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VISIT
Midlothian
On Edinburgh’s Doorstep
Borthwick Castle Prentice Pillar at Rosslyn Chapel

Welcome Where To Find Out More

VisitScotland operates a seasonal Tourist Information Centre in

To Midlothian Midlothian at Newtongrange. Come in and see us for expert advice on

Easy to reach – so close, in fact, that you can see the Pentland Hills from
many parts of Edinburgh – but though you are near the city, Midlothian
can feel very different. Listen to the birdsong ringing out from the wooded
glen by the famous Rosslyn Chapel, or feel the wind in your hair in the
wide-open heathery spaces of the Pentland Hills, and it’s hard to believe
Scotland’s bustling capital is only minutes away.
Thanks to a certain Hollywood blockbuster movie, Rosslyn Chapel is now
Midlothian’s most famous historic site, but there are lots more places of
The Great interest. For example, discover the castle where Mary Queen of Scots
was once a wedding guest, or take a ‘magical helmet tour’ at a restored
Outdoors colliery, now a museum. Stay in a 15th century tower house – or a hotel
with its own dungeon! Midlothian is full of surprises, with plenty to
entertain you from country parks to exotic butterfly displays.
edinburgh FREE ENTRY with your Edinburgh Pass,
pass ™
available at our Tourist Information Centres
History & Things to
Heritage See & Do We grade businesses that try to work in a
sustainable, environmentally friendly way bronze,
silver or gold.
things to see and do and more on our accommodation booking service,
discounted passes, coach and walking tours and a wide selection of
Scottish gifts and souvenirs. We look forward to seeing you!
Newtongrange Tourist Information Centre
Scottish Mining Museum, Newtongrange EH26 8HB
Open: Easter – October
Alternatively, you can call the National Booking and Information
line on 0845 22 55 121 (UK only) or +44 1506 832 121 (outside
 UK) or visit www.edinburgh.org / www.visitmidlothian.com /
www.midlothianonvideo.com.
Why not keep in touch for the latest news and offers from Edinburgh &
Lothians by subscribing to our updates on www.edinburgh.org?
Mary, Queen of Scots was born on 8 December 1542 and from the
number of places where she is claimed to have stayed, it seems she
rarely slept at home. This practice of travelling around was common
enough amongst monarchs of this period and earlier. Some of the
particularly interesting locations connected with her in Edinburgh &
Lothians are either open to the public or readily viewed from the
exterior. Find out more on our Mary, Queen of Scots trail at
www.edinburgh.org/queenofscots
Photography © VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint. Additional photography courtesy of
Midlothian Council.

Cover images show Rosslyn Chapel, Crichton Castle, Gladhouse Reservoir and
Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World.

Please note that every effort has been made by VisitScotland Edinburgh & Lothians to
ensure accuracy in this publication. However, as changes can occur after going to print,
it is advisable to confirm information with the establishments concerned or the local
Tourist Information Centre.

Published by VisitScotland Edinburgh & Lothians 2008.

