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8/14/2019 Visit Midlothian
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FREEMAP
VISIT
MidlothianOn Edinburghs Doorstep
History &
Heritage
The GreatOutdoors
Things to
See & Do We grade businesses that try to work in asustainable, environmentally friendly way bronze,silver or gold.
Borthwick Castle
Vogrie Country Park
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
so dependent, is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.
VisitScotland operates a seasonal Tourist Information Centre in
Midlothian at Newtongrange. Come in and see us for expert advice on
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 Informationline 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 atwww.edinburgh.org/queenofscots
Where To Find Out More
Prentice Pillar at Rosslyn Chapel
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 its hard to believe
Scotlands bustling capital is only minutes away.
Thanks to a certain Hollywood blockbuster movie, Rosslyn Chapel is now
Midlothians most famous historic site, but there are lots more places of
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
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.
WelcomeTo Midlothian
edinburghpass
FREE ENTRY with your Edinburgh Pass,
available at our Tourist Information Centres
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More than a century before Rosslyn Chapel was built, the
real Braveheart, William Wallace, fought a battle around the
nearby wooded steep sided glen nearby theres even
a Wallaces Cave. And Rosslyn Chapel has been on
visitors lists of must sees long before its film debut even
the romantic poets Robert Burns and Will iam Wordsworth
made the trip.
Then theres another romantic spot: Crichton Castle,
associated with Mary Queen of Scots third husband, the
Earl of Bothwell. Add in stately homes like Arniston House,
as well as impressive castle-hotels, such as Dalhousie
Castle and the atmospheric Borthwick Castle, and youll find
plenty of historic strands to follow.
Midlothians industrial heritage is portrayed in the
fascinating Scottish Mining Museum a great excursion for
families and in fact an anchor point on the European Route
of Industrial Heritage.
History & HeritageCrichton Collegiate ChurchDating from 1449 and set to the east of Crichton Castle, this is one of
the few remaining pre-reformation churches in the area still in use. The
external sculptured cornices resemble those at Rosslyn Chapel, only
5.5 miles away.
Nr Pathhead
Rosslyn Chapel Visitor AttractionUndoubtedly Scotlands most outstanding Gothic church, mysterious
and magical Rosslyn Chapel was built in 1446 and is famed world wide
for the beauty of its carvings and its links to the Knights Templar and
freemasonry.
Open All Year (Future work may affect opening times. Please check on
the website)
Roslin
Tel 0131 440 2159
www.rosslynchapel.com
St Nicholas Buccleuch ChurchThis Christian Sanctuary was completed in 1420, while worship on thesite 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
119 High Street, Dalkeith
www.stnicholasbuccleuch.org.uk
Soutra AisleHere lies the remains of a major medieval hospital with a spectacular
viewpoint where history, archaeology and archaeomedicine are
explained. Run by Augustinian monks, the house once provided care
for the poor and sick.
Open All Year
Nr Pathhead
For specialist tours, telephone 01875 833 248
Temple Old KirkA ruined historic church believed to have been founded by
King David I in the 12th century. Late Gothic tracery can still be seen,
with animals carved at the ends of the mouldings above the windows.
Open All Year
Nr Gorebridge
Arniston HouseThis 18th century William Adam mansion has been home to the
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.
Open May September (varied opening times)
Nr Gorebridge
Tel 01875 830 515www.arniston-house.co.uk
Crichton Castle CastleSet 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 faade of faceted
stonework in an Italian style.
Open April October
Nr Pathhead
Tel 01875 320 017
www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Crichton Collegiate Church
Crichton Castle
Temple Old Kirk
Gothic carving at Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Castle
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The Great Outdoors
Dalkeith Estate Visitor AttractionAn historic woodland estate once home to the Duke of Buccleuch,
this country park is the perfect day out for all the family with an
exciting adventure playground, shop, walks, wildlife, visitor centre and
ranger service.Open April - September
Dalkeith
Tel 0131 654 1666
www.dalkeithcountrypark.com
Fala MoorAn open access area of high ground crossed by a good path and
giving excellent views north and south. Particularly popular with bird
watchers, for the ducks, geese and waders attracted to the Fala Loch.
Open All Year
Nr Pathhead
Pentland Hills Regional ParkVisitor Attraction
This regional park offers signed tracks and paths between 1.5km and
20km in length, as well as a number of cycle paths. The park can be
accessed from Bonaly, Hillend, Flotterstone Visitor Centre, Boghall Farm
and Harlaw Visitor Centre.
Open All Year
Nr Penicuik
Tel 0131 445 3383
www.pentlandhills.org
Roslin Glen Country ParkThis undisturbed wooded Glen follows the River North Esk with superb
woodland walks and a rich habitat for wildlife. Look out for the ruined
gunpowder mills and 15th century Rosslyn Castle, as well as the
nearby Rosslyn Chapel.
Open All Year
Roslin
Tel 01875 821 990
www.midlothian.gov.uk
Vogrie Country ParkVisitor Attraction105 hectares of attractive woods and parkland with an adventure play
area, caf, barbeque sites, woodland walks, nature trails, ponds and
streams. Vogrie provides a habitat for over 80 species of birds and 22
kinds of mammals.
