If you’re spending a few days in Edinburgh with children and the weather’s not cooperating, take them to the Museum of Childhood. It’s an amazing place that traces the history of childhood through toys and everyday objects. It’s a nostalgic plunge, with each display window recounting a different era inBritish childhood.
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a great time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit the Museum of Childhood?
Is the Museum of Childhood worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, the museum is well worth a visit, especially if you’re with children. It takes you on a journey through thehistory of childhood. You’ll find an exceptional collection of toys, dolls and everyday objects used by children in the past. We were impressed by this original approach, which sheds light on the evolution of educational practices and children’s leisure activities over the centuries.
We think it’s one of the best things to do in Edinburgh, especially with children.
Why is the Museum of Childhood famous?
The Museum of Childhood is recognized as the world’s first museum devoted entirely to childhood. Founded in 1955 by Patrick Murray (an Edinburgh councillor and passionate toy collector), it houses a remarkable collection of over 50,000 objects tracing the evolution of childhood since the 18th century. The museum displays toys, clothes, books and accessories that bear witness to the transformation of educational practices and children’s leisure through the ages.
Our favorite moments
You’ll find details of our visit later, but we can’t resist sharing our favorites with you right now. We particularly appreciated it:
- The Queen Anne doll, a wooden doll dating from 1740
- The reconstruction of the small clothing store also fascinated us, with its tiny shoes in the window.
- The small area devoted to Golliwogs, those black rag dolls, made us wonder about racist stereotypes.
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History in brief
The story of Edinburgh’s Museum of Childhood begins with one man’s passion for the world of childhood.
- 1955: Foundation of the museum by Patrick Murray, Edinburgh city councillor
- 1960s: Development of collections thanks to donations from Scottish families
- 1986: Move to current Royal Mile premises
- 2006: Major renovation to modernize exhibition spaces
- Today: More than 50,000 objects testify to the evolution of childhood
How to find us: Museum of Childhood, Edinburgh
Where is the Museum of Childhood?
The Museum of Childhood is located at 42 High Street, Edinburgh (EH1 1TG).
- Downtown Edinburgh, in Old Town
- On the famous Royal Mile
- Close to St. Giles Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle
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How to get there?
The museum is within easy reach of Edinburgh city center.
- From Waverley station, it’s a 10-minute walk up the Royal Mile.
- For those who prefer the streetcar, the Princes Street stop is a 5-minute walk away.
- Regular bus routes stop nearby.
- If you’re planning to visit the museum as part of a city tour, you can opt for a multi-stop bus that leaves you right next to the museum. See prices, photos and availability.
Parking
- Limited parking in Edinburgh’s historic center
- Blackfriars St parking lot is just 2 minutes away.
- We recommend using public transport to reach the Royal Mile, especially as the area is mainly pedestrianized.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
- The museum is generally less busy in the early morning and late afternoon.
- We advise you to avoid weekends and school vacations if you prefer a quieter visit.
- The museum is also busiest when it’s raining.
Length of visit and main difficulties
- Allow 1 hour for a full tour of the museum.
- Families with children can allow extra time to enjoy the interactive areas.
- The museum is spread over several floors, with some areas accessible by elevator and others only by staircase.
Advice on how to visit
We suggest you start on the first floor for a chronological approach, then gradually climb to the upper floors to finish your visit with the period reconstructions.
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Visiting with children
- The museum is particularly family-friendly, with interactive areas designed with young visitors in mind.
- Sensory backpacks are available for young neurodivergent visitors. They contain ear protectors, toys, emotion cards, a notepad and a drawing pencil.
- Strollers are allowed, but access to upper levels is by staircase only.
Schedules and rates
The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Rates:
- Free admission for all
- Voluntary donations accepted
Visit the official website for more info here.
Catering
The museum doesn’t have a café, but the Royal Mile is full of dining options. You’ll find many traditional pubs and restaurants just a few steps away. The Inn on The Mile Restaurant, located in a historic building, offers authentic pub food just a 2-minute walk from the museum. It’s one of our favorite restaurants in Edinburgh.
Discover the importance of play in child development
The educational role of play through the ages
The visit begins with an educational section devoted to the role of play in the development of the child. Panels, video clips and objects illustrate the evolution of educational approaches. We were able to understand how toys stimulate imagination, motor skills and social competence. This introduction helped us to grasp the historical importance of the collections to be discovered in the following rooms.
Interactive spaces designed for the very young
Several zones allow children to manipulate, build and play. These playful areas punctuate the visit and keep young visitors engaged. For us, they were an opportunity to observe how children react to toys from other generations. We were touched to see children discovering with wonder the simple games that captivated their grandparents.
Admire a varied collection of antique toys
Collectible dolls, plush toys and figurines
Large display cases showcase hundreds of dolls, teddy bears and miniature figures. We were able to follow their evolution, from the porcelain dolls of the 19th century to the colorful figurines of the 20th. Some still bear the marks of use, which makes them all the more endearing. We were particularly moved by the rag dolls worn down by the cuddles of children of yesteryear.
Board games, mechanics and childhood objects
Further on, other display cabinets showcase games of skill, construction and board games. Here you’ll find metal mechanics, colorful trays and vintage boxes. Each piece is carefully dated, sometimes accompanied by its original box or instructions. We were fascinated by the complexity of certain Victorian games, which required remarkable patience and dexterity.
Golliwogs: a critical contextualization
A showcase highlights the controversial figure of the Golliwog. The museum chose to present these dolls in their historical context, while highlighting the racism they conveyed. This editorial choice invited us to reflect on how toys reflect an era. We appreciated this nuanced approach, which doesn’t hide the problematic aspects of the past while explaining their historical significance.
Moving between yesterday’s reconstructions and today’s boutique
Playrooms, streets and period windows
We passed through several reconstructed settings: a Victorian nursery, a shopping alley and a retro clothing store. These immersive settings allow us to visualize the daily life of childhood through different historical periods. We were impressed by the attention to detail, from the period wallpapers to the carefully selected everyday objects.
The museum store: today’s toys
At the end of the tour, the store contrasts with the retro atmosphere of the museum. Here, we found toys for today’s kids, just like the ones they love. There were figurines and accessories inspired by the Star Wars universe and Tim Burton’s Mr. Jack’s Strange Christmas. The range was aimed at both children and adult pop culture fans.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the museum suitable for very young children?
Yes, the museum offers interactive areas specially designed for children of all ages. However, most of the collections are displayed in glass cases, which requires supervision for the youngest visitors.
Does the museum appeal to adults without children?
Yes, the Museum of Childhood also appeals to adults with its nostalgic approach and antique objects. Those who lovesocial history will find it of real interest.
