History events in Edinburgh
Scroll down to view the upcoming History events taking place throughout Edinburgh or use the filters to narrow down the results.
Events in Edinburgh
Curious About Edinburgh - Quirky Heritage Walks for the Curious!
Have fun discovering Edinburgh on this award-winning, quirky, self-guided, heritage walk with a treasure hunt theme from Curious About!
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Maps: Memories from the Second World War
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.
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Treasures of the National Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland's permanent exhibition provides a unique insight into Scotland’s history, culture and people and its place in the world.
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Cold War Scotland
Exploring Scotland’s critical position on the frontline of the Cold War, a new exhibition will tell the stories of the Scots at the centre of this global conflict.
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Conservation Hangar Talks
See behind the scenes of the work carried out in the museum’s Conservation hangar with these free talks.
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Theravāda Buddhism
This thought-provoking exhibition charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today.
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Whisky Tasting and Tales
Taste 4 deliciously different whiskies while taking a journey into the history of whisky in Scotland and its profound importance within Scottish culture.
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Shining a Light: A History of Nursing Support Workers: Exhibition
Discover the fascinating history of nursing support work and celebrate the contribution that nursing support workers continue to make today.
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Arthur’s Secrets
Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Arthur's Seat's turbulent past, created by fire and ice!
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Monumental Treasure Hunt: West Princes Street Gardens
Welcome to the Monument-al Treasure Hunt in West Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh, a cultural & historical exploration for children & adults of all ages to enjoy.
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Blood and Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh’s Medical History - Walking Tour
Join Surgeons' Hall Museums on their 5* weekend walking tour through Edinburgh’s old town and hear tales of old Edinburgh, disease, dissection and curious methods of treatment!
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The Scottish Colourists: Radical Perspectives
Discover this groundbreaking exhibition in partnership with the Fleming Collection, which for the first time showcases the Scottish Colourists in the context of their European contemporaries.
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Medical History Tours at The Real Mary King’s Close
Delve into the darkest days of Edinburgh’s history, the Plague outbreak of 1645, and discover how the city confronted this devastating epidemic on this new tour at The Real Mary King’s Close!
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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography
This exhibition at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, charts the evolution of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present day!
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Dr Arnott’s Sampling Sensation
Uncover the secrets of 17th-century medicine with a hands-on workshop led by an expert from his time: Dr Arnott, who examined his patients’ health by analysing urine’s colour, smell & TASTE!
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Tour: The Hidden Women of St Cecilia’s Hall
Join us at St Cecilia’s Hall this Women's History Month for a curator-led tour of the museum, focussing on the hidden women behind the collection!
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Women’s History Month Talk with Susan Tomes
Join us at St Cecilia's Hall:this Women's History Month for, 'For You, Music Can be Only an Ornament' with historian Robert Philip and pianist Susan Tomes on 6th March!
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Palace Page Turners
Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These sessions will explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!
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Portobello Ghost Walk
Join John and Kerrie of North Edinburgh Nightmares for a suitable, fright-filled evening in Portobello, a Burgh of Edinburgh with a suitably historic and haunted history!
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Ethnogenesis and Kingship AD 300-900
This lecture on 13th March will draw on over ten years of excavations and survey in Northeast Scotland to put forward a new model for the development of kingship and the ethnogenesis of the Picts.
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Underground Unlocked at The Real Mary King’s Close
For one night only on Thursday 13th March, step beneath the Royal Mile and experience The Real Mary King’s Close like never before!
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Bonnie Bunch O Roses
Join an esteemed line-up of tradition-bearers on an extraordinary journey.. to celebrate and honour the memory of one of Scotland's great balladeers, Jeannie Robertson (MBE), on her 50th Anniversary.
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Fennell Lecture 2025
The 2025 Fennell Lecture will be given by Professor Eve Troutt Powell, University of Pennsylvania on Thursday 20th March.
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Hop aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia this Easter
Hop aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia for an egg-cellent day out this Easter holiday and experience the UK's Best Attraction!
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Tartan Day – The history and future of the famous celebration of Scottish heritage in the US
Join the Scottish Arts and Humanities Alliance (SAHA) and the US Consulate General in Edinburgh for Tartan Day and learn all about the history and future of this famous Scottish celebration!
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Curator’s Introduction to Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography
Join Senior Curator of Photographs and exhibition curator Alessandro Nasini as he discusses his personal highlights from our current exhibition, Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!
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McGonagall Night
Join the International Ghost Society for an evening in celebration of the poet William Topaz McGonagall - a man commonly known as the worst poet ever to have lived.
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A Century of Scottish Colourists with Alice Strang
Join Alice Strang, Curator of the National Galleries of Scotland’s Scottish Colourist series of exhibitions, for this talk on 22nd April.
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Royal Portraits in the Press
Spanning portraits of Queen Victoria to King Charles III, this lecture taking place at the Abbey Strand Centre, discusses how iconic images are published and remembered.
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Scottish Bottle Show
The Scottish Bottle Show returns to the Queen Margaret Hall, Linlithgow on Saturday 3rd May.
