Georgian House
Georgian House
4.5
About
Enjoy a visit to the past and experience what life was like for the Lamonts family in 18th and 19th century New Town. The Georgian era produced some of Scotland’s most distinctive architecture. In the late 1700s, this grand townhouse was at the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town development. The house was designed by acclaimed architect Robert Adam and was a true statement of luxury in an era of enlightenment, for those who could afford it. The house has been magnificently restored to show a typical Edinburgh New Town house of the late 18th and early 19th century. The fine collections of period furniture, porcelain, silver and glass reflect the Lamonts’ lifestyle and the social and economic context of the time. The kitchen and servants’ room give a glimpse of the arduous ‘below stairs’ life of the servants, who made the Lamonts’ elegant lifestyle possible.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: New Town
Suits and shopping bags rule the streets of New Town, until after dark when strappy dresses come out to play. This is the city’s central business district with its smaller offices, clothes boutiques, and many of the city’s flashiest restaurants and ritziest clubs. The architecture along roads like George Street helps give it a swank and formal feel: it’s a planned Georgian development of regal townhouses, geometric squares, and self-important statues. But it’s also a very wanderable neighborhood, with a healthy bustle at almost any time of day and fine people-watching in places like St Andrew's Square which fills with picnickers around lunch. You’ll also find a series of cheerful basement bistros on Hanover Street, while dark Rose Street has something of the feel of an undiscovered back alley and is chock-full of characterful pubs and small independent shops.
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Restaurants
2,219 within 3 miles
Attractions
553 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Julia MSydney, Australia6 contributionsSo worth a visit!Edinburgh is full of beautiful Georgian houses but, as a tourist, it's not easy to see inside them. On one of the grand New Town squares, this elegant house has been set up to show how the Lamont family lived around 1800 - right down to the details of cooking and chamberpots! The best thing about our visit was how Tahnee and the other guides brought it all to life - they were all so friendly, funny and knowledgeable.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 4, 2023
- historylover3Somerville, Massachusetts143 contributionsTrip back in time at Georgian HouseThis is a fascinating historic house museum. I loved the video that focused on the daily lives of people who used to live here, and all of the period rooms. I felt truly transported back in time, while learning a lot. Very informative docents as well. It was great fun. One of my favorite sightseeing stops in Edinburgh.Hello, Thank you for taking the time to write this amazing review ! We really appreciate it. Thank YouWritten November 7, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 23, 2023
- glitrberi86 contributionsA Look at HistoryThis is a time capsule. It was very interesting and like stepping back in time. You even can dress up in period clothing, which of course I did. If you would like to explore the early Georgian period this is a great place to do so.Hello, Thank you very much for this lovely review. We are glad you dressed up Georgian style ! ThanksWritten November 7, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 31, 2023
- MelissaAsbury Park, New Jersey20 contributionsDefinitely worth a visit!Wonderful place to see a home furnished as it would've been, complete with authentic pieces and lots of historic, interesting artifacts. Rob took time out to show myself and my daughter around, even though it was technically closed for a private event. He was so kind and knowledgeable.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 7, 2023
- Alan304Cranford, New Jersey2,354 contributionsAn interesting visitThe museum gives you a sense of Edinburgh when the city expanded. The docents are knowledgeable and engaging, they bring the house to life! Be sure to watch the video at the start of your visit and spend time speaking with the docents in the dining room and kitchen.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 25, 2023
- JONO5K1London, United Kingdom678 contributionsFor History EnthusiastsA National Trust cared-for property. The site is an exhibition styled walk-through, whereby guests are offered a tour of each historical era which is contained within each room/floor. There is a gift shop on-site too. The curators were exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly. Would recommend 100%. This property is similar in style to Gladstone's land in Edinburgh old town.Hello, Thank you so much for the kind comments, Thank you also for mentioning our sister site Gladstone's Land, located in Edinburgh's Old TownWritten May 26, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 26, 2024
- Grenada sunGlasgow, United Kingdom24 contributionsVery interesting visitWe visited with our children after a visit to Gladstones Land on the Royal Mile. It was a very interesting walk round the property. The staff on site were very helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you for you taking the time to talk to us. We will definitely return to soak up more of the atmosphere.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 2, 2024
- Lindsay GOklahoma City, Oklahoma339 contributionsNice townhome.We found this town home to be very beautiful and had such a warm feeling. The neighborhood is so nice and quiet and it gives you an idea of what it might have been like during that time. I love the Bridgerton vibes as well. It would have been nice to see the attic level, though it was closed. The staff was very friendly as well.Hello, Thank you very much for your kind comments. We will hopefully have the attic level open within the next year or so. Hopefully you can join us again in the futureWritten May 26, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 22, 2024
- Carlo de Smet3 contributionsGreat visit to the Georgian House in EdinburghGreat place to visit and the volunteers made a lasting impression ! The tour starts with a nice film that shows the family that used to live at number 7 in the various rooms. This really helps to bring the place to life. But how we did enjoy the background info from the volunteers in each room that knew so much about the place. This is a must do for visitors to Edinburgh.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 22, 2024
- sydsnoiseBoulder, Colorado68 contributionsPerfect place for Georgian fansI am a history buff and really enjoyed touring this beautiful house. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms are well furnished and there are several staff members always nearby to answer your questions. BE SURE to see the kitchen in the basement and have the staff tell you all about it!Hello, Thank you so much for this lovely review, we are so glad you enjoyed your visit, Thank you for also pointing out our kitchen and servants quarters. Many ThanksWritten June 26, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,298 reviews
Excellent
863
Very good
357
Average
65
Poor
9
Terrible
4
BRSflyer
Cheltenham, UK545 contributions
Sep 2021 • Solo
Wonderful insight into the lives of the well-to-do in Georgian Edinburgh. The guides stationed in each of the rooms expand on the history with all sorts of insights and anecdotes. Combines well with Gladstone's Land, the other NTS property, located in the Old Town.
