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History And Culture in Edinburgh

Always wanted to find out more about Edinburgh's past? Then start uncovering just what went on in days gone by, by looking through our listings.

Auld Reekie Tours

45 Niddry Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1LG

Take a journey into the dark side of old Edinburgh's history touring the haunted underground vaults with Auld Reekie Tours!

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Blackness Castle

Blackness Castle , Blackness EH49 7NH

Blackness Castle stands by the Firth of Forth, at the port that served the royal burgh of Linlithgow in medieval times.

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Canongate Kirk

153 Canongate, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BN

Canongate Kirk is the parish church of Canongate in Edinburgh’s Old Town and a congregation of the Church of Scotland.

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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!

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Curious About Edinburgh Tour

, Various Locations Edinburgh

Have fun discovering Edinburgh with two self-guided, heritage walks with an optional treasure hunt... buy or instantly download & get curious!

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Dirleton Castle

Dirleton Castle , Dirleton EH39 5ER

Dirleton Castle hase some of the oldest castle architecture surviving in Scotland – the de Vaux towers, built around 1240.

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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.

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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.

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Edinburgh Street Historians

The High Street Wellhead Old Assembly Close, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1QX

Edinburgh Street Historians is a fantastic team of Edinburgh tour guides who want to change the way that people see the city.

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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!

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Greater Grassmarket

Greater Grassmarket Business Improvement District 39 Grassmarket, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2HS

Steeped in some of Edinburgh's greatest history, Greater Grassmarket is only a minutes' walk from the popular Royal Mile and visitor favourite, the National Museum of Scotland.

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Greyfriars Kirk

1 Greyfriars, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2QQ

Welcome to Greyfriars Kirk, a worshipping congregation of the Church of Scotland in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town where a church has stood since 1620.

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Hopetoun House

Hopetoun House Hopetoun, South Queensferry EH30 9SL

Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Hopetoun is a place of outstanding natural beauty, which has Scotland's finest stately home at its heart.

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House of the Binns

House Of The Binns Binns View, Linlithgow EH49 7NA

Set in beautifully landscaped parkland overlooking the River Forth, this fascinating laird’s house near Linlithgow has been the home of the Dalyells for over 400 years.

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John Gray Centre

15 Lodge Street, Haddington EH41 3DX

The John Gray Centre brings together East Lothian Council’s Archaeology, Museum, Archive and Local History Services, alongside Haddington’s branch library.

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John Knox House

43 - 45 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SR

Dating back to 1470 John Knox House is one of Scotland's greatest cultural treasures and is associated with the most dramatic events in Scotland's turbulent history!

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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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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.

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Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL

Explore the magnificent ruins of the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Linlithgow Palace was built and added to over two centuries by the Stewart kings, resulting in a superb Renaissance residence.

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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!

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Museum of Childhood Edinburgh

42 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1TG

The Museum of Childhood has a place in the hearts of millions. The first museum in the world dedicated to the history of childhood, it displays toys and...

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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

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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.

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National War Museum

Edinburgh Castle Castlehill, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2NG

Discover the story of Scotland at war within the walls of Edinburgh Castle with a visit to the National War Musuem.

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Nelson Monument

32 Calton Hill, Edinburgh New Town EH7 5AA

Nelson Monument is situated on top of Calton Hill, and provides a dramatic termination to the view along Princes Street from the west.

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Newhailes House and Gardens

Newhailes House and Gardens Newhailes Road , Musselburgh EH21 6RY

Discover 300 years of Scottish history through the magnificent and carefully conserved neo-Palladian villa that is Newhailes House and Gardens!

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Panmure House

4 Lochend Close, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BL

Panmure House is a 17th-century townhouse located in Edinburgh's Canongate. It is the only surviving residence of renowned Scottish philosopher Adam Smith, who lived there between 1778 and 1790.

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Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot

Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot Preston Road, East Linton EH40 3DS

Preston Mill is an architectural oddity that will beguile visitors as much as it delights painters and photographers.

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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!

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Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens Princes Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2HG

Princes Street Gardens lies at centre of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site, within New Town and Old Town Outstanding Conservation Areas.

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Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel Chapel Loan, Roslin EH25 9PU

Owned by The Earl and Countess of RosslynRosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 as a place of worship and services continue to be held here weekly. The Chapel...

