Top 10 Best Hostels in Midlothian

Hostel Stays for Midlothian Travellers

Midlothian is a region of rolling hills, historic villages and fascinating attractions, from Rosslyn Chapel and the National Mining Museum Scotland in Newtongrange to the trails of the Pentland Hills Regional Park. It is also a largely residential and rural county, which means dedicated hostel accommodation within its boundaries is limited. The good news is that some of the best hostels in Scotland sit just a few miles north in Edinburgh, and fast connections via the Borders Railway and Lothian Buses make them an ideal base for exploring Midlothian on a budget.

This guide highlights the ten best hostels for Midlothian visitors, focusing on value, cleanliness, safety, social atmosphere and ease of access to Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg, Penicuik and Roslin.

What to Look for in a Hostel

Hostels have evolved dramatically over the last decade. Many now offer private en-suite rooms alongside dorms, secure lockers, fast Wi-Fi, self-catering kitchens and organised social events. When choosing a hostel for a Midlothian trip, prioritise easy access to Edinburgh Waverley station, where Borders Railway services depart, or to bus corridors heading south along the A7 and A701. Female-only dorms, 24-hour reception and good reviews for cleanliness are also worth checking.

The Top 10 Hostels for Visiting Midlothian

1. Hostelling Scotland Edinburgh Central

Operated by Scotland's national youth hostel charity, this modern, purpose-built hostel offers spotless dorms, private rooms, a café and a self-catering kitchen. Its reputation for safety and consistency makes it a great option for solo travellers, families and school groups heading out to Midlothian for day trips.

2. Castle Rock Hostel

Tucked beneath Edinburgh Castle, Castle Rock is loved for its quirky décor, friendly staff and relaxed atmosphere. It is well placed for catching buses south toward Midlothian and for enjoying the Old Town in the evening.

3. Kick Ass Grassmarket

With a lively bar, bright interiors and sweeping castle views, Kick Ass Grassmarket is popular with younger travellers who want a social experience. It combines budget rates with a central location that keeps transport options wide open.

4. Kick Ass Greyfriars

A smaller sister property, Kick Ass Greyfriars offers a slightly calmer environment with the same fun branding. Its position near the south side of the Old Town is handy for Lothian Buses routes toward Loanhead and Bonnyrigg.

5. Safestay Edinburgh

Part of a well-known hostel group, Safestay offers modern pod-style dorms, private rooms and a bar on the Royal Mile. Consistent standards and a strong security focus make it appealing to first-time hostellers.

6. Code Pod Hostel

Code offers a boutique take on hostelling, with sleek private pods that give dorm guests extra privacy, reading lights and charging points. It is ideal for travellers who want the price of a hostel with the feel of a design hotel.

7. High Street Hostel

Housed in a historic building, High Street Hostel is one of Edinburgh's longest-running backpacker hostels. It is known for its welcoming community vibe, pub crawls and walking tours, which help travellers meet new people.

8. Royal Mile Backpackers

This compact, cosy hostel suits those who prefer a smaller, quieter stay. Its friendly staff are known for sharing tips on day trips, including heading to Rosslyn Chapel and Dalkeith Country Park.

9. Budget Backpackers

Located in the Cowgate, Budget Backpackers offers flexible room types, a large social area and competitive rates. It is a practical choice for groups and longer-stay travellers who want to keep costs low.

10. Cowgate Tourist Hostel

Offering apartment-style rooms with shared kitchens, Cowgate Tourist Hostel suits small groups and friends travelling together. Self-catering facilities help stretch a budget further during extended stays in the Lothians.

Getting from Your Hostel to Midlothian

Reaching Midlothian from Edinburgh is simple. The Borders Railway runs from Waverley to Shawfair, Eskbank, Newtongrange and Gorebridge, making it easy to visit the National Mining Museum or Dalkeith. Lothian Buses services head south to Roslin, Penicuik, Loanhead and Bonnyrigg, while Borders Buses connect Edinburgh with Penicuik and beyond. Contactless payment and day tickets make exploring affordable, and cycling routes along former railway lines offer a scenic alternative for the energetic.

Budget Travel Trends in the Region

Hostels across the Lothians are responding to changing traveller expectations. Private rooms now make up a larger share of inventory, attracting couples and remote workers. Sustainability initiatives such as refill stations, recycling programmes and energy-efficient heating are becoming standard. Many hostels also partner with local tour operators, offering discounted excursions to Midlothian landmarks, the Pentlands and the Scottish Borders.

Tips for a Great Hostel Stay

Book early during August, when the Edinburgh festivals push prices up dramatically. Pack a padlock, earplugs and a travel towel, and read recent reviews to confirm cleanliness and noise levels. If you plan several Midlothian day trips, choose a hostel within walking distance of Waverley station to save time every morning.

Final Thoughts

While Midlothian's own hostel options are limited, its excellent transport links mean budget travellers never have to miss out. By basing yourself at one of these ten hostels, you can enjoy Edinburgh's energy at night and Midlothian's castles, glens and heritage by day, all without stretching your travel budget.