Looking for the best museums in Scotland? These are the best ones:
National Museum of Scotland
EdinburghThe National Museum of Scotland is housed in a Romanesque Revival building. The collection of the museum includes a wide variety of objects that are displayed on seven floors, including artifacts from the age of dinosaurs up to current technology and science. It takes visitors on a journey through t
Edinburgh Castle
EdinburghThis most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret’s Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial aft
The Real Mary King's Close
EdinburghUnderneath the Royal Mile lies a warren of underground streets and houses that has remained frozen in time since the 17th century. In the company of an expert guide, visitors can explore the site and experience what it was like for people who lived, worked and died here. It is a journey through tim
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
GlasgowThe Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a museum and art gallery in Glasgow, situated adjacent to Kelvingrove Park. The museum houses an impressive collection of arms and armour and a vast natural history collection. The art collection includes works by some Old Masters such as Rembrandt van Rijn,
The Palace of Holyroodhouse
EdinburghThe Palace of Holyroodhouse is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: fine art, architecture and decorative and applied art. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: the royal collection includes paintings, drawings and watercolours, furniture, ceramics, clocks
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
EdinburghThe Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh lets visitors explore and tries to explain the world of plants by its wide collection of plants.
Eilean Donan Castle
DornieEilean Donan Castle is a museum in by Kyle of Lochalsh. The museum features exhibits related to Personalities, Architecture and Weapons and War.
Culloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre
InvernessCulloden Battlefield and Visitor Centre is a museum in Inverness. The museum features exhibits related to Weapons and War and Personalities. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include Bonnie Prince Charlie - Prince Charles Edward Stuart and Duke of Cumberland.
Riverside Museum
GlasgowThe Riverside Museum (Glasgow Museum of Transport) is home to over 3,000 objects that detail Glasgow’s rich past from its days as maritime powerhouse to a glimpse into daily Glasgow life in the early to mid 20th Century. Amongst the objects on display are everything from skateboards to locomotives,
Stirling Castle
StirlingStirling Castle is a museum in Stirling. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, social history, architecture and archaeology.
Scottish National Gallery
EdinburghThe National Gallery of Scotland opened in 1859 and is housed in a neoclassical building designed by William Henry Playfair. The gallery houses a collection of both classical and modern art from various countries. The displays are organized according to countries and periods. Highlights of the perma
Urquhart Castle
DrumnadrochitUrquhart Castle is a museum in Loch Ness, near Inverness. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology, social history and architecture.
Scottish National Portrait Gallery
EdinburghThe Scottish National Portrait Gallery is an art museum in Edinburgh housed in a red sandstone Gothic revival building that was built between 1885 and 1890, designed by Robert Rowand Anderson. The museum holds the national collections of portraits and the Scottish National Photography Collection. Th
Glasgow Science Centre
GlasgowThe Glasgow Science Centre is a visitor attraction that is composed of three main buildings: the Science Mall, the Glasgow Tower and the IMAX cinema. Its mission is to be a brdige between citizens and science and technology and to inspire people of all ages to explore and understand the world around
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Alloway
Culzean Castle and Country Park
Maybole
Edinburgh Zoo
EdinburghHave an unforgettable day out at Edinburgh Zoo, home of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and over 2,500 incredible animals from around the world! Set in over 82 acres of wooded hillside, the zoo is open seven days a week and is a gateway to the natural world, where you can experience
Abbotsford House
Melrose
National War Museum Scotland
EdinburghThe National War Museum Scotland is dedicated to the 400 years of wars and battles. Visitors can see military equipment and weapons, but there are also uniforms, kilts, medals and silverware on display. Besides that, the museum features a special exhibition devoted to Highland soldiers who rebelled
Burrell Collection
GlasgowThe Burrell Collection is a museum/art collection in Glasgow. The Burrell Collection consists of objects collected by Sir William Burrell, a wealthy Glaswegian shipping magnate. It includes an important collection of medieval art including stained glass and tapestries, oak furniture, medieval weapon
Blair Castle
Blair AthollBlair Castle is a museum in Pitlochry. The museum features exhibits related to Weapons and War.
