The Local Area Things To Do

Dalhousie Castle lies just 8 miles from the centre of Scotland’s capital with its cosmopolitan mix of shops and eateries, historic monuments, family attractions and a thriving arts and entertainment scene. The nearest train station, Newtongrange, is a mere a 5 minute drive (1.7 miles) from Dalhousie. From here trains into the city centre run every 30 minutes with a journey time of 22 minutes.

Here’s our list of the top things to do in the area.

Edinburgh Castle

This most famous of Scotland’s castles is a city icon and houses the Honours (Crown Jewels) of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, the famous 15th century gun Mons Meg, the One O’ Clock Gun and the National War Museum of Scotland. Take a tour to explore the castle’s dramatic history and architecture.

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Rosslyn Chapel

One of Scotland’s most remarkable buildings which is still used today as a place of worship, attracts visitors from around the world for its unique and mysterious carvings and beautiful setting. Featuring in Dan Brown’s controversial novel and the subsequent film, The Da Vinci Code, has perhaps added to the countless theories, myths and legends associated with the Chapel.

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Royal Yacht Britannia

Home to the British Royal Family for over 40 years, Her Majesty’s Yacht gives a fascinating insight into this most famous of floating royal residences. Explore the five decks, eat in the Royal Deck Tea Room and take a peek inside the royal apartments and bedrooms. A great, all-weather day out for all ages.

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Arthur’s Seat

The highest point in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park, Arthur’s Seat is actually an ancient volcano and the site of a large, well-preserved fort dating from around 2000 years ago. Climb to the top for fantastic views across the city and take in some of the diverse flora and geology at the same time.

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The Real Mary King’s Close

Beneath the City Chambers on the Royal Mile lies Edinburgh’s deepest secret, a warren of hidden streets where real people lived, worked and died between the 17th and the 19th centuries. With a costumed character tour guide based on a one-time resident you can uncover the myths and mysteries surrounding the hidden closes in Edinburgh’s Old Town.

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Glenkinchie Distillery

The home of ‘The Edinburgh Malt’ is located close to Dalhousie Castle and offers a great day out for budding whisky aficionados with a full tour and tasting. There’s also a shop onsite should you wish to bring back a wee dram.

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Royal Botanic Garden

A world-renowned centre for plant science and horticulture and home to one of the world’s largest collections of living plants. Check their exciting programme of events throughout the year.

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National Museum of Scotland

One of the UK’s top 10 visitor attractions the National Museum of Scotland houses over 20,000 artefacts that take you on a journey through the history of Scotland, taking in nature art, design and fashion and science and technology.

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The Royal Mile

This stretch running between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh’s Old Town is iconic the world over. Take in some of the city’s most famed historic sites, architectural gems and the best spots for eating and drinking as you soak up the atmosphere in the heart of Scotland’s capital.

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The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Her Majesty The Queen’s official residence in Scotland stands at the end of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, and is open year-round to the public. Visitors can explore the 14 State apartments, the ruins of the 12th century Holyrood Abbey and gardens as well as many fine exhibitions from the Royal Collection in the Queen’s Gallery.

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Dynamic Earth

Travel back through space and time to witness the first big bang, experience the primeval forces of nature as they shaped our planet and see the earth as you’ve never seen it before. Exciting, engaging and educational – for all ages.

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Golf

Golf and royalty have been linked throughout history – and no more so than in Scotland, the birthplace of the sport. So where better to base yourself when partaking in Scotland’s national sport, than in Scotland’s oldest inhabited castle?

Midlothian is a veritable golfer’s paradise and with eighteen courses located within twenty miles of Dalhousie Castle you’ll be spoilt for choice for scenic spots to play a round or two, whatever your ability.

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Shooting in Midlothian

Scotland is world-renowned for country pursuits. There’s nowhere else in the world that offers the same combination of outstanding birds, dramatic countryside and a sense of tradition that elevates a sporting experience into such a unique occasion. It’s rather fitting therefore that a place as steeped in history as Dalhousie is a firm favourite for those enjoying a sport so entwined in Scotland’s rich heritage.

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