This brochure is printed on recycled content paper. VisitScotland is

committed to ensuring that our environment, upon which our tourism is
Vogrie Country Park so dependent, is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.
 History & Heritage
More than a century before Rosslyn Chapel was built, the Crichton Collegiate Church
real Braveheart, William Wallace, fought a battle around the Dating from 1449 and set to the east of Crichton Castle, this is one of
nearby wooded steep sided glen nearby – there’s even the few remaining pre-reformation churches in the area still in use. The
external sculptured cornices resemble those at Rosslyn Chapel, only
a Wallace’s Cave. And Rosslyn Chapel has been on
5.5 miles away.
visitors’ lists of ‘must sees’ long before its film debut – even Nr Pathhead
Crichton Collegiate Church Gothic carving at Rosslyn Chapel
the romantic poets Robert Burns and William Wordsworth
made the trip.
Rosslyn Chapel ★★★ Visitor Attraction
Undoubtedly Scotland’s most outstanding Gothic church, mysterious
Then there’s another romantic spot: Crichton Castle, and magical Rosslyn Chapel was built in 1446 and is famed world wide
associated with Mary Queen of Scots third husband, the for the beauty of its carvings and its links to the Knights Templar and
Earl of Bothwell. Add in stately homes like Arniston House, freemasonry.
as well as impressive castle-hotels, such as Dalhousie Open All Year (Future work may affect opening times. Please check on
the website)
Castle and the atmospheric Borthwick Castle, and you’ll find
Roslin
plenty of historic strands to follow. Tel 0131 440 2159
www.rosslynchapel.com
Midlothian’s industrial heritage is portrayed in the
fascinating Scottish Mining Museum – a great excursion for
Crichton Castle Rosslyn Castle
families and in fact an anchor point on the European Route
St Nicholas Buccleuch Church
This Christian Sanctuary was completed in 1420, while worship on the
of Industrial Heritage. site dates back to the 11th century. Enter the ruined Apse or explore
the ancient graveyard. Enjoy refreshments in the coffee shop and
browse the gift shop.
Open April – October
Arniston House 119 High Street, Dalkeith
This 18th century William Adam mansion has been home to the www.stnicholasbuccleuch.org.uk
Dundas family for over four hundred years. Why not pay a visit to see
its wonderful architecture and period contents, including family
portraits and fine furniture.
Soutra Aisle
Here lies the remains of a major medieval hospital with a spectacular
Open May – September (varied opening times)
viewpoint where history, archaeology and archaeomedicine are
Nr Gorebridge
explained. Run by Augustinian monks, the house once provided care
Tel 01875 830 515
for the poor and sick.
www.arniston-house.co.uk
Open All Year
Nr Pathhead
Crichton Castle ★★★ Castle For specialist tours, telephone 01875 833 248
Set in wild moorland at the end of a track, this large and sophisticated
castle was built in a commanding position between the 14th and 16th
centuries. The courtyard includes a spectacular façade of faceted
Temple Old Kirk
A ruined historic church believed to have been founded by
stonework in an Italian style.
King David I in the 12th century. Late Gothic tracery can still be seen,
Open April – October
with animals carved at the ends of the mouldings above the windows.
Nr Pathhead
Open All Year
Tel 01875 320 017
Nr Gorebridge
Temple Old Kirk www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Glencorse View Vogrie House Weir Pool & Weir, Roslin Glen Melville Golf Course

The Great Outdoors

It’s a trick that Midlothian keeps playing: you’ll find it hard to
believe that such lovely countryside is so close to the city.
Pentland Hills Regional Park
★★★ Visitor Attraction
Discover this for yourself on the secluded trails deep in the
This regional park offers signed tracks and paths between 1.5km and
woods by Roslin Glen, or in the quiet valley guarded by
20km in length, as well as a number of cycle paths. The park can be
Crichton Castle. accessed from Bonaly, Hillend, Flotterstone Visitor Centre, Boghall Farm
and Harlaw Visitor Centre.
And as well as a choice of country parks and walkways Open All Year Fishing on Gladhouse Reservoir

(some using the traffic-free trackbeds of former railways), Nr Penicuik

Midlothian gives easy access to the Pentland Hills. Tel 0131 445 3383
www.pentlandhills.org
Generations have enjoyed the seclusion these wild spaces
offer – they were a favourite of Robert Louis Stevenson.
Today their soaring grassy slopes are popular with walkers
Roslin Glen Country Park
This undisturbed wooded Glen follows the River North Esk with superb
and mountain-bikers, yet still offer peace and tranquillity.
woodland walks and a rich habitat for wildlife. Look out for the ruined
gunpowder mills and 15th century Rosslyn Castle, as well as the
Dalkeith Estate ★★★ Visitor Attraction nearby Rosslyn Chapel.
Open All Year
An historic woodland estate once home to the Duke of Buccleuch,
Roslin
this country park is the perfect day out for all the family with an
Tel 01875 821 990
exciting adventure playground, shop, walks, wildlife, visitor centre and
www.midlothian.gov.uk
ranger service.
Open April - September
Dalkeith
Tel 0131 654 1666
Vogrie Country Park ★★ Visitor Attraction
105 hectares of attractive woods and parkland with an adventure play
www.dalkeithcountrypark.com
area, café, barbeque sites, woodland walks, nature trails, ponds and
streams. Vogrie provides a habitat for over 80 species of birds and 22
Fala Moor kinds of mammals.
Open All Year
An open access area of high ground crossed by a good path and
Gorebridge
giving excellent views north and south. Particularly popular with bird
Tel 01875 821 990
watchers, for the ducks, geese and waders attracted to the Fala Loch.
www.midlothian.gov.uk
Open All Year
Nr Pathhead Pentland Hills Regional Park
 Activities in Midlothian
Cycling
Cycling is a perfect way to exercise and a great way to access the
many attractions and natural heritage of Midlothian. There is a wide
range of routes away from the main road network ranging from paths
on disused railways to the network of minor country lanes linking the
smaller settlements and leading out into the countryside.
www.visitscotland.com/cycling

Fishing
Fishing is a popular pastime in Midlothian with reservoirs at Glencorse
(Pentland Hills), Edgelaw and Gladhouse (Moorfoot Hills). Rosebery
Reservoir also provide pike, rainbow and trout fishing. Enquire at the
Tourist Information Centres for permits.
www.visitscotland.com/fish

Golf
Melville Golf Centre ★★★★ Activity Centre
Golf facilities includes a 9 hole pay and play course, a 4 hole practice
course, 22 covered floodlit driving bays, a golf shop offering a
speciality Ladies section, as well as tuition arrangements for all
golf levels.
Open All Year, Lasswade
Tel 0131 663 8038
www.melvillegolf.co.uk / www.visitscotland.com/golf

Horseriding
Edinburgh & Lasswade Riding Centre ★ Activity Centre
Situated 20 minutes out of Edinburgh, the riding centre offers 50
horses, ranging from Shetland ponies to thoroughbreds. Catering for
children from 2 years upwards, the centre provides horses for beach
Midlothian Snowsports Centre and country rides, as well as offering a riding school for all levels.
Open All Year, Kevock Road, Lasswade
Tel 0131 663 7676
www.lasswadestables.com

See More Save More Skiing

Midlothian Snowsports Centre ★★★★ Activity Centre
Free entry to over Europe’s longest artificial ski and snowboard slope, catering for skiers
and snowboarders of all standards.
Discounts are available on visitor attractions,
activities, taxis, theatres and restaurants in the
Pentland Hills 30 top attractions
Free airport and
Open All Year, Hillend, Biggar Road, near Edinburgh
Tel 0131 445 4433
area. More details are available Regional Park city centre transport www.ski.midlothian.gov.uk
and loads of exclusive offers
on www.edinburgh-midlothian.co.uk Walking
For a free ‘Explore Midlothian’ walking guide, which outlines trails of
BUY from our Tourist Information Centres varying length and difficulty throughout the area, ask at any Tourist
NOW or www.edinburghpass.com Information Centre or visit www.midlothian.gov.uk /
www.visitscotland.com/walking
Things to See & Do
It’s the range of ways of spending your days here that Edinburgh Butterfly & edinburgh
really appeals. For instance, whether or not you can tell a
Insect World ★★★ Visitor Attraction pass ™

