The National War Museum is located inside Edinburgh Castle, so while entry to the museum is free, you’ll need to pay £15.50 to enter the castle.
Inside, you’ll find out what 400 years of conflict in one museum looks like.
It chronicles Scottish military history over the last several centuries, telling its story from the middle ages to the modern day.
The museum is filled with storyboards that tell about the naval, air, and land armies and displays showing original uniforms, weapons, flags, medals.
There’s so much to see & sometimes not a lot of time to see it. We organized this list in a geographical range, so if you’ve only have one day in Edinburgh to cram everything in you can make it happen!
The Collection and What to See
The museum chronicles four centuries of Scottish military history, from the middle ages to the modern day. Storyboards cover the naval, air and land forces, while displays showcase original uniforms, weapons, flags and medals – there is a great deal to take in.
Location and Visiting
The museum sits within the walls of Edinburgh Castle. Entry to the museum itself is free, but you need a castle ticket to reach it, so it is best visited as part of a wider castle trip. Castle prices change, so check current admission before you go.
Who It Suits
Ideal for anyone interested in military history and already planning to visit Edinburgh Castle. If you would rather not pay castle admission, the National Museum of Scotland offers extensive free galleries instead.
Practical Tips
- The museum is free, but you must buy a castle ticket to reach it
- Castle admission prices change – check before you visit
- Best combined with a full Edinburgh Castle visit
- Allow 60-90 minutes on top of the rest of the castle
- Original uniforms, weapons, flags and medals are the highlights
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the National War Museum free?
The museum itself is free, but it sits inside Edinburgh Castle, so you need a castle ticket to reach it. Check current castle prices before visiting.
What does the museum cover?
It chronicles 400 years of Scottish military history across land, sea and air, with original uniforms, weapons, flags and medals on display.
