Speciality Museums in Edinburgh

THE 10 BEST Edinburgh Speciality Museums

Speciality Museums in Edinburgh

Types of Attractions
Museums
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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25 results sorted by traveller favourites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.



What travellers are saying

  • Josie P
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing experience would definitely recommend visiting this ,lovely lunch on board there restaurant and lovely staff .
    Written 9 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Erin
    Monaghan, Ireland122 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is HUGE. We only got through 2 levels of the museum as we ran out of time on the day and didn’t realise how much time could be spent around here. But it really was fantastic, if you have 4/5 hours to spend around it then 100% this is a must do!
    Written 7 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LProud1
    edinburgh15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Held my twins sons' 8th birthday party here with 16 of their friends. Was brilliantly run and engaging for them all, with lots of learning, tastings and their own creations to take home and eat. Highly recommended and exceeded expectations. I need to go back and browse on the shop as lots of delicious items to buy.
    Written 26 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • caitlyn8596
    Tampa, FL11 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was amazing! It’s a truly unique haunted experience with actors interacting and telling actual historical horror stories of the city in such a fun and unique way. Truly everyone working there from the actors to the photo people made this such a fun experience! I’m from Florida and have gone to a handful of different horror attractions (howl-o-scream, HHN, scream-a-gaeddon) and this was unlike any horror attraction I’ve ever been too! And I really loved that it was educational too, using real Edinburgh historic happenings as its basis! The ride was such a cute little bonus and way to end things, making it seem as if you’re being hanged at the gallows. This is a MUST DO coming to this city, as it really immerses you into the cities history. My husband and I were so giddy afterwards.
    Written 20 November 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BobH625
    Birchington, UK466 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely Fascinating!
    So much to see, follow the advances in Surgery over the years! Did not realise that so many Surgeons and Doctors qualified in Edinburgh!
    Written 9 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • torrancejunior
    Southampton, UK12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Immersive - 4yo loved it, and loads for the parent.

    Without spoiling the surprises, the learning is built around Immersive narrative experiences that were totally thrilling for my 4yo (and me too!). The volcano room was a particular favourite.

    The Planetarium was excellent as well. Less dramatic than the LA classic, but light, funny and engaging.
    Written 1 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Downtrodden_dad
    Cumbria, UK84 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    In my opinion a very traditional type of museum in a fantastic old building.
    It is over several different levels with small rooms and staircases so not great for less mobile people. It’s free so nothing to lose by visiting.
    Written 19 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tim R
    8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I love all three of the writers included in this museum - especially Walter Scott - so this was a must for me on a long weekend in Edinburgh. I’ve actually been to it twice before.

    The displays could do with a refresh, but they give a good overview; the staff are v welcoming; it’s a marvellously quirky old building, tucked away down a passage off the Royal Mile; and some of the exhibits are absolute gems.

    I was especially touched to see Scott’s childhood rocking horse - with footholds at different heights because he was lame from polio.

    A v enjoyable visit of approx 45 minutes.
    Written 3 February 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve B
    Chesterfield, United Kingdom82 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice museum. Saw some toys and books that we had fun with when younger. Nice way to spend an hour or so. Understand why, but could do with better lighting as pretty dull in most halls
    Written 11 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Demig_AIUK
    Morpeth, UK105 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely fascinating place packed full of lots of surprising facts. It’s small but they tell you so much about the history of the bank and money. We were lucky enough to spend quite a long time speaking with a staff member (Doug I think) who had some great information. My friend I was with is a bank note collector so had a lot of questions for him!

    Free to enter so it’s an absolute must visit.
    Written 29 December 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Liz M
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    David gave a wonderful tour of the journey of the piano from harpsichord to now. It was beautiful seeing all the many different instruments and walking through them. David was very kind and knowledgeable and allowed questions.
    Written 17 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stewart Pattison
    Durham, UK18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I can’t write how impressed I was with hearts football club and the hospitality in the gorgie suite. The day went superb with being welcomed with a glass of Prosecco, beer and wine on the table. The food was first class with adequate time between courses.

    A huge shout out to Scott Wilson who was absolutely brilliant making everyone laugh and feel welcome. Absolute credit to the club, I would recommend the gorgie suite to anyone wanting something different going to a football game
    Written 28 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Malgorzata
    12,069 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    When you visit Edinburgh and the Royal Mile, your attention is drawn to narrow, perpendicular streets, called closes. Lady Stair's Close is a close in Edinburgh, just off the Royal Mile, close to the entrance to Gladstone's Land. Lady Stair's Close is the location of a 17th-century townhouse called Lady Stairs House built in 1622 for Sir William Gray of Pittendrum. Originally, it was originally called Lady Gray's House after the widow of the first proprietor. Later it was then bought by Elizabeth Dundas, Lady Stair, hence its present name.Today Lady Stair’s House is home to the Writers’ Museum. It is a picturesque piece of Old Edinburgh. The house is charming, has a romantic looking spire and a carved stone lintel with the date 1622 above the entrance. Wonderful.
    Written 14 September 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • K2K11
    Chiang Mai68 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating journey through time in the museum with a small pre-booked group which our guide was knowledgeable and witty.

    The architectural treasure that the building is a delight to have the opportunity to tour through in an unhurried, respectful manner.

    The highlight is a look into the Grand Master Mason's working office. The shop has some very good quality and uniquely Scottish and Masonic offerings and friendly staff.
    Written 3 January 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Adrian S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a bit time to kill, so went to The Wee Museum of Memory in Ocean Terminal and it certainly does what it says on the tin, as so many memories came flooding back. Hundreds, if not thousands of household products from back in my mum's and Nana's era.... and you can pick them up too!

    I then went to their shop on ground level called 'Away for the Messages' and it has beautiful old photos and items related to shopping, from the days when your mum sent you for a 'forpit o tatties' with half a crown wrapped in the shopping list.

    Russell was so lovely, welcoming and friendly. So glad I went and I'll be back and I highly recommend.
    Written 11 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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