Edinburgh
This is a map of places in Edinburgh which are free to visit and are places we learn and interact. We learn in many places outside of formal institutions, the thoughts we have sat in gardens or walks along canals, museums which lay out rare and special collections, libraries of books more numerous than we alone can read.
Then there are the open groups you can attend, societies which put on free lectures and numerous Meetups which you can attend without cost. In part inspired by the Children’s University, a way of looking at all the places around us as sites of learning where we can go in our own time, and take our own space to choose what to learn.
Click the red markers to locate the projects on the map. Click the More Details link to be taken to the individual project websites.
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| Title | Category | Address | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Kirkliston Community Centre | Events | Queensferry Road, Kirkliston EH29 9AQ, United Kingdom | Community Centre in the heart of the small town of Kirkliston. The centre offers activities and events for all member of the community. |
| Muirhouse Youth Development Group (MYDG) | Events | 67 Pennywell Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | We believe that young people are at the heart of our community. We are convinced of what they contribute to the community and we are committed to ensure that they are nurtured adequately to make positive choices in the future |
| Northfield Willowbrae Community Centre | Events | 10 Northfield Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Community Centre offering a wide range of activities for all ages. |
| 3Ms Youth Partnership | Events | 117 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG, United Kingdom | Youth Work Project running opportunties and activities for young people. |
| Art and Design Library | Library | 7 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Find out what's happening in the world of art and design; from cave paintings to the Turner Prize, from early pottery to the latest in architecture, fashion and photography. |
| Arthur's Seat | Walking | Edinburgh EH8, United Kingdom | Arthur's Seat is the main peak of the group of hills which form most of Holyrood Park |
| Balerno Community Centre | Events | 7-11 Main Street, Balerno EH14 7EQ, United Kingdom | Balerno Community Centre offers a host of activities and services for local people of all ages and abilities which runs a wide range of learning and leisure activities |
| Balerno Library | Library | 1 Main Street, Balerno, Edinburgh EH14 7EQ, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Induction loop; Photocopier; Bookbug Sessions; Book groups; and other events |
| Balgreen Library | Library | 173 Balgreen Road, Edinburgh EH11 3AT, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Bookbug Sessions; Book groups; IT troubleshooting drop in; Craft and chat; Tiger Tales |
| Bingham Community Centre | Events | Bingham Avenue, Edinburgh EH15 3HZ, United Kingdom | Situated in the heart of Bingham the centre offers a wide range of activities suitable for the whole community with emphasis on youth work |
| Blackhall Library | Library | 56 Hillhouse Road, Edinburgh EH4 5EG, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Self service; Disabled access; Car park; Library Link; exhibition Space for public use; Toilets for disabled users; Induction loop; Photobooth |
| Calton Hill | Walking | Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA, United Kingdom | A hill in central Edinburgh situated beyond the east end of Princes Street and hosting several iconic monuments and buildings |
| Cameron House Community Education Centre | Events | 34 Prestonfield Avenue, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | We are a Community Centre in South Edinburgh and we offer a wide range of activities and learning opportunities for all ages. |
| Carrickvale Community Centre | Events | 2 Saughton Mains Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Community Centre providing a wide range of activities for all ages. Our programme includes, adult learning, youth work and family activities. We offer holiday programmes at Easter and during the summer. |
| Center for South Asian Studies | Lectures | Drummond Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | We bring together South Asian expertise across the University. We regularly schedule interdisciplinary seminars the address varying South Asian topics |
| Central Children's Library | Library | George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EG, United Kingdom | Bookbug Sessions; Book groups; Free story time; Crafts for ages 5-11; Lego Club for ages 7-11; Dyslexia Chatterbooks group |
| Central Library | Library,Events | 7-9 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EG | Opened in 1890, the first public library building in the city. the creation of Central Library was funded from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. |
