Overseas and language school groups
We welcome overseas school groups to our museums and can offer a wide range of resources.
Visiting the National Museum of Scotland
If you’re planning to visit the National Museum of Scotland as part of an overseas school group, please let us know you’re coming by completing the 'Request a visit' form below.
If you have questions about booking a general visit please email schools@nms.ac.uk.
Good to know
How much does a visit cost?
Overseas and language school group visits are self-led and free of charge. Donations are welcome to support our work.
Adult supervision and group size
All groups must be accompanied by an adult if they are under the age of 16.
Large groups should split into smaller groups (maximum 20 per group) to help reduce noise and congestion.
Learning resources
We have a range of self-led tours and trails which you can use with your group to explore our galleries. You can also use our ESOL Selfie-Bingo sheet.
Where can we leave our bags and coats?
Self-service lockers are located in the Entrance Hall on Level 0. The lockers come in three sizes which accommodate coats and small bags right up to small flight cases.
The dimensions (height x width x depth) of the lockers are:
- Small: 35 x 30 x 43cm
- Medium: 44 x 33 x 41cm
- Large: 58 x 44 x 66cm.
You will need a smart phone and mobile payment or credit card to access the lockers. If you’d rather pay cash just visit our shop to purchase a voucher. Charges for all day storage start from £3 and all profits made go towards the work of National Museums Scotland.
Where can we eat our lunch?
Eating and drinking packed lunches is restricted to the Museum lunchroom located opposite the Information Desk in the museum entrance hall. The space is subject to availability and must be pre-booked.
Please contact schools@nms.ac.uk to check availability.
There are also several cafes in the museum to choose from.
Book a special exhibition visit
Our special exhibitions change throughout the year. Find out about upcoming exhibitions in What's on.
- Groups of 10 or more receive discounted entry to charging exhibitions
- Costs vary. We will confirm prices by email to all enquirers
- We accept payment in cash or by debit/credit card.
To book your discounted tickets, email groups@nms.ac.uk.
Visiting the National Museum of Flight and and National Museum of Rural Life
Overseas schools visits to the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life should be booked in advance to receive reduced group rates.
Please ensure you select the site you are interested in visiting in our 'Request a visit' form below.
Visiting the National War Museum
The National War Museum is located within Edinburgh Castle. Self-led visits to Edinburgh Castle and the National War Museum can be requested through Historic Environment Scotland.