Attractions and Places To See in Midlothian - Top 20

Midlothian offers extensive natural beauty, particularly within the Pentland Hills. Popular spots include Scald Law Summit, the highest point in the Pentlands, and Carnethy Hill, both offering expansive views. Other notable natural features include Glencorse Reservoir, a picturesque body of water nestled in the hills, and the scenic Green Cleugh Valley. Beyond the Pentland Hills, you can explore Dalkeith Country Park, Vogrie Country Park, and Roslin Glen Country Park, all offering woodlands and trails.

Midlothian is rich in history. The most famous site is Rosslyn Chapel, renowned for its intricate carvings and historical mysteries. Other significant historical sites include the National Mining Museum Scotland, located at the former Lady Victoria Colliery, and the impressive Newbattle Abbey, which began as a Cistercian Monastery. You can also visit Dalkeith Palace, Crichton Castle, and the ruins of Penicuik House for a glimpse into the region's past.

Yes, Midlothian has several attractions suitable for families. Dalkeith Country Park features Fort Douglas adventure park and GoApe for treetop adventures. Vogrie Country Park offers an adventure playground and a miniature railway. The Midlothian Snowsports Centre (Destination Hillend) provides dry slope skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, with new attractions like an alpine coaster and zip line under development. Dalhousie Falconry and Peggyslea Clydesdales offer unique animal encounters.

Midlothian is ideal for outdoor activities, especially hiking and cycling. The Pentland Hills Regional Park offers numerous trails for hill walking and cycling. For easy hikes, consider routes like the Dalkeith Country Park loop or the Gunpowder Mill Ruins – Rosslyn Chapel loop. If you're interested in road cycling, there are routes like the Gorebridge, Innerleithen & Peebles loop via Gladhouse Reservoir. You can find more detailed routes and guides for hiking and cycling on our dedicated pages: Easy hikes in Midlothian, Road Cycling Routes in Midlothian, and Cycling in Midlothian.

Midlothian boasts several excellent viewpoints, particularly within the Pentland Hills. View from Allermuir Hill offers panoramic views of Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and on clear days, even Fife and the Scottish Highlands. Caerketton Hill provides superb views over Edinburgh and Arthur's Seat. The summits of Scald Law and Carnethy Hill also offer expansive vistas across the Pentlands and surrounding areas.

The best time to visit Midlothian for outdoor activities is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and days are longer. However, the Pentland Hills can be windy at any time of year, and snow is possible in winter, especially on higher peaks like Scald Law. Always check the weather forecast and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear, particularly for hiking.

Many of Midlothian's natural parks and outdoor areas are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock. Dalkeith Country Park, Vogrie Country Park, and Roslin Glen Country Park offer extensive woodland walks. Newbattle Abbey is also listed as dog-friendly. Always check specific park rules regarding leash requirements and restricted areas before visiting.

Rosslyn Chapel is accessible by public transport. Lothian Buses operates services from Edinburgh city centre to Roslin village, where the chapel is located. It's advisable to check the latest bus schedules and routes on the Lothian Buses website for the most up-to-date information.

Beyond the major landmarks, Midlothian offers several unique experiences. The Penicuik Papermaking Heritage Museum details the local papermaking industry with original machinery. Cousland Smiddy provides a look at a traditional blacksmith's workshop and organic allotments. The Secret Garden Distillery offers tours focusing on gin production with a nature-centric approach. Lord Ancrum's Wood, near Newbattle Abbey, is an ancient woodland with a 15th-century stone bridge and an ice house.

Hiking in the Pentland Hills offers diverse landscapes from grassy slopes to rugged, rocky sections. Trails can range from easy to challenging, with peaks like Scald Law being the highest. It's often windy at the summits, so be prepared for changing weather. In winter, snow is possible, requiring appropriate gear. While permits are not generally needed for hiking, always stick to marked paths and respect the natural environment.

Yes, Midlothian has sites dedicated to local heritage and crafts. The National Mining Museum Scotland at Lady Victoria Colliery offers a deep dive into Scotland's industrial past. The Penicuik Papermaking Heritage Museum showcases the region's papermaking history with original machinery and demonstrations. Cousland Smiddy provides insight into traditional forge-work and rural life.

While Midlothian has several reservoirs and rivers, official designated wild swimming spots are not widely promoted due to safety and environmental considerations. Glencorse Reservoir is a scenic body of water, but it's primarily a drinking water source. Always exercise caution and check local regulations before considering any wild swimming, as conditions can be unpredictable and access may be restricted.