National War Museum of Scotland

About

Located within the historic walls of Edinburgh Castle, the National War Museum of Scotland presents over 400 years of the nation’s military history. Opened in 1933 in a converted 18th-century ordnance storehouse, the museum is managed by National Museums Scotland and showcases a compelling collection of artefacts, artwork, and personal stories that reflect Scotland’s experience of war. Visitors encounter Highland broadswords, letters from the front, chemical warfare suits, and iconic paintings such as Robert Gibb’s “The Thin Red Line.” The museum also explores the evolution of military technology and the impact of global conflicts on Scottish society. Its setting within Hospital Square adds to the immersive experience, offering a powerful contrast between the grandeur of the castle and the human cost of war. Admission is included with entry to Edinburgh Castle, making it a poignant and essential stop for anyone seeking to understand Scotland’s martial legacy.

Edinburgh Scotland
National War Museum of Scotland
Location

The National War Museum of Scotland is located within the historic Edinburgh Castle, specifically in the Hospital Square area inside the castle grounds. This museum offers a profound exploration of Scotland’s military history spanning over 400 years, showcasing an extensive collection of artifacts including weapons, military uniforms, personal items, and wartime artwork such as the famous painting "The Thin Red Line" by Robert Gibb. Visitors access the museum by passing the Redcoat Café and continuing down a hill through an archway within the castle. Being situated inside Edinburgh Castle, the museum is surrounded by one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks with stunning views and rich heritage. Nearby attractions include Princes Street Gardens, the Scotch Whisky Experience, Camera Obscura, and the Scottish National Gallery, all within a short walking distance from the castle. Edinburgh Castle itself is intertwined with the Royal Mile’s bustling historic atmosphere, where visitors can enjoy various shops, restaurants, and cultural sites, making the National War Museum a key stop in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Admission to the museum is included with the Edinburgh Castle ticket.

National Museum of Scotland National Museum of Scotland Museum Museum of Edinburgh Museum of Edinburgh Museum Surgeons’ Hall Museums Surgeons’ Hall Museums Museum Museum of Childhood Edinburgh Museum of Childhood Edinburgh Museum Museum on the Mound Museum on the Mound Museum Newhaven Heritage Museum Newhaven Heritage Museum Museum People’s Story Museum People’s Story Museum Museum Writers’ Museum Writers’ Museum Museum St Cecilia’s Hall St Cecilia’s Hall Museum Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage Museum Corstorphine Heritage Centre Corstorphine Heritage Centre Museum Queensferry Museum Queensferry Museum Museum Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum Museum Royal Observatory Visitor Centre Royal Observatory Visitor Centre Observatory Our Dynamic Earth Our Dynamic Earth Museum Trinity House Maritime Museum Trinity House Maritime Museum Museum Museum of Magic, Fortune-Telling & Witchcraft Museum of Magic, Fortune-Telling & Witchcraft Museum King’s Theatre King’s Theatre Theatre Festival Theatre Festival Theatre Theatre Edinburgh Playhouse Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre Queen’s Hall Queen’s Hall Theatre Usher Hall Usher Hall Theatre Royal Lyceum Theatre Royal Lyceum Theatre Theatre Traverse Theatre Traverse Theatre Theatre Bedlam Theatre Bedlam Theatre Theatre Church Hill Theatre Church Hill Theatre Theatre Rose Theatre Rose Theatre Theatre Scottish Storytelling Centre Scottish Storytelling Centre Theatre Summerhall Summerhall Theatre St Stephen’s Theatre St Stephen’s Theatre Theatre Festival Square Theatre Festival Square Theatre Theatre Leith Theatre Leith Theatre Theatre Portobello Town Hall Portobello Town Hall Theatre Scottish National Portrait Gallery Scottish National Portrait Gallery Gallery Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Gallery City Art Centre City Art Centre Gallery Collective Gallery Collective Gallery Gallery Fruitmarket Gallery Fruitmarket Gallery Gallery Open Eye Gallery Open Eye Gallery Gallery Leith Walk Gallery Leith Walk Gallery Gallery Braewell Gallery Braewell Gallery Gallery Dovecot Studios Dovecot Studios Gallery Morningside Gallery Morningside Gallery Gallery West End Craft & Design Fair West End Craft & Design Fair Gallery Bourne Fine Art Gallery Bourne Fine Art Gallery Gallery Red Door Gallery Red Door Gallery Gallery Marchmont Gallery Marchmont Gallery Gallery Talbot Rice Gallery Talbot Rice Gallery Gallery Torrance Gallery Torrance Gallery Gallery Gallery TEN Gallery TEN Gallery Wasps Patriothall Studios and Gallery Wasps Patriothall Studios and Gallery Gallery Rhubaba Gallery and Studios Rhubaba Gallery and Studios Gallery Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Castle Castle Palace of Holyroodhouse Palace of Holyroodhouse Castle Craigmillar Castle Craigmillar Castle Castle Holyrood Park Holyrood Park Park Princes Street Gardens Princes Street Gardens Park The Meadows The Meadows Park Inverleith Park Inverleith Park Park Calton Hill Calton Hill Park Harrison Park Harrison Park Park Victoria Park Victoria Park Park Pilrig Park Pilrig Park Park Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Museum Arthur’s Seat Arthur’s Seat Mountain Peak Scott Monument Scott Monument Monument The Royal Mile The Royal Mile Tourist attractions St Giles’ Cathedral St Giles’ Cathedral Cathedral Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Botanical Garden Dean Village Dean Village Tourist attractions Innocent Railway Tunnel & Path Innocent Railway Tunnel & Path Historical Landmark The Real Mary King’s Close The Real Mary King’s Close Historical Landmark The Scotch Whisky Experience The Scotch Whisky Experience Tourist attractions The Edinburgh Dungeon The Edinburgh Dungeon Tourist attractions Grassmarket Grassmarket Street Stockbridge Market Stockbridge Market Market Edinburgh Farmers’ Market Edinburgh Farmers’ Market Market Leith Market Leith Market Market Tron Kirk Market Tron Kirk Market Market Ocean Terminal Market Ocean Terminal Market Market