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Home > Scotland > Things to do in Lothian Scotland > Newhailes House

Newhailes House

Located on the edge of Musselburgh, this 17th-century villa is a time capsule of the Scottish Enlightenment. It is managed by the National Trust for Scotland and is in Musselburgh, postcode EH21 6RY.

What to Expect and Enjoy
Newhailes isn’t about shiny gold and new paint; it has been kept in a state of “preserved decay.” This means you see the house exactly as it was left, with original wallpaper and faded grandeur.

  • The Library: Once considered one of the finest libraries in the world, the room is still magnificent to stand in.
  • The Shell Grotto: Hidden in the woods on the estate is a strange and beautiful little building decorated entirely with shells. It’s a bit of a mystery and great fun to find.
  • We Play at Newhailes: For families, there is a fantastic modern adventure play park made of wood that keeps children entertained for ages.

Best For and Time Spent
The house is a hit for history buffs and adults, while the estate and playground make it a firm favourite for families with young children.

  • Duration: Most people spend 1 hour on a house tour, but families often stay for 2 to 3 hours to use the play park and explore the woods.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

  • Parking: There is a car park on-site. It is usually free for National Trust members, but there is a small charge for non-members.
  • Food & Drink: The “Stables Café” serves great coffee, cakes, and light lunches. It’s a very popular spot for locals even if they aren’t visiting the house.
  • The Playground: Please note that there is usually a small separate entry fee for the “We Play” adventure park if you aren’t a National Trust member.

More Places Nearby

Almond Valley Heritage Centre Arthur’s Seat Blackness Castle Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Dalkeith Country Park Dalmeny House Dirleton Castle and Gardens Dynamic Earth East Links Family Park Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh Ghost Tours Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Edinburgh Zoo Five Sisters Zoo Fountain Park Foxlake Adventures Glenkinchie Distillery Hopetoun House House of the Binns Inveresk Lodge Garden Jupiter Artland Linlithgow Palace Lost Shore Surf Resort Malleny Garden Midlothian Snowsports Centre Murrayfield Stadium Tour Musselburgh Racecourse National Museum of Flight National Museum of Scotland North Berwick Harbour Rosslyn Chapel Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish National Gallery Scottish National Portrait Gallery Scottish Parliament Visitor Centre Tantallon Castle The Edinburgh Dungeon The Palace of Holyroodhouse The Royal Mile The Royal Yacht Britannia The Scottish Seabird Centre
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