History events in Edinburgh

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.

Conservation Hangar Talks

See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with these free talks.

Dear Library

To mark our 100th birthday, the National Library of Scotland presents a special exhibition, 'Dear Library'.

Edinburgh Nuclear Bunker Tour

Don't miss an amazing opportunity to see part of Scotland's Cold War History on the Barnton Nuclear Bunker Tours every Saturday and Sunday!

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!

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!

Arthur’s Secrets

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!

Community Connections

Each month in the beautiful and historic Abbey Strand Centre, Community Connections will explore themes from across the Royal Collection and the history of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh’s Medical History - Walking Tour

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!

Giants

Discover life-sized 3D sculptures, skeletons, and fossils of giant prehistoric animals when the immersive, family friendly exhibition Giants comes to the National Museum of Scotland!

Edinburgh Old Town Guided Walking Tour

Discover the heart of Scotland's capital, beyond the reach of tour buses and guidebooks on this guided walking tour of Edinburgh's Old Town!

Regency Dance Classes

Come and learn dances from Jane Austen's time at Institut Français d'Écosse with Talitha MacKenzie, a teacher of Historical Dance & Dance Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Royal Tea on Britannia

Step behind the ropes of the Royal Yacht Britannia for an enhanced guided group tour, featuring an exclusive 'Royal Brow' entrance, State Apartment tours and a delicious tea in the Royal Deck Tearoom!

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!

Edinburgh Playhouse Backstage Tours

Take a bow on a stage where the world's greatest artists have performed and hear about the vast artistic history of Edinburgh Playhouse on one of their popular Backstage Tours!

Prison Nursing Unlocked: A History Of Care And Justice

Experience the inspiring evolution of prison nursing at this RCN exhibition, learning about the work of early reformers like Elizabeth Fry and the vital care nurses provide for prisoner health today!

Palace Page Turners

Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse... the Palace Page Turners sessions explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!

Relaxed Morning: National Museum of Flight

The National Museum of Flight host regular Relaxed Mornings suitable for anyone who would appreciate a calmer visit to the museum.

Women in Whisky in the Old Town of Edinburgh

Discover the inspiring, hidden history of whisky at The Lost Close with an immersive underground tasting, celebrating the trailblazing women who've shaped the industry!

A Mother’s Day to Remember

Looking to treat Mum for a day together that you will both love? Why settle for an ordinary day out when you could dive into history aboard the last British Royal Yacht in the world!

City Streets, Scottish Islands and Silhouetted Hills: Bet Low (1924-2007) Art and Life

This talk on artist Bet Low complements the City Art Centre Exhibition Out of Chaos: Post-War Scottish Art 1945-2000.

John Kay and the Golden Age

This lecture given by Eric Melvin, an established and respected local historian, is to mark the Bicentenary of John Kay's Death.

Madame Florentine Besson And The Birth Of The Modern Trumpet: Women’s History Month Talk

Join Dr Sabine Klaus at the Centre for Research Collections, as she explores the role of Madame Florentine Besson in the invention of the modern trumpet, with live demonstrations!

John Henry Lorimer: Capturing the Characters of Edinburgh

In this Spring talk, the artist’s great great niece Charlotte Lorimer gives this talk to complement the City Art Centre Exhibition ‘Unmasked: Exploring Scottish Portraiture’!

Collection Centre Tours

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!

Lunch Time Talk: A Legacy in Pages -The History of the RCSEd Library

Join Steven Kerr and explore the history of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh's Library and Archive on Tuesday 24th March!

Spotlight Talk: Bloodletting

Pop along to the Physicians' Gallery on Wednesday 25th March for a expert-led dive into the history of bloodletting and leeches!

Hop aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia this Easter

Hop aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia for an egg-cellent day out during the Easter Holidays and experience the UK's No.1 Attraction for yourself!

Shopping the Swinging Sixties: Biba

Join Dr Bethan Bide at Dovecot Studios on Saturday 28th March for a lunchtime talk as she explores the allure of Biba's boutique culture and its evolution into a shopping experience!

Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour

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!

Hopetoun House Easter Family Opening Weekend

From Friday 3rd April, Hopetoun House & Grounds are delighted to welcome both new and returning visitors as they re-open for another fantastic season of history, nature and exploration!

Visit the SS Explorer

The SS Explorer remains as the UK's very last steam sidewinder trawler and is also the last ship to be registered in Leith. Come along for a guided tour of the laboratories, cabins, and wheelhouse!

Adventures Inside Your Brain

Join 'Inside Your Brain' authors Professor Caswell Barry and Lucy Ann Unwin for an interactive trip through brain science history.

Flying High

Learn about the Scottish engineering inventions that made international travel possible through fun family activities at the National Museum of Flight Scotland, part of Edinburgh Science Festival!

Banknote Bonanza: Spring Holiday Fun

Join Museum on the Mound for fun, free, family-friendly activities throughout the Spring holidays where you can explore the family trails and discover the secret world of banknotes!

Hutton in Edinburgh

Step into the 1700s and walk through Edinburgh's landscape with philosopher James Hutton and his famous Scottish Enlightenment companions, exploring Hutton's theory of a dynamic Earth.

Outlander Guided Tours

Step into the world of Outlander with this ultimate themed experience at Hopetoun House, exploring the iconic filming locations inside the House and across the historic Grounds!

Ghosts - Tales of Terror at Lauriston Castle

Come along and see the sights of Lauriston Castle as never seen before... led by a professional tour guide, hear the history of the castle and ghostly tales of the city!

You’re Dead To Me - Live Tour

The comedy podcast that takes history seriously is going on tour! Hosted by You're Dead to Me presenter, Greg Jenner – the live tour brings this hit BBC Radio 4 podcast to the stage.

Costume Society Of Scotland Talk: Coats - The Centre of the Thread Universe

Join the Costume Society Scotland at Augustine United Church on Monday 13th April and explore the world of Coats and find out about their roots at the Ferguslie mills!

Dissected from History

Join 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!

PALaEoScot: New Approaches to Scotland’s Oldest Archaeology

Explore 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.

Portraiture from the Fleming Collection

Director of the Fleming Collection, Theodore Albano, brings us on an exploration of four centuries of Scottish Portraiture in this talk at the Assembly Rooms.

The Edwardians: Age of Elegance

The Edwardians: Age of Elegance explores the glitzy world of two of Britain's most fashionable royal couples – King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and King George V and Queen Mary!

Spotlight Talk: Wax Moulage

Pop along to the Physicians' Gallery on Wednesday 29th April for a brilliant curator-led look into the fascinating history of medical wax models!

John Kay’s Edinburgh Street Characters and Visitors to the City

Eric Melvin, an established and respected local historian, gives the talk on artist and engraver John Kay (1742 – 1826).

The Bayeux Tapestry: A Reality Check

Join Professor Jane Geddes at Dovecot Studios on Saturday 9th May for a brilliant look at the Bayeux Tapestry, exploring the everyday lives of the stitchers!

Welcome To Big Biba

Indulge in the 1970s design nostalgia with Steven Thomas at Dovecot Studios where he will be discussing the design process which led to the 'The Most Beautiful Store in the World'!

An Evening with Professor Sir Tom Devine

Celebrate East Lothian Libraries' Local History Centre's 50th birthday with a brilliant evening featuring Scotland’s most eminent historian, Professor Sir Tom Devine!

Queen Elizabeth II Private Apartments Tour

To mark the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II's birth, don;t miss the chance to step inside her private apartments at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which are being opened to visitors for the first time.

Spotlight Talk: Periods

Pop along to the Physicians' Gallery on Wednesday 27th May for a curator-led dive into the history, myths, and dubious treatments of menstruation!

Scotland’s First Warriors

Discover the thrilling origins of ancient combat through rare treasures, including the stunning Carnoustie Hoard, in this must-see journey through Scotland's prehistoric warrior past!

