Newhailes House is a 17th-century Palladian villa and estate located in Musselburgh, East Lothian, approximately six miles east of Edinburgh city centre. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport options, accessibility, and practical tips for planning a visit to this National Trust for Scotland property.
Quick facts for planning your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Estate: Dawn to dusk daily; House: Seasonal guided tours |
| Ticket prices | Estate: Free (£4 parking); House tour: Adult £16.00 |
| Address | Newhailes Road, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland EH21 6SY |
| Nearest transport | Musselburgh Railway Station (approx. 10-minute walk) |
| Parking | On-site car park available (Free for NTS members) |
| Typical time needed | 2 to 3 hours |
Newhailes House opening hours
The Newhailes House estate and gardens are open daily from dawn until dusk. Access to the interior of the house is restricted to scheduled guided tours, which typically operate daily during the peak season (March to November).
The Stables Café and the WePlay adventure playpark generally operate from 09:00 to 16:00 or 17:00. Opening hours were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026, but be wary that they can be a little eccentric.
Newhailes House ticket prices
Access to the Newhailes House estate and woodland walks is free, though a flat parking fee of £4 applies to non-members. Entry to the house is by guided tour only; tickets for non-members cost £16 for adults, £8.50 for children, and £40 for a family ticket.
National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and National Trust members receive free entry to the house tours and free parking. Entry to the WePlay adventure playpark is charged separately for non-members. Ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
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How to get to Newhailes House
The most efficient way to reach Newhailes House from Edinburgh is by train. Services run regularly from Edinburgh Waverley to Musselburgh station, which is a 10-minute walk from the estate entrance.
Several Lothian Bus services, including the 30, 44, and 113, stop near the estate on Newhailes Road or nearby in Musselburgh. Visitors should disembark at the Newhailes Road stops for the shortest walking distance to the main gates.
Parking at Newhailes House
On-site parking at Newhailes House is located near the main visitor hub and stables area. Non-members are required to pay a £3 fee via the machines or a mobile payment app; members must scan their membership card at the machine to obtain a free ticket.
The car park includes designated spaces for blue badge holders located close to the Stables Café and visitor reception. During peak events or weekends, the car park can reach capacity by midday.
How long to spend at Newhailes House
A visit to Newhailes House typically lasts between 2 and 3 hours. This allows 1 hour for a guided house tour, with the remaining time used for walking the estate trails or visiting the café and playpark.
Accessibility at Newhailes House
The ground floor of Newhailes House is accessible to visitors using wheelchairs, but there is no lift access to the upper floors and the tour route goes upstairs. The estate paths are a mixture of gravel and firm ground; while mostly level, some woodland trails may be uneven or muddy depending on weather conditions.
Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are located in the Stables block.
Inside / what to see at Newhailes House
The primary attraction is the Great Library, which once housed one of the most significant collections of the Scottish Enlightenment. While the original books are now held by the National Library of Scotland, the room remains preserved with its original shelving and decor.
Visitors can view extensive Rococo interiors, including ornate plasterwork and Chinese-style wall hangings that have been preserved rather than restored. This “conserved as found” approach allows visitors to see the house in a state that reflects its age and history.
The Stables block has been converted into a visitor hub, housing the main café and information point. This area serves as the starting point for guided tours and provides historical context via small displays.
The WePlay adventure playpark is a large, enclosed timber play area designed for children. It is located near the stables and requires a separate admission fee for those without specific family memberships.
Outside, the 80-acre estate includes a historic shell grotto, a tea house bridge, and several walking loops through the woods. These paths follow the Newhailes Burn and provide views of the Firth of Forth.
Practical visitor tips
| Aspect | Tip |
| Timing | Guided tours have limited capacity and should be booked online in advance to guarantee a slot. |
| Footwear | Wear sturdy, waterproof shoes if planning to explore the woodland trails or shell grotto. |
| Dogs | Dogs are permitted in the estate and gardens on leads but are not allowed inside the house or playpark. |
| Layout | The visitor centre and café are a short walk from the car park; the house is reached via a separate path. |
| Membership | Bring a physical or digital membership card to avoid parking charges and tour fees. |
Frequently asked questions about Newhailes House
| Search Query | Answer |
| Is Newhailes House free for National Trust members? | Yes, members of NTS and National Trust (England, Wales & NI) get free entry and parking. |
| Are dogs allowed at Newhailes House? | Dogs are welcome on the estate grounds if kept on a lead, but restricted from the house. |
| Is Newhailes House suitable for children? | Yes, the estate features a large adventure playpark and wide-open spaces for families. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Newhailes House? | Booking is highly recommended for house tours as they often sell out, especially on weekends. |
Things to do near Newhailes House
- Musselburgh Racecourse: A historic horse racing venue located five minutes away by car.
- Inveresk Lodge Garden: A hillside plant collector’s garden managed by the NTS, located nearby in Inveresk.
- Brunton Theatre: A local performing arts venue in the centre of Musselburgh offering a variety of shows.
- Musselburgh Lagoons: A coastal area popular for birdwatching and walking, located at the mouth of the River Esk.
More Edinburgh travel
Other Edinburgh travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- The 8 best attractions and experiences in Edinburgh.
- How to get to the National Monument of Scotland on Calton Hill.
- St Giles’ Cathedral: A visitor guide.
- Guides to Mons Meg and the One O’Clock Gun at Edinburgh Castle.
- Review of the Royal Yacht Britannia in Leith.