Open All Year
Gorebridge
Tel 01875 821 990
www.midlothian.gov.uk
Its a trick that Midlothian keeps playing: youll find it hard to
believe that such lovely countryside is so close to the city.
Discover this for yourself on the secluded trails deep in the
woods by Roslin Glen, or in the quiet valley guarded by
Crichton Castle.
And as well as a choice of country parks and walkways
(some using the traff ic-free trackbeds of former railways),
Midlothian gives easy access to the Pentland Hills.
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
and mountain-bikers, yet still offer peace and tranquillity.
Pentland Hills Regional Park
Fishing on Gladhouse Reservoir
Melville Golf CourseWeir Pool & Weir, Roslin GlenVogrie HouseGlencorse View
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Pentland HillsRegional Park
Activities in MidlothianCycling
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
FishingFishing 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
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
SkiingMidlothian Snowsports Centre Activity Centre
Europes longest artificial ski and snowboard slope, catering for skiers
and snowboarders of all standards.
Open All Year, Hillend, Biggar Road, near Edinburgh
Tel 0131 445 4433
www.ski.midlothian.gov.uk
Walking
For a free Explore Midlothian walking guide, which outlines trails of
varying length and difficulty throughout the area, ask at any Tourist
Information Centre or visit www.midlothian.gov.uk /
www.visitscotland.com/walking
Midlothian Snowsports Centre
See More Save More
BUYNOW
from our Tourist Information Centres
or www.edinburghpass.com
Free entry to over
30 top attractions
Free airport and
city centre transport
and loads of exclusive offers
Discounts are available on visitor attractions,
activities, taxis, theatres and restaurants in the
area. More details are available
on www.edinburgh-midlothian.co.uk
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Its the range of ways of spending your days here that
really appeals. For instance, whether or not you can tell a
nuthatch from a treecreeper, youre sure to enjoy the
varied wildlife habitat of Midlothian. The rough pasture by the
upland edge of the Lammermuir Hills, the rolling
farmlands and gorse-covered slopes by Pathhead and
Crichton Castle, the mature deciduous woodland by Roslin,
the heathery folds of the Pentland Hills all have their wildlife
specialities. And, yes, you might even see the
occasional nuthatch keep a lookout for them in the
woodlands of the country parks.
If you havent packed your binoculars, then theres a
dedicated golf centre, a choice of reservoirs for anglers and
a snowsports centre with Europes longest artificial ski slope.
Then you can make some short but rewarding excursions
to heritage sites such as Soutra Aisle high in the hills, where, with a little imagination (and those helpful information
panels), you can glimpse medieval times. And after youve
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
offers in its retail park and town centres.
Dobbies Garden World Garden Centre
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 childrens play area.
Open All Year
Melville Nursery, Lasswade
Tel 0131 663 1941
www.dobbies.com/edinburgh-garden-centre.aspx
Things to See & DoEdinburgh Butterfly &Insect World Visitor AttractionOne of Midlothians most popular attractions, where you can stroll
through an exotic rainforest with tropical plants and splashing waterfalls,
as you watch hundreds of spectacular butterflies flying around you.
Look out for live scorpions, tarantulas, ants, iguanas and much more!
Open All Year
at Dobbies Garden World, Melville Nursery, Lasswade
Tel 0131 663 4932
www.edinburgh-butterfly-world.co.uk
Pentland Plants Garden Centre
Visit this family run business for all your gardening needs. Enjoy tasty
home baking, lunches and delicious speciality coffees at Caf Panola
while the gift shop is filled with a wide range of cards, kitchenware,
books and soaps.
Open All YearLoanhead
Tel 0131 440 0895
www.pentlandplants.co.uk
Rosslyn Chapel Tour & Trail Tour
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.
Open All Year
Tel 0131 440 3293
www.rosslyntours.co.uk
Scottish Mining Museum Visitor Attraction
This fascinating and fun museum houses the story of coal mining for
Scotland. Discover this way of life through two floors of exhibitions.
Recently voted Scotlands most treasured place, as represented by an
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
edinburghpass
edinburghpass
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Events & FestivalsSpring
May Penicuik in the Park
June Mayfield Gala (Fun Day)
June Newtongrange Gala (Fun Day)
June Gorebridge Gala (Fun Day)
June Loanhead Gala Day
June Poltonhall Gala
SummerJuly Dalkeith Agricultural Show
August Dalkeith Festival
August Vogrie Festival
August/ Brass in the Park
September
Winter
December IKEA Winter Festival
For more information on events and festivals in the area check out
www.edinburgh.org
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
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.
Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World
Scottish Mining Museum
Pentland Hills Regional Park
Scottish Mining Museum
Vogrie Festival
St Nicholas Buccleuch Parish ChurchAn Invitation to 800 years of History
Visit this Christian Sanctuary which has stood in the centre of
Dalkeith since early in the 13th Century
Sense the peace that pervades this living Church Enter the ruined Apse with its unique Monument and
burial Vault
Explore the ancient Graveyard and descend into the hidden
Walled Garden
Enjoy tasteful refreshments in the welcoming Coffee Shop
and courtyard
Roam round the Gift Shop for a memento of your visit
Peer, as you leave, into the minute Alms House built to
collect for the poor
The Church and Visitor Centre is open from 10am to 4pm, Mon to Sat,
April til October and is located at 119 High Street Dalkeith (opposite the
County Hotel)
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