Skara Brae Prehistoric Village
SandwickSkara Brae Prehistoric Village is a museum in Orkney. The museum features exhibits related to: social history and archaeology.
Discovery Point and RRS Discovery
DundeeDiscovery Point and RRS Discovery is a museum in Dundee. The museum features exhibits related to Science and Technology, Land Transport, Maritime, Personalities and Archives.
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
AberdeenAberdeen Maritime Museum is a museum in Aberdeen. The museum features exhibits related to Land Transport, Science and Technology and Maritime.
St Andrews Cathedral And St Rule's Tower
Saint AndrewsSt Andrews Cathedral And St Rule's Tower is a museum in St Andrews. The museum features exhibits related to: architecture and religion.
Inveraray Jail and County Court
InverarayInveraray Jail is a living museum where real people portray life in a 19th century prison. Visitors can interact with costumed characters, watch courtroom trials, talk to the prisoners, meet the Warder, go to jail and witness cell life, sample the punishments, browse the exhibition of prison artefac
People's Palace and Winter Gardens
GlasgowThe People's Palace and Winter Gardens is a museum and glasshouse. When it was opened in 1898 it was intended to provide a cultural centre for the people. Now it tells the story of Glasgow and gives visitors an insight into how Glaswegians lived, worked and played in years gone by.
Fort George
ArdersierFort George is a museum in Ardersier. The museum features exhibits related to: architecture, weapons and war and social history.
Linlithgow Palace
LinlithgowLinlithgow Palace is a museum in Linlithgow. The museum features exhibits related to: trade and commerce, photography, archives, natural sciences, weapons and war, social history, industry, coins and medals, personalities, architecture, sport, law and order, world cultures, land transport, medicine
Surgeons' Hall Museums
EdinburghThe museums are home to one of the largest and most historic pathology collections in the United Kingdom. As one of the oldest Museums in Scotland, the collections grew from 1699 after 'natural and artificial curiosities' were publically sought, with the Playfair Building opening in 1832 to house th
Mount Stuart
Rothesay
Highland Folk Museum
NewtonmoreSpend a day - experience centuries. This award winning museum has recreated a thriving township from the 1700s with heather thatched roofs and open turf fires, a working croft with cattle, sheep,ducks and hens and an old tin school from the 1930s where the teacher rules. Costumed interpreters bring
Melrose Abbey
MelroseMelrose Abbey is a museum in Melrose. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology, architecture and social history.
The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery
GlasgowThe Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery is the oldest museum in Scotland. The museum features objects relating to William Hunter and his collections from Roman Scotland, geology (he Begg Collection of fossils donated by James Livingstone Begg), ethnography, ancient Egypt, scientific instruments (from L
Scottish Seabird Centre
North BerwickScottish Seabird Centre is a museum in North Berwick. The museum features exhibits related to Natural Sciences and Maritime.
West Highland Museum
Fort WilliamWest Highland Museum is a museum in Fort William. The museum features exhibits related to Natural Sciences, Archives, Social History, Archaeology, Music, Fine Art, Weapons and War, Coins and Medals, Decorative and Applied Art and Costume and Textiles.- 37
Georgian House
EdinburghThe Georgian House is an 18th-century townhouse in Edinburgh. Most of the furnishings and fittings in the townhouse date from the later Georgian period (1760-1830), but some objects are even older. Visitors can walk around the house at their own pace, and a volunteer can answer questions in each of 
National Museum of Flight Scotland
East FortuneNational Museum of Flight Scotland is a museum in East Fortune. The museum features exhibits related to: archives, coins and medals, weapons and war, costume and textiles, fine art, science and technology, aviation, personalities, land transport and social history.
Brodick Castle
Brodick
The McManus : Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum
DundeeThe McManus : Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum is a museum in Dundee. The museum features exhibits related to Archaeology, Fine Art, Social History and Natural Sciences.
