Midlothian

Midlothian sits just south of Edinburgh, offering a quieter alternative while still keeping the capital within easy reach. Dalkeith is the area's principal town, with a busy High Street and its historic country park, while Bonnyrigg and Loanhead provide practical bases with good transport links back into the city. Lasswade, set along the River North Esk, has a gentler, more residential feel.

Roslin draws visitors keen to see its famous chapel and explore the wooded glen nearby, making it a popular stop for a short, focused visit. Penicuik, further south, sits closer to the Pentland Hills and suits those wanting walking country on their doorstep. Pathhead, a small village along the old coaching road, offers a peaceful rural stop for travellers passing through the Midlothian countryside.

Midlothian sits close enough to Edinburgh for day trips into the city, yet its own towns give good reason to stay put. Roslin draws visitors keen to base themselves near Rosslyn Chapel, with options such as The Original Rosslyn Hotel and Greenlees Lodge, while Dalkeith and Bonnyrigg offer more straightforward stopovers, including the Premier Inn Edinburgh A7 Dalkeith for those wanting predictable comfort.

For something with more character, Dalhousie Castle Hotel & Spa near Lasswade makes a striking alternative, and smaller guesthouses like Aaron Glen Guest House, Glenarch House and Peggyslea Farm B&B suit travellers who prefer a quieter, personal welcome. Further south towards Penicuik and Pathhead, inns such as The Melville Inn and The Juniperlea Inn work well for those exploring the Pentland Hills or breaking a longer journey.

Choosing where to stay largely depends on whether you want easy access to Edinburgh or a base for the countryside around Penicuik and Roslin, with The Craigie Hotel offering a further option for those covering the wider county.

Midlothian's self-catering cottages suit visitors who want the Pentland Hills or Roslin close at hand while keeping Edinburgh within easy reach. Properties range from compact pods, such as Pentland Pod and Woodland Pod, to more substantial places like Harvieston Hall and The Mansion House at Kirkhill, giving a good spread across budgets and group sizes.

Roslin itself has a natural pull for anyone visiting Rosslyn Chapel, with Roslin Retreats offering both a cottage and a lodge within walking distance. Elsewhere, Fairview, Tigh Nam Muc, Wanton Wa's and Whitehouse Studio bring a mix of rural and village settings, useful for those wanting quieter surroundings without straying far from Midlothian's towns and transport links.