How & when to book

When booking a free educational visit, it is very important that you have all the information we require to complete your booking. If you have asked someone to book on your behalf please make sure they are fully informed with the details of your booking.






Visits must be pre-booked with at least 10 days notice in order to qualify for the Free Educaitonal Visits Scheme.

Visits to both Edinburgh and Stirling Castle are booked by telephone on 0131 668 8793 / 8736.  All other free educational visits are booked direct with the relevant property.  Property details can be found on the website by searching the Places to Visit page.  This information is also available in the Education Visits Guide.

When you telephone, please provide the following information:

• The name of the property you wish to visit
• The preferred dates and times for your visit
• The name, address and contact details of your school or organisation
• The name and contact details of the group leader
• The number and age range of the group
• The number of supervisory adults who will be in attendance
• The reason for your visit/topic of study
• Details of any printed support materials you require
• Details of any additional support needs your group or any member of your group might have and the help they might need on the day
• If you would like to book a free planning visit
• If you are applying for a Scottish schools travel subsidy

Adult to child ratio

We require that groups which include children under the age of 16 have adequate adult supervision at all times on site.  This is to ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines and the enjoyment of all visitors to our properties.  Our ratios of children to teachers or group leaders differ depending on the age of the children and are as follows:

• 1 supervisory adult per 10 pupils/students over the age of 8 but under 16
• 1 supervisory adult per 6 children over the age of 5 but under 7
• 1 supervisory adult per 2 children under the age of 5
• for special needs visitors it is suggested there is at least 1 supervisory adult per 4 visitors