Top Things to do in Midlothian
Top 10 Historic Sites in Midlothian, Scotland
Discover the best top things to do in Midlothian, United Kingdom including Dalkeith Palace, Newbattle Abbey, Crichton Castle, Arniston House, Penicuik House & Cafe, Temple Church, War Memorial, Dalkeith Water Tower, Burns Monument Drinking Fountain, Borthwick Castle.
Restaurants in Midlothian
1. Dalkeith Palace
2. 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.
3. Crichton Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. A large and sophisticated castle with a spectacular facade of faceted stonework in an Italian style added, following a visit to Italy, by the Earl of Bothwell between 1581 and 1591. Mary Queen of Scots attended a wedding here. This has a facade of faceted stonework in an Italian Renaissance style. The courtyard is fully accessible. Access to areas leading from there depends on the visitor's mobility as each room and cellar has up to three steps leading to it.
Reviewed By matthewhK4195LK - Dalkeith, United Kingdom
Visited with my wife and kids and we all had a great time. Firstly, the location is quite stunning. It feels really isolated from the modern world and, with the exception of a distant farmhouse, the surrounding countryside is completely unspoiled giving you real sense of connection with the past. The castle and its history is well presented and we all enjoyed exploring all the nooks and crannies. Great afternoon out!
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. 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.
6. Temple Church
7. War Memorial
8. Dalkeith Water Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By RP9 - Dalkeith, United Kingdom
As the owner, who has not listed the water tower as a trip advisor experience, I can at least write to say I recommend it. It is a home, sometimes available for rental, but not always. The history of this remarkable building in Dalkeith can be found using a Google search. The recent history of the tower might also be gleaned from water tower wood blog spot, or better still, a google search on Gerry Goldwyre. It’s a stunning building, built in 1879 to hold a tank of water. It’s quite unique to Scotland and it’s an iconic building in the Historic Town of Dalkeith.
