Museums, "Edinburgh"

Sitting atop the volcanic Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city skyline and is the most popular paid visitor attraction in Scotland. Events at the castle include regular re-enactments of events from its history, occasional concerts by…

The University's collection of anatomical teaching models, death masks, and the remains of infamous bodysnatchers Burke and Hare. Open to the public for free on selected open days only – usually the last Saturday of each month.

Located in Edinburgh’s New Town, this elegant late-18th century Georgian town house is typical of the area’s architectural style, and contains a fine collection of furniture, porcelain, silver and pictures from the period. Features include a 'below…

Located near South Queensferry, Hopetoun House is one of Scotland’s finest stately homes, open to visitors during the summer months. It occasionally holds classical musical recitals, as well as sporting activities such as clay shooting. As a traditional…

This Royal Mile museum contains a collection of toys, clothes and memorabilia from the last century, spread over three floors. Sound recordings bring to life the atmosphere of a playground, and a large section of the ground floor is a dedicated toy shop.

Situated in a series of interconnected 16th- and 17th-century buildings on the Royal Mile, the Museum of Edinburgh depicts the city's origins, history and legends. Among notable artefacts is the National Covenant and the feeding bowl and collar…

The museum inside this fire station tells the story of the oldest fire brigade in the UK, formed in 1824. See genuine artefacts including horse-drawn fire engines and early motor models.

This museum on the Royal Mile, containing many decorations and paintings from the 500 years since it was first built, is reputed to be the home of 16th-century Protestant reformer John Knox. The building is occasionally used by the adjacent Scottish…

The official Scottish residence of the Queen, this baroque palace was once home to Mary Queen of Scots and now houses the great artworks and tapestries of its regal residents.

Once you have staggered down from the windswept Castle, the warm interior of the Whisky Centre could not seem more attractive. The tour of the centre is, mercifully, mostly seated, and involves a series of films, demonstrations and a 'Barrel Ride' to…

Hosted inside the Bank of Scotland's head office, this museum is all about money. Learn how money has evolved over the past 4000 years or try cracking a safe.

The Royal Observatory sits on top of Blackford Hill, south of Edinburgh’s city centre. Alongside the visitor centre, which allows the general public to use the Victorian telescope dome facilities, the site accommodates a university astronomy research…

Located inside Edinburgh Castle, the museum explores over 400 years of the Scottish military experience. Exhibits include weapons and uniforms from various conflicts, a gallery of military paintings and recruitment posters, and occasional weekend events…

Just off the Royal Mile in Trinity Apse, the only surviving fragment of the 15th century Trinity College Church and Hospital, the centre provides an opportunity to make rubbings from a variety of replica monumental brasses, such as figures of medieval…

Following the redevelopment of the National Museum, two new collection buildings have also been added to the storage and conservation centre at Granton. From vintage motorbikes to whale and dinosaur bones – it’s all there.

Europe's longest artificial ski slope is the perfect place to learn or hone skiing and snowboarding skills. Mountain bikers can take the chairlift before enjoying the new 600 metre downhill mountain bike trail. The centre also houses a competitively…

In its landmark building, occupying more than half of Chambers Street, the National Museum of Scotland was formerly two different museums – the Royal Museum, built in 1861, and the more modern Museum of Scotland, completed in 1998. The facilities were…

The 15th century building of Rosslyn Chapel is located seven miles south of Edinburgh, and boasts many significant architectural features, including the Apprentice Pillar and carvings of ‘green men’. The chapel has experienced an upsurge in popularity…

Located at East Fortune Airfield, halfway between Haddington and East Linton, the National Museum of Flight has a varied collection of aeroplanes and aviation paraphernalia such as parachutes and radar equipment. The museum takes part in festivals such…