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
	Facebook information can be found here
	Follow nationalmuseumsscotland on Instagram

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.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for National War Museum are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

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.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Edinburgh Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

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

Lauriston Castle

2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh West EH4 6AD

When you step inside Lauriston Castle, you see it just as it was in 1926, when it was left to the nation by the last private owner, Mrs Reid.

Museums

The Peoples Story Museum

163 Canongate , Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BN

The People's Story gives an unique insight in to Edinburgh's working class people from the 18th century to the late 20th century.

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

The Royal Yacht Britannia

The Royal Yacht Britannia Ocean Drive, Leith EH6 6JJ

Rated Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction for 12 years by national tourism agency VisitScotland, Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for over 40 years.

Museums

Museum on the Mound

Museum on the Mound The Mound,, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1YZ

The Museum on the Mound is located in the heart of Edinburgh's city centre, just 500 metres from Edinburgh Castle and Princes Street!

Museums

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery High Street, Dunbar EH42 1ER

Dunbar Town House Museum and Gallery: the Town House has been the focus of town life since the 16th century.

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

Prestongrange Museum

Prestongrange Museum Morrisons Haven, Prestonpans EH32 9RX

Prestongrange is a free open-air museum, that tells 700 years of industrial heritage history. Family friendly, with lots to see and do!

Museums

Queensferry Museum

53 High Street , South Queensferry EH30 9HP

Queensferry museum showcases the past and traditions of historic Queensferry and neighbouring Dalmeny.

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