Top Things to do in Midlothian
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10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Midlothian That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Midlothian, United Kingdom including Rosslyn Chapel, National Mining Museum Scotland, Saltire Centre, Arniston House, Dalkeith Corn Exchange Museum, Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World, Forresters Arms, Krazy Kidz, Spa at Dalhousie Castle, Ryze Edinburgh.
Restaurants in Midlothian
1. Rosslyn Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,534 reviews
Rosslyn Chapel is open to visitors again with extra safety measures in place and a new booking system, giving 90 minutes for your visit. Please book your visit in advance on our website. Dating back to 1446, the is just seven miles from Edinburgh city centre and is open to visitors all year. The Chapel's setting and the mysterious symbolism of its ornate stonework have attracted and intrigued visitors for generations. A starring role in The Da Vinci Code propelled it into the international spotlight. There are countless theories, myths and legends associated with the Chapel and our tour guides will be able to tell you more about these, and the building's history, when you visit. Please note that photography inside the Chapel is not allowed but there are no restrictions on outside photography. New visitor centre with touch-screen technology, letting you see the carvings close up; gift shop and good coffee shop. Full details of how to get here and what to see and do is on our website.
Reviewed By tonit717 - Tuulos, Finland
For us, family with two kids, Rosslyn Chapel provided amazingly lot of beautiful decorations to see, sacred atmosphere to sense and interesting history to absorb. It's really a place worth a visit.
2. National Mining Museum Scotland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
The National Mining Museum Scotland, a 5 Star visitor attraction and twice winner of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions "Best Visitor Experience" Award. We're based at one of the finest surviving examples of a Victorian colliery in Europe. Visitors to the museum will marvel at the sheer size of the place, be astounded by the engineering brilliance behind all the machinery and retrace the footsteps of the thousands of miners. What should you expect: Following Scottish Government advice we are currently unable to offer guided tours. However, we have developed a digital app which can be downloaded to your mobile device and used at kep points around the site. Our tour guides will still be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Please book your timeslot in advance. https://national-mining-museum-scotland.arttickets.org.uk/
Reviewed By Aitken-TRIP - West Lothian, United Kingdom
Finally visited here after passing the entrance going elsewhere many times. Easily one of the best museums I have been to recently, especially as it`s within the colliery which adds to the atmosphere of the whole place.. You need the best part of an hour to see the two floors of exhibits and displays so if you are going on a tour and want to do this first give yourself plenty time. (You can, of course, do a guided tour and then go in the museum.) Our guide, John Kane, (an ex miner himself) was brilliant and was equally as good at engaging with the younger visitors as he was at explaining the true reality of his job underground to the adults. The tour took you along the miner`s footsteps when they worked in the mine to the cages that took them underground, very humbling. The props here are the whole place as it was when still a working mine. To him it was just a job but I for one will never complain ever again about the amount of emails in my inbox!! A big thanks to John who made the tour so memorable and handing out a shiny piece of coal from his pocket at the end of the tour to the wee boy I took along. You made his day.
3. Saltire Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Saltire Centre is a Kids Soft Play centre, café and Indoor Football arena. The Saltire Centre is a great, safe environment for groups of all ages to enjoy.
Reviewed By kliam89 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Great little soft play close to home, great if you need a bite to eat. The menu is fairly comprehensive and perfect for a spot of lunch and the kids can run around at the soft play. It’s fairly clean and tidy as much as you can expect for a children’s soft play I would say. The baby/toddler section is really good and is big enough for the little ones.
4. Arniston House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Arniston Estate has been home to the Dundas family for more than four centuries and today is a working estate featuring a range of farming operations, forestry, fishing and visitor attraction activities. Arniston House is a magnificent Palladian style William Adam mansion house commissioned in 1724 by Robert Dundas. Arniston House welcomes hundreds of guests every year for guided tours, community events, weddings, corporate functions and more. With four charming holiday cottages available guests can enjoy 3 and 4 star accommodation in an idylic, peaceful countryside setting that is a mere 11 miles from Edinburgh. The perfect combination of country and city experiences. Nestled in the heart of Midlothian, Arniston House is 2 miles from rail and bus stops and a short 30 minute drive from city centre. It is a wonderful setting for weddings, company and corporate events. A day at Arniston is always a day well spent.
Reviewed By sarahmV8253UK - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Yesterday (9 Aug) we spent a fantastic couple of hours at Arniston House near Gorebridge. It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Edinburgh city centre to Arniston House. The tour has had to be shortened due to Covid and takes in the ground floor of the property only. This did not detract from the tour at all as there is so much history packed into each room. We had an 'intake of breath' at the beautifully restored John Adam drawing room, a must see. The tour was led jointly by the present owner, Althea Dundas-Bekker and her daughter Henrietta, both lovely, friendly ladies. Their knowledge, of their home and its history is phenomenal. Ohhh for a look at the family archives which are full of historical letters/documents and invoices etc. We will definitely go back once normality returns to see the rest of the house. They opened their doors again on 15th July and can accommodate a maximum of 6 visitors per tour. Sanitiser is available in the front porch and you will be asked to use it before you enter. As the wearing of face masks is mandatory in Scotland for all indoor attractions - make sure you bring one. The grounds are beautiful, peaceful and really calming and we were lucky that the weather was bright and warm, so once the tour had finished, we headed off for a wander. If you plan to travel to the Scottish Borders or to visit Rosslyn Chapel then this would be a great addition to add to your list of places to visit. For further details you should visit their website and book a tour. We felt it was exceptionally good value for money and can’t recommend it highly enough.