| City Art Centre | Exhibition | 2 Market St, Edinburgh EH1 1DE | A main Edinburgh art gallery with one of the best collections of Scottish art |
| Clovenstone Community Centre | Events | 54 Clovenstone Park, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Clovenstone Community Centre was built in 1975 and is seen by local people as being the hub of the community where they can access and join in on activities that are relevant to their needs |
| Colinton Library | Library | 14 Thorburn Road, Edinburgh EH13 0BQ, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Disabled access; Car park; Gaming consoles; Induction loop; Library Link; Bookbug Sessions; Book groups; Learn IT beginners' computer classes |
| Corstorphine Library | Library | 12 Kirk Loan, Edinburgh EH12 7HD, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Self service; Supporting Parents and Carers in Edinburgh; Disabled access; Library Link and Housebound services; Induction loop; Tea/coffee machine; French Conversation Group; 'Cast Offs' Sewing and Knitting Group |
| Craigentinny Community Centre | Events | 9 Loaning Road, Edinburgh EH7 6JE, United Kingdom | Lots of events for everyone to take part in |
| Craigmillar Library | Library | 101 Niddrie Mains Road, Edinburgh EH16 4DS, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Public Access Computers; Induction Loop; Gaming Consoles; Disabled Access; Housebound Deliveries; Accessible Computers for Visually; English Classes |
| Currie Library | Library | 210 Lanark Road West, Currie EH14 5NX, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Disabled access; Toilets for disabled users; Baby changing facilities; History Society; Bookbug Sessions; Gordon Macdonald MSP surgery |
| Drumbrae Library Hub | Library | 81 Drum Brae Drive, Edinburgh, EH4 7FE | Free wifi; Day care centre; Baby changing; Full disabled access and lifts; Bookbug Sessions; Book groups; Learn IT; Gamecraft; Business Workshops |
| Dunbars Close Garden | Gardens | Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BW, UK | Created by Patrick Geddes (1854-1932) laid out in the style and character of a 17th century garden |
| Edinburgh and Scottish Collection | Library | George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EG, United Kingdom | The place to find out about Scotland and its capital. Fantastic heritage collections cover history, maps, literature, local and family history |
| Edinburgh Palette | Exhibition | 151 London Rd, Edinburgh EH7 6AE, United Kingdom | An indie arts centre housed in a former Government office block which, despite its daunting exterior, is a hive of creative energy |
| Fetlor Youth Club | Events | 122 Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | The project is one of the City's key youth provision facilities and offers after school clubs during term time and a range of other activities throughout the year, including Duke of Edinburgh's Awards. |
| Foodbanks | Foodbank | 13 Queen's Walk, Edinburgh EH16 4EA, UK | For a list of foodbank facilities see the Thistle Foundation website |
| Fort Community Centre | Events | 25 North Fort Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | The centre works to deliver joint activities surrounding the new community garden space of which we have just had a new natural trim trail installed |
| Forth Inverleith CLD Team | Events | Carrington Road, Edinburgh EH4 1EG, United Kingdom | A community centre based within Broughton High School. |
| Fountainbridge Library | Library | 137 Dundee Street, Edinburgh EH11 1BG, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Disabled access; Toilets for disabled users; Baby changing facilities; Wheelchair friendly; Induction loop; Housebound service; Councillor's surgery; Writers' group |
| Gate 55 | Events | 55 Sighthill Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | A community hub providing library and support services, clubs for all ages, parent groups, exercise classes and access to learning, training, and employment. The activities on offer range from Everyday English to Book Clubs and Homework help |
| Gilmerton Community Centre | Events | 4 Drum Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | We are a Community Centre in South Edinburgh and we offer a wide range of activities and learning opportunities for all ages. |
| Gilmerton Library | Library | 13 Newtoft Street, Edinburgh EH17 8RG, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Disabled access; Induction (hearing) loop; exhibition Space for public use; Toilets for disabled users; Baby changing facilities; Gaming consoles |
| Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre | Events | Moredunvale Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Community Education Centre, providing social, recreational and informal learning to the residents of Liberton and Gilmerton in South Edinburgh. |
| Gorgie War Memorial Hall | Events | 338 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | The Gorgie 'Mem' Community Centre provides services to the community of Gorgie and is a popular, friendly and safe place for locals to meet and it runs various events where all are welcome |
