Top Things to do in Midlothian
The 10 Best Things to do in Midlothian, Scotland
Discover the best top things to do in Midlothian, United Kingdom including Dalhousie Castle Falconry, Rosslyn Chapel, National Mining Museum Scotland, Dalkeith Palace, Newbattle Abbey, Penicuik House & Cafe, Roslin Glen Country Park, Arniston House, Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World, Rosslyn Castle.
Restaurants in Midlothian
1. Dalhousie Castle Falconry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 321 reviews
We are a small family business with over 45 beautiful birds of prey. Visit our website for information on our flying experiences with the birds. We have experiences for individuals, children, families and groups. Or come and try your hand at archery!
Reviewed By PD236
We had an owl experience, blessed with perfect weather we were set for a good experience. Kylie has a real passion for her birds and an interesting depth of knowledge, we got to fly and handle a number of Owls, giving a really interactive experience, that went all to quickly. Fantastic experience, really enjoyable.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Dalkeith Palace
5. Newbattle Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Discover one of Midlothian's hidden, historical treasures. Set in 125 acres of spectacular grounds this 19th century stately home is Scotland's national centre for adult residential education. The Abbey also provides an outstanding conference and training venue, group accommodation, and a unique setting for small weddings and other celebrations. Join a guided tour and hear the enchanting story of Newbattle Abbey from the 12th century to present day.
Reviewed By cares2014 - Midlothian, United Kingdom
Would recommend this venue for any gathering. Beautiful building and setting with ample car parking. Donna and her team were well organised, friendly and helpful. We had a funeral tea here last week and were well catered for and looked after admirably. Just a very nice venue for any occasion.
6. Penicuik House & Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By bandsdunlop - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
We live in Penicuik and the estate is a wonderful palce to walk. The cafe produces great food with a touch of class. It is sufficient for lunch or just a drop in for coffee and cake. Excellent.
7. Roslin Glen Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By linsayr2015 - Bonnyrigg, United Kingdom
Roslin Glen is one of my favourite places to visit. Lots of very pretty walks along the river, under the castle and over the other side of the road at the old mill. You could visit numerous times and go a different walk. Very clean and tidy and quiet if you go first thing in the morning
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Rosslyn Castle
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 202 reviews
Mainly built around 1450, Rosslyn Castle is situated on a truly dramatic site; on a tree-covered spine of rock rising steeply from the River Esk, which surrounds it on three sides. The Rosslyn estate has been held by the St.Clair family since the Barony of Rosslyn was established in 1070 and its most famous landmark, Rosslyn Chapel, is just a few minutes’ walk away. The Chapel has recently undergone an extensive programme of conservation and a state-of-the-art visitor centre tells the Chapel’s story – from its 15th century origins, through the Reformation to the Da Vinci Code and beyond. Today, the Castle makes a perfect base for exploring Rosslyn Chapel, Glen and surrounding attractions of Midlothian. On the outskirts of Edinburgh, Rosslyn Castle is ideal for exploring the many delights which Scotland’s historic capital city has to offer, all year round. There are very good public transport links between the village of Roslin and the city centre.
Reviewed By cutey_11 - Windsor, United Kingdom
OMG what a wonderful walk would love to stay in the cottages there that are rentable. lovely walk along lanes and through tress and then wow opens up to a massive bridge just wide enough for a car, and a stunning drop. must have bene awesome in its time, still holds a lot of features
