Go on an adventure in Midlothian
Midlothian boasts some of the finest adventure and activity centres in the country. Surprisingly close to Edinburgh, adventure thrills and fun to beat the winter blues are never far away.
Driftwood Adventure is an outdoor activities Company based locally. They offer a multitude of Midlothian adventure experiences, from stand up Paddleboarding on Gladhouse Reservoir, to kayaking, snorkelling, hill walking and rock climbing. Active adventure starts here.
A team of qualified and enthusiastic instructors enjoy introducing people to new activities. The business operates on a mobile basis, meeting you wherever you wish to venture.
As well as many activities, they also run some organised waterways and beach clean ups throughout the year.
Family Pricing Group and Family Discounts available
Dalkeith Country Park is a very special place. There’s over 1,000 acres to explore, Fort Douglas adventure park to play in, Restoration Yard to eat, shop and relax in and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy some fresh air in.
Take in the stunning nature including the SSSI Old Oak Wood and views of the beautiful architecture including Dalkeith Palace, Montagu Bridge and the 18th Century Orangerie while enjoying one of the waymarked walks or cycle routes.
Also, now you can see the park from a whole new perspective with the addition of Go Ape into the park. Go Ape has three courses in Dalkeith Country Park – Treetop Adventure, Treetop Adventure Plus and Treetop Challenge – which include ziplines across River Esk. Children of one metre up can take on the challenge.
Dalkeith Country Park Opening Hours November to end March
7am to 7pm
The Store at Restoration Yard is open 7 days from 10am to 5pm.
All day dining is available in The Kitchen restaurant on Thursday to Monday in October & November.
The Larder is open 7 days from 9am for takeaway hot drinks, cakes & snacks.
See all pricing and find out more about Dalkeith Country Park>>
Go Ape Opening Hours November to end March
Go Ape at Dalkeith Country Park is open on weekends throughout winter. For regular main season hours, see website
Fort Douglas Opening Hours November to end March
Fort Douglas is open 7 days a week.
Winter Hours: Morning sessions 9am to 12pm and afternoon sessions 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
Book your Fort Douglas Adventure>>
Close by places
Head to Melville Golf Centre for some family fun trying out the Toptracer Golf Range.
Explore Dalkeith and the historic connections between the town and Dalkeith Country Park. There are lots of historic markers along the walk plus food and drink options and some shopping. Discover Dalkeith's Historic Connections>>
Midlothian Snowsports Centre is set into the hillside of the stunning Pentland Hills regional park. They offer all the fun and adrenaline you would expect from Britain’s largest artificial slope. Ski and snowboard lessons can be arranged or simply enjoy a practice session. Tubing is also a fun option available on the slopes!
Drinks and snacks are available in café 360.
Opening Hours November to March
Monday to Friday 9.30 – 9pm & Saturday & Sunday 9.30 – 7pm
Family Pricing
Family classes are available - Family ski lessons for 2 adults and 2 children for 1.5 hours is £120 (includes all equipment hire)
Pre booking is essential, call 0131 445 4433
Find out more and get ready for the slopes>>
Close by Places
Rosslyn Chapel is great for a family visit. They have kids activities and tasty homemade food and drink in the coffee shop.
Discover places to eat and shop in Penicuik including the Penicuik Storehouse, a unique local community store selling locally sourced produce and a variety of fairtrade take away hot drinks.
Why not treat yourself to lunch at The Craigie Hotel. The relaxing restaurant in Penicuik offers food options for all pockets from leisurely brunches to Sunday lunches.
Ryze is located in Mayfield Industrial Estate, Dalkeith and is Scotland’s original and best Xtreme Air Sports facility. It gives the whole family the chance to take part in active adventure and fitness fun.
Defy gravity on just under 40000 square feet of connected world class trampolines. Featuring their famous angled wall trampolines, launching decks and a few surprises from the ceiling to test your aerial skills. Jump to your heart’s content
Ryze Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday 09.30am – 9pm and Sunday 09.30 -6pm
Family Pricing
Children passes are available as are family nights, memberships, deals, young scot offers and gift cards. Visit the Ryze website for more information>>
Close by Places
Saltire Soccer and Soft Play, another ideal indoor place for a cold day
Dalkeith Country Park including Restoration Yard, The Store, Fort Douglas and Go Ape!
Eden Rock Edinburgh is Scotland’s largest indoor bouldering centre located in Loanhead, just south of Edinburgh. They offer world class climbing for all ages and abilities in a safe, friendly and inclusive environment.
Every week the team creates new climbs to challenge everyone from beginners to world class athletes. If you’re new to climbing they offer inductions, classes and coaching to help you get the best possible start; you’ll feel right at home at Eden Rock in no time! Adventure right here.
Bookable inductions, taster sessions and kids’ parties run at weekends.
Instructed courses are bookable at weekends via phone and email. Experienced boulderers do not need to book normally. We advise checking capacity at peak times via the website before your visit.
Opening Hours November to March
Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 8pm
Family Pricing
Entry for kids is at a reduced rate, and they also have a Family Direct Debit pass
Find out more about bouldering at Eden Rock Edinburgh>>
Close by Places
Rosslyn Chapel for some history and fun family activities
Melville Golf Centre is a modern all weather family Golf Practice Range powered by Toptracer range with a 9 hole course onsite. It is the very first Top Tracer Driving Range opened in the Lothians, just opened in late 2020.
Opening Hours November to March
Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 5pm
Family Pricing
Book a bay online>> Family Winter offer of 1 adult and 2 kids only £12 for one hour – includes unlimited balls and games
Discover great golf on your doorstep at Melville Golf Centre>>
Close by Places
Luci's Italian & The Papermill in Lasswade offer fabulous dining for the whole family.
The Melville Inn is cosy pub and restaurant, with children’s” build your own meal” and warming real fires for chilly winter days.
At Peggyslea Clydesdales there is a variety of unique experiences to suit all ages including carriage driving around the grounds. It is a great chance to get up close and personal to these gentle giants!
A 5 star luxury bed and breakfast is also on the farm for those looking to extend their time there.
Events run throughout the year including an Easter extravagana, fun days and a Christmas grotto.
Peggyslea Clydesdales Opening Hours
Open March – October. Times vary usually between 11am & 3pm
See website to meet the Clydesdale team and also see detail of all experiences and events.
Family Pricing
Family pricing is available. For full details of events, pricing and times visit Peggyslea Clydesdales website>>
Close by places
The Craigie Hotel Penicuik for a lovely meal
Enjoy a wander in the grounds of Penicuik House
Midlothian Family Days has been created by Midlothian Tourism Forum. Midlothian Tourism Forum brings together the wide range of businesses making up Midlothian’s vibrant tourism sector. This includes attractions, transport, accommodation, venues, retail, hospitality, events and festivals, all of which contribute to putting Midlothian on the map.
For any queries please email liz@midlothiantourismforum.co.uk
