History Museums in Edinburgh

THE 10 BEST Edinburgh History Museums

History Museums in Edinburgh

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12 places sorted by traveler favorites

What travelers are saying

  • Jason E
    193 contributions
    First of all it’s great value, very cheap for 3 adults and 1 child. There is soo much to see and do, you would need to give yourself 2 hours. There is a great workshop where you assemble a full adult real skeleton. Plenty of interactive attractions. Thousands of body parts and organs stored in jars as well as hundreds of modern and old surgical instruments and devices. This is not for the faint hearted or squeamish. Highly recommended.
    Written August 3, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sarah L
    Lincoln, UK51 contributions
    We really enjoyed this small museum. The personal stories and the way it is set out, setting the scene on different situations, you could imagine how it was.
    Written July 7, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 0TBC
    Norwich, UK279 contributions
    This was the first thing I decided I wanted to do in Edinburgh. Entry is part of the castle fee which is good. Active military get in free.
    The exhibition is very good and as a military enthusiast this is among the best.
    However we were told we weren’t allowed to leave our stroller in a very clear empty corner of the lobby and this was highly annoying. Having pushed the thing all day, it would have been gracious to allow it to be left in a quiet corner where it obstructed nothing.
    Written February 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KHolmquist
    Kalmar, Sweden33 contributions
    Very educational and immersive to visit and learn about the Reformation in Scotland. We knew very little about John Knox before this. Nice staff in the reception area. Good change of pace from the busy Royal mile outside. All well worth your time.
    Written July 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • susan2153
    Burnley, UK70 contributions
    I have been visiting here for many years when on holiday in the area & it is still execellent value at £15 for the day. This was ny first visit since covid and now you have to book & pay online but be warned you cannot do this at present using an android phone! I was told to just turn up & they booked me in via their computers. I was disappointed that they haven't reopened the cafe as I had to venture out in the rain to find something to eat.
    Written May 18, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Adrian S
    1 contribution
    Had a bit time to kill, so went to The Wee Museum of Memory in Ocean Terminal and it certainly does what it says on the tin, as so many memories came flooding back. Hundreds, if not thousands of household products from back in my mum's and Nana's era.... and you can pick them up too!

    I then went to their shop on ground level called 'Away for the Messages' and it has beautiful old photos and items related to shopping, from the days when your mum sent you for a 'forpit o tatties' with half a crown wrapped in the shopping list.

    Russell was so lovely, welcoming and friendly. So glad I went and I'll be back and I highly recommend.
    Written August 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RayR_1990
    Edinburgh, UK57 contributions
    If your visiting South Queensferry this is well worth a visit. It's free and there's loads to take in. Staff are friendly and knowledgable too. I'm always surprised by how few people visit, because it's a wee gem. It's like a step back in time.
    Written April 27, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Brynnspiration
    Denver, CO19 contributions
    This was a lovely little exhibit that was presented well. It was in one small room but it was enough information to satisfy my curiosity. I had no idea the atrocities carried out in Scotland against women and that the with trials here were worse than Salem. Grateful this museum exists! I also got my tarot cards read but a lovely reader and thoroughly enjoyed my visit.
    Written April 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Africa Eddie
    Sydney, Australia9,634 contributions
    While the crown jewels are the highlight of this exhibition there is much history about the Scottish monarchy, their lineage and conflict as well as the room where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth and other rooms recreated from the past.
    The crown jewels are the highlight of and a culmination of all displays here
    Written September 26, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TF S
    Edinburgh, UK27 contributions
    Dower House is a historic building in the middle of Corstorphine's St. Margret's Park - a nice little park with a small play ground and bowls place.
    It is run by the Corstorphine Trust and houses the archive and museum of the village. It is mostly interesting for those curious about local history, and since it recently has gotten a nice and cosy café a good place to grab a coffee.
    Written November 24, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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