Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Midlothian, Scotland

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

Saltire Centre is a Kids Soft Play centre, café and Indoor Football arena. The Saltire Centre is a great, safe environment for groups of all ages to enjoy.

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.