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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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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Escape the Past: The Anatomist
Descend into a world of grave robbery, mystery and malpractice as you embark on a thrilling adventure into Edinburgh’s dark past.
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Escape the Past: The Deacon’s Cabinet
From Escape The Past comes a new escape room 'The Deacon’s Cabinet', a historical heist escape room which challenges you to outsmart the infamous Deacon Brodie!
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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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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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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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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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Snapshots: Gallery Short Talks
Join us on Thursdays at The Palace of Holyroodhouse for a short talk on one of the fascinating photographs in our exhibition Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography!
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Edinburgh Street Historians LGBTQ Free Walking Tour
This walking tour of Edinburgh focuses on LGBTQ history from the battle of legalisation to the modern issues faced by the community in the current day!
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Policebox Museum
Discover what life was like as a police officer in the past. Drop in and join the Edinburgh, Lothian and Border police historical society for a fascinating look back at policing!
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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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Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour
The Real Mary King’s Close is pulling back the curtain on one of Edinburgh’s most harrowing historical events with its chilling new immersive experience, Contagion & Carnage: The Plague Tour!
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Easter @ ‘The Anatomist’ Escape Room
Easter is the perfect time to gather your team of family and friends to take on 'The Anatomist' - Edinburgh’s award winning historical escape room!
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Easter at ‘The Deacon’s Cabinet’ Escape Room
This Easter, in addition to the usual mind-bending puzzles at The Deacon's Cabinet, there’s a little something extra to discover, a number of small chocolate eggs… will your team find them?
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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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Hopetoun House and Grounds: 2025 Opening Weekend
From Friday 18th April 2025, Hopetoun House & Grounds welcomes you for another season of history, nature and exploration.
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Women’s History Tour
Join Roisin Kenny Caird on this unique walking tour of Edinburgh's bold and gallus women this Easter weekend!
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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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The History of Witchcraft and Feminism
Uncover the fascinating history of witchcraft and how patriarchal ideas shaped the image of a witch at the Assembly Roxy on Wednesday 23rd April! Followed by Q&A.
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Drama, Dynamism and Detail: Italian Baroque Paintings in the Royal Collection
Join Assistant Curator of Paintings Dr Amy Parrish on 24th April to delve into some of the extraordinary works of Italian Baroque painting contained within the Royal Collection.
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South Asian Coins in Museums and Proactive Repatriation and Justice-Seeking
Join the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland on 24th April at Augustine United Church for two special history talks and our Spring Election event!
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An Afternoon with Esther Inglis (c. 1571-1624)
Join author Sara Sheridan & experts to explore the life and work of calligrapher Esther Inglis, with live Renaissance music and spoken word poetry inspired by her exquisite manuscripts!
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The World of King James VI and I
Marking the 400-year anniversary of King James’s death, this exhibition will chart his remarkable reign through stories of friendship, family, feuds and ambition.
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Arthur’s Amble
Come along for a gentle guided walk around Hunter’s Bog and St. Margaret’s Loch and learn more about Arthur’s Seat’s turbulent past, created by fire and ice!
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Some Kind of Tours: 5 million years of Edinburgh history in 90 minutes
Unearth the twisted tales of Greyfriars Kirkyard and uncover Scotland's sinister past on this unique, 90 minute walking tour of Edinburgh’s atmospheric Old Town.
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Stories from Hospitals Back Home during the First World War
Join the Royal College of Nursing for an evening exploring how in the First World War, volunteers provided nurses with vital support as they cared for sick and wounded soldiers in hospitals back home.
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A Dram of History
Venture beneath the Royal Mile and raise a glass to Scotland’s most iconic drink with this exclusive experience at The Real Mary King’s Close.
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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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Edinburgh Tradfest: An Introduction to Gaelic Storytelling
Join Gaelic storyteller Martin MacIntyre for an introductory session exploring the history, importance and joy in Gaelic storytelling culture in Scotland.
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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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The Science of Intergenerational Trauma with Dr Jane Mulcahy
Discover the mechanisms of trauma transmission and the impact of inherited experiences, from families to entire communities in this talk given by Dr Jane Mulcahy at the Assembly Roxy on 6th May.
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Henri Bergson: Philosophy and Ghosts
In this talk on 7th May at the Institut français d'Ecosse, Bruno Clément discusses two lectures Henri Bergson wrote in 1913, both of which talk about ghosts.
