| 4th Apr 2026 to 18th Apr 2026 | |
| 12pm on Saturdays and Tuesdays | |
| Leith | |
| This is a free event | |
| Event organiser/part of Edinburgh Science Festival | |
| Visit the event website here | |
| Facebook information can be found here | |
| Follow edscifest on Instagram |
The SS Explorer remains as the UK’s very last steam sidewinder trawler and is also the last steam ship to be registered in Leith, where she now resides.
She is Scotland’s first purpose-built Fisheries Research Ship and studied fish stocks, fishing practices, and equipment. This research played a crucial role in the development of our fishing industry technology and our understanding of the seas and their ecosystems. Come for a guided tour of her laboratories, cabins, and wheelhouse!
Suitable for Ages 18+
Presented by SS Explorer Preservation Society
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Exploring the theme Going Global, Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 will showcase the research and innovation created through international partnerships that address shared challenges!
READ MOREThis tour will guide you through the nooks and crannies of beautiful Edinburgh, highlighting places associated with extraordinary physicists who have called the Scottish capital home.
READ MOREJoin Edinburgh Zoo's Discovery and Learning team in an active and engaging three hour session that aims to deepen nature connections for younger audiences!
READ MOREJoin the Edinburgh Zoo expert animal experiences team for an exclusive engaging and fun animal antics show and have the chance to join in the action yourself! !
READ MOREPink Floyd's 'The Dark Side of the Moon' planetarium experience is back as part of Edinburgh Science Festival, it truly is a unique way to experience this iconic album!
READ MOREThe discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence would raise significant questions for people's faith. Expect debate, big questions, and audience participation at this lively, interactive event!
READ MOREThis year's Edinburgh Medal is presented to Kay Redfield Jamison PhD, a world-renowned clinical psychologist recognised for reshaping global perspectives on mood disorders and their treatment.
READ MOREIn a world of constant pressure, your body deploys a secret agent to keep you safe: the stress hormone cortisol. Yet when pushed too far, this trusted operative can go rogue, sabotaging your health.
READ MOREGet ready to blast off in this space themed storytelling session!
READ MOREGet your goo on in this interactive workshop as part of Edinburgh Science Festival, be creative with chemistry and design your own slime to take home!
READ MOREBecome a forensic scientist, study the crime scene and find the evidence. Can you solve the mystery and help Edinburgh Science Festival catch the criminal?
READ MOREReady to uncover dinosaur remains? Millions of years ago, dinosaurs ruled the Earth – millions of years later, it's time to find out all about them!
READ MOREJoin Cat Irving and Sophie Goggins at the National Museum of Scotland on Tuesday 14th April to discover the hidden stories of some important historical figures!
READ MORESusannah Fisher tells the story of the tough choices that lie ahead, and looks at ways we can still have a liveable planet. The choice is in our hands. Will we choose to sink or swim?
READ MOREThe UK’s first successful kidney transplant was performed in Edinburgh in 1960 and research here continues to contribute to this life-saving field.
READ MOREIn this fast-paced and interactive family show, help Edinburgh Science Festival's medics diagnose and treat their patients while they explore the human body!
READ MOREEver wondered how your favourite apps seem to know what you like? Step into the world of AI and algorithms to uncover the secrets behind your social feeds and game recommendations!
READ MORECelebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE – Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace at McEwan Hall on Wednesday 15th April.
READ MOREExplore the microscopic world in the chemistry research laboratories at The University of Edinburgh.
READ MOREPresented by Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, join GPs, podcasters, authors and researchers Dr Claire Phipps and Dr Sarah Glynne as they explore their menopause specialism.
READ MORECan you seek out what’s true in today’s tsunami of AI slop? We’ll help you navigate this new frontier of video, image and language generation in this interactive workshop.
READ MOREJoin us on Thursday 16th April at Edinburgh Printmakers for an evening conversation between artist Susan Aldworth and scientist Dr Amanda Jarvis!
READ MOREExplore the latest evidence for Scotland’s ice age people, along with their continental connections, the landscapes they encountered, and the fearsome beasts they shared their world with.
READ MOREPresented by creative technologist David Oxley and Piera Morlacchi, Associate Professor at The University of Edinburgh, this evening blends science, art, and imagination.
READ MOREJoin Dr Gayle Chong Kwan for a guided tour of her artwork, 'The Great Instauration', as she speaks through the artistic, material, and research processes that underpin the commission.
READ MORECome along for an exclusive guided tour of Edinburgh Zoo after closing on Friday 17th April, led by one of our Discovery and Learning rangers!
READ MOREDive into hands-on space-themed activities and uncover the fascinating science behind our solar system at Archerfield Walled Garden on Friday 17th April.
READ MOREJoin Prof Dame Lorna Dawson of The James Hutton Institute and international experts on Friday 17th April for an interactive event exploring the science of provenance!
READ MOREJoin this free introduction to Earth Matters, in which one of the knowledgeable Botanics’ volunteers shines a light on their favourite aspect of this exhibition.
READ MOREThrough interactive discussion we will investigate the role AI plays in interpreting the cosmos and uncover how it can act as the ‘brain’ supporting complex space missions.
READ MOREDespite the vastness of space, most galaxies will experience collisions. These mergers are complicated and understanding them benefits from new approaches to data representation.
READ MOREJoin an international team from the Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology in Nepal and the University of Edinburgh to explore the urgent issue of Antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
READ MOREEnjoy a Jurassic journey with your little explorers in this one-of-a-kind cinema experience at the Dynamic Earth Planetarium on Saturday 18th April.
READ MOREStrap-in, countdown, and blast-off for a show that's out of this world when explosive family-friendly adventure, The Rocket Show, returns to Edinburgh Science Festival!
READ MOREImmerse yourself amongst the stars as our resident astronomers guide you across the cosmos, delving into their favourite sights to see along the way!
READ MOREAs the meteor strikes Earth, a brave dinosaur and his unlikely group of lemur friends travel across dangerous terrain to find a safe haven in this family film at the Dynamic Earth Planetarium!
READ MORECome along to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of the exhibition Herbology, led by Trudi Collier on Sunday 19th April.
READ MORE
Come along to Holyrood Park and join this guided walk to learn more about Arthur's Seat's turbulent past, created by fire and ice!
READ MORE
Join Surgeons' Hall Museums on their 5* weekend walking tour through Edinburgh’s old town and hear tales of old Edinburgh, disease, dissection and curious methods of treatment!
READ MORE
Don't miss the unique chance to enjoy a rare, behind‑the‑scenes look of the Royal Botanic Garden's Palm House buildings before they reopen to the public!
READ MORE
Join one of the Edinburgh Street Historians' highly skilled and experienced guides on an unforgettable walking tour all about the amazing women of our city's past 1000 years!
READ MORE
Find out the our collections are used in international research and see objects rarely on public display on a guided tour of the National Museums Collection Centre!
READ MORE
Join John and Kerrie of North Edinburgh Nightmares for a fright filled walk across the promenade, back streets and historical locations of historic Portobello!
READ MORE
Join North Edinburgh Nightmares for a spooky stroll through the haunted streets of Leith, filled with chilling ghost stories and eerie encounters!
READ MORE
The Real Mary King's Close is pulling back the curtain on one of Edinburgh's most harrowing historical events with its chilling immersive experience, Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour!
READ MORE
This tour will guide you through the nooks and crannies of beautiful Edinburgh, highlighting places associated with extraordinary physicists who have called the Scottish capital home.
READ MORE