We have developed a selection of workshops primarily focussed on our collections which offer an opportunity for pupils to study artefacts and original source material. We would be happy to adapt any of our sessions to suit the specific learning needs of your class. Please see our FAQS below or get in touch if you have any questions about our learning programme. If you would like to make an enquiry about visiting and/or booking a learning session, please telephone 0131 310 5014 or email our
Learning Officer.
The following workshops are currently available to book for either a visit or an outreach session:
Pupils will look at the food rations of soldiers from three different conflicts; First World War field rations; Second World War 24 hour rations and modern 24 hour rations. In three groups, pupils will explore their ration pack and attempt to put together a menu for one soldier for 24 hours. We will then discuss each of their findings and compare their menus to decide if soldiers had a balanced diet.
This activity explores women’s roles in the Army, from the earliest known stories of ‘masquerading women’ through to the present day; how it has changed and what opportunities are now available to women in the military. Pupils will debate the idea of women in combat roles; the arguments for and against this and form their own opinion on whether this should be allowed. The workshop concludes with a poster design activity.
Pupils will explore the changing technologies ofwarfare and the idea that the First World War changed the way in which warswere fought as the first industrialised war. Through object handling anddiscussion, pupils will look at the differences in technologies and howmilitary technology may have influenced civilian technology. Finally, pupilswill have the opportunity to design and build their own soldiers’ helmet.
The Regimental Museums Learning Hub can be accessed here.
View and download the Edinburgh Castle school trail. View and download teachers’ notes for this trail.
We also have a free audio tour for young visitors to download.
To ensure your visit runs smoothly, all school visits must be booked in advance.
All sessions booked as part of a visit to Edinburgh Castle or through our outreach service are offered free of charge. However, please be aware that the Castle charges £2 per child under 16 (16+ full price) for admission during their peak period between May-August.
You may also be eligible for a travel subsidy to help with the cost of getting to the Castle. Please look at the Historic Environment Scotland website for more information and details on how to make a claim.
Learning sessions are flexible and can be adapted to suit your schedule. Please contact us for more information.
This is entirely up to you! If you have a session booked in the morning, you are more than welcome to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Castle. Likewise, if you have an afternoon session booked, you can arrive early and see the Castle beforehand.
Unfortunately, there are no parking facilities available for visitors. Buses can use Johnston Terrace as the closest drop off/collection point.
There are no cloakroom facilities at the Castle, so please be prepared to carry your belongings with you. Please also be aware that any bags bigger than 30L are not permitted into the Castle for security reasons.
Lunch spaces are extremely limited and are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Please discuss this when making your booking.
There are accessible spaces in the Castle. Please discuss any access requirements when making your booking to be sure that these spaces are available for your visit.
Yes, and we may also wish to take photographs of you! We ask you to please read our Photography Policy and sign the consent form prior to your visit, which you can find here: Schools or Groups.
There is a small gift shop in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Museum. There are also three other gift shops within Edinburgh Castle.