Hopetoun

World Nature Conservation Day (Being a Countryside Ranger) - Sunday 28th July 2024
2024-07-28 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
What do Rangers do?! Come along as a family to learn all about conserving the wild places of Scotland – the Countryside Ranger way!

Learn all about what it takes to be a Countryside Ranger on World Nature Conservation Day. Litter picking, wildlife surveys and rhoddy bashing means a good time will be had by all. For all ages and abilities.

Please wear suitable clothing and shoes for the Scottish weather and practical work. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs are not allowed on Ranger-led events.

Please meet at the Ranger Centre (behind the Stables Café) 5 minutes before the start of the event. Your ticket allows you access to the Grounds from 11am.

Ticket PricesAdult £8.50, Concession £8.00, Disabled £6.50, Child £6.50, Family (2+2) £27.00
Buy tickets here:

Victorians at Hopetoun Experience - Friday 2nd August 2024
2024-08-02 10:30 - 13:30 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
Have you ever wondered what it was like to work and live in a grand house like this, way back in Victorian times? Well, now’s your chance to find out!
Join our Victorian Housekeepers for a fun workshop. Dress up as servants, explore the house, and even try out some of the chores and crafts they did back then. It’ll be a real hands-on adventure!
This workshop is perfect for explorers aged 7 to 12, and their grown-ups are welcome to join in the fun too.

If possible, dress in black trousers or skirt and white shirt. Adults are very welcome to dress up too. Bring along a picnic to enjoy in the grounds after.

Ticket Prices:
Child: £8.00 per child ( Children must be accompanied by an adult)Accompanying adult: £2.00 per personAny additional adult: £8.00 per person
Book tickets here:

Wings and Things - Friday 9th August 2024
2024-08-09 14:00 - 15:30 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
Parents, bring your little explorers to discover the amazing world of winged creatures! Our fun-filled event includes citizen science activities, games, and crafts, all designed to teach kids about the wonders of flight in nature. Perfect for all ages and abilities!

Ticket Prices:
Adult £8.50, Concession £8.00, Disabled £6.50, Child £6.50, Family (2+2) £27.00

Book your tickets here
Please wear suitable clothing and shoes for the Scottish weather. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Dogs are not allowed on Ranger-led events. Please meet at the Ranger Centre (behind the Stables Café) 5 minutes before the start of the event. Your ticket allows you access to the Grounds from 11am

Groovy Geology Walk - Saturday 7th September 2024
2024-09-07 10:00 - 13:30 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
Join us for a scenic ranger-led walk along the Hopetoun foreshore as part of the Scottish Geology Festival! Discover the geological wonders of West Lothian and perhaps catch a glimpse of local wildlife.

Ticket Prices:
Adult £8.50, Concession £8.00, Disabled £6.50, Child £6.50 (not suitable for children under 8 years of age), Family (2+2) £27.00

Book tickets here: https://bit.ly/3Wh3OPG

Meet at the old Kiosk in the visitor car park. This walk will cover approx. 3 miles with rough underfoot conditions and requires a good level of fitness. It is not suitable for children under 8 years of age. Please wear suitable clothing and shoes for the Scottish weather. Binoculars may be useful. Dogs are not allowed on Ranger-led walks. Information for gate access will be emailed a week before the event. Your ticket grants access to the Grounds for the rest of the day.

We look forward to exploring the fascinating geology of the area with you!

Image: © Karol Makula

Autumn Fungi Walk at Hopetoun Sunday 27th October 2024
2024-10-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
Join us for a delightful autumn stroll through the scenic Hopetoun Grounds, where you’ll discover the incredible variety of fungi that flourish here. Our internationally renowned fungi lawns and mushroom-rich woodlands are the perfect backdrop for this gentle guided walk. You’ll learn about the fascinating world of fungi, but please note that we won’t be collecting any for the pot
Make sure to dress appropriately for the Scottish autumn, and wear sturdy shoes.

Please note that dogs are not permitted on Ranger-led walks.

We’ll meet at the old Kiosk in the visitor car park, so plan to arrive 5 minutes before the walk begins. Detailed access information, including gate codes, will be emailed to you a week before the event.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the wonders of nature this autumn!

