What to do in Penicuik

Activities, attractions and tours

Lovely and unseasonably warm February day - about to tackle the hills in the distance!
Lovely and unseasonably warm February day - about to tackle the hills in the distance!
The old town of Penicuik was once a leading paper making town in Midlothian,near Edinburgh. High quality paper and bank notes were produced here. The Town hall is a notable landmark.
Scariest wind I've been in yet., found myself having to sit down to compose myself before going back down lol😱
Best place to blow away the cobwebs

Penicuik Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Penicuik has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Penicuik, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Penicuik with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Penicuik

Penicuik is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Penicuik, and make it a breeze to explore Penicuik and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Penicuik to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Penicuik, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Penicuik.

Penicuik attractions

Penicuik has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Penicuik to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Penicuik.

Looking for things to do in Penicuik can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Penicuik or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Penicuik attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Recommended things to do in Penicuik

Number of things to do
505
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Edinburgh: Old Town's Highlights Walking Tour: £4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Penicuik

Popular places to visit

Edinburgh Castle which includes heritage elements and a castle

Edinburgh Castle

Fortress, palace and repository of the crown jewels, this landmark overlooking the city has played a crucial role in Scottish history.

Edinburgh Castle
Royal Mile featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

Royal Mile

Explore this area in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town to find ancient buildings, historic relics, shops, museums and range of dining options.

Royal Mile
Walter Scott Monument in the Rainy Day, Edinburgh, Scotland

Princes Street

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Princes Street. Experience the entertainment choices and fascinating museums in this walkable area.

Princes Street
University of Edinburgh which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

University of Edinburgh

The campus of Edinburgh's venerable educational institution is spread seamlessly around the architecture of the city and opens to the public during year-round events.

University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Zoo showing land animals and zoo animals

Edinburgh Zoo

See rare and endangered species and learn about the efforts to conserve them at Edinburgh’s largest wildlife attraction.

Edinburgh Zoo
Aerial view of Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium, Roseburn St, Edinburgh, VK

Murrayfield Stadium

Catch an event at Murrayfield Stadium and enjoy other activities in Edinburgh such as golfing.Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and shops in this walkable area.

Murrayfield Stadium
Scenic sight in Edinburgh with the Castle in the background. Scotland.

Grassmarket

During your visit to Edinburgh, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Grassmarket. Visit the lively bars or top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Grassmarket
Edinburgh royal playhouse theater

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre

Enjoy a performance at Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, a theatre with a story to tell in Edinburgh. Experience the area's lively festivals and entertainment choices.

Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre
street view of George street at Edinburgh, scotland

George Street

During your trip to Edinburgh, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at George Street. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

George Street

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Penicuik

Calton Hill which includes a sunset, skyline and a city

Edinburgh

JR56XW A lovely summer view across the River Tweed towards Peebles, Scottish Borders

Peebles

The Watch House, Old Pentland Kirkyard. Where watch was kept to prevent grave robbing by the 'anatomists' - see 968090 for a bit more information.

Loanhead

West Hill Camp prehistoric site, Kirknewton, Northumberland. Early palisade trench then Iron Age rampart settlement then Romano-British. View to West

Kirknewton

Templar temple

Roslin

Great view across the Threipmuir Reservoir

Balerno

Approach to site of Auchendinny station, 2000. The station, closed 5/3/51, had been on the ex-NBR (Edinburgh) - Bonnyrigg - Penicuick branch, which lost its passenger service from 10/9/51 but remained open for goods until 27/3/67. A factory has been built on the site.
Photo by Ben Brooksbank (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Auchendinny

West Kip, East Kip and Scald Law on a stunning Novembral day...

West Linton

Frequently asked questions

Is Penicuik worth visiting?
From retail therapy to outdoor adventures and history, there are plenty of great things to do in Penicuik. Remember to enjoy the area's blend of awesome attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Penicuik?
Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Zoo are two great places to kick-start your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the shopping and dining options in Penicuik while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Penicuik?
Don't go home without visiting Edinburgh Castle, ranked the top tourist attraction in Penicuik.
Is three days enough to stay in Penicuik?
You can easily visit top sights like Dalhousie Castle, The Braid Hills and Hawthornden Castle with a three-day break in Penicuik. On average, most travellers plan two days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a while longer and venture to Edinburgh.
What are some activities to do in Penicuik with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Penicuik with kids.

What to do in Penicuik for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Penicuik, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Scotch Whisky Experience or Edinburgh Gin Distillery.
Are there free things to do in Penicuik?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Penicuik is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. The Braid Hills is one sight that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia