Top Things to do in Midlothian
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What to do and see in Midlothian, Scotland: The Best Museums
Discover the best top things to do in Midlothian, United Kingdom including Cousland Smiddy, National Mining Museum Scotland, Dalkeith Corn Exchange Museum, Dalkeith Museum, Shillinghill Studios.
Restaurants in Midlothian
1. Cousland Smiddy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Cousland Smiddy gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into our village's heritage, with an early 18th century blacksmith's workshop, Victorian cottage, other partially conserved associated buildings, organic allotments in the former gardens and recreational spaces to enjoy. We believe there has been a continuously working Smiddy on this site in the village since at least 1703. The location is home to Cousland Smiddy Trust, Cousland Local History Project, Cousland Community Heritage Hub and the Cousland Smiddy Plotters.
2. National Mining Museum Scotland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
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/
Reviewed By Aitken-TRIP - West Lothian, United Kingdom
Finally visited here after passing the entrance going elsewhere many times. Easily one of the best museums I have been to recently, especially as it`s within the colliery which adds to the atmosphere of the whole place.. You need the best part of an hour to see the two floors of exhibits and displays so if you are going on a tour and want to do this first give yourself plenty time. (You can, of course, do a guided tour and then go in the museum.) Our guide, John Kane, (an ex miner himself) was brilliant and was equally as good at engaging with the younger visitors as he was at explaining the true reality of his job underground to the adults. The tour took you along the miner`s footsteps when they worked in the mine to the cages that took them underground, very humbling. The props here are the whole place as it was when still a working mine. To him it was just a job but I for one will never complain ever again about the amount of emails in my inbox!! A big thanks to John who made the tour so memorable and handing out a shiny piece of coal from his pocket at the end of the tour to the wee boy I took along. You made his day.
3. Dalkeith Corn Exchange Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By crawford4
This museum is hidden in the old "Back Street" (St Andrew Street) of Dalkeith. It replaces the museum originally housed in Buccleuch Street next to the CAB office. It moved to The Corn Exchange at the bottom of Dalkeith where the building has been beautifully renovated to its original glory and now houses Melville Housing Society and the new Corn Exchange Museum. The museum is well equipped for visitors. It also has good disability access with a lift taking you to the first floor where the Museum is housed. The Museum whilst not huge has ample room in which to give visitors a great insight into Dalkeith's past. There are screens continually showing pictures of by gone days. An informative short video on the history and renovation of The Corn Exchange building.They have a very detailed shop and shop counter display showing products that were sold as far back as the war with tills and old coins used in the shops They have many folders with pictures and photographs not only of the surrounding areas but of many of the inhabitants who lived in Dalkeith over the years. There are many small displays to be seen with many delights to be found within drawers. There is also an area that's excellent for children with a few puzzles. A recent event held was of the local Railway and the old Railway Station in Dalkeith. This was very informative and drawings were very well received. Local schools are showing an interest and the history it can demonstrate to the pupils. The Museum is on a good bus route with the LRT 40 and 39 stopping across from and outside the Museum although it's only a 5 minute walk from the centre of Dalkeith where many other buses are available. The Borders Railway also stops at Eskbank and from there it's a leisurely walk of 20 minutes to Dalkeith. Admittance is Free and open summer 10-4 Monday to Friday with opening Saturday once a month. To enjoy the museum it is recommended you put aside at least an hour and feel free to visit more than once to really ensure you've digested all of its history.
4. Dalkeith Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Our museum reflects the fascinating and unique history of Dalkeith told through display panels, artefacts, film and photographs, visitors are welcomed by our award winning team of volunteers. We run a programme of museum related activities including guided heritage walks, education sessions and accommodate group visits out of hours where possible.