Ticket prices:Adult £8.50, Concession £8.00, Disabled £6.50, Child (over 4yo) £6.50, Family (2+2) £27.00
Purchase tickets here: Facinating Fungi (venpos.net)

Tree-mendous Walk
2024-10-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
Autumn Tree Walk in the Hopetoun Grounds
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Hopetoun Grounds this autumn with a guided walk that explores the fascinating ecology and folklore of this historic landscape’s trees. Led by our knowledgeable Ranger, this walk will introduce you to the stories, history, and natural wonders of the specimen trees scattered throughout Hopetoun’s designed landscape.

Don’t miss this unique autumn experience!

Please wear suitable clothing and shoes for the Scottish autumn weather. Dogs are not allowed on Ranger-led walks. Please meet at the old Kiosk in the visitor car park 5 minutes before the start of the walk – information to access through the gate will be emailed out a week before the event.

Ticket prices:Adult £8.50, Concession £8.00, Disabled £6.50, Child (over 4yo) £6.50, Family (2+2) £27.00

Book tickets here: Hopetoun’s Tree-mendous Walks (venpos.net)

** CANCELLED ** Snowdrop Weekend at Hopetoun – Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February 2025
2025-02-01 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
**Due to damage caused by Storm Eowyn over the weekend, we are very sorry to advise that that the Snowdrops event at Hopetoun House this weekend has been CANCELLED.
Hopetoun House will re-open on Good Friday 18 April 2025, so we hope to see you sometime during the 2025 visitor season.
Thank you for your understanding**
Embrace the magic of winter and the promise of spring at Hopetoun House! As part of the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, we’re thrilled to welcome you on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February for a weekend celebrating these symbolic flowers.
Wander through the crisp winter air along our picturesque nature trails, where the snowdrops – nature’s first whispers of spring – are starting to peek through. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a refreshing walk and reconnect with nature. Bring your furry friends along too—dogs are welcome in the Grounds and even in our cosy café!
Families will love our complimentary snowdrop-themed craft activities for kids, hosted in the Education Room, offering a creative way to mark this seasonal spectacle.
For the first time this year, you will have the unique opportunity to explore Hopetoun House during the winter months. With the House officially closed until Easter, this exclusive opening invites you to enjoy its charm in a whole new light.
Want to learn more about these amazing flowers? Then why not join one of our Ranger-led guided walks through the Grounds. There will be two walks per day at 11.30am and 2.30pm
Make sure to visit The Stables Kitchen, open exclusively for the weekend, serving up a tempting selection of warming drinks and tasty treats to keep you cosy.
Opening Hours:
Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd February 2025 10.00am to 4.00pm
Ticket options available:
Snowdrops and self-led tour of Hopetoun House: Book here
Adult £14.50, Concession £13.00, Disabled £7, Child (over 4yo) £7, Family ( 2+2) £39.00
Snowdrops at Hopetoun – general Grounds tickets: Book here
Adult £7.00, Concession £6.50, Disabled £4.00, Child (over 4yo) £4.00, Family (2+2) £19.00
Snowdrops guided walks with the Hopetoun Ranger: Book here
Adult £8.50, Concession £8.00, Disabled £6.50, Child (over 4yo) £6.50, Family (2+2) £27.00

May Birdsong Saturday 3rd May 2025
2025-05-03 11:30 - 12:30 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
Explore Hopetoun’s Grounds in full spring birdsong with our Ranger, Emma, and discover more about the species you hear and some identification hints and tips.

Please wear suitable clothing and shoes for the Scottish spring weather.

Binoculars will be useful if you have them. Dogs are not allowed on Ranger-led walks.

Please meet at the old Kiosk in the visitor car park 5 minutes before the start of the walk.

Your ticket allows you access to the Grounds for the rest of the day.

Ticket Prices
Adult £8.50, Child (over 4yo) £6.50

Book tickets here

Beautiful Bluebells Saturday 3rd May 2025
2025-05-03 14:30 - 15:30 | City of Edinburgh
Join Ranger Emma for a late spring exploration of Hopetoun’s Grounds and delve into the folklore and natural history of the collections of Bluebells at Hopetoun.

Please wear suitable clothing and shoes for the Scottish spring weather. Dogs are not allowed on Ranger-led walks.
Please meet at the old Kiosk in the visitor car park 5 minutes before the start of the walk.