| Granton Library | Library | 29 Wardieburn Terrace, Edinburgh EH5 1DD, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Disabled access; Toilets for disabled users; Baby changing facilities; Induction loop; Learn IT beginners' computer classes; Knitting Club; Housebound service |
| Granton Youth Centre | Events | 3-11 West Granton Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | We offer a variety of age specific groups that do a number of activities. We also do gender specific work with both boys and girls |
| Greyfriars Bobby Memorial | Historic | 30-34 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh, EH1 2QE, UK | Memorial to Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier who spent 14 years guarding the grave of his owner until he died in 1872 |
| Hacklab Edinburgh | Events | Summerhall, 1 Summerhall Place, Edinburgh EH9 1PL, United Kingdom | Anyone is welcome to come along on to our open night to hang out, discuss, and work on their projects. If you have an idea or a project but you’re not sure where to start, or have got stuck somewhere along the way then come down and see if we can help. |
| Humanist Society of Scotland | Events | 152-154 Rose Street, Edinburgh EH2 3JD, United Kingdom | On the fourth Tuesday of every month, the Group hosts purely social meetings/discussions is at The Kenilworth in Rose Street. Come for a drink (alcoholic or not), and chat with fellow free-thinkers. |
| Inch Community Centre | Events | 225 Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Community Centre situated in Inch Park, Edinburgh. The centre offers a varied programme of activities for all ages. |
| Jack Kane Community Wing | Events | 208 Niddrie Mains Road, Edinburgh EH16 4ND, United Kingdom | Crossing the divide the centre offers a wide and diverse range of activities whilst still being available for letting purposes. |
| Juniper Green Village Hall | Events | 1A Juniper Park Road, Juniper Green, Edinburgh EH14 5DX, United Kingdom | The Centre is run by a voluntary management committee made up of local residents and representatives from user groups |
| Kirkliston Library | Library | 16 Station Road, Kirkliston EH29 9BE, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Disabled access; Toilets for disabled users; Baby changing facilities; Gaming consoles; Induction loop; Teen cafe; Learn IT beginners' computer classes |
| Lauriston Castle | Gardens | 2a Cramond Road, South Davidson's Mains, Edinburgh, EH4 5QD | Beautiful grounds were laid out by William Henry Playfair in the 1840s. Much of the planting dates to this period. The award-winning Japanese Friendship garden, gifted by the prefecture of Kyoto, is a tranquil place to contemplate. |
| Leith Community Centre | Events | 12a Newkirkgate Leith EH6 6AD, United Kingdom | Community Centre in the heart of Leith, we offer a wide variety of programmes for all ages. We have an on site cafe and number of halls and rooms which can be booked. |
| Leith Library | Library | 28-30 Ferry Road, Edinburgh EH6 4AE, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Disabled access; exhibition space for public use; Wheelchairs; Gaming consoles; Gaelic songs and rhymes for Children; MSP's surgery |
| Magdalene Community Centre | Events | Magdalene Drive, Edinburgh EH15 3BE, United Kingdom | Community Centre situated in the grounds of Magdalene Primary School. The centre offers a wide range of activities for all ages |
| McDonald Road Library | Library | 2 McDonald Road, Edinburgh EH7 4LU, United Kingdom | Free wifi; Disabled access; Bookbug Sessions; English Classes; Book groups; Business Workshops; Gaming for Teenagers |
| Museum of Edinburgh | 142-146 Canongate, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH8 8DD | Discover more about the city, its people, crafts and trades and the beautiful objects they created. | |
| Museums Collection Centre | Museum | 10 Broughton Market, Edinburgh EH3 6NU, United Kingdom | This centre houses the reserve collections of the city museums. There are many interesting objects on open storage display, especially social history objects, decorative art and archaeology collections. |
| National Library of Scotland | Lectures,Exhibition,Library,Events | George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW, United Kingdom | Scotland's largest library and the world centre for the study of Scotland and the Scots |
| National Museum of Scotland | Museum | Chambers St, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF, UK | History of the world and everything in it; both natural and man-made. |
| Nelson Hall Community Centre | Events | 5 Spittlefield Crescent, Edinburgh, EH8 9QZ | Community Centre in the city centre offering a wide range of activities for all ages. |
| Nelson Monument | Historic | 32 Calton Hill, Edinburgh EH7 5AA | The Nelson Monument was built in memory of Admiral Lord Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It contains a time ball which is still dropped at 1 o’clock daily. |