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tipitina T
Frankfurt, Germany24 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
I had found some information about the Georgian House on the internet, did not know exactly what to expect and thought at first glance, well, £ 12 to see some historical rooms - that is a lot of money. In the end every penny was worth the experience, though.
A short movie gets you into the spirit of the time and the everyday life of the people. In every room there is a very friendly and well-informed volunteer who lets you dive into the house, its inhabitants, their lives and stories. The volunteers can answer any questions. I enjoyed conversations that made me feel like a visiting friend and not like a tourist.
Outstanding.
A short movie gets you into the spirit of the time and the everyday life of the people. In every room there is a very friendly and well-informed volunteer who lets you dive into the house, its inhabitants, their lives and stories. The volunteers can answer any questions. I enjoyed conversations that made me feel like a visiting friend and not like a tourist.
Outstanding.
Written September 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello and thank you for this amazing review,
we really appreciate the time taken to write such a wonderful review of the house.
We are so glad you enjoyed your visit.
Have a nice day.
Written September 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Malgorzata
12,083 contributions
Oct 2019
Very interesting museum that offers an insight in how people lived shortly after 1800. The rooms and objects are beautifully displayed and conserved. It felt like stepping right into the past, also thanks to the way every room is filled to the brim with furniture and everyday use objects. There is history in literally every room. The staff was very knowledgeable and friendly and able to answer any questions. Some were dressed in period costumes.There is a souvenir and gift shop. Charlotte Square itself is worth a visit and this museum is a great bonus.
Written September 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your 5 star review! We are very glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit and found our staff and volunteer guides so helpful.
We hope to have you back for another visit soon.
Many thanks,
The Georgian House team
Written October 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Romulo J
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Solo
New town is new only in relation to the old town, since it goes back to the 1700s. I randomly found Georgian House while I was walking around New town. I was interested by its design and decided to take a look inside. I was totally amazed by it. The house is one of the earliest from New town and you can learn a lot of Edinburgh history by taking a tour in this place. You will go back to the 1700s and 1800s, and the place itself is a piece of art. The staff is very knowledgeable and kind, you can ask them questions as much as you want and they will surely answer all of your questions. Additionally, they provide you clothes from that time, so you can feel how it is to be a nobleman from the 18th century. It is a pity this place is not so famous as it should be. I can not recommend it enough. It is only 12 pounds and even less if you are student (10 pounds only). Be prepared to go back in time while you are exploring the very heart of Edinburgh's new town.
Written May 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for the lovely review of the house. We appreciate the amount of detail you have went into when describing your visit.
We hope to take you back in time again in the future.
Written May 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IamLAH88
Milford, DE53 contributions
Jan 2020
I learned so much by visiting this well-preserved museum. Having guides in each of the rooms was a big plus! The video at the beginning of the tour set the stage for seeing the museum. I had no idea how women were viewed at this time and I must say I've never been more grateful not to have been born at that time! I heartily recommend a visit to this museum. We spent about 1-1.5 hours and it was a highlight for us. Well worth the entry fee.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your 5 star review! We are very glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit and found our staff and volunteer guides so helpful.
We hope to have you back for another visit soon.
Many thanks,
The Georgian House team
Written February 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Martha F
Albuquerque, NM62 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
We enjoyed our visit to the Georgian House. The introductory film was informative and illustrative of the time. Each floor was meticulously staged to reflect the family who lived in the house. We appreciated the interpreters in each room. They supplemented the handouts with interesting and humorous details about life in the 19th century. There is something of interest for all ages.
Written March 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank you for the review.
We are glad you enjoyed your visit and shall pass your very kind comments onto our team.
Thank you for visiting The Georgian House.
Written March 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beverley P
Blackpool, UK154 contributions
Aug 2022
We were on a coach trip and were dropped of in Charlotte Square to do a sightseeing of Edinburgh, which never happened as we spotted this museum across the road from the coach stop. We went and and were amazed at how fantastic this little gem was. We managed to spend a good two hours in here. The staff in every room were so knowledgeable and told us the history of the house.
