Scottish Storytelling Centre

Scottish Storytelling Centre Edinburgh: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Positioned on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, the Scottish Storytelling Centre is a beacon of Scotland’s rich oral heritage and cultural vibrancy. Far beyond a conventional museum, the Centre is a dynamic space where ancient traditions meet contemporary creativity. Visitors are invited to step into a world where stories come alive—whether through immersive performances, workshops, or interactive exhibitions—anchored in the historic John Knox House. This guide provides everything you need to plan your visit, including opening hours, ticketing, accessibility details, event highlights, and recommendations for nearby Edinburgh attractions. Discover why the Centre is a cornerstone of Scotland’s living heritage and an essential stop for anyone interested in the nation’s storytelling traditions (Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh Architecture, SISF).

Introduction
History and John Knox House
The Netherbow: Edinburgh’s Historic Gateway
Architecture and Facilities
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Tickets and Admission
Accessibility
Getting There
Events and Programming
Food, Bookshop, and Family Visits
Nearby Attractions
Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Recommendations
Sources

History and John Knox House

At the heart of the Centre stands the John Knox House, one of Edinburgh’s oldest surviving buildings, dating back to 1470. Its walls have witnessed pivotal moments in Scottish history, including the turbulent Reformation period. John Knox, the influential Protestant reformer, briefly lived here in the early 1570s, cementing the building’s role in Scotland’s religious and political transformation. The house also tells of James Mosman, a goldsmith loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots, whose initials remain carved into the stone, reflecting a dramatic era when he was executed for his political allegiance (Scottish Storytelling Centre).

The Netherbow: Edinburgh’s Historic Gateway

The Centre occupies the site of the old Netherbow Port, once the principal entrance to Edinburgh’s Old Town and a symbolic boundary between the burgh and the Canongate (Edinburgh Architecture). The legacy of the Netherbow Arts Centre, established in the 1970s, lives on in the Centre’s mission to foster creativity, dialogue, and community engagement. In 2006, the current Centre opened, seamlessly blending the medieval John Knox House with a modern arts venue.

Architecture and Facilities

Designed by Malcolm Fraser Architects, the Centre is an award-nominated fusion of medieval and contemporary design (Edinburgh Architecture, AJ Buildings Library). The layout features:

Storytelling Court: A welcoming, double-height atrium ideal for informal gatherings, ceilidhs, and community events.
Netherbow Theatre: An intimate 99-seat venue for live performances, theatre, and film.
George Mackay Brown Library: A resource centre for Scottish literature and folklore.
Exhibition Spaces: Rotating displays celebrating Scottish culture and the arts.
Café (Haggis Box): Offering classic Scottish fare with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Specialist Bookshop: Stocked with storybooks, folklore, and Scottish literature for all ages.

Accessibility is prioritized, with step-free entry, lifts, accessible toilets, and support for visitors with additional needs.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Some public holidays (check the official website for details)

Tickets and Admission

General Admission: Free access to the main Centre spaces and exhibitions.
John Knox House and Special Events:
- Adults: £7
- Concessions (students, seniors): £5
- Children under 16: Free
- Tickets for performances and festivals vary in price.
Purchase: Book online via the official website or at the box office. Advance booking is recommended, especially during festivals.

Accessibility

Step-free access to all public areas
Lifts and accessible toilets
Hearing loop systems in performance spaces
Assistance dogs welcome
For specific access needs, it’s best to contact the Centre in advance.

Getting There

Address: 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR, UK
Public Transport: Easily accessible by foot from Waverley Station (5–10 min walk), or via Lothian Bus services.
Parking: Limited in Old Town; nearest car parks are at St Giles’ Cathedral and Holyrood Road. Public transport or walking is recommended.

Events and Programming

The Centre’s year-round programme features:

Live Storytelling: Open-floor ceilidhs, family sessions, and themed performances in English, Scots, and Gaelic.
Theatre and Music: Traditional and contemporary plays, music sessions, and dance events.
Festivals:
- Scottish International Storytelling Festival (SISF): Each October, world-class storytelling inspired by Scottish ceilidh traditions (Edinburgh Festival City).
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe: August brings a diverse programme of spoken word, theatre, and music (The QR).
Family-Friendly Activities: Workshops, storytimes, crafts, and interactive exhibits such as the dragon’s nest and story wall (Edinburgh With Kids).
Workshops & Community Outreach: Creative writing, storytelling techniques, and educational outreach for schools and groups.

Check the events calendar for the latest programme.

Food, Bookshop, and Family Visits

Haggis Box Café: Serves Scottish classics (haggis, tattie scones, soups) with options for every dietary preference. A lively spot during festivals (Edinburgh With Kids).
Bookshop: Curated selection of Scottish literature, folklore, and children’s books, plus unique gifts and local crafts.
Family Focus: Regular family events, baby changing facilities, and a children’s café menu make the Centre highly welcoming to families.

Nearby Attractions

The Centre’s location on the Royal Mile makes it an ideal starting point for exploring:

John Knox House: Included with admission, explore Scotland’s Reformation history.
Edinburgh Castle: Iconic fortress, 10-minute walk uphill.
St Giles’ Cathedral: A landmark of Scottish religious history.
National Museum of Scotland: Extensive collections on Scottish history and culture.
The Real Mary King’s Close and Museum of Edinburgh: Fascinating glimpses into Edinburgh’s past.

Combine your visit for a full cultural day in the heart of the city (Edinburgh With Kids).

Visitor Tips

Book Early: Secure tickets for popular performances and festivals online.
Arrive in Advance: Arrive 15–30 minutes before events to explore exhibits, the café, and bookshop.
Plan Ahead: Especially during August (Fringe) and October (SISF), as the Centre can be busy.
Check Accessibility: Contact in advance for specific access needs.
Explore Beyond: The Royal Mile is lined with other historic sites—maximize your trip by combining attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s visiting hours?
A: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM. Closed some public holidays.

Q: How do I get tickets?
A: Book online via the official website or at the box office.

Q: Is the Centre accessible?
A: Yes—step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets, hearing loops, and assistance dogs welcome.

Q: Are there family-friendly events?
A: Yes, including regular workshops, storytelling sessions, and interactive exhibits for children.

Q: Can I combine my visit with nearby attractions?
A: Absolutely—the Centre’s Royal Mile location makes it easy to visit John Knox House, Edinburgh Castle, St Giles’ Cathedral, and more.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Scottish Storytelling Centre is an essential Edinburgh destination, offering a rich blend of living tradition, performance, and history. Whether you’re captivated by live storytelling, eager to explore the medieval John Knox House, or looking for family-friendly cultural activities, the Centre has something for everyone. Its commitment to accessibility, education, and community engagement ensures a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors.

Plan your visit today:

Check the latest visiting hours, ticket prices, and event listings.
Book your tickets in advance, especially during festivals.
Download the Audiala app for guided tours and exclusive content.
Explore our related posts for more Edinburgh travel inspiration.

Stay connected: Follow the Centre and partner organizations on social media and subscribe to their newsletters for updates on events, workshops, and festivals.