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AREA SPOTLIGHT

                                                                                                                                     Transport
                                                                                                       Penicuik House and Estate grounds
                                                                                                                                   Depending on where you are in Midlothian,
                                                                                                                                   you could drive to Edinburgh in as little as 20
                                                                                                                                   minutes; drivers can enjoy convenient access
                                                                                                                                   to the city using the A720 Bypass.

                                                                                                                                   There’s  a  plethora  of  regular  bus  services
                                                                                                                                   connecting Midlothian to Edinburgh and to
                                                                                                                                   neighbouring  towns,  while  train travellers
                                                                                                                                   can enjoy the Borders railway network,
                                                                                                                                   connecting stations including Eskbank
                                                                                                                                   and Gorebridge to Edinburgh in around 25
                                                                                              Outdoor                              minutes.
                                                                                            Lovers of the great outdoors will certainly feel at
                                                                                            home in Midlothian, with over 70 parks to enjoy.     Food and Drink
        Dalkeith Country Park                                                                                                      The Paper Mill in Lasswade is a highly
                                                                                            We’ve already mentioned the Penicuik House   regarded restaurant, set on the banks of
                                                                                            estate, with over 23 acres of woodlands   the Esk and offering seasonal Scottish
       Penicuik House and Estate is a relaxing day     Sport                                and  walking routes to take in the splendid   produce  in  a  relaxed,  stylish  setting.  The
       out for the family; this 18th century Palladian   If you enjoy an active lifestyle, Midlothian has   surroundings, but there are also several   Tuscan-inspired menu of The Kitchen at The
       mansion is A listed and a beautiful place to   much to offer, from golf courses to ski slopes!   gorgeous  country  parks  across  Midlothian,   Restoration Yard also deserves a shout-out,
       explore, set in acres of lush countryside that’s                                     including Vogrie Country Park in Gorebridge.   while for a romantic meal, it doesn’t get more
       perfect for a breezy weekend wander.                                                 With 11.5 miles of countryside paths, a cafe, an   spectacular than one of the magical Full
                                            There are nine council-owned gyms and           adventure area and play park, picnic areas, a   Moon Dinners at The Secret Garden.
                                            leisure centres, as well as plenty of household
       And of course, we can’t talk about Midlothian   names and even a few boutique gyms for a   miniature railway, horse riding and much more,
       without mentioning the Rosslyn Chapel,   personalised experience.                    this lush park is a wonderful place for the whole   The Secret Garden is also home to a gin
       which came under the world’s spotlight when                                          family to enjoy.                       distillery, which offers tours and tastings, but
       it played an integral role in The Da Vinci Code                                                                             if  beer  is your tipple of  choice, Loanhead-
       back in 2003. Over 20 years later, this beautiful   Thrillseekers are sure to adore the Midlothian   There’s also the well-known Dalkeith Country   based Stewart Brewing is a modern craft
       chapel still attracts visitors globally, fascinated   Snowsports Centre at Hillend, where you    Park, a working estate owned and run by the   brewery that offers tours, tastings and brew-
       by the myths and legends associated with it.  can learn to ski and snowboard on Britain’s   Duke  of  Buccleuch.  This  charming  park  offers   it-yourself experiences, alongside drinks and
                                            biggest artificial slope or enjoy Scotland’s first                                     dining in their onsite bar and pizza restaurant.
                                            Alpine Coaster.                                 over a thousand acres, and includes some hugely
                                                                                            popular family attractions, including Go Ape and
        Midlothian Snowsports Centre at Hillend                                             the Fort Douglas Adventure Playground. You
                                            Keen golfers can get into the swing at nine     can enjoy shopping at the Restoration Yard, a
                                            fabulous courses, five of which are owned by    spot of yoga at the Wellness Space, or follow
                                            Midlothian Council, offering a more affordable   one of the stunning scenic trails.
                                            way to play. For a luxurious golfing experience,
                                            the 20-hole course at Whitehill House is
                                            something special, or you could pair a round on   Dalkeith Country Park also hosts regular events,
                                            the Championship course with a spa treatment    with upcoming offerings including Winterfest (28
                                            at the indulgent Dalmahoy Country Club.         November-4 January), as well as events in the
                                                                                            summer months including The Scottish Furniture
                                                                                            Makers Exhibition, The Great British Food Festival,   The Paper Mill
                                            Football fans will find plenty of community spirit                                      Image: thepapermill-lasswade.co.uk
                                            in Midlothian, with local teams to get behind   and the outdoor Adventure Cinema.
                    Credit: SlamShutter/Shutterstock.com
                                            including Bonnyrigg Rose and Dalkeith Thistle.
                                                                                                            Ready to make a move to Midlothian? Head to espc.com to start your search today!
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