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Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh

9 Queen Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 1JQ

The RCPE is an independent standard-setting body and professional membership organisation. Our aim is to improve and maintain the quality of patient care.

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Scott Monument

Scott Monument East Princes Street Gardens , Edinburgh Old Town EH2 2EJ

Standing proudly in Princes Street Gardens, the Scott Monument is one of the most iconic Edinburgh landmarks, a must-visit for tourists and locals alike.

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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.

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The Cadies & Witchery Tours

84 West Bow, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 2HH

The award-winning Cadies & Witchery Tours invite you to join their fearless phantoms for a suspenseful and mirth-filled tour of Edinburgh's Old Town!

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The Edinburgh Dungeon

31 Market Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1DF

The Edinburgh Dungeon is the ultimate underground journey through Edinburgh's darkest history as you see, hear and errr smell Edinburgh’s murky past!

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The Georgian House

7 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh New Town EH2 4DR

The Georgian House, Robert Adam's masterpiece of urban architecture with its elegant furnished interior, is located at No. 7 Charlotte Square in the centre of Edinburgh!

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The Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse Canongate, Edinburgh East EH8 8DX

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, commonly referred to as Holyrood Palace, is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland.

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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.

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The Real Mary Kings Close

2 Warriston's Close, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1PG

Edinburgh's deepest secret, the Real Mary King’s Close is buried deep beneath the Royal Mile... a warren of hidden streets that has remained frozen in time since the 17th Century!

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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.

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The Tron Kirk

122 High Street, Edinburgh Old Town EH1 1SG

The Tron Kirk, or Christ’s Kirk at the Tron, has stood in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town for almost 400 years.

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Traquair House

Traquair House , Innerleithen EH44 6PW

Traquair is a unique piece of living history welcoming visitors from all over the world. Enjoy the house, extensive grounds, maze, craft workshops, Garden Cafe and the famous Brewery!

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Trinity House

99 Kirkgate, Leith EH6 6BJ

Trinity House was once the base of the Incorporation of Mariners and Shipmasters and this elegant Georgian house now holds an outstanding collection of maritime treasures.

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Sponsored Links

Wonder & Co
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Napier Uni
Support The Makers
Kevin Quantum
Goldups Lane
RSPB
MNB
Fayre Play
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG
Hostelworld

History And Culture in East Renfrewshire

Here's a selection of History And Culture you can find over on our sister site, What's On East Renfrewshire:

Greenbank House and Garden

Greenbank Garden Flenders Road, Clarkston G768RB

Less than a mile from the suburban bustle of Clarkston on the south side of Glasgow, Greenbank Garden is a tranquil celebration of the gardener’s art.

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The Eaglesham Heritage Trail

, Eaglesham G76 0AR

The Eaglesham Heritage Trail was the first project to be undertaken by the Eaglesham & Waterfoot Community Development Trust.

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Barrhead Community Museum

Barrhead Community Museum Main Street, Barrhead G78 1SW

The Barrhead Community Museum and Visitor Information Centre features displays about the early history of the area.

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History And Culture in Fife

Here's a selection of History And Culture you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:

Culross Palace

Culross Palace , Culross KY12 8JH

Get a sense of what it would have been like to live in Culross Palace in its prime, with original painted woodwork and beautifully restored 17th- and 18th-century interiors.

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The Scottish Fisheries Museum

St Ayles Harbourhead, Anstruther KY10 3AB

An independent charity-run museum covering the history of the Scottish fishing industryand how it became such an important part of the lives of so many Scots.

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St Andrews Cathedral

St Andrews Cathedral The Pends, St Andrews KY16 9QL

Explore the remains of Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church. Even in its ruinous state, the cathedral remains a prominent landmark highly visible from the sea.

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History And Culture in Glasgow

Here's a selection of History And Culture you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:

Glasgow Cathedral

Glasgow Cathedral Castle Street, Glasgow City Centre G4 0QZ

Built in the 1100s, Glasgow Cathedral is an awe-inspiring medieval building dedicated to St Kentigern, also known as St Mungo the Patron Saint of Glasgow.

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Clyde Waterfront Walks

Clyde Waterfront Walks , Various Locations Glasgow

Clyde Docks Preservation Initiative operate a series of guided walking tours of Glasgow's waterfront, exploring the maritime history of the river and its modern regeneration.

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The Govan Stones Project

886 Govan Road, Glasgow South Side G51 3UU

The Govan Stones are one of Glasgow's most important historical and cultural assets, explore the 31 monuments within the beautiful setting of Govan Old Church.

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History And Culture in Lanarkshire

Here's a selection of History And Culture you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:

Shotts Heritage Centre

Located within Shotts Library Benhar Road, Shotts ML7 5EN

Shotts Heritage Centre is within the town library. Displays focus on the area’s strong 17th century covenanting heritage and the rise and fall of local...

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Low Parks Museum

Low Parks Museum 129 Muir Street, Hamilton ML3 6BJ

The family-friendly Low Parks Museum traces South Lanarkshire's history: early settlements: Hamilton Palace and the Royal Burghs; design, industry and technology, agriculture and working the land.

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North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre

North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre High Road, Motherwell ML1 3HU

The North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre is a free family visitor attraction located in Motherwell which is seen as the main repository for archives and modern records for the whole of North Lanarkshire!

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History And Culture in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde

Here's a selection of History And Culture you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:

Paisley Abbey

Paisley Abbey Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JG

From its foundation in 1163 to the present day – worship in Paisley Abbey has been offered to God and hospitality extended to all pilgrims and visitors.

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Paisley Thread Mill Museum

Mill End Mill Seedhill Road, Paisley PA1 1JS

The Paisley Thread Mill Museum in Mile End Mill is dedicated to Renfrewshire and Paisley's thread mill heritage.

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Paisley Museum

Paisley Museum High Street, Paisley PA1 2BA

Paisley Museum is a 4 star visitor attraction located in the heart of Paisley. It houses a wealth of treasures, from Egyptian artefacts to reminders of our industrial past and our natural heritage!

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History And Culture in Stirling and Falkirk

Here's a selection of History And Culture you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:

Doune Castle

Doune Castle Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA

One of Scotland’s most iconic heritage attractions and star of hit TV series Outlander, Doune Castle is a magnificent late 14th century courtyard castle!

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Bannockburn House

, Bannockburn FK7 8EY

Bannockburn House is Category A Listed and has survived largely unchanged since the 17th century, apart from a Victorian extension.

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Duncarron Medieval Village

Clanranald Trust for Scotland Carron Valley, Denny FK6 5JL

Duncarron Medieval Village is a reconstructed, fortified village based on 11th-century motte and bailey design, with visitor centre.

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History And Culture in Other Areas

Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park

Brodick Castle , Brodick KA27 8HY

Gardens, woodland, waterfalls and a castle packed with treasures make Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park a must-visit on Arran!

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Culzean Castle and Country Park

Culzean Castle and Country Park , Maybole KA19 8LE

With a dramatic clifftop setting, Robert Adam architecture, fascinating history & beautiful surrounds, Culzean Castle and Country Park is one of Scotland's best days out!

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Dalgarven Mill Museum of Country Life & Costume

Dalgarven Mill Dalgarven, Kilwinning KA13 6PL

Dalgarven Mill is a treasure trove, created in a group of outstanding historical industrial buildings in a beautiful rural location in Ayrshire!

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Dean Castle Country Park

Dean Castle Country Park Dean Road, Kilmarnock KA3 1XB

Nestled in the heart of Kilmarnock, Dean Castle Country Park is a fantastic free day out for all the family!

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Dumfries House

Dumfries House , Cumnock KA18 2NJ

Dumfries House is one of Britain's most beautiful stately homes. Set in 2,000 acres, the stunning Estate and 18th-century house with its unrivalled collection of furniture has something for everyone!

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Dundonald Castle and Visitor Centre

Dundonald Castle Winehouse Yett, Dundonald KA2 9HD

War and romance, smuggling and heroism, tales of the supernatural and more – Royal Dundonald Castle is one of Scotland's most unexplored and fascinating treasures!

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Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Murdochs Loan Alloway, Ayr KA7 4PQ

Set in 10 acres of Burns' beloved Alloway countryside, the museum provides a unique encounter with Scotland's favourite son!

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Sponsored Links

Wonder & Co
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Napier Uni
Support The Makers
Kevin Quantum
Goldups Lane
RSPB
MNB
Fayre Play
Edinburgh Dungeon
ATG
Hostelworld

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