nuthatch from a treecreeper, you’re sure to enjoy the

One of Midlothian’s most popular attractions, where you can stroll
varied wildlife habitat of Midlothian. The rough pasture by the through an exotic rainforest with tropical plants and splashing waterfalls,
upland edge of the Lammermuir Hills, the rolling as you watch hundreds of spectacular butterflies flying around you.
farmlands and gorse-covered slopes by Pathhead and Look out for live scorpions, tarantulas, ants, iguanas and much more!
Crichton Castle, the mature deciduous woodland by Roslin, Open All Year
at Dobbies Garden World, Melville Nursery, Lasswade
the heathery folds of the Pentland Hills – all have their wildlife
Tel 0131 663 4932
specialities. And, yes, you might even see the www.edinburgh-butterfly-world.co.uk
occasional nuthatch – keep a lookout for them in the
woodlands of the country parks.
Pentland Plants
★★★ Garden Centre
If you haven’t packed your binoculars, then there’s a
Visit this family run business for all your gardening needs. Enjoy tasty
dedicated golf centre, a choice of reservoirs for anglers and home baking, lunches and delicious speciality coffees at Café Panola
a snowsports centre with Europe’s longest artificial ski slope. while the gift shop is filled with a wide range of cards, kitchenware,
Then you can make some short but rewarding excursions books and soaps.
to heritage sites such as Soutra Aisle high in the hills, where, Open All Year
with a little imagination (and those helpful information Loanhead
Tel 0131 440 0895
panels), you can glimpse medieval times. And after you’ve
www.pentlandplants.co.uk
visited castles, explored the country parks outdoors and
admired the exotic butterflies indoors, then you can make
the most of the extensive shopping choice that Midlothian
Rosslyn Chapel Tour & Trail
★★★★ Tour
offers in its retail park and town centres. Specialising in a full guided tour of 15th century Rosslyn Chapel with
a courtesy pick up and drop off if required. Rosslyn Tours offers an
inspiring insight into the history of Rosslyn Chapel, Castle and Glen.
Dobbies Garden World Open All Year
Tel 0131 440 3293
★★★★ Garden Centre
www.rosslyntours.co.uk
Located right next to Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World, Dobbies is
well worth a visit. While the garden centre offers quality plants and
flowers, garden furniture and homeware, you will also find a gift shop,
food hall and children’s play area.
Scottish Mining Museum edinburgh
pass ™

★★★★★ Visitor Attraction

Open All Year
This fascinating and fun museum houses the story of coal mining for
Melville Nursery, Lasswade
Scotland. Discover this way of life through two floors of exhibitions.
Tel 0131 663 1941
Recently voted Scotland’s most treasured place, as represented by an
www.dobbies.com/edinburgh-garden-centre.aspx
archive image from the Royal Commission on the Ancient and
Historical Monuments of Scotland national collection.
Open All Year
Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange
Tel 0131 663 7519
www.scottishminingmuseum.com
 Did you Know?
Midlothian is serviced by extensive bus routes, regularly running
to and from Edinburgh city centre to attractions such as
The Scottish Mining Museum, Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World
and Midlothian Snowsports Centre.

Lothian Bus Number 15 will take you from Edinburgh city centre
Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Pentland Hills Regional Park directly out to Rosslyn Chapel in approx 40 minutes.

Various Park & Ride parks are available in the area including the
Sheriffhall Park & Ride site (located on the A7 between Danderhall
and the Sheriffhall roundabout) with 580 parking spaces and
frequent bus services from and to Edinburgh city centre.
General information on the park and ride site is available from
the Midlothian Travel Team on 0131 561 5443 or at
www.midlothian.gov.uk.

For more information about travelling in Midlothian, call Traveline on

0871 200 22 33 or visit www.travelinescotland.com.

Scottish Mining Museum Scottish Mining Museum

Events & Festivals

Spring
May Penicuik in the Park
June Mayfield Gala (Fun Day)
St Nicholas Buccleuch Parish Church
June Newtongrange Gala (Fun Day) An Invitation to 800 years of History
June Gorebridge Gala (Fun Day)
June Loanhead Gala Day
June Poltonhall Gala Visit this Christian Sanctuary which has stood in the centre of
Dalkeith since early in the 13th Century
Summer
• Sense the peace that pervades this living Church
July Dalkeith Agricultural Show
• Enter the ruined Apse with its unique Monument and
August Dalkeith Festival burial Vault
August Vogrie Festival • Explore the ancient Graveyard and descend into the hidden
August/ Brass in the Park Walled Garden
September • Enjoy tasteful refreshments in the welcoming Coffee Shop
and courtyard
• Roam round the Gift Shop for a memento of your visit
Winter
• Peer, as you leave, into the minute Alms House built to
December IKEA Winter Festival
collect for the poor

For more information on events and festivals in the area check out The Church and Visitor Centre is open from 10am to 4pm, Mon to Sat,
www.edinburgh.org Vogrie Festival April til October and is located at 119 High Street Dalkeith (opposite the
County Hotel)