The Tall Ship at Riverside
GlasgowThe Tall Ship at Riverside is a museum in Glasgow. The museum features exhibits related to Social History and Maritime.
Caerlaverock Castle
BankendCaerlaverock Castle is a museum in Caerlaverock, Near Dumfries. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, social history, architecture and law and order.
Museum of Edinburgh
EdinburghThe Museum of Edinburgh is housed in a historical building from the late 16th century and tells the story of the city's history, guiding visitors through Edinburgh's past to reveal its origins and legends. Among all the objects in its collection is a copy of the National Covenant, an artifact from
Craigmillar Castle
EdinburghCraigmillar Castle is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to Social History and Architecture.
Oban War and Peace Museum
ObanOban War and Peace Museum is a museum in Oban. The museum features exhibits related to Social History.
Castle of Mey
MeySince 1952 the property of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the Castle of Mey is situated on the north coast of Caithness, in the parish of Canisbay, about 15 miles east of Thurso and 6 miles west of John O'Groats. It stands on rising ground about 400 yards from the seashore, overlooking the Pentla
The Black Watch Castle and Museum
PerthThe Black Watch Castle and Museum is a museum in Perth. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, archives and costume and textiles.
Summerlee Museum Of Scottish Industrial Life
CoatbridgeSummerlee Museum Of Scottish Industrial Life is a museum in Glasgow. The museum features exhibits related to: industry, fine art, science and technology, land transport, archives, coins and medals, personalities, decorative and applied art, archaeology and social history.
Dumfries House
CumnockDumfries House is set in 2,000 acres of land. This estate and 18th-Century stately house features a collection of original furniture.
Falkland Palace, Garden and Old Burgh
FalklandFalkland Palace, Garden and Old Burgh is a museum in Cupar. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Sport and Architecture.
The Gordon Highlanders Museum
AberdeenThe Gordon Highlanders Museum is a museum in Aberdeen. The museum features exhibits related to: coins and medals, social history, decorative and applied art, costume and textiles, archives, personalities, weapons and war, music and fine art.- 52
Holyrood Abbey
EdinburghHolyrood Abbey is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology, architecture and social history. 
Callendar House
FalkirkCallendar House is a museum in Falkirk. The museum features exhibits related to: decorative and applied art, social history, archives and fine art.
Grampian Transport Museum
AlfordLocated in Alford, The museum boasts an impressive range of transport exhibits, from the stage and mail coach era, to some of the fastest cars ever made. Every season the museum refreshes around one-third of its exhibits. This year’s exhibition includes, ‘The Guy Martin Collection’ and ‘Probing the
Scotland's Jute Museum @ Verdant Works
DundeeScotland's Jute Museum @ Verdant Works is a museum in Dundee. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Science and Technology and Archives.
Maeshowe Chambered Cairn
StromnessMaeshowe Chambered Cairn is a museum in Orkney. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology and social history.
The Hill House
HelensburghThe Hill House is considered the finest of Charles Rennie Mackintosh's domestic creations. It dates from 1902. Mackintosh and his wife also designed the interior fittings and decorative schemes.
Museum of Childhood
EdinburghThe Museum of Childhood houses a collection that ranges from the 18th to the 21st century, that includes dolls and other toys, spread across four floors. Children will enjoy the toys and adults can learn about what the childhood looked like in the past.
Crathes Castle, Garden and Estate
Crathes
The Scottish Crannog Centre
AberfeldyJoin the 21st Century Crannog Community where you will be taken on a fascinating journey into Scotland's prehistory. Walk in the footsteps of the original Crannog dwellers and immerse yourself in village life with original artefacts; demonstrations of textiles, cooking and ancient crafts & technol
Shetland Museum
LerwickShetland Museum is a museum in Lerwick. The museum features exhibits related to: law and order, trade and commerce, land transport, social history, coins and medals, weapons and war, costume and textiles, agriculture, personalities, science and technology, music, decorative and applied art, archives
Dunkeld Cathedral Chapter House Museum
DunkeldDunkeld Cathedral Chapter House Museum is a museum in Dunkeld. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Social History and Personalities.