Your ticket allows you access to the Grounds for the rest of the day.
Ticket Prices:
Adult £8.50, Child (over 4yo) £6.50

Book tickets here

** Sold Out ** Two Houses and a Castle Guided Walk Sunday 29th June 2025
2025-06-29 10:00 - 15:00 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
Join us for the return of our much loved annual event the Two Houses and a Castle Walk!
Embark on a summer hike across the picturesque landscapes of West Lothian. Delve into the rich history of the region as you explore iconic buildings along the way.

Led by knowledgeable staff, this guided walk will take you on a journey between three of West Lothian’s most treasured historic sites:
Hopetoun House Blackness Castle The House of the Binns
Please be aware this walk will cover approx. 5 miles with some rough underfoot conditions, fence crossings and requires a good level of fitness.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience! Secure your spot now and get ready for a day filled with exploration, learning, and breath-taking views.
Spaces fill up quickly, so book now to avoid disappointment.
Ticket Prices:
Adults – £10 per personChildren – £8 per person

Mini Beasts / Pond Dipping Saturday 12th July 2025
2025-07-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
join us for an exciting Minibeast Safari at Hopetoun House!

Depending on the weather, we’ll be exploring the Round Pond and/or the enchanting woodland habitats to discover the fascinating world of minibeasts. Get ready to get up close and personal with a variety of tiny creatures living in the pond and different areas of the grounds.

We have a host of fun games planned to help you learn more about these amazing minibeasts and their crucial role in our ecosystem.

This event is perfect for all ages and abilities.

Ticket Prices:
Adult: £8.50 per personChildren: £6.50 per person

Book tickets here

Guided Foraging Walk with Anna Canning – Sunday 13th July 2025
2025-07-13 13:00 - 16:00 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
Discover Hidden Plant Treasures at Hopetoun GroundsJoin expert botanist and wild plant forager, Anna Canning, for a fun and eye-opening walk through nature.
See Nature in a New WayAnna will show you how to spot and use everyday plants. You’ll learn how to tell them apart and find out which ones are safe to use. It’s not just about foraging—it’s about getting closer to nature and seeing how we all fit into the bigger picture.
Why Try Foraging?Foraging helps you connect with the world around you. Every plant has a story. You’ll learn how they support the environment and how we can enjoy them without harming nature.
A Tasty BonusAfter the walk, you might get the chance to turn your plant finds into a tasty snack or a simple herbal remedy!
Ticket Price: Adults £25 p/p
Book tickets here: https://bit.ly/Ranger_Walks

Deer Bambinos Sunday 27th July 2025
2025-07-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
Join us for a fun-filled Deer-Themed Family Guided Walk at Hopetoun House! Enjoy games and activities as we explore the beautiful Hopetoun Grounds. The adventure culminates with a special visit to meet the Hopetoun Red Deer herd.
This event is designed for all ages and abilities, offering a memorable experience for the whole family.
Ticket Prices:Adult: £8.50 per personChildren: £6.50 per person
Purchase your tickets here

Important Information:

Please wear suitable clothing and shoes for the Scottish weather.All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.Dogs are not allowed at Ranger-led events.Please meet at the Ranger Centre (behind the Stables Café) 5 minutes before the start of the event.Your ticket allows you access to the Grounds from 11am.
We look forward to seeing you there

Fascinating Fungi Sunday 26th October 2025
2025-10-26 10:00 - 12:00 | City of Edinburgh
Join us for a delightful autumn stroll through the scenic Hopetoun Grounds, where you’ll discover the incredible variety of fungi that flourish here. Our internationally renowned fungi lawns and mushroom-rich woodlands are the perfect backdrop for this gentle guided walk. You’ll learn about the fascinating world of fungi, but please note that we won’t be collecting any for the pot
Make sure to dress appropriately for the Scottish autumn, and wear sturdy shoes. Please note that dogs are not permitted on Ranger-led walks. We’ll meet at the old Kiosk in the visitor car park, so plan to arrive 5 minutes before the walk begins. Detailed access information, including gate codes, will be emailed to you a week before the event.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the wonders of nature this autumn!

