Newhailes House
Newhailes, Musselburgh, Scotland, EH21 6RY
One look at the grand facade of Newhailes House makes it easy to see why the 17th-century villa is hailed as one of Scotland’s most impressive National Trust properties. Along with boasting an eclectic mix of architectural styles and materials—including Chinese decor, Italian marble, and rococo interiors—the house is surrounded by 84 acres (34 hectares) of gardens and woodlands.
The basics
You can only explore Newhailes House on a guided tour, which highlights the most impressive features of the Palladian mansion, and takes you back 300 years on a journey through the building’s rich history and the role it played in the Scottish Enlightenment. Another tour option focuses on the curiosities and art of the house’s pirate collection, which spans objects and paintings from around the world. After seeing the interior, you can stroll the grounds and nature trails of the estate, which sometimes hosts special events.
Things to know before you go
On the premises of Newhailes House, there’s a gift shop and a café that serves traditional Scottish snacks, drinks, and ice cream.
Because of its age, some parts of the house aren’t accessible to travelers using wheelchairs and strollers.
If you’re planning on walking the woodland trails, make sure you take a waterproof jacket and shoes with good grip, as Scotland’s high rainfall can make paths slippery.
There’s an admission fee to tour the house, but there's a discount for children; it’s a good idea to book in advance.
How to get there
Newhailes House is 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Edinburgh city center. You can take bus 30, 26, 44, 140, or 141 to be dropped off near the entrance, or catch the train to Newcraighall Station, which is a 20-minute walk from the entrance. If you’re going by car, drive via the A1 road for 20 minutes.
When to get there
While the estate is open year-round from dawn till dusk , guided tours of the house only run between March and October. The café and shop are open from morning until early evening March through October, and open and close a few hours later and earlier in November and December.
Weehailes Playpark
Specially designed to reflect the rich history and heritage of Newhailes House, Weehailes Playpark is an adventure playground designed for kids between 3 and 12 years old. Slides, high walkways, tunnels, and a zipline make for a fun-filled addition to your itinerary. All children need to be supervised by adults.
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