Right in the heart of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, the Earth shakes on a regular basis. The volcano Arthur’s Seat may have been extinct for a long time, but at the nearby Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium, the ground still rumbles. The simulated earthquake is part of an immersive journey through the history of our planet.
Please do not touch? Quite the opposite! During the tour, you can feel the scorching heat of a volcano, touch the frosty texture of an iceberg, and venture deep into a tropical rainforest. The visit ends in the planetarium, where live shows with satellite imagery are presented alongside 30-minute films about Earth and space.
The Science Centre and Planetarium is fully wheelchair accessible. For visitors sensitive to sensory input, an adventure backpack with helpful tools such as ear defenders and sunglasses is available on request. A sensory map shows which areas are likely to involve intense sensory stimuli (Sensory Map PDF).
Tickets are valid for one year from the date of purchase and include admission to the planetarium. As of May 2025, online prices are £21.50 for adults, £13.50 for children (ages 4–15), and £18.50 for students and jobseekers. Current opening times and more information can be found at https://dynamicearth.org.uk. You should plan to spend about three hours on your visit. The address is: 112–116 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS. Dynamic Earth is easily accessible via public transport, with Edinburgh Waverley being the nearest train station
Photo: Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium; Credits: Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium
