History events in Edinburgh
Scroll down to view the upcoming History events taking place throughout Edinburgh or use the filters to narrow down the results.
Events in Edinburgh
Curious About Edinburgh - Quirky Heritage Walks for the Curious!
Have fun discovering Edinburgh on this award-winning, quirky, self-guided, heritage walk with a treasure hunt theme from Curious About!
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Maps: Memories from the Second World War
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.
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Cold War Scotland
Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
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Whisky Tasting and Tales
Taste 4 deliciously different whiskies while taking a journey into the history of whisky in Scotland and its profound importance within Scottish culture.
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Escape the Past: The Anatomist
Descend into a world of grave robbery, mystery and malpractice as you embark on a thrilling adventure into Edinburgh’s dark past.
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Escape the Past: The Deacon’s Cabinet
From Escape The Past comes a new escape room 'The Deacon’s Cabinet', a historical heist escape room which challenges you to outsmart the infamous Deacon Brodie!
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Arthur’s Secrets
Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Arthur's Seat's turbulent past, created by fire and ice!
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Monumental Treasure Hunt: West Princes Street Gardens
Welcome to the Monument-al Treasure Hunt in West Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh, a cultural & historical exploration for children & adults of all ages to enjoy.
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The Scottish Colourists: Radical Perspectives
Discover this groundbreaking exhibition in partnership with the Fleming Collection, which for the first time showcases the Scottish Colourists in the context of their European contemporaries.
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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography
This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, charts the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day!
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Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation
Uncover the secrets of 17th-century medicine with a hands-on workshop led by an expert from his time: Dr Arnott, who examined his patients’ health by analysing urine’s colour, smell & TASTE!
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Palace Page Turners
Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These sessions will explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!
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Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks
Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!
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Policebox Museum
Discover what life was like as a police officer in the past. Drop in and join the Edinburgh, Lothian and Border police historical society for a fascinating look back at policing!
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Conservation Hangar Talks
See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with these free talks.
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The World of King James VI and I
Marking the 400-year anniversary of King James’s death, this exhibition will chart his remarkable reign through stories of friendship, family, feuds and ambition.
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Arthur’s Amble
Come along for a gentle guided walk around Hunter’s Bog and St. Margaret’s Loch and learn more about Arthur’s Seat’s turbulent past, created by fire and ice!
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Some Kind of Tours: 5 million years of Edinburgh history in 90 minutes
Unearth the twisted tales of Greyfriars Kirkyard and uncover Scotland's sinister past on this unique, 90 minute walking tour of Edinburgh’s atmospheric Old Town.
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Edinburgh Street Historians LGBTQ Free Walking Tour
This walking tour of Edinburgh focuses on LGBTQ history from the battle of legalisation to the modern issues faced by the community in the current day!
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Ghosts - Tales of Terror at Lauriston Castle
Come along and see the sights of Lauriston Castle as never seen before – hear the history of the castle and ghostly tales of the city!
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Laleh Sherkat: Photographing Iran, 1984–1993
Craigmillar Now is hosting a Photography Exhibition on Iran, 1984–1993 by Iranian photographer Laleh Sherkat, focusing on the lives of women in Iran following the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
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Pride History Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close
This Pride Month, step down into Edinburgh’s hidden history with a special series of Pride History Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close.
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True Crime Tours
The Real Mary Kings Close invites you to step beneath the Royal Mile and explore the shadowy secrets of the Old Town on a True Crime Tour. Dare to descend?
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Edinburgh Forgotten Women
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!
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Guided Walk - Cramond Island
Join Cramond Heritage Trust on 17th June for a guided walk out and over to the uninhabited Cramond Island and learn about it's history!
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Closes & Coffee
Step into a story steeped in centuries with Closes & Coffee, an exclusive immersive experience from The Real Mary King’s Close and The Lost Close.
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Whisky Bingo at Angels Share
Join us at Angels Share on 19th June for a night of history & storytelling experiences and prizes, hosted by Gordon Dallas, as well as sampling some fine Ian Macleod Whisky!
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Portobello Ghost Walk
Join Kerrie of North Edinburgh Nightmares for a suitable, fright-filled evening in Portobello, a Burgh of Edinburgh with a suitably historic and haunted history!
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Resistance
Resistance explores how acts of resistance have shaped life in the UK, and the powerful role of photography in documenting and driving change.
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Miss Pirie and Miss Woods
Join us at The Georgian House on 24th June as we mark Pride with a powerful true story from Edinburgh's 19th Century!
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World War II Cookery Class
Join the International Ghost Society for a one-off historical cookery class, where you'll learn about food during the Second World War, and get to try your hand at making some classic WWII dishes!
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Explore Engineering Cruise
Join Maid of the Forth for a unique 90-minute cruise exploring the civil engineering of the landmark bridges that lie on the Forth of Forth!
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Spectacular Jousting
Hear the thunder of hooves and the clashing of lances at the annual jousting tournament at Linlithgow Palace on 28th and 29th June!
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50th Anniversary Free Weekend
To celebrate the National Museum of Flight’s 50th birthday, they are offering free entry for the whole weekend. Explore their incredible collections and learn about the historic airfield!
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The History & Endurance of Witchcraft with Dr Julia Phillips
Join Dr Phillips in this enchanting talk at the Assembly Roxy on 9th July to examine beliefs about witchcraft from the witch trials of medieval Europe to its modern expression in the 21st century!
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Relaxed Morning: Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse offers this relaxed opening on Saturday 19th July. It's a chance to explore the palace in a calm, tranquil atmosphere.
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Letters From Exes
From emails and WhatsApps to handwritten notes, join Not Cricket Productions in exploring the bizarre, heartfelt and hilarious letters of lost love at The Royal Scots Club!
