Newhailes

At Newhailes three centuries of history are brought to life. Built in the 17th century by the prominent Dalrymple family, this Palladian house played a prominent part in the Scottish Enlightenment.

The house itself is open to guided tours only. Limited to twelve visitors at a time, you can gain an intimate and intriguing insight into the past. The interiors are renowned for their breath-taking rococo features and decoration, including gilded eagles and shells, as well as trompe l’oeil designs from the early 18^th century. There is also the library wing, containing the ’most learned library in Europe’, imposing Italian marble fireplaces, Chinese wallpaper and an impressive art collection. In comparison, the servant’s kitchen and tunnel presents a far more practical and workman-like atmosphere, and slightly eerie! The National Trust for Scotland is following a limited conservation strategy, carrying out ’only as much work as necessary but as little as possible’ in order to maintain the many layered character of the villa.

The estate at Newhailes covers 34 hectares of historical landscape, offering unspoilt views across the Forth. There are several footpaths leading around the estate, details are available from the information site. The Trust is currently undertaking an exciting conservation project to restore several areas of the highly significant 18th-century designed landscape, including the flower garden, kitchen garden and formal lawns. There is also a brand-new state-of-the-art adventure playground “Weehailes”. Aimed at younger children, this park will keep the wee ones entertained for hours.

There is a visitor centre, with information, café and shop located in the stable courtyard.

Newhailes House and Estate offers programme of events throughout the year, details are available on the website.