Ticket prices:Adult £8.50, Child (over 4yo) £6.50

Book tickets here

Hopetoun's Tree-mendous Walk Sunday 26th October 2025
2025-10-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
Autumn Tree Walk in the Hopetoun Grounds

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Hopetoun Grounds this autumn with a guided walk that explores the fascinating ecology and folklore of this historic landscape’s trees. Led by our knowledgeable Ranger, this walk will introduce you to the stories, history, and natural wonders of the specimen trees scattered throughout Hopetoun’s designed landscape.

Don’t miss this unique autumn experience!

Please wear suitable clothing and shoes for the Scottish autumn weather. Dogs are not allowed on Ranger-led walks. Please meet at the old Kiosk in the visitor car park 5 minutes before the start of the walk – information to access through the gate will be emailed out a week before the event.

Ticket prices:Adult £8.50, Child (over 4yo) £6.50
Book tickets here

Snowdrop Weekend
2026-02-07 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-02-08 10:00 - 16:00 | Hopetoun House, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, City of Edinburgh, EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
SNOWDROP WEEKEND – Hopetoun House Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th February 2026
Hopetoun House is once again delighted to be taking part in the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, offering visitors a rare chance to experience Hopetoun House and Grounds during the winter months.
Join us on Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th February 2026, and celebrate the first signs of spring with a refreshing winter walk through our beautiful Grounds, carpeted with delicate snowdrops.
We will be open from 10am–4pm daily (with last entry at 3pm).
As a seasonal visitor attraction, this is one of the few chances to visit Hopetoun House outside our main season – we reopen officially on Friday 3rd April 2026.
What to enjoy:
Visit the House and Grounds or Grounds only. Dogs on leads are also welcome in the Grounds and in the Stables Kitchen, making this a perfect winter day out for the whole family.
Join one of our Ranger-led Snowdrop Guided Walks (two per day), where you will discover the fascinating history, folklore and symbolism of snowdrops, including rare varieties such as Galanthus plicatus and Flore Pleno
Follow our Snowdrop Trails in both the House and Grounds and enjoy complementary snowdrop-themed crafts for young children in our Education Room.
Warm up afterwards in the Stables Kitchen, with a delicious range of tasty treats.
Freshly Baked Snowdrop Scone
Available exclusively in The Stables Kitchen
Fresh from our ovens for Snowdrop Weekend only, enjoy a beautifully baked scone made with white chocolate drops and local Scottish blossom honey. Served with jam and butter for £4.00, or add cream for just £4.50.
The perfect treat after a winter walk through the snowdrops.
Ticket Options & Prices
Grounds Only – Snowdrop Visit
Enjoy a self-guided visit to the Grounds with snowdrops in bloom.Adult £7.00 | Concession £6.50 | Disabled £4.00 | Child (5–16) £4.00 | Family (2+2) £19.00Book Grounds Only tickets
House & Grounds – Snowdrop Visit
Includes entry to Hopetoun House and Grounds for a self-guided snowdrop-themed visit.Adult £15.00 | Concession £13.50 | Disabled £7.00 | Child (5–16) £7.00 | Family (2+2) £40.00 Book House & Grounds tickets
Ranger-Led Snowdrop Guided Walk
Join the Hopetoun Ranger Service for a guided walk exploring snowdrops, folklore and the winter landscape. Guided walks are very popular – pre-booking is required.Adult £8.50 | Child (over 4yo) £6.50 | Family (2+2) £27.00Book Guided Walk tickets
Wrap up warm, enjoy the bracing winter air, and experience Hopetoun at its most peaceful — a gentle promise of spring to come and a lovely opportunity to visit before the main season begins.

Easter Family Opening Weekend
2026-04-04 11:00 - 2026-04-05 16:00 | Hopetoun House
*** Due to unforeseen circumstances, Lunar Eclipse Therapy Ponies & Unicorns will no longer be joining us for this event***

Easter Opening – A Place to Explore, Restore & Relax
We are delighted to welcome both new and returning visitors as we re-open for the 2026 season on Friday 3rd April 2026. With Easter activities for all ages taking place on Saturday & Sunday, its the perfect way to enjoy Hopetoun.
Built in 1699, Hopetoun House remains a lived-in historic home, rich in character and heritage. Inside, our knowledgeable guides bring its remarkable story to life, sharing the architecture, treasured collections and fascinating histories that have shaped this extraordinary stately home for over three centuries.

