Historic days out in Midlothian
Castlelaw Hill Fort
Castle Knowe, Pentlands, south of Edinburgh
Opening times
1 Apr 30 Sept: Daily 9.30am to 5.30pm
1 Oct to 31 Mar: Daily, 10am to 4pm
Cost
Free
What they say
Explore an impressive defensive site, situated in the attractive Pentland Hills just outside Edinburgh.
Castlelaw Hill Fort was home to an Iron Age community for several centuries. The stronghold consists of three concentric rings of ramparts and ditches surrounding a low foothill.
The earth house, or souterrain, built into the middle ditch is the hill fort’s main point of interest. Various theories have been put forward regarding its use. It could have been used as:
-
a hiding place
-
a ritual structure
-
a storage space
​Roslin Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel, Chapel Loan, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9PU
Opening times
Please visit the website for timeslots
Cost
Adults £10.50
Children free
​
What they say
Rosslyn Chapel was founded in 1446 as a place of worship and services continue to be held here weekly. The Chapel has also been a popular destination for visitors for generations. By the late 18th-century, it was starting to appear on itineraries and its profile greatly increased after the publication of Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code, in 2003, and the subsequent film
Crichton Castle
Pathhead, EH37 5XA
Opening times
Please visit the website for opening times
​
Cost
Please visit the website for admission
​
What they say
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.
​Penicuik House
Penicuik House, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 9LA
Opening times
Open every day
​
Cost
Free
​
What they say
Penicuik House is a beautiful country estate located only 9 miles from the centre of Edinburgh. The house is considered the finest example of a Neo-Palladian Mansion in the UK and is set within 1,000 acres of stunning designed landscape. The house became established as one of the finest second-generation neo-Palladian houses in the country until a fire in 1899 devastated the roof and interiors and left the once-magnificent building in ruins.