A small film of the first owner sets the tour off. The National Trust have done a fantastic job in restoring this house to how it was. Its a must do when in Edinburgh and give yourself a good couple of hours. Staff really do know their history of the house and there was a guide in each room and they where more then happy to pass on their knowledge. The staff were so helpful and friendly they went out of their way to make this a very enjoyable visit,
A small film of the first owner sets the tour off. The National Trust have done a fantastic job in restoring this house to how it was. Its a must do when in Edinburgh and give yourself a good couple of hours. Staff really do know their history of the house and there was a guide in each room and they where more then happy to pass on their knowledge. The staff were so helpful and friendly they went out of their way to make this a very enjoyable visit,
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maui F
Australia78 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Volunteer guide Allan is a highly engaging and interactive tour guide that made the era and house come alive for our family with two children aged 10 and 13. He involved everyone in the tour and was highly knowledgeable about everything in the house and Edinburgh in the Georgian era. If you can time your visit at the time of a guided tour, I would highly recommend it. Don’t miss the video on the top floor that recreates how the house was lived in at the time by the residents. Thank you Allan for a highly memorable tour today!
Written July 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
Thank for for this amazing review. We are so glad you enjoyed the tour and house. We will pass on your kind words to our tour guide Allan.
Thanks again
Written July 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Saltrams
Torricella in Sabina, Italy63 contributions
Apr 2022
We (a couple, M&F) visited on a Tuesday in April ‘22. We are National Trust members.
Approaching the house on foot there is no direction signage. It isn’t hard to find & we had a tourist map but NT isn’t usually so reticent about putting up a couple of their brown (in England anyway) “this way” signs.
Dear reader, we found it. And very happy we were because it is a treasure. I am particularly fond of and interested in domestic historic settings, from Ancient Roman houses to Victorian residences and this doesn’t disappoint.
We count ourselves fortunate at 60 & 68 yrs old to be able to climb stairs but for those who cannot, this didn’t appear to be accessible. Maybe there is a hidden lift, I don’t know but be sure to check accessibility first because, prima facie, it is an issue.
Starting on the second floor, there is a light, entertaining docu-drama film (allowing time to get some breath back after the climb). There seemed to be some dressing-up for children and a few activities for them but that isn’t an area of concern for us so again it will be necessary to check that if your young ones can’t experience this gem & need constant amusement.
There is no need to describe each floor or room as there is plenty of informational material available. Suffice to say the house is very well presented and staffed by the NT’s usual enthusiastic retiree volunteers. Those who are deeply interested in history and this period won’t learn anything new here but just being transported back in time is sufficient enjoyment.
Visit. You won’t be disappointed.
Approaching the house on foot there is no direction signage. It isn’t hard to find & we had a tourist map but NT isn’t usually so reticent about putting up a couple of their brown (in England anyway) “this way” signs.
Dear reader, we found it. And very happy we were because it is a treasure. I am particularly fond of and interested in domestic historic settings, from Ancient Roman houses to Victorian residences and this doesn’t disappoint.
We count ourselves fortunate at 60 & 68 yrs old to be able to climb stairs but for those who cannot, this didn’t appear to be accessible. Maybe there is a hidden lift, I don’t know but be sure to check accessibility first because, prima facie, it is an issue.
Starting on the second floor, there is a light, entertaining docu-drama film (allowing time to get some breath back after the climb). There seemed to be some dressing-up for children and a few activities for them but that isn’t an area of concern for us so again it will be necessary to check that if your young ones can’t experience this gem & need constant amusement.
There is no need to describe each floor or room as there is plenty of informational material available. Suffice to say the house is very well presented and staffed by the NT’s usual enthusiastic retiree volunteers. Those who are deeply interested in history and this period won’t learn anything new here but just being transported back in time is sufficient enjoyment.
Visit. You won’t be disappointed.
Written April 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
QPixels
Southampton, UK408 contributions
Sep 2021
This restored Georgian House let us to take a glimpse at the life of rich Edinburgh dwellers in the early XIX century. We found the dining room especially impressive with its period furniture and paintings, and wood panels. The kitchen located at the basement has a remarkable open fire roast 9ask the staff and they will demonstrate how it woks). And we also had a chance to watch a short movie about the Lamont’s family, the old owners of the house. The volunteers answered all our questions and very very informative and friendly. A very pleasant afternoon, indeed.
Written November 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Would you recommend it for a 2 and 4 year old? Is there enough to keep them entertained?
Written November 18, 2017
no I think they would be too bored, it's fine if they were 9 years upwards I think.
Written March 8, 2018
Shelly6B
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Come puoi andare a visitare una casa Georgiana e confonderla con una Vittoriana? Io rileggerei la storia
Written June 12, 2017
how accessible is this with baby in a buggy?
Written May 28, 2017
You would have to leave the buggy in the lobby and carry the baby up many, many stairs.
Written May 31, 2017
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