Free Educational Visits

What better way to discover Scotland’s past than free* educational visits to over 300 of our properties all year round. From prehistoric sites to stunning castles and romantic abbeys, organised groups can expect visits to be an exciting blend of discovery and inspired learning.

Ask about our travel subsidy, free planning visit (& hazard planning sheets) and support materials for teachers and group leaders.

Do you qualify for free visits to our sites?

Our free educational visits scheme is open to organised groups visiting our properties all year round.
To qualify, visits must have a genuine educational purpose and planned educational activity that will be carried out as part of that visit. View types of visits available.

All bookings must be made at least 10 days in advance of your visit, view details of How & when to book.

Groups that qualify

• Nursery, Primary and Secondary School groups from countries in the European Union
• After school clubs
• Recognised home educator groups
• School groups on an exchange visit to a school in the UK, when accompanied by pupils from the host school
• Groups from countries in the European Union studying courses related to Scottish history and culture at colleges of further and higher education and universities
• Groups of students on a UK student visa studying relevant courses on a full-time basis at an educational establishment based in the UK for a minimum of one semester.
• Groups from countries in the European Union studying accredited extra-mural or continuing education university courses related to Scottish history and culture.
• University of the Third Age
• UK based Scouts, Cubs, Guides, Brownies, and their junior equivalents, and Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade groups who are working towards a relevant badge.
• Young Archaeologist Groups
• Organisations with an educational remit bringing groups of children, youths or adults with special learning needs or disabilities. This includes groups of refugees and asylum seekers.

In addition, the Education team offers a free pre-visit as part of the booking for teachers or group leaders accompanying an education group. This is necessary so that the teachers can complete a risk assessment (Historic Scotland does not offer this service).

Groups that do not qualify

• Tour and coach operators
• Third parties who arrange visits for educational groups
• English as a Foreign Language groups and Language schools
• Organisers of study holidays arranged on a commercial basis between universities and holiday organisations
• Organisations bringing groups of adults on leisure visits
• Summer schools
• Educational establishments outside the European Union

*Please Note: The only free entry exceptions are Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, where there is an entry charge from May to August inclusive.