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The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle
Enjoy one of the most magical experiences at the Fringe as three expert magicians illustrate Lauriston Castle’s intriguing past with magic, illusions and sleight-of-hand!
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The Underground Lectures: Illicit Spirits: How Prohibition Impacted the Scotch Whisky Industry
Step into the world of speakeasies with Siobhan Sellers, whisky expert, as she takes us on a journey through the Prohibition era.
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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography - BSL Tour
Enjoy a BSL tour of Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography at The King's Gallery, The Palace of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday 12th August!
READ MOREThe Underground Lectures: The Healing Power of Alchemy
This talk given by Daisy Cunynghame on 14th August will explore the history of alchemy, its role in medicine and Scotland’s place in the development of this mystical science!
READ MOREThe Underground Lectures: Mary Somerville: a Love for Mathematics, Science and Orange Marmalade
Join historian Ruth Boreham to discover how Mary’s Somerville thirst for knowledge never dimmed, no matter what her age!
READ MOREThe Underground Lectures: Adventures in Banking: The Turbulent Tales of the Original Bank of Scotland Investors
Join Gillian Paterson, Museum Engagement Officer for this talk on The Turbulent Tales of the Original Bank of Scotland Investors at The Royal Scots Club on 21st August!
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Relaxed Evening: Palace of Holyroodhouse
This relaxed opening on Friday 22nd August, offers a chance to explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse in a calm, tranquil atmosphere!
READ MOREThe Underground Lectures: Sex and the Second World War
Join Dr Kate Stephenson, Freelance Historian, to find out what really went on in the blackouts of the Second World War and how the war impacted relationships and sexual freedoms during the 1940s.
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Explorers – The Age of Discovery with James May
From Ice Age migrations to space travel, the stories of famous, infamous and unknown explorers will come to life, presented by British television presenter and award-winning journalist James May!
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An Evening with Mary Beard
Step into the world of Ancient Rome with renowned historian Mary Beard as she uncovers the stories that history forgot.
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David Olusoga: A Gun Through Time
Join David Olusoga at the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 22nd November as he uncovers the story of three firearms that changed the world and the lives of our ancestors!
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History Events in East Renfrewshire
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On East Renfrewshire:
Catherine Cranston: The Unknown Mrs Cochrane
Find out more about the life of the pioneering lady entrepreneur Catherine Cranston, who spent many happy years in Barrhead, from Historian Lorraine Murray.
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Heritage Course: House History for Beginners
This course led by an experienced genealogist will get you started on carrying out a house history in Scotland and will get you accessing some pretty amazing records!
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History of Patterton and Darnley Ranges
Here's another chance to visit the Patterton and Darnley rifle and pistol ranges if you missed it last year, and before it takes a break.
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Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:
Dark & Haunting Tales
Discover the dark side of Dunfermline and Scotland with this entertaining, easy paced walking tour from a professional Dunfermline storyteller.
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Leven Car Rally
Don't miss the Leven Car Rally when it returns on Sunday 29th June 2025, it's a great day out for all ages to enjoy!
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St Andrews Memories
Drop in to The R&A World Golf Museum and have a chat whilst looking at photographs, objects and film footage from our collections!
READ MOREHistory Events in Glasgow
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:
Hidden Histories Tours
Curators at The Burrell Collection hold monthly Hidden Histories Tours exploring different aspects of the museum's magnificent collection!
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History of Witchcraft Lino Printing Workshop
Join the team at Provan Hall for a creative afternoon learning about the Scottish Witch Trials and trying out a time-tested printing technique with artist Amelia Morgan!
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Glasgow Science Festival: Open Afternoon at the Fossil Grove
Explore Fossil Grove, an ancient forest in Victoria Park, and discover stories of climate change and industrial heritage as part of Glasgow Science Festival 2025!
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Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:
Everything Flows: Music in North Lanarkshire
Come hear the memories of local musicians, see costumes, photos and records through the decades or even just come for a boogie at the Everything Flows: Music in North Lanarkshire exhibition!
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Hamilton Mausoleum Tour
Take a tour of one of the finest private tombs in the country and the town's most striking historic landmark, Hamilton Mausoleum.
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Lamington Heritage Exhibition
This exhibition explores the history surrounding Lamington from early times through the regeneration of the village until the death of the 3rd Lord Lamington in 1951 and up to the present day.
READ MOREHistory Events in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:
Sma’ Shot Day
Paisley's annual Sma' Shot day event, one of the oldest workers' festivals in the UK, will take place this year on Saturday 5th July!
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Sma’ Shot Cottages
The Sma' Shot Cottages are a major attraction in the Renfrewshire area, providing visitors with an insight into two distinct periods of Paisley's weaving history!
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Family History Cafe: The Archeology Of Renfrewshire
Join Renfrewshire Ancestors, from The Urban Historian, for the Family History Cafe and talk about discovering ancestors in Paisley and Renfrewshire!
READ MOREHistory Events in Stirling
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:
Doors Open Days Stirling 2025
Scotland's annual Doors Open Days festival gives you free access to lots of fascinating buildings across Stirling!
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Doors Open Day at The Engine Shed
The Engine Shed is opening it's doors on 20th and 21st September as part of Doors Open Day 2025. Join us to discover what's inside and learn about it's history!
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Stirling Ghostwalk
Take a tour of the strange tales and stranger characters of Stirling's Old Town on the Stirling Ghostwalk... comedy, drama, fact and fable - fun for boys & ghouls of all ages!
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Highlight Talks
On selected days throughout the year the team at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and volunteers hold a Highlight Talk exploring the life and works of Robert Burns!
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