| North Edinburgh Arts | Events | 15A Pennywell Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Open 48 hours per week, and we deliver 23 hours of creative workshops, primarily with a family focus, from Tuesday to Saturday |
| Pentland Community Centre | Events | Oxgangs Brae, Edinburgh EH13 9LS, United Kingdom | We have many groups that use our facilities and host many events such as Pantomimes, Halloween Nights, Fireworks Nights, etc. |
| Pilton Community Health Project | Events | 73 Boswall Parkway, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | The health project works with local people to take steps towards better health. To identify causes of ill health, e.g. stress, and tackle them, e.g. counselling, and to counselling and to campaign for a better health service |
| Pilton Youth & Children's Project | Events | 1a West Pilton Place, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Rooted in the local community and is committed to enabling each young person to realise their unique potential and to take a positive role in society. |
| Portobello Community Centre | Events | 3 Adelphi Grove, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Activities for all ages are available at the centre |
| Queensferry Museum | Museum,Exhibition | 53 High Street, South Queensferry EH30 9HP, United Kingdom | Learn about the construction of the Forth Rail and Road Bridges before viewing the real thing through our picture windows that look over the Forth. A telescope helps you to get a closer look at the Bridges and our local wildlife. The Forth (Rail) Bridge has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site |
| Ragged University | Lectures,Events | St Johns Church, Princes Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Free events where anyone can do a talk on what they are passionate about. Everyone is always welcome and they are informal happening in various pubs, cafes and social spaces |
| Ratho Community Centre | Events | 1 School Wynd, Ratho EH28 8TT, United Kingdom | Community Centre open to all providing a range of activities, classes, groups for all ages |
| Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh | Exhibition,Gardens | Arboretum Place, Edinburgh, EH3 5NZ, UK | World-renowned scientific centre for the study of plants, their diversity and conservation |
| Royal Society of Edinburgh | Lectures | 22-26 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2PQ, UK | Lectures, many of which are open to the general public |
| Royston/Wardieburn Community Centre | Events | 11 Pilton Drive North, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | New Community Centre offering a wide range of opportunities for all ages. |
| Sandy Bell's | Music | 25 Forrest Road, Edinburgh EH1 2QH, United Kingdom | One of the great folk music venues in Edinburgh, known by musicians and lovers of traditional music worldwide. |
| Sandy's Community Centre | Events | 76 Craigmillar Castle Avenue, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Community Centre in Craigmillar offering a wide range of activities to the local community |
| Scott Monument | Historic | East Princes Street Gardens, EH2 2EJ | The Scott Monument is a Victorian Gothic monument to Scottish author Sir Walter Scott. The tower is 200 feet 6 inches (61.11 m) high, and has a series of viewing platforms |
| Scottish National Gallery | Museum | The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL | Scottish and international fine art from the Renaissance up to the 20th century in a neoclassical building designed by William Playfair opened in 1859 |
| Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One | Museum,Walking | 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh, EH4 3DR, UK | International post-war work and a collection of modern Scottish art. Discrete entrance onto Water of Leith Walkway |
| Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Two | Museum | 73 Belford Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 3DS, UK | Designed by Thomas Hamilton in 1831 the Dean Gallery is twinned with the Edinburgh Gallery of Modern Art |
| Skeptics in the Pub | Lectures | 29-35 Niddry Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LG, United Kingdom | Edinburgh Skeptics in the Pub is presented by Edinburgh Skeptics, founded in 2009 to promote science, reason and critical thinking in Edinburgh and Scotland |
| South Bridge Resource Centre | Events | Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT, United Kingdom | Community Centre in the city centre. The centre is host to a number of projects and offers a wide range of activities to the City's communities. |
| South Queensferry and Rosebery Hall | Events | Kirkliston Road, South Queensferry EH30 9NZ, United Kingdom | The hall is a good size making it suitable for a varied programme of activities for all ages and interests |
| Southside Community Centre | Events | 117 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9ER, United Kingdom | Community Centre in the heart of the city which along with a wide range of activities for all ages is also a Festival Fringe venue. |
