A visit to the museum can be a unique, exciting experience for your pupils and can be used to explore a wide range of topics.

The National War Museum is situated within the grounds of Edinburgh Castle which is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.  The museum is available to visit free of charge, but school group visits must be booked in advance.  

To book a free self-led visit please complete a Historic Environment Scotland visit request form.

Booking a self-led visit provides you with:

• Free entry to the museum 
• Access to a range of resources you can use beforehand, or print and bring with to use during the day

How do I book?

To book a free self-led visit, please complete a Historic Environment Scotland visit request form.

Arriving

There is a coach drop-off point at the bottom of the Castle Esplanade and on Johnston Terrace. The nearest parking zones are at Castle Terrace and Johnston Terrace.

Orientation

Download Edinburgh Castle's map to help you plan your route to the National War Museum (location number 5). Teachers can also book a pre-visit free of charge to assist their planning.

Supervision

Pupils need to be supervised at all times when visiting the museum and Edinburgh Castle. We recommend splitting your class into smaller groups and assigning one adult per group. Choose a visible meeting point, like the Haig Statue in Hospital Square (outside the National War Museum). 

Child to adult ratios for Edinburgh Castle are:

• Early Years Nursery and P1/2 (or aged 7 and under) - 1:6
• Primary P3-7 and Secondary S1-S4 (or aged 8-15) - 1:10
• Senior Phase (or aged 16-18 but still in school) - 1:15