Plan a free self-led learning visit
Introduction
Free self-led learning visits make Scotland’s heritage accessible to learners of all ages. Visits to historic sites give them the chance to experience history where it really happened. Find out everything you need to know to plan your free educational visit here.
Where can we visit?
There are lots of different historic sites across Scotland to choose from - bringing to life more than 5,000 years of history. From Edinburgh Castle to Orkney’s Skara Brae, these special places tell Scotland’s story and provide excellent settings for exploration, discovery, inspiring creativity, outdoor learning and play-based learning.
Is our group eligible?
Free learning visits are open to the following learning organisations:
nurseries
schools (UK/EU/EEA based)
colleges and universities (UK/EU/EEA based, for UK based education institutions students must be studying a recognised qualification for at least one full semester)
out of school clubs (UK only)
uniformed organisations like Scouts or Girl Guides (UK only)
home educator groups (UK only)
Groups from UK based third sector and charitable organisations delivering educational or wellbeing programmes are also eligible, including those supporting:
adult learners
youth work
employability programmes
groups with additional support needs.
Staffing ratios
Group leaders are responsible for the behaviour and wellbeing of their group when on site. Due to current capacities at our sites, we recommend the following adult to child ratios:
Aged 7 years and under 1:6
Aged 8-15 years 1:10
Aged 16-18 years but still in school 1:15
Groups with participants aged 16+ (excluding school groups) must be accompanied by a named representative from the visiting organisation.
Before booking
Before booking your learning visit, be aware that:
A member of the visiting learning organisation must make the booking. Formal educational groups must make the booking using their organisational email address.
The maximum group size for learning visits to Edinburgh Castle is 50.
Our sites operate with daily visitor capacities. Early booking and some flexibility on date and time of the visit is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.
At least 10 days’ notice of the proposed visit date is required.
The free learning visits scheme does not cover commercial or leisure activity including language schools and conference attendees.
How to book
We are currently taking requests for visits up to the end of September 2026.
For booking requests for Edinburgh, Stirling or Urquhart Castle, please complete our booking enquiry form.
Book a learning visit to Edinburgh, Stirling or Urquhart castle
For all other sites a provisional booking should be made by calling the site directly.
After requesting a visit, we will then email you a booking confirmation with a voucher to bring along on the day.
A booking is not guaranteed until you receive a confirmation email and voucher.
Schools travel subsidy
Scottish schools can apply for help towards the travel costs of visiting heritage sites of national importance via the schools travel subsidy scheme.
Other information
Booking a lunch space
At the moment we do not offer bookable lunch spaces. You can check on the availability of a covered space for eating lunch with site staff on arrival, but we cannot guarantee this.
Risk assessments
It is the group leader’s responsibility to complete a risk assessment.
Free planning visits
Free planning visits are available to help leaders of booked groups prepare. To arrange a planning visit for Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, email learning@hes.scot . For all other sites please contact the site directly.
Clothing and footwear
All Historic Scotland sites are primarily outdoors so please bring clothing for Scottish weather, as well as appropriate footwear for uneven ground.
Gift shops
Learning groups are welcome to visit our shops. Staff may ask larger groups to visit in several smaller groups. Scottish licensing laws are applicable at all sites.
Site information sheets
Our site information sheets are here to help learning group leaders plan their visit to some our historic places. They include key things to know, as well as a list of potential hazards, to help a group leader write their risk assessment.
Contact us
If you have any questions about planning a learning visit, please email us at learning@hes.scot.