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Fireside Stories: Herbal Histories
Join artist and storyteller Amanda Edmiston for an evening of botanical storytelling inspired by the Physic Garden at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on 9th May!
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Ghosts - Tales of Terror at Lauriston Castle
Come along and see the sights of Lauriston Castle as never seen before – hear the history of the castle and ghostly tales of the city!
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Knights of Newhailes
Witness live-action jousts and gallant medieval knights battle it out to be crowned champion at Newhailes House and Gardens on Saturday 14th June!
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Relaxed Morning: Palace of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse offers this relaxed opening on Saturday 19th July. It's a chance to explore the palace in a calm, tranquil atmosphere.
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Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography - BSL Tour
Enjoy a BSL tour of Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography at The King's Gallery, The Palace of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday 12th August!
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Relaxed Evening: Palace of Holyroodhouse
This relaxed opening on Friday 22nd August, offers a chance to explore the Palace of Holyroodhouse in a calm, tranquil atmosphere!
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An Evening with Mary Beard
Step into the world of Ancient Rome with renowned historian Mary Beard as she uncovers the stories that history forgot.
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David Olusoga: A Gun Through Time
Join David Olusoga at the Assembly Rooms on Saturday 22nd November as he uncovers the story of three firearms that changed the world and the lives of our ancestors!
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History Events in East Renfrewshire
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On East Renfrewshire:
Heritage Course: Family History: Delving Deeper
This half day course is ideal for those who have completed Family History for Beginners, or who already have some experience in family history research but would like to learn more.
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Heritage Course: House History: Delving Deeper
This half day course is ideal for those who have completed House History for Beginners, or who already have some experience in house history research but would like to learn more.
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Heritage Talk: The Life and Death of Agnes Montgomerie of Eaglesham
Join Tracy Harrison Butler at Eastwood House as she shares the story of Agnes Montgomerie of Eaglesham, who fell victim to poisoning at the hands of Peter Walker in 1857.
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Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:
Classic Car Meet & Greet
Join Fife Classic Car Group for these monthly classic car meet and greet events at Fife Heritage Railway in Leven!
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St Monans : The Photography Village
The Scottish Fisheries Museum is delighted to have a selection of William Easton prints from St Monans Heritage Collection and a display of equipment from the Jim Mathew Camera Collection!
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Bus Bundle
Come along to Fife Heritage Railway for the Bus Bundle, an event created by our youth members where visitors can enjoy the best of both worlds, train and bus.
READ MOREHistory Events in Glasgow
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:
Glasgow Central Station Tours
Glasgow Central Tours offer you the chance to explore behind the scenes of Glasgow's most iconic and busiest landmarks, Central Station!
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The Old Glasgow Club Talks
The Old Glasgow Club hosts regular talks and occasional events for people interested in Glasgow, its environs, its history and its people!
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Glasgow Museums Resource Centre Specialist Tours
Throughout the year Glasgow Museums Resource Centre holds Specialist Tours where you can join the curators for an in depth look at the collections!
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Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:
Tracing Your Irish Ancestors
Don't miss this opportunity to gain the most valuable and updated information required to uncover your Irish past with renowned genealogist Chris Paton!
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Everything Flows: Music in North Lanarkshire
Come hear the memories of local musicians, see costumes, photos and records through the decades or even just come for a boogie at the Everything Flows: Music in North Lanarkshire exhibition!
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Hamilton Mausoleum Tour
Take a tour of one of the finest private tombs in the country and the town's most striking historic landmark, Hamilton Mausoleum.
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Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Renfrewshire:
Paisley Heritage Talk & Presentation - Craigends Estate, Houston
Join Robert Law in Paisley Heritage's event space The Hive at UWS Paisley for this fascinating talk and presentation all about Craigends Estate in Houston.
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Discover Paisley & Renfrewshire History Cafe
The Discover Paisley & Renfrewshire History Cafe for March will explore Paisley's early thread industry.
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Talk & Presentation: Paisley Punk Scene 1976-1982
Join Elspeth Cherry and Neil McMcLean at Paisley Heritage for their fascinating talk and presentation all about the Paisley Punk scene from 1976-1982.
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Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:
Winter Talk: The Exploits of Lt Col Duncan Lorne Campbell MBE MC in World War 2
Angus Campbell CVO, the son of Lt Col Duncan Campbell MBE MC, will give this talk on the exploits of his father in World War 2.
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AGT150 Mini-Festival Launch
Balfron Heritage Group invites you to the AGT150 Mini-Festival Launch, in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, at The John McLintock Hall on 21st March!
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Castle Rock Science Show
Delve into the science and engineering that underpin our amazing castles at this fun, interactive science show in Stirling Castle!
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Highlight Talks
On selected days throughout the year the team at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum and volunteers hold a Highlight Talk exploring the life and works of Robert Burns!
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Dean Castle Women’s History Tour
The month of March commemorates women's history and Dean Castle is ready to celebrate its own 'herstory' with this guided tour.
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