UK Holiday Breaks
UK Holiday Breaks
Holiday sun graphic
Home > Scotland > Things to do in Lothian Scotland > National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland

Located on Chambers Street in the heart of the city, this is a world-class museum that is as beautiful as it is interesting. It is in Edinburgh, using the postcode EH1 1JF.

What to Expect and Enjoy
The museum is split into two parts: a stunning Victorian building with a soaring light-filled “Grand Gallery” and a modern building dedicated to Scottish history.

  • The Grand Gallery: It’s often called a “window on the world.” It’s a massive, airy space filled with hanging displays, including a giant whale skull and a Spitfire plane.
  • Dolly the Sheep: You can see the world’s most famous sheep—the first mammal ever cloned—right here in the science galleries.
  • The Millennium Clock: Try to be near this giant, mechanical tower on the hour. It “comes to life” with moving figures and haunting music—it’s a real spectacle.
  • Interactive Fun: There are whole floors where kids (and adults!) can race Formula 1 cars, generate electricity, or dig for dinosaur fossils.
  • The Roof Terrace: Take the lift to the top floor for a “hidden” rooftop garden. It offers some of the best free views of Edinburgh Castle and the city skyline.

Best For and Time Spent
Absolutely everyone. It is one of the most family-friendly spots in the city and is completely accessible for wheelchairs and buggies.

  • Duration: You could easily spend a full day here. At a minimum, allow 3 hours to see the “highlights.”

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

  • Cost: Entry is free for everyone, though they often have special temporary exhibitions that you can choose to pay for.
  • Rainy Days: This is the ultimate rainy-day activity in Edinburgh. It’s huge and all indoors.
  • Food & Drink: There is a large cafe on the ground floor and a smaller, quieter one on the balcony. They can be busy at lunchtime, but the museum is surrounded by great local cafes on Chambers Street.
  • Facilities: There are free lockers, a buggy park, and excellent baby-changing rooms, making it very stress-free for parents.

More Places Nearby

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Arthur’s Seat Blackness Castle Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Dalkeith Country Park Dalmeny House Dirleton Castle and Gardens Dynamic Earth East Links Family Park Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Ghost Tours Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Edinburgh Zoo Five Sisters Zoo Fountain Park Foxlake Adventures Glenkinchie Distillery Hopetoun House House of the Binns Inveresk Lodge Garden Jupiter Artland Linlithgow Palace Lost Shore Surf Resort Malleny Garden Midlothian Snowsports Centre Murrayfield Stadium Tour Musselburgh Racecourse National Museum of Flight Newhailes House North Berwick Harbour Rosslyn Chapel Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish National Gallery Scottish National Portrait Gallery Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre Tantallon Castle The Edinburgh Dungeon The Palace of Holyroodhouse The Royal Mile The Royal Yacht Britannia The Scottish Seabird Centre
Disclosure: This site may contain affiliate links and paid advertisements. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure.