Nature & natural history museums in Scotland

The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, situated in Glasgow, Scotland, is a renowned museum and art gallery. After undergoing a three-year renovation, it reopened in 2006 and quickly became one of Scotland's most frequented visitor centres. This makes it a significant point of interest for tourists exploring Scotland's rich cultural and historical heritage.

Inverleith House is a significant historic house located within the Royal Botanic Garden in the suburb of Inverleith, Edinburgh, Scotland. This house, designed in 1773 by David Henderson and built for James Rocheid in 1774, offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area. It is now a part of the Royal Botanic Garden, providing a unique blend of history and nature for visitors to explore.

Culzean Castle is a historic site located near Maybole, Carrick, in South Ayrshire, on the west coast of Scotland. The castle, which overlooks the Firth of Clyde, is a former home of the Marquess of Ailsa, the chief of Clan Kennedy. Today, it is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to the public.

Have 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

The People’s Palace, located in Glasgow, Scotland, is a museum with a rich history. It was constructed between the years 1893 and 1898, making it a significant part of Glasgow's architectural heritage. The museum was designed by the Scottish architect William Brown Whitie, with Alexander Beith McDonald also involved in the planning. The total cost of the construction was £19,000.

The 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

The Scottish Seabird Centre, located in North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland, is a marine conservation and education charity. It is also an award-winning visitor attraction, offering a unique opportunity to learn about marine conservation and the diverse marine life that inhabits the surrounding waters.

Falkland Palace, Garden and Old Burgh is a museum in Cupar. The museum features exhibits related to Social History, Sport and Architecture.

Dean Castle, a significant historical site, is situated in the town of Kilmarnock, in the East Ayrshire region of Scotland. This location is easily accessible and offers visitors a chance to explore a piece of Scotland's rich history.

Brodie Castle is a significant historical site located ten kilometers northeast of Nairn in the Scottish Council Area Highland. This castle is the ancestral home of the Brodie Clan, making it a place of great historical significance. Visitors can explore the castle and learn about the history of the Brodie Clan and their influence in Scotland.

Chatelherault 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.

The National Museum of Rural Life is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation and presentation of Scotland's agricultural and rural history. Located on the Wester Kittochside Farm, nestled between East Kilbride in South Lanarkshire and Carmunnock near Glasgow, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the country's farming past. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collection, which spans 4600 square meters, and the Georgian buildings of the Wester Kittochside Farm.

Craigievar Castle, with its distinctive pink facade, is located approximately 9.6 km south of Alford, in the county of Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The castle is currently the seat of the Sempill clan, adding a rich historical context to its already impressive architecture.

The St Andrews Botanic Gardens have expanded significantly since their inception, now spanning 2.8 hectares. The gardens are designed to represent the diverse ecological zones of Scotland, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the country's varied landscapes in one location. From high mountains to lowland marshes and river vegetation, the gardens offer a comprehensive overview of Scotland's natural beauty.

Drum Castle, located near Drumoak in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, holds a significant place in history as it was the seat of the chief of Clan Irvine for centuries. The castle's name, Drum, is derived from the Gaelic word 'druim', meaning 'ridge'. This historical site is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to the public, offering a glimpse into Scotland's rich past.

Castle Campbell, originally known as Castle Glume, is a historic castle located near the Scottish town of Dollar, situated above the scenic Dollar Glen in the Council Area of Clackmannanshire. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of Scotland while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Fyvie Castle is a historic site located in the village of Fyvie, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The castle's oldest sections date back to the 13th century, making it a significant piece of Scotland's architectural history. Visitors can explore the castle's ancient structure and learn about its rich past.

Museum of Lead Mining is a museum in Lanarkshire. The museum features exhibits related to Archives, Land Transport, Archaeology, Social History, Natural Sciences, Costume and Textiles and Science and Technology.

The University of Dundee Botanic Garden is a sprawling 9.5-hectare botanical garden situated in Dundee, Scotland. It offers a vast expanse of diverse plant life and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts. The garden is managed by the University of Dundee and is a member of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI).

Pitmedden Garden, located in the town of Pitmedden in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a property of the National Trust for Scotland. This garden is a significant part of Scotland's heritage and offers a unique experience for visitors with its intricate designs and historical significance.

Branklyn Garden, once the private garden of Dorothy and John Renton, is situated in the city of Perth in Scotland. Since 1967, it has been under the care of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). This historic garden is a testament to the Rentons' passion for horticulture and their dedication to creating a unique and diverse garden.

Kellie Castle and Garden is a museum in Pittenweem. The museum features exhibits related to Agriculture.

Gairloch Museum is an independent institution situated in the Highland village of Gairloch, in Achtercairn, within the Wester Ross region of Scotland. This museum is a significant cultural hub in the area, offering visitors a chance to delve into the rich history and heritage of the region.

The Hill of Tarvit House is not only known for its historical significance but also for its stunning landscape gardens. The property is listed in the Scottish Register for Landscape Gardens, a testament to its beautifully maintained gardens and parklands. It has been awarded the highest accolade of 'outstanding' in two out of seven categories, making it a notable destination for garden enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The Stewartry Museum, located in Kirkcudbright, Scotland, provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Galloway. This local museum offers visitors an opportunity to delve into the past and understand the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region.