The Museum on the Mound
EdinburghThe Museum on the Mound exhibits treasures from the HBOS collections. Located in the historic Bank of Scotland Head Office, the museum takes a look at the story of money which features art & design, technology, crime, trade and security.
The Tenement House
GlasgowThe Tenement House is a museum of everyday history in Glasgow that depicts early 20th-century Glasgow life. In the museum visitors can discover quirky items from black horsehair chairs, scrubbed kitchen range, household medicines and the recess beds to the working doorbell and gaslights.
Dean Castle
KilmarnockDean Castle is a museum in Kilmarnock. The museum features exhibits related to: personalities, music, decorative and applied art, fine art, science and technology, weapons and war, archaeology, archives, costume and textiles, social history and world cultures.
Blackness Castle
LinlithgowBuilt in the 15th century by one of Scotland’s most powerful families, the Crichtons, Blackness was never destined as a peaceful lordly residence; its enduring roles were those of garrison fortress and state prison.
The Highlanders’ Museum
ArdersierThe Highlanders’ Museum is a museum in Nr Ardersier. The museum features exhibits related to: fine art, decorative and applied art, costume and textiles, music, weapons and war, archives and coins and medals.
Broughty Castle Museum
DundeeBroughty Castle Museum is a museum in Dundee. The museum features exhibits related to Natural Sciences, Social History, Maritime, Weapons and War and Personalities.
Brodie Castle
ForresSet in peaceful parkland, this fine 16th-century tower house is packed with enough art and antiques to keep connoisseurs happy all day. It contains fine French furniture English, continental and Chinese porcelain and a major collection of paintings, including 17th-century Dutch art, 19th-century Eng
Aberdeen Art Gallery
AberdeenAberdeen Art Gallery is a museum in Aberdeen. The museum features exhibits related to Coins and Medals, Decorative and Applied Art, Social History, Fine Art, Personalities, Archaeology, Science and Technology and Costume and Textiles.
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery - High Life Highland
InvernessInverness Museum and Art Gallery - High Life Highland is a museum in Inverness. The museum features exhibits related to: science and technology, fine art, music, social history, archaeology, personalities, coins and medals, weapons and war, costume and textiles, archives, land transport, natural sci
Chatelherault Country Park
FerniegairChatelherault Country Park is a museum in Hamilton. The museum features exhibits related to Land Transport, Social History, Personalities, Natural Sciences, Archaeology, World Cultures, Fine Art, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Weapons and War, Archives and Science and Technology.
Mary Queen of Scots' House and Visitor Centre
JedburghMary Queen of Scots' House and Visitor Centre is a museum in Jedburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: archives, personalities, costume and textiles, archaeology, decorative and applied art, weapons and war, coins and medals and fine art.
Scotland Street School Museum
GlasgowScotland Street School Museum is a museum in Glasgow was designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh between 1903-1906. The museum tells the story of 100 years of education in Scotland, from the late 19th century to the late 20th century.
Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum
JedburghJedburgh Castle Jail and Museum is a museum in Jedburgh. The museum features exhibits related to Science and Technology, Archaeology, Medicine, Social History, Natural Sciences, Costume and Textiles, Personalities, Fine Art, Coins and Medals, Land Transport, Weapons and War, Decorative and Applied A
Traquair House
InnerleithenTraquair House is a museum in Innerleithen. The museum features exhibits related to Social History and Design.
Drumlanrig Castle
ThornhillThe magnificent 17th century Drumlanrig Castle boasts over 40 acres of beautiful gardens and offers a range of of activities for the whole family. Set in the 120,000 acre Queensberry Estate, complete with a country park and Victorian gardens, this 17th century castle is one of the most important Re
Dumbarton Castle
DumbartonDumbarton Castle is a museum in Dumbarton. The museum features exhibits related to: social history, weapons and war and architecture.
Scotland's Secret Bunker
Saint AndrewsScotland's Secret Bunker is a museum in Nr St Andrews. The museum features exhibits related to: weapons and war, toys and hobbies and science and technology.
