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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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