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
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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

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

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

John Knox House

43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

Dating back to 1470 John Knox House is one of Scotland's greatest cultural treasures and is associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland's turbulent history!

Museums

Museum of Edinburgh

142 Canongate Royal Mile, High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8DD

No day out on the Royal Mile is complete without a visit to the Museum of Edinburgh, where the City’s past is brought vividly to life.

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

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

Museums

Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle Craigmillar Castle Road, Edinburgh South EH16 4SY

Step inside Edinburgh's other castle, once a rural retreat from Scotland's capital!

Museums

Linlithgow Canal Centre

Canal Basin Manse Rd, Linlithgow EH49 6AJ

Canal Cruises to Avon Aqueduct, Linlithgow Boat Trips, Tearoom, Canal Museum, Charters and Self-Drive Canal Boat Hire. Open from Easter until the end of September.

Museums

Linlithgow Museum

Linlithgow Partnership Centre 93 High Street , Linlithgow EH49 7EZ

A free museum, perfect for locals and visitors alike. Find out about our Royal connections, the trades of the town, the ordinary - and extra-ordinary! - people.

Museums