William Dalrymple - The Relentless Rise of the East India Company

Do not miss the remarkable story of India and empire as it has never been told before, when William Dalrymple comes to the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh on Tuesday 7th July!

Explore Engineering Cruise

Perfect for inquisitive minds of all ages, Maid of the Forth's Explore Engineering Cruise is the ultimate experience for bridge enthusiasts, engineering fans and families alike!

5 Mistakes That Changed History

From comedian and historian Paul Coulter comes 5 Mistakes That Changed History, a John Oliver-meets-Horrible Histories tour of five mistakes that impacted our world!

Suzannah Lipscomb & Kate Williams: To Kill A Queen

Join acclaimed historians Suzannah Lipscomb and Kate Williams at Assembly Rooms on Saturday 12th September for this unmissable live event exploring Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I!

My Royal Life: An Audience with Lucy Worsley

Prepare to be entertained, enlightened, and thoroughly charmed as Lucy Worsley reveals the secrets, stories, and splendours of Britain’s royal past.

Uncovering Ancient Egypt with Bettany Hughes

Step into the golden sands of Ancient Egypt with award-winning historian Bettany Hughes as she brings the land of the pharaohs vividly to life at the Assembly Rooms!

Uncover local secrets on this 1.5-hour detective trail through Stamperland and Netherlee as expert Stuart Nisbet brings local history to life!

Explore the history of Clarkston and Overlee on this engaging 1.5-hour guided heritage walk, perfect for uncovering the local detective trail of how the settlement grew!

Experience the nostalgic charm of Newton Mearns as Eastwood Theatre debuts Tom Marchant's heartfelt 25-year-old documentary in their brand-new cinema room on Tuesday 21st April!

Dive into Scotland's epic past at Unearthed, a family-friendly exhibition featuring fossil fish, Viking jewels, and hands-on fun from dig pits to puppet films!

Town and gown unite each April for the Kate Kennedy Spring Procession - a joyful, costumed celebration of St Andrews' rich tapestry, with over 150 symbols of local and global heritage!

The Museum of Communication will celebrate 100 Years Of Television, when screens were small but the magic felt huge, in their brand new exhibition!

Join this tour to be pulled in two directions - find out more about the Clyde's maritime and railway heritage through GMRC's model collections, share your own knowledge and have a little fun!

Pollokshields Heritage hosts a range of talks, which explore history and heritage as well as arts and culture. Join them on April 21st for 'Scotland Beneath The Surface'.

The Friends of Glasgow Necropolis run regular friendly and informal walking tours of the Glasgow Necropolis!

From The Co to Woolworths... enjoy a trip down memory lane as Rutherglen Library host a talk and slideshow of some rarely seen photos of historic shops and businesses as part of Rutherglen 900!

Discover Scotland's hidden treasure at the National Museum of Rural Life's Archaeology Weekend, featuring the latest finds, hands-on metal detecting, and free sessions to assess your own treasures!

Enjoy the Rutherglen 900 celebrations with Radical Glasgow Tours as they branch out with their first Radical Rutherglen Tour, which will look at the less well documented stories in Rutherglen's past!

Heritage Buddies - Where Buddies Rest: Stories Rise is a 2 year project being delivered by the Urban Historian funded by the Culture, Heritage & Events Fund from Renfrewshire Council.

Join Renfrewshire Ancestors, from The Urban Historian, for their monthly Family History Cafe where you can kickstart your family tree research while supporting the Beatson Cancer Charity!

Do you want to discover Paisley & Renfrewshire's history? Join Renfrewshire Heritage from The Urban Historian for their talk series, held on the last Tuesday each month in Paisley St George's Church!

Join Gartmore Heritage Society and Professor Andrew Perchard for an engaging talk at the Black Bull to learn how aluminium transformed industry and how it was central to Britain's war effort!

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!

Culture Night Stirling: Carnival of the Wolf will bring venues and unexpected spaces across the city to life through an exciting variety of events on Friday 1st May!

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!

Celebrate Mother's Day in timeless elegance with a guided tour of Kelburn Castle, followed by a delightful afternoon tea in its charming surroundings!