Newhailes House
East Lothian, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- National Trust for Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Newhailes, Musselburgh EH21 6RY
Telephone 0131 653 5599
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Newhailes is a Palladian house near Musselburgh, associated with the Dalrymple family and the Scottish Enlightenment. In practice most reviewers write about the estate rather than the house: the play park is singled out as among the best they have visited, and the food gets consistent praise. Opinions on the walks are more mixed, with some finding the paths muddy and the grounds smaller than expected.
Worth the trip
The play park and courtyard - reviewers visiting with young children rate it among the best they have been to.
Before you go
Reviewers report paths getting very muddy in winter and events such as an annual music festival taking over the estate, so check what is on and come prepared for soft ground.
Reviewers report that the house is seen by guided tour only, and several who initially found this restrictive say the guides won them over, with one describing it as among the best National Trust visits they had made. The play park is repeatedly picked out as a highlight for families, with mentions of crazy golf, the courtyard toys and an instrument wall, and the cafe is well received across several reviews. Visitors also describe it as dog friendly and note events such as a music festival and ghost tours. Opinions are more mixed on the grounds themselves, with one reviewer finding the paths very muddy and the estate less rewarding than other local parks unless you book a house tour.
Palladian house near Musselburgh associated with the Dalrymple family and the Scottish Enlightenment.
“Beautiful property with an amazing playpark. Park was one of the best we've visited. Not a massive estate but perfect with little ones in tow; loved the little touches like play your own instrument wall and toys in the…”- Sarah RH, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Facilities
- “I would not come back, the only good part is the Cafe, the caramel donut was the best part of the visit.” - Alain Deppe
Common questions about Newhailes House
Where is Newhailes House?
Newhailes House is in East Lothian, Scotland, at Newhailes, Musselburgh EH21 6RY.
Do you need a ticket to visit Newhailes House?
Yes - Newhailes House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by National Trust for Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Newhailes House?
The play park and courtyard - reviewers visiting with young children rate it among the best they have been to.
Is Newhailes House a ruin or still intact?
Newhailes House is largely intact - Palladian house near Musselburgh associated with the Dalrymple family and the Scottish Enlightenment.