Geilston Garden is a beautiful property managed by the National Trust for Scotland. It is situated in the north-west of Cardross, in the region of Argyll and Bute. This location offers a serene and peaceful environment for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Scotland.

The Watt Institution, formerly known as the McLean Museum and Art Gallery, is situated in Greenock, Inverclyde, Scotland. It is the primary museum in the Inverclyde area, offering a rich cultural experience to its visitors. The museum is easily accessible and is a significant cultural landmark in the region.

Leith Hall, located in Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a country house with a rich history. It was constructed in 1650, taking the place of the medieval Peill Castle. This historical site offers a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to explore the architectural and cultural heritage of the region.

Elgin Museum is a museum in Elgin. The museum features exhibits related to Maritime, World Cultures, Coins and Medals, Natural Sciences, Weapons and War, Land Transport, Trade and Commerce, Archaeology, Personalities, Decorative and Applied Art, Archives, Social History, Science and Technology, Reli

Fossil Grove is home to the fossilized trunks and roots of eleven extinct Lepidodendron trees. These trees are sometimes referred to as 'giant club mosses', but they are more closely related to quillworts. This unique collection provides a fascinating insight into the prehistoric plant life.

Local History Museum and Garden.

The Zoology Museum, located within the Zoology Building, is home to a wide array of exhibits from the university's collections. These exhibits showcase specimens that span over a century, from the 1840s to the late 1970s. This extensive collection provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of various species and the progress of zoological studies over time.

Kirriemuir Gateway to the Glens Museum is a museum in Kirriemuir. The museum features exhibits related to Archaeology and Social History.

Old Haa is a museum in Burravoe, Yell. The museum features exhibits related to: archives, archaeology, music, social history, fine art, maritime, decorative and applied art, land transport and personalities.

The St Vigeans Museum, located in the Scottish county of Angus, is home to a collection of cross-slabs, tombstones, and Pictish symbol stones. The collection comprises a total of 38 stones, some of which are fragmented. These historical artifacts provide a glimpse into the past, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore Scotland's rich history and cultural heritage.

Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas House is an architectural gem. Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens are open all the year round with an outstanding collection of plants and trees, including the tallest tree in Britain. There a

Bell Pettigrew Museum is a museum in St Andrews. The museum features exhibits related to: natural sciences.

Water of Leith Visitor Centre is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: inland waterways and natural sciences.

Dynamic Earth, originally known as Our Dynamic Earth, is a not-for-profit visitor attraction and science centre located in Edinburgh. It is Scotland's largest interactive visitor attraction, offering a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The centre is situated in Holyrood, beside the Scottish Parliament building and at the foot of Salisbury Crags, making it easily accessible for tourists.

Anatomical museum is a museum in Edinburgh which holds a collection of around 12,000 objects and specimens that tell the story of 300 years of anatomical teaching at the University of Edinburgh. The collection is partly related to pathology, anatomy and zoology with anatomical teaching models, human

Ceumannan – Staffin Ecomuseum is a museum in Isle of Skye. The museum features exhibits related to: agriculture, social history and archaeology. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: palaeontology and dinosaurs, social and cultural history, prehistory and archaeology and geology.

Bayanne House is a museum in Yell. The museum features exhibits related to Decorative and Applied Art, Archaeology and Social History.

The estate takes in Liathach, 1,054m (3,456ft) and Beinn Alligin, 985m (3,230ft), composed mainly of Torridonian sandstone dating back 750 million years. Renowned for its geology and nature and Highland scenery.

Based at Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, the collections of the Tayside Medical History Museum are among the finest in Scotland, showcasing the extraordinary history of pioneering medical research and practice in Dundee and the surrounding region.

Country park location with children's play area and walks. Relive the story of the farming past in the surroundings of Aden Country Park. Guided tours and costume guides. Miniature horse-drawn carts and barrow models. Aberdeenshire Farming Museum features exhibits related to: agriculture and social

Visit one of Scotland's oldest Museums, founded in 1828. See an electro-type copy of the Deskford Carnyx, a unique 2000-year-old war trumpet, as well as an award-winning natural history display. local geology, arms and armour and a nationally important collection of Banff silver. Banff Museum featur

Cockburn Geological Museum is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: natural sciences.

The D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum is a zoological museum located at the University of Dundee in Scotland. It was founded in the 1880s by D'Arcy Thompson, a Scottish biologist and mathematician. The museum is named in his honor, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of biology and mathematics.

The history of Whitburn and its coal mining past are recreated in a permanent exhibition that can be accessed through the library. Temporary exhibitions are also held throughout the year.

George Waterston Memorial Centre and Museum is a museum in Fair Isle. The museum features exhibits related to: natural sciences, fine art, decorative and applied art, personalities, weapons and war, music, maritime, costume and textiles, land transport, archaeology, world cultures, archives, social

University of Edinburgh, Natural History Collections is a museum in Edinburgh. The museum features exhibits related to: natural sciences.