Things to do near Edinburgh

06 January 2023|Read time 3 mins

You’ve no doubt heard a thing or two about the southeast of Scotland, with its castles and golf courses.

But there’s much more to our region, especially if you venture to the outskirts of Edinburgh.

Things to do near Edinburgh

If you are planning a self-catering break in the capital with your family and friends this year and fancy taking a break from the history, architecture and hustle and bustle of the city, why not look for days out slightly further afield?

There are many great activities near and around Edinburgh that welcome all manner of groups. 

We can think of several breathtaking and bucket list-worthy sights and tours that will take you through Scotland’s history, which we have shared below for you to look over.

The Five Sisters Zoo

West Calder

The Five Sisters Zoo is full of interesting and exciting animals.

With species including Arctic Wolves, Raccoons and Scottish Wildcats, this zoo prides itself on the conservation and protection of both native and non-native mammals, birds and reptiles.

With plenty of talks and feeds throughout the day, you are guaranteed to have a fun and educational day out.

You can even be a zoo keeper for the day!

Craigies Farm

South Queensferry

For the ultimate outdoors and country experience, take you and your family to Craigie’s Farm and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

Pick your strawberries and raspberries, explore the 'Little Farmers' adventure park or meet some new furry and feathered friends as you feed lambs and hens.

This is a great educational experience and a fun-filled day out for all the family.

Glenkinchie Distillery

Pencaitland

For those with a love or interest in whisky, there is no better day out than a trip to where they create single malt.

Follow the malted barley's journey through the Glenkinchie distillery and learn various unique processes which lead to a single malt whisky maturing in a cask for years.

Don't forget the most important bit of the tour, the tasting at the end!

Midlothian Snowsports Centre

Pentland Hills

Set in the Pentlands is Britain’s largest dry ski slope centre; you can even see it from some parts of the city.

You can brush up on your skiing and snowboarding or give tubing a go.

The centre provides lessons for beginners or, if you are more experienced, you can take to the Freestyle slope to show off your tricks.

If you are looking for something that involves less effort and balance, book a tubing party and whiz down the slopes on a large doughnut.

Rosslyn Chapel

Roslin

Mentioned in the ‘Da Vinci Code’ - both the book and the film - Rosslyn Chapel is said to have once been the hiding place for the Holy Grail and a piece of the Holy Rood.

The chapel is also believed to display carvings portraying plants indigenous to North America, like the potato and the American cactus, even though the New World had not yet been discovered when the chapel was erected.

Roslin Glen Country Park

North Esk Valley

Roslin Glen has been visited by many famous names over the years, including Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and William Wordsworth.

Roslin Glen is now a blend of woodland, river walks, caves and wildflower meadows and is well worth a visit.

Edinburgh and Lasswade Riding Centre

Lasswade

Hacking, trekking, common ridings and galas are activities this local riding centre is prepared to accommodate.

There are horses available for indoor and outdoor schools, making it ideal for large parties or team building events.

Groove Tunnel

Loanhead

This local recording studio offers a party experience to those who book, be they student groups, schools, solo singers, birthday parties, or corporate staff.

Arniston House

Gorebridge

A short drive away from Edinburgh, this Georgian mansion built in the town of Gorebridge has been home to the Dundas family for over 4 centuries, but it was originally the property of the Knight’s Templar.

Some of Edinburgh’s streets are named after the people who lived here, and the lady of the house has many stories to share.

There’s even a secret passageway, but if you’d like to know more, then why not visit during Doors Open Day, which happens every September?

National Mining Museum

Dalkeith

Once employing 120 ponies - the pride of Newtongrange - the Lady Victoria Colliery produced more than 40 million tonnes of coal, which went into the making of essentials such as lipstick and batteries.

Visit the museum to find out why miners never took matches in the pit, but took canary birds instead.

Stewart Brewing

Loanhead

Whether you’d like a brewery tour, pizza or a birthday party, you can’t go wrong with Stewart Brewing.

Take a tour of this custom-built brewery and learn the history of Stewart Brewing as well as its brewing processes.

Book a self-catering trip to Edinburgh

While there is so much to explore in Edinburgh, there is also plenty to enjoy outside the city centre.

Book a self-catering break with Reserve Apartments today and explore!