5. Dalkeith Corn Exchange Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By crawford4
This museum is hidden in the old "Back Street" (St Andrew Street) of Dalkeith. It replaces the museum originally housed in Buccleuch Street next to the CAB office. It moved to The Corn Exchange at the bottom of Dalkeith where the building has been beautifully renovated to its original glory and now houses Melville Housing Society and the new Corn Exchange Museum. The museum is well equipped for visitors. It also has good disability access with a lift taking you to the first floor where the Museum is housed. The Museum whilst not huge has ample room in which to give visitors a great insight into Dalkeith's past. There are screens continually showing pictures of by gone days. An informative short video on the history and renovation of The Corn Exchange building.They have a very detailed shop and shop counter display showing products that were sold as far back as the war with tills and old coins used in the shops They have many folders with pictures and photographs not only of the surrounding areas but of many of the inhabitants who lived in Dalkeith over the years. There are many small displays to be seen with many delights to be found within drawers. There is also an area that's excellent for children with a few puzzles. A recent event held was of the local Railway and the old Railway Station in Dalkeith. This was very informative and drawings were very well received. Local schools are showing an interest and the history it can demonstrate to the pupils. The Museum is on a good bus route with the LRT 40 and 39 stopping across from and outside the Museum although it's only a 5 minute walk from the centre of Dalkeith where many other buses are available. The Borders Railway also stops at Eskbank and from there it's a leisurely walk of 20 minutes to Dalkeith. Admittance is Free and open summer 10-4 Monday to Friday with opening Saturday once a month. To enjoy the museum it is recommended you put aside at least an hour and feel free to visit more than once to really ensure you've digested all of its history.
6. Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 450 reviews
Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World is the longest running indoor tropical Butterfly House in the world and is one of Scotland's favourite tourist and educational attractions. Great for a family day out!
Reviewed By annewitton - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
My friend and I visited this wonderful place and were delighted by the range of things to see. There are some restrictions in place due to Covid-19 (you have to book a timed visit and there’s no handling of creatures) but that didn’t hamper our enjoyment at all. The butterfly environment is lovely and there are many different species flying freely around. There are also tortoises and terrapins. There is also a reptile area and insect area with many fascinating species. One of the highlights was talking with the knowledgeable staff, especially Kev. He was full of interesting and entertaining information which helped us appreciate the creatures even more. We spent about an hour and a half in there and would definitely recommend a visit. There is also a well-stocked shop.
7. Forresters Arms
8. Krazy Kidz
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By 91tracey
The best soft play my daughter has ever been to She has been going since she was at the age of 4 and is 12 now is would be desprate to come again
9. Spa at Dalhousie Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By emmagW5281FC - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Where do i begin, from the moment you drive up to this beautiful castle you feel like you're about to step into a fairy tale story!! Surrounded by the stunning countryside and with a very warm welcome from front of house staff you truly are made to feel like lords and lady's of the manor!! Despite not having yet stayed overnight ( but looking to do so soon ), from the reviews you will not be disappointed as the rooms look divine. The spa may be smaller than some you may have visited however dont let that put you off as it is so relaxing and the treatments are to die for, whether its a wee 30min treatment or a signature 2hr treatment you will feel completely refreshed and transformed, included in your package deal you can enjoy either a scrumptious afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, canapes, scones and other delights all served with tea or coffee, or if its something a bit more filling then you have the option of a delicious 2 course lunch ( starter/main/dessert ) its up to you also with a tea or coffee in the 'Orangery' with some breathtaking views, a real chance if you are lucky to see some of the local wildlife. For a night to remember then the famous 'Dungeon' restaurant is well worth a visit, perfect for that special celebration, romantic date night or a treat to yourself, with the candle light...natural stone foundations, tapestry and suits of armour you can enjoy a stunning 3 course meal with perfectly paired wines and spirits before retreating to the drawing room bar with the log fire to make you extra cosy!! All in all Dalhousie Castle is well worth a visit, each time i have visited something else just blows me away, Stunning, relaxing and simply perfect for couples, friends trips and solo visits!!!
10. Ryze Edinburgh
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 157 reviews
Ryze Edinburgh – Scotland’s largest trampoline park – gives the whole family the chance to take part in a fun fitness activity. Trampolining is a sport that everyone can enjoy; it’s a healthy, low-impact aerobic exercise which helps to develop balance, strength and agility. To enable families to bounce into fitness together, the centre, located at Mayfield Industrial Estate in Dalkeith, runs activities suited to jumpers aged 2 years +. Daily KidJump sessions, running from 10am to 11am, give jumpers aged two to six years exclusive access to the entire park. There’s also a dedicated ‘Kiddy Court’ for jumpers aged two to six years only at all times, which includes a foam pit and two 45-degree rectangular trampolines. Family Night Jump sessions take place on Mondays from 6pm to 9pm and Club Ryze, for jumpers aged 12 and over, runs every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm to 11pm. Come and defy gravity on over 10,000 square feet of connected, world-class trampolines! Featuring our famous angled wall trampolines, launching decks and a few surprises from the ceiling to test your aerial skills. You can jump to your heart’s content: bounce in our vast open jump field; leap into the first-rate foam pits; play intense trampoline dodgeball; get a gruelling trampoline workout; slam dunk a basketball in our 16 foot hoop, leap from the tower; you get the idea! We also host birthday parties, events, fundraisers and private parties!
Reviewed By ATait2017
???? recommend brilliant staff so friendly and very helpful happy to help kids learn new tricks and skills and build there confidence , brilliant for all ages my daughter is 6 and has learnt so much in a short time coming ,now purchased membership for her as she absolutely loves it , my son is 14 and same for him back flips walk the wall definitely recommend ,great seating area for us mums/dads to relax and watch them bounce at same time
