Find information on how to book tickets for the National Museum of Rural Life.

We recommend booking a ticket online before your visit. Once you have booked, you will be sent an email confirmation and order number to bring with you when you visit. 

Booking information

Tickets are required to enter the National Museum of Rural Life. You can book in advance online.

All visitors must check in at reception upon arrival. 

Last entry to the museum is 16:00. 

Ticket typePrice
National Museums Scotland Members†Free
National Trust for Scotland Members†Free
Annual Pass Adult£10
Annual Pass Over 65s£9
Annual Pass Concessions£8
Annual Pass Child (5-15 years)£7
Annual Pass Under 5s†Free
CarerFree

15% off when you book as a family***

†Additional charge for some events.
**Valid ID required. Carers of diabled people free.
***15% off when you buy up to three Child 5–15 tickets alongside up to any two Adult or Concession tickets, with
a maximum of five tickets in total. Cannot be used in conjunction with Member tickets or any other discount or offer.

Discounts available for group bookings.

School visits are free; some workshop charges apply. 

Annual Pass 

Pay once and visit all year. National Museum of Rural Life tickets are valid for unlimited visits for 12 months from the date of your first visit. Just present your ticket, along with valid ID, to come back as many times as you like for free. 

Read the full terms and conditions for our Annual Pass
  • National Museum of Rural Life Annual Pass holders can gain free admission to the National Museum of Rural Life during normal daytime opening hours for 12 months from the date of their first visit (additional charge for some events). Your Annual Pass ticket, or email confirmation if purchased online, will act as proof of purchase of an Annual Pass.
  • You must show proof of your Annual Pass on every repeat visit to gain admission. If you arrive at the museum without your Annual Pass ticket, you will not be able to access the site or you will be asked to pay the normal admission price and this will not be refunded.
  • There may be an additional charge for some events. If there is a reduced rate for Annual Pass holders your Annual Pass ticket must be produced in order to receive this reduced rate. If you cannot prove purchase of an Annual Pass, you will be asked to pay the normal event admission price and this will not be refunded.
  • To qualify for an Annual Pass the full name of the purchaser must be supplied. For more information about the collection and use of your personal data, please see our privacy notice.
  • Annual Passes are not transferable to any other person and passes must only be used by the named Annual Pass holder. An Annual Pass may not be used for group/educational visits or in conjunction with any other concessions, discounts, or for commercial/business use.
  • The National Museum of Rural Life reserves the right to refuse admission.

Ticket release 

We are releasing tickets in monthly blocks so that we can manage the number of bookings carefully. 

Booking capacity

You are able to book up to ten tickets in one transaction. Please also make sure you have booked a ticket for every member of your group, including children under five years of age.

Arriving at the museum

When you arrive at the museum you must present your ticket (either printed or on a smartphone) or provide your order number. Please also bring along your National Museums Scotland Membership card, Annual Pass ticket, or National Trust for Scotland Membership card (as appropriate).

You will be checked in by our staff before you can start your visit. Please ensure you arrive at the museum within your arrival slot. If you arrive before or after your slot, we may not be able to grant you entry. 

After checking in, you are welcome to stay in the museum for as long as you like until closing time.

Refund policy

National Museums Scotland have a non-refundable and non-transferable ticketing policy. Customers will only be provided with a refund if the event or activity has been cancelled by the museum, or museum closure has taken place due to circumstances outwith our control.

If you have any questions about our refund policy please email info@nms.ac.uk or see our full Ticketing Terms & Conditions.