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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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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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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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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Innovations & Inventions Tour
Join The Lost Close for this Innovations & Inventions Tour and learn just how much Scotland has brought to the world!
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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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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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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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Kids Go FREE at Hopetoun House this Summer!
BIG NEWS! This July and August, children aged 15 and under can explore Hopetoun House and Grounds absolutely FREE with a paying adult.
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Guided Walk around the Cammo Estate
Find out about the rise and fall of Cammo Estate on this walk run by Cramond Heritage Trust on Tuesday 15th July!
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Costume at court: Family dressing up
Discover some of the past fashions of the Palace with our costume at court drop-in sessions and take part in our dressing up activity!
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Pint and a Spooky(ish) Thing
Have a drink with the International Ghost Appreciation Society, then go on a spooky walk, ending with skittles at a 200-year-old pub...
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Family Physic Garden Tours
Join us in the Physic Garden this summer for free family history tours designed specially for children!
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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!
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Jacobites, Italians and Music in Edinburgh
Join Dr Brianna Robertson-Kirkland as she explores the story of the first generation of the Corris through images, storytelling and song at St Cecilias Hall on 14th 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!
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Jacobite Activity Day
Join us at The Palace of Holyroodhouse on Saturday 16th August for a fun activity day exploring Jacobite stories and Bonnie Prince Charlie’s visit to the Palace.
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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Japan on Stage: An Introduction to Kabuki and Noh Theatre
Join Dr Helen Parker at Dovecot on 16th September as she offers an illustrated introduction to kabuki, a form of traditional Japanese drama!
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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:
Going Underground: Giffnock and Clarkston
Local historian Dr. Stuart Nisbet has spent decades digging into the history of the ground beneath our feet, and this illustrated talk distils his experience gained over many years of walks and talks.
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Heritage Talk: Witchcraft in the Shire of Renfrew
Join local historian Lorraine Murray to separate fact from fiction as she discusses Witchcraft in the Shire of Renfrew at Barrhead Foundry on Tuesday 28th October.
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Heritage Course: Family History for Beginners
This Family History Workshop, led by experienced genealogist Lorna Kinnaird, PGDip, ASGRA, FSA Scot, will give you the skills and knowledge you need to begin your family history research!
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Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:
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!
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Classic Car Meet & Greet
Join Fife Classic Car Group for these monthly classic car meet and greet events at Fife Heritage Railway in Leven!
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Creative Coven: Voices & Visions of the WITCH
The Community Gallery at Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries is thrilled to present Voices & Visions of the WITCH, a Visual and Literary Art Exhibition brought to you by Creative Coven.
READ MOREHistory Events in Glasgow
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust Guided Tours
On selected dates Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust are opening Bridgeton Garage for pre-booked guided tours!
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LGBT+ Tours at The Burrell Collection
Join curators at The Burrell Collection on a journey through the galleries uncovering hidden LGBTQ+ histories from their collection!
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Glasgow Central Station Tours
Glasgow Central Tours offer you the chance to explore behind the scenes of Glasgow's most iconic and busiest landmarks, Central Station!
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Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:
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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Leadhills Miners Library
Leadhills Miners Library is the oldest subscription library in the British Isles and is now a museum of literature and village life, open weekends May to September!
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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!
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:
Family History Cafe: Paisley Poor Relief
Join Renfrewshire Ancestors, from The Urban Historian, for the Family History Cafe and talk about discovering ancestors in Paisley and Renfrewshire!
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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:
The Mysterious world of Runes
Learn the mysterious ways of the ancient Nordic alphabet as we follow a trail through Mugdock Country Park on Sunday 17th August!
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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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Scotland’s National Hero
Who was William Wallace? Listen as a costumed actor gives you an insight into the life of Scotland’s National Hero.
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