National War Museum

Discover the story of Scotland at war within the walls of Edinburgh Castle with a visit to the National War Musuem.

About National War Museum

	Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG
	01312474413
	National War Museum Website
	Facebook information can be found here
	Follow nationalmuseumsscotland on Instagram

Listed Under Attractions - Museums / Attractions - History and Culture

Explore over 400 years of conflict through a unique collection of military objects, artwork and personal stories.

Discover how conflicts at home and abroad have shaped Scotland's image and reputation over the centuries. Like any other nation, Scotland’s military history has been shaped by its terrain and its position on the map. This gallery explores how the division between Highland and Lowland, a long coastline, and access to important sea routes have influenced Scotland’s strategic importance. Discover more about the relationship with Scotland’s powerful neighbour, England, and the opportunity that the army represented for ordinary Scots.

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Upcoming Events at National War Museum

Exhibitions

Maps: Memories from the Second World War

9th March 2024 - 26th January 2026

National War Museum, Edinburgh Old Town

Through personal stories, photography and memorabilia, this exhibition at the National War Museum charts the creation and use of maps during the Second World War.

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG

Edinburgh Castle dominates Scotland's capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation's story.

National Museum of Flight Scotland

National Museum of Flight Scotland East Fortune Airfield, EH39 5LF

Head off on a journey of discovery at this former airfield as you explore the history of aviation from the First World War to the present day

National Museum of Rural Life

Wester Kittochside Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR

Take in the sights, smells and sounds of a 1950s working farm, complete with dairy cows and sheep, at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.

National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1JF

Connecting Scotland to the world and the world to Scotland.

Museums

John Gray Centre

15 Lodge Street, Haddington EH41 3DX

The John Gray Centre brings together East Lothian Council’s Archaeology, Museum, Archive and Local History Services, alongside Haddington’s branch library.

Museums

Scott Monument

Scott Monument East Princes Street Gardens , Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EJ

Standing proudly in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

Museums

Military Museum Scotland

Legion Hall Louis Braille Avenue, Wilkieston , Kirknewton EH27 8EJ

Come and learn about the Scottish involvement in the British military from WW1 to the present day at the Military Museum Scotland!

Museums

Prestongrange Museum

Prestongrange Museum Morrisons Haven, Prestonpans EH32 9RX

Prestongrange is a free open-air museum, that tells 700 years of industrial heritage history. Family friendly, with lots to see and do!

Museums

Museum on the Mound

Museum on the Mound The Mound,, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1YZ

The Museum on the Mound is located in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre, just 500 metres from Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street!

Museums

Almond Valley Heritage Centre

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Millfield, Livingston EH54 7AR

Almond Valley Heritage Centre in Livingston, West Lothian, is an award winning farm, museum and discovery centre!

Museums

Gladstones Land

477b Lawnmarket, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NT

Gladstone's Land, the house of wealthy merchant and landlord Thomas Gledstanes showcases high-rise living, 17th-century style, at the beating heart of Edinburgh's historic Royal Mile!

Museums

National Mining Museum Scotland

Lady Victoria Colliery Newtongrange, Dalkeith EH22 4QN

The National Mining Museum Scotland, a 5 Star visitor attraction housed in the wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange!

Museums

The Peoples Story Museum

163 Canongate , Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BN

The People's Story gives an unique insight in to Edinburgh's working class people from the 18th century to the late 20th century.

Museums

St Cecilias Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum

50 Niddry Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1LG

The beautiful St Cecilia's Hall dates back to 1763 and is also home to the University of Edinburgh's internationally renowned collection of historic musical instruments.

Museums