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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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Yotties’ Week
Step aboard this Yotties’ Week, Monday 12th to Thursday 15th May, to see the former Royal Yachtsmen don their white overalls once again and return to their beloved Britannia.
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Underground Unlocked at The Real Mary King’s Close
For one night only on Thursday 15th May, step beneath the Royal Mile and experience The Real Mary King’s Close like never before!
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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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The Port Road Railway: A Talk by Alan McLellan
Join Alan McLellan to walk the old Port Road railway line from Dumfries to Stranraer, with vintage film clips and photos illustrating his journey into the past at the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
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Threads of Empire: A History of the World in Carpets
Explore the history of the world through its fascinating carpets with historian Dorothy Armstrong at Dovecot Studios on Saturday 7th June!
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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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Resistance
Resistance explores how acts of resistance have shaped life in the UK, and the powerful role of photography in documenting and driving change.
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Spectacular Jousting
Hear the thunder of hooves and the clashing of lances at the annual jousting tournament at Linlithgow Palace on 28th and 29th 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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The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle
Enjoy one of the most magical experiences at the Fringe as three expert magicians illustrate Lauriston Castle’s intriguing past with magic, illusions and sleight-of-hand!
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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 Talk: Digging Up East Renfrewshire’s Past
Join Susan Hunter to hear the highlights of her long journey into local archaeology at Eastwood House on Tuesday 20th May.
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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.
READ MOREHistory Events in Fife
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Fife:
St Andrews Memories
Drop in to The R&A World Golf Museum and have a chat whilst looking at photographs, objects and film footage from our collections!
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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.
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Classic Car Meet & Greet
Join Fife Classic Car Group for these monthly classic car meet and greet events at Fife Heritage Railway in Leven!
READ MOREHistory Events in Glasgow
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Glasgow:
Twilight Tour: Three Lost Buildings of Glasgow
Hunterian curator Joseph Sharples will lead a Twilight Tour of a new Hunterian display in the Kelvin Hall Avenue, looking at three demolished Glasgow buildings and how we remember them.
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Burrell Bites
Enjoy a specially curated talk about the history and context of a new object(s) from the Burrell Collection each week, delivered by Curators, Gallery Assistants, Volunteer Guides and more!
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Curious About Glasgow - Quirky Heritage Walks for the Curious!
Have fun discovering Glasgow on this award-winning, quirky, self-guided, heritage walk with a treasure hunt theme from Curious About!
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Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Lanarkshire:
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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Spring Heritage Festival
New Lanark's Spring Heritage Festival is all about showcasing Lanarkshire's fascinating history and bringing to life some of the amazing stories and objects that make up their community's heritage!
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Lanark Medieval Celebration
Head to Lanark on Saturday 3rd May as the town hosts a fabulous free family day out with the return of their annual Medieval Celebration!
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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 Event: Group Tour of Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre, Linwood - CANCELLED
On Saturday 3rd May, join Paisley Heritage Group for an introductory talk and walk around of the Donald Malcolm Heritage Centre, Linwood.
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Sma’ Shot Cottages
The Sma' Shot Cottages are a major attraction in the Renfrewshire area, providing visitors with an insight into two distinct periods of Paisley's weaving history!
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History Cafe: The Cotton Thread Mills Of Paisley
Join Renfrewshire Heritage in Blend Coffee Lounge at Paisley Arts Centre on Saturday 17th May for their in-person History Cafe discussing The Cotton Thread Mills Of Paisley.
READ MOREHistory Events in Stirling
Here's a selection of History Events you can find over on our sister site, What's On Stirling:
Stirling Ghostwalk
Take a tour of the strange tales and stranger characters of Stirling's Old Town on the Stirling Ghostwalk... comedy, drama, fact and fable - fun for boys & ghouls of all ages!
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Free Guided Tours of Dunblane Cathedral over Easter weekend
Free guided tours of Dunblane Cathedral are on offer every day over Easter weekend. No need to book, just turn up any time between 2pm and 4pm!
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Talks at The Smith: Great Scottish Writers: Lavinia Derwent
Writer Adrian Ross gives this talk on children’s author and broadcaster Lavinia Derwent, who found huge success late in life, with memoirs about growing up on a farm in the Borders.
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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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