National Museums of Scotland

The National Museums of Scotland's collections span over 200 years.

The National Museums of Scotland are spread across five museum sites in Scotland: the National Museum of Scotland and National War Museum, in Edinburgh, the National Museum of Flight, in East Lothian, the National Museum of Costume in Dumfries and the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.

The National Museum of Scotland itself is located on Chambers Street and is open daily 10:00 to 17:00. A whole wing is dedicated to the story of Scotland, from prehistoric times to the present day. You can then explore the world of nature to art, science to culture all under one roof! Interactive exhibits and hands-on displays spark kids' imaginations. As if that wasn't enough, there are also regular blockbuster exhibitions that draw crowds in their thousands.

The National War Museum is located in Edinburgh Castle and is open daily 09:45 to 17:45. It covers 400 years of the Scottish military experience - uniforms, insignia and decorations, weaponry, paintings, ceramics and silverware.

Slightly further afield is the National Museum of Flight, located 20 miles east of Edinburgh at East Fortune Airfield. It is open daily 10:00 to 17:00. Here you can learn all about the history of flight, from bi-planes to a real live Concorde. To get here, from Edinburgh, follow the A1 south exit at Abbotsview Junction. Take second exit from roundabout onto A199 for East Linton. After approximately 2.5 miles, turn left onto B1347 and follow the signs for the National Museum of Flight. (Or get the number 121 First Bus)

The National Museums of Scotland website is nms.ac.uk.