National War Museum

The museum was opened in 1933, becoming the first war museum in Great Britain. It is housed in an old warehouse from 1755.

The National War Museum, situated within Edinburgh Castle, is Scotland’s national war museum reflecting over 400 years of Scotland at war, which due to its strategic position, has suffered through many years of conflict. Visitors will be taken back in time to the beginning of the seventeenth century.

Collections

As with any other military museum, the National War Museum includes paintings of battles, weapons, armour and other items from various periods.

The museum’s collection features, as well as the typical military items, traditional Scottish clothing worn during the battles, personal items belonging to the soldiers, and letters sent home from the battlegrounds on distant lands.

There is also a section dedicated to World War II and the importance of the women’s role during the various conflicts. Note that women rebuilt entire cities such as Berlin.

A definite must

Edinburgh’s National War Museum is located within Edinburgh Castle and is a definite must.

Just outside the museum, you’ll find other exhibitions related to the same topic: The Royal Scots Regimental Museum, which shows the Infantry uniforms and The Regimental Museum of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, dedicated to the cavalry.

Schedule

1 April – 30 September:
Open daily: 9:45 am – 5:45 pm
1 October – 31 March:
9:45 am – 4:45 pm

Price

Admission is included in the Edinburgh Castle ticket