Frequenly Asked Questions

What happens on a sleepover?

Our sleepover schedule looks something like this:

18.45  Doors open and registration
19.10  Set up camp in the Great Hall and attend Health and Safety Talk
19.45  Workshop 1 – Gallery-based activity
20.45  Workshop 2 – Hands-on art workshop in Farmer Education Suite
21.45  Snack break
22.15  Storytelling 
23.00 Ready for bed

…Sleeping under the stars in the Great Hall…

07.00 Wake up
07.30-8.30 Hot breakfast served in the Portrait Cafe

Will we get any sleep?

We aim for our sleepovers to be a special, once-in-a-lifetime experience and expect a lot of excitement amongst the children (and adults!) who take part. We will encourage groups to keep noise to a minimum, but it probably won’t be the best beauty sleep you’ve ever had.

How do I prepare for a sleepover and what do I bring?

Download our Sleepover Survival Guide for all the information you’ll need to prepare for the night.

What are the sleeping arrangements?

Family groups will camp together in the Great Hall. There will be a maximum of 40 people on the night.

As inflatable mattresses cause a trip hazard we do not allow them on our sleepovers. We do, however, provide camping beds.

Do we need to bring food?

You are welcome to if you want to, however, water, a ‘midnight’ snack and a hot breakfast will be provided, so you don’t need to bring any food or drink. Please notify us of any dietary requirements when you book.

When do we need to arrive?

Sleepovers start at 18.45 and entry will be through the main entrance of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street.  The sleepovers finish at 8.30am the following day. There is a drop-off/pick up point by the front door.

Can I cancel my booking?

Sleepover tickets are non-refundable.