What's On In April

A family of four are on the deck of Britannia, the children are holding plush toys.

April in Edinburgh is filled with a variety of events and activities that cater to all interests. Whether you are a local or a visitor, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this historic and lively city. Here is a look at some of the highlights for April 2025:

National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two
Visit the National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two to mark the 100th anniversary of the extraordinary Scottish artist Ian Hamilton Finlay by viewing the free exhibition. This display will feature key works from Finlay’s artistic journey from the 1960s to 2006. Visitors can view Finlay’s diverse body of work that will be showcased through sculptures, prints and previously unseen archival materials. The exhibition runs until 26 May 2025. 

Edinburgh Science Festival
Held in multiple venues across the city, such as public spaces, museums and galleries, Edinburgh Science Festival is jam-packed with fascinating interactive exhibits and workshops to keep all budding scientists engaged. This year’s theme, Spaceship Earth, will delve into the difficulties of inhabiting a planet with limited resources, viewed through the perspectives of science fiction and space exploration. The programme runs from 5-20 April 2025. 

Holyrood Park
Located near Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Holyrood Park is the perfect spot to make the most of the spring weather. Spend your day walking up the extinct volcano, Arthur’s Seat, to gain fantastic panoramic views over the city, discover the ruin of St. Anthony’s Chapel or bird watch at St. Margaret’s Loch. If you’re lucky, you may see the resident otter in Dunsapie Loch too!

The King's Gallery
Taking place at The King's Gallery at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography allows visitors to see works from some of the world’s most notable royal photographers, such as Cecil Beaton and Dorothy Wilding. In this exhibition, see the development of royal portrait photography from the 1920s to the present, showcasing photographic prints, proofs, and documents from the Royal Collection and the Royal Archives. 

National Galleries Scotland: Portrait Gallery
History buffs will delight in the exhibition opening at the National Galleries of Scotland’s Portrait Gallery on April 26. The World of King James VI and I will allow visitors to uncover the life of King James VI and I through a series of exquisite paintings, sparkling jewels, luxurious textiles, and rare books and manuscripts, accompanied by some of the most renowned historical portraits from Scotland’s national collection. On loan from The Fitzwilliam Museum, a highlight of the exhibition is sure to be the Eglington Jewel (1610). 

The Royal Yacht Britannia
This April, come aboard The Royal Yacht Britannia and follow in the footsteps of Royalty with a tour of this unique ship. Spot the cuddly corgis dressed for Easter as you tour Britannia’s five decks, discover what life was like at sea for the Royal Family and crew of Royal Yachtsmen by exploring the State Apartments, the Crew’s Quarters, and the Engine Room, with a complimentary audio guide. Why not enjoy a gooey slice of chocolate fudge cake or an Easter themed hot chocolate in the Royal Deck Tearoom where you can relax and enjoy the picturesque views over the Firth of Forth.

 

 

Image copyright: 

Ian Hamilton Finlay (with Jim Nicholson), Homage to Modern Art, 1972. © By courtesy of the estate of Ian Hamilton Finlay
Digital Geek
John de Critz, James VI and I, 1566 - 1625. King of Scotland 1567 - 1625. King of England and Ireland 1603 – 1625, 1604. National Gallery
Helen Pugh

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