| St Brides Community Centre | Events | 10 Orwell Terrace, Edinburgh EH11 2DZ, United Kingdom | Offers classes and activities for adults and children. Our diverse programme of arts events features theatre performances, concerts, ceilidhs, dance performances and includes the hugely successful Acoustic Music Centre |
| St. Bernard's Well | Walking,Historic | 55.955549396085736, -3.2112772465188755 | Roman temple structure of Hygeia the Greek goddess of health designed by painter Alexander Nasymth in 1789, built on a well. |
| Statue of Thomas Guthrie | Historic | 55.95077592569326, -3.2026215792575385 | Scottish divine and philanthropist who was associated with the Ragged Schools, of which he was a founder |
| Talbot Rice Gallery | Exhibition | University of Edinburgh, Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh EH8 9YL | Contemporary art exhibitions and collaborated with some of the world's leading international artists. Being part of a University it also creates links between artists and academics |
| The Base Youth Facility | Events | 22 Gracemount Drive, Edinburgh EH16 6RN, United Kingdom | Many regular events for all the community to take part in |
| The Blind Poet Pub | Events,Music | 32 W Nicolson St, Edinburgh EH8 9DD, United Kingdom | We feature live music most nights, plus a quiz, rock karaoke and our ever popular Sunday Service. |
| The Museum of Childhood | Museum | 42 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TG | The first museum in the world to specialise in the history of childhood |
| The Old City Observatory | Historic | 38 Calton Hill, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Inspired by a Greek temple of the Four Winds, the building was designed by William Henry Playfair in 1818. The first Astronomer Royal to work in this building was Professor Thomas Henderson in 1834 |
| The Rannoch Centre | Events | Rannoch Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 7ER, United Kingdom | Open to all and provides a variety of activities for local people. This includes Support groups , Room hire , Social groups, Sports groups, Childminding services, Youth & childrens groups, ESOL & Music groups |
| The Royal Oak | Music | 167 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BN, United Kingdom | A real Scottish pub that has made its name as a live music venue. Steeped in history and atmosphere it is only a few minutes walk from the Royal Mile. |
| The Scottish Parliament | Exhibition | Horse Wynd, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP, UK | Events and exhibitions, including those linked to the work of parliamentary committees |
| The Writers' Museum | Museum | Lady Stair's Close, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PA, United Kingdom | See portraits, rare books and personal objects including Burns’ writing desk, the printing press on which Scott’s Waverley Novels were first produced, and Scott’s own dining table and rocking horse. |
| Tollcross Community Centre and Adult Learning Project | Events | 117 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG, United Kingdom | Community Centre offering a wide range of opportunities for all ages. The centre also offers extensive literacy provision to the local community. The centre is accessible to wheelchair users. |
| Tynecastle Community Wing | Events | Tynecastle High School, McLeod Street, EH11 2ND | offers a range of adult learning opportunities and family activities. It also hosts the local Health Visitors' post natal drop in and group, the local midwives ante natal group and various local groups and services |
| University of Edinburgh | Lectures | George Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Spread across a variety of buildings and campuses, the University presents a wide range of events throughout the year. |
| Valley Park Community Centre | Events | 37 Southhouse Road, Edinburgh EH17 8EU, United Kingdom | Community Centre based at Southhouse/Burdiehouse. There are a variety of groups within the centre including youth clubs, adult learning groups, pre school activities, dance classes, older peoples groups, fitness classes. |
| Water of Leith Visitor Centre | Exhibition,Walking | 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ, UK | Explore interactive exhibition and discover the river's wildlife and heritage |
| West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre | Events | 19 West Pilton Grove, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | The Centre has a variety of equipment and activities to support recreation such as kick boxing, keep fit, dance, zumba, exercise classes and room space for local community meeting and groups |
| Whistlebinkies Live Music Bar | Music | 4-6 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL | Sundays to Thursdays are free entry featuring up to 4 live bands until 3am; Fridays and Saturdays feature up to 6 acts, free entry before Midnight. |