Orkney Museum
KirkwallThe Orkney Museum tells the story of Orkney, from the Stone Age, to the Picts and Vikings, right through to the present day. There is a large collection of old photos and activities to amuse younger visitors. The Museum’s collection is of international importance and it has a changing temporary exhi
National Museum of Rural Life Scotland
East KilbrideNational Museum of Rural Life Scotland is a museum in East Kilbride. The museum features exhibits related to: agriculture.
Scottish Fisheries Museum
AnstrutherScottish Fisheries Museum is a museum in Anstruther. The museum features exhibits related to: fine art, archives, social history, decorative and applied art, industry, science and technology, maritime, trade and commerce, weapons and war, photography and costume and textiles. Key themes, people and
The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses
FraserburghThe Museum of Scottish Lighthouses is a museum in Fraserburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: personalities, archives, maritime, social history and science and technology. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: lighthouse lenses and equipment., photographs of lighthouses an
Newhailes
Musselburgh
Thirlestane Castle
LauderThirlestane Castle is a museum in Lauder. The museum features exhibits related to: personalities, archaeology, fine art, social history, weapons and war, archives and decorative and applied art.
Threave House
Castle DouglasThreave House is a museum in Castle Douglas. The museum features exhibits related to: architecture, natural sciences and social history.
Craigievar Castle
AlfordCraigievar is an iconic tower house, amongst the best preserved and the most loved in Scotland. The large estate features woodland, parkland with magnificent specimen trees, and farmland with extensive views over the surrounding countryside to Bennachie. Spectacular beech avenues Wonderful display
St Andrews Botanic Garden
Saint AndrewsSt Andrews Botanic Garden is a living research and conservation experiment where we explore the ways ecology and evolution unfold in the plant kingdom - right at the heart of historic St Andrews. We're home to some of the most dynamic plants and habitats, from both Fife and around the world. We ai
Peoples' Story Museum
EdinburghThe Peoples' Story Museum is a museum in Edinburgh that aims to cover the ordinary lives of Edinburgh's common folk.
Glasgow Police Museum
GlasgowThe Glasgow Police Museum is the museum of Britain’s first police force, from 1800 to 1975. Founded under the Glasgow Police Act of 1800. The exhibits in the Glasgow Police Historical Exhibition provide a historical insight into the people, events and other factors which contributed to the found
Drum Castle, Garden and Estate
Drumoak
Provand's Lordship
GlasgowThe Provand's Lordship of Glasgow is a medieval historic house museum. It is the oldest remaining house in Glasgow, built in 1471. The house is furnished with a collection of seventeenth-century Scottish furniture donated by Sir William Burrell and the museum features exhibits related to: decorative
Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum
DunfermlineAndrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum is a museum in Dunfermline. The museum features exhibits related to Social History.
National Mining Museum Scotland
NewtongrangeNational Mining Museum Scotland is a museum in Newtongrange. The museum features exhibits related to: industry, social history, science and technology and archives. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: scotland's largest winding engine is now driven by electricity. visitors have a
Castle Fraser
Sauchen
Dryburgh Abbey
Saint BoswellsDryburgh Abbey is a museum in near St Boswells. The museum features exhibits related to: architecture and religion.
Kilmartin Museum House
KilmartinKilmartin Museum House is a museum in Kilmartin. The museum features exhibits related to: archaeology.
Castle Campbell and Garden
Dunning GlenCastle Campbell and Garden is a museum in Dollar Glen. The museum features exhibits related to: social history and archaeology.
HMS Unicorn
DundeeFrigate Unicorn is a museum in Dundee. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Science and Technology, Maritime, Archives, Fine Art, Personalities, Weapons and War, Costume and Textiles and World Cultures.
Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
EdinburghThe Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is a museum in Edinburgh. It houses the collection of modern and contemporary art dating from about 1900 to the present with over 6000 paintings, sculptures, installations, video work, prints and drawings. The museum is situated in two buildings that face
