aljada Xposure venue. Treat yourself to specialty coffee at Cartel Coffee Roasters, enjoy a cozy tea break at Jamrat Shay, or grab a bite and cuppa at All Cafe. For a more laid-back vibe, enjoy a picnic in the park while soaking in the festival's creative energy. In the mood for some sightseeing? Hop onto the Xposure Tour Bus and see Sharjah in a new light! Visitors can register for this unique experience, which is a guided photography experience across Sharjah's most scenic locations, with a professional photographer on board providing expert tips for capturing the perfect shot. And if you're there for photography, Xposure is the ultimate destination. Exhibition tours will bring the art to life, with world-famous photographers personally guiding visitors through their work. Meanwhile, Stage X will host inspiring talks by global photography icons, offering behind-the-scenes stories of culture, history, and visual storytelling. So, mark your calendars until February 26 and head to Aljada for a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you inspired and entertained. For more information, visit