Family Activities
Our award-winning Ranger & Education Team will be offering a fantastic range of fun and educational crafts and activities throughout the season.
Drop in to the Ranger Centre and Education Room over the Easter weekend to discover more and enjoy a variety of family-friendly crafts and trails.
New for 2026! We’re delighted to welcome our friends from Froglife (Sunday only). Little visitors can explore and learn about life cycles and ecosystems.

Reconnect with Nature
Wander the Spring Garden Trail, where vibrant daffodils and early bluebells bring the landscape to life. Breathe in the fresh spring air as you take in sweeping sea views across the Firth of Forth.
Looking for something more guided? Join our Daffodil ranger-led walk on Saturday or Sunday (2:30pm) and discover the stories, wildlife, and seasonal highlights that make Hopetoun so unique.
Book your Daffodil Guided Walk here

Pause & Refuel at The Stables Kitchen
A visit to Hopetoun isn’t complete without time to relax at The Stables Kitchen. Our friendly team will be offering a range of home baking, light lunches and coffee – unhurried, comfortable and restorative.
Dogs on leads are welcome in both the Grounds and The Stables Kitchen.

Hopetoun Hounds
With so much to explore within the beautiful grounds at Hopetoun, we’d love to see highlights of your four-legged friends enjoying their adventures.
Tag us in your photographs and, at the end of each month during our opening season (April–September), we’ll choose our favourite snap.
Each monthly winner will receive a Hopetoun hamper filled with goodies.
Dogs on leads are very welcome throughout the Grounds and in the Stables Kitchen, so bring your pups along for the adventure.
Happy exploring 🐕
Book online
Our Opening Family Weekend activities take place on Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th April and you can book Family Opening Weekend Tickets HERE
Tickets include activities, trail maps, onsite car parking and a sweet treat* for young explorers (*while stocks last).
Tickets for the Guided Daffodil Walk with Ranger Emma on Saturday & Sunday, are limited and charged separately. You can book for the Guided Daffodil Walk HERE
The House & Grounds will be open from Friday 3rd April through until 27th September, (Thursday – Monday) and you can book General Entry Tickets HERE.

Two Houses and a Castle Guided Walk
2026-06-27 10:00 - 16:00 | City of Edinburgh
Saturday 27th June 2026 | 10am – 3pm
Ticket prices: Adult £10.00 per person | Child £8.00 per person (not advised for children under 10 years of age)
Join us for the return of our much-loved annual event the Two Houses and a Castle Walk!
Embark on a summer hike across the picturesque landscapes of West Lothian. Delve into the rich history of the region as you explore iconic buildings along the way.
Led by knowledgeable staff, this guided walk will take you on a journey between three of West Lothian’s most treasured historic sites:
🏰 Hopetoun House
🏰 Blackness Castle
🏰 House of the Binns
Please be aware this walk will cover approx. 5 miles with some rough underfoot conditions, fence crossings and requires a good level of fitness.
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience! Secure your spot now and get ready for a day filled with exploration, learning, and breath-taking views.
Spaces fill up quickly, so book now to avoid disappointment.
Plan your visit:
🎟️ Booking required: Two Houses and a Castle Guided Walk 27 June 26
🐶 Regretfully, dogs are not permitted on Ranger-led guided walks.
☕ The Stables Kitchen will be open and serving a selection of seasonal homemade sweet and savoury options.

Guided Foraging Walk with Anna Canning
2026-07-25 14:00 - 17:00 | City of Edinburgh
Saturday 25th July 2026 | 2pm – 5pm
Ticket price: £25.00 per person
Discover Hidden Plant Treasures in the Hopetoun Grounds. Join expert botanist and wild plant forager, Anna Canning, for a fun and eye-opening walk through nature.
See Nature in a New Way
Anna will show you how to spot and use everyday plants. You’ll learn how to tell them apart and find out which ones are safe to use. It’s not just about foraging—it’s about getting closer to nature and seeing how we all fit into the bigger picture.
Why Try Foraging?
Foraging helps you connect with the world around you. Every plant has a story. You’ll learn how they support the environment and how we can enjoy them without harming nature.
A Tasty Bonus
After the walk, you might get the chance to turn your plant finds into a tasty snack or a simple herbal remedy!
Spaces fill up quickly, so book now to avoid disappointment.
Book here: Guided Foraging Walk with Anna Canning 25 July 26
