Group visits
Explore the National Museum of Rural Life on a self-led group visit.
Group visits are for groups of 10 or more wishing to visit the museum. These visits are self-guided, giving you the freedom to explore and enjoy all the museum has to offer!
If you are planning a schools visit, please visit our dedicated schools pages.
Group types and prices
Educational groups
Educational groups include UK school groups and home-educated children aged 18 and under. Educational group visits take place during school hours and term time.
For more information on educational group visits and prices, please visit our dedicated schools pages.
Youth organisations
We welcome youth organisation visits to the museum, including:
- Cubs
- Scouts
- Brownies
- Guides
- Girls and Boys Brigade
- ATC and Combined Cadet Force.
These visits can be for a specific outcome, such as working towards a certificate or badge.
Prices
| Ticket type | Price |
| Child (5 - 15 years) | £4 |
| Accompanying adult (1:5 ratio) | Free |
| Additional adult (per head) | £4 |
Please note these tickets are not Annual Passes, and are valid for a single visit only.
Charity, community, travel trade, and other groups
Prices
| Ticket type | Price |
| Adult | £9 |
| Over 65s | £8.10 |
| Student, Unemployed. Disbabled, Young Scot* | £7.20 |
| Child (5 - 15 years) | £6.30 |
| Under 5s | Free |
| Support Staff/Carers for groups with children (1:5 ratio for Primary age or 1:10 for Secondary age) | Free |
Please note these tickets are not Annual Passes, and are valid for a single visit only.
*Valid ID required. Carers of disabled people free.
Information for your visit
Where can we park?
Groups coming by coach or bus should be dropped off and picked up at our designated drop off area at the top of the public car park. Please do not park at the turning circle at the museum.
Groups can then walk down the designated path to the museum building. Please note that the route from the car park to the museum involves crossing a public road.
Where can we leave our jackets and bags?
A limited number of storage lockers are available. Please speak to a member of our team about locker availability on arrival.
Where can we eat?
Shielings Café
Opening times: 10:00 - 17:00 (last orders 16:30)
Located on the first floor of the museum, the Shielings Café serves a full sit-in menu with a selection of hot and cold food and drink and takeaway options.
If you would like to make enquiries or reserve a table, please call 0131 247 4383.
Lunchroom
We have a lunchroom for packed lunches available to pre-book.
If you would like to book the lunchroom, see the how to book section below.
Outdoor picnic area
We have an outdoor picnic area in our playpark for eating packed lunches.
Is there a museum shop?
Yes. The museum shop is next to the information desks and sells a range of gifts for all ages.
Is there a map of the museum?
Yes. You can find your way around the museum by checking our museum map.
Visit our accessibility page for general access information for the National Museum of Rural Life.
How to book
To make a booking for groups of 10 or more please contact us:
- Phone: 0131 247 4377
- Email: groupsNMORL@nms.ac.uk