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
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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.

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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

Linlithgow Museum

Linlithgow Partnership Centre 93 High Street , Linlithgow EH49 7EZ

A free museum, perfect for locals and visitors alike. Find out about our Royal connections, the trades of the town, the ordinary - and extra-ordinary! - people.

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

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

St Cecilias Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum

50 Niddry Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1LG

The beautiful St Cecilia's Hall dates back to 1763 and is also home to the University of Edinburgh's internationally renowned collection of historic musical instruments.

Museums

Queensferry Museum

53 High Street , South Queensferry EH30 9HP

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

Museums

Surgeons Hall Museums

Surgeons Hall Museums Nicolson Street, Edinburgh South EH8 9DW

Surgeons' Hall Museums is home to one of the largest and most historic collections of surgical pathology in the World, open to the public since 1832.

Museums

Museum of Edinburgh

142 Canongate Royal Mile, High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8DD

No day out on the Royal Mile is complete without a visit to the Museum of Edinburgh, where the City’s past is brought vividly to life.

Museums

National Mining Museum Scotland

Lady Victoria Colliery Newtongrange, Dalkeith EH22 4QN

The National Mining Museum Scotland, a 5 Star visitor attraction housed in the wonderfully restored Lady Victoria Colliery in Newtongrange!

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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.

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Military Museum Scotland

Legion Hall Louis Braille Avenue, Wilkieston , Kirknewton EH27 8EJ

Come and learn about the Scottish involvement in the British military from WW1 to the present day at the Military Museum Scotland!

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