Living in Loanhead
Situated in the north of Midlothian, just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh, Loanhead is a charming town with a lot to offer. Whether you’re looking for an affordable first-time buyer home, a family-friendly neighbourhood or a convenient base for commuting, Loanhead will strongly appeal. With fantastic amenities, beautiful green spaces, and a welcoming community, it’s no wonder more and more people are choosing to call this town home.
Is Loanhead a good place to live?
Loanhead offers the perfect marriage of small-town charm with city connectivity. It’s a friendly place with a strong community spirit, great local schools, and easy access to Edinburgh and beyond.
One of the highlights is the proximity to the fantastic Straiton Retail Park, where you’ll find everything from supermarkets to high-street fashion and home stores. Add to that some lovely parks, great local eateries, and a buzzing annual gala day, and you’ve got a town that truly has it all.
Whether you’re after a peaceful suburban lifestyle or quick access to city life, Loanhead is an ideal spot to settle down.
What is the transport in Loanhead like?
The location of Loanhead means getting around is a piece of cake, whether you’re travelling by bus, train or car.
Loanhead by bus
Loanhead is well-served by Lothian Buses, making it easy to reach Edinburgh and surrounding areas. The 37 service is one of the main routes, taking you straight into the city centre of Edinburgh, as well as providing links to Roslin and Penicuik. Lothian Buses services 47 and 140 provide excellent connections to other parts of Midlothian, East Lothian and Edinburgh’s suburbs. If you need to get to Edinburgh Airport, a quick bus change in the city centre will have you jetting off in no time.
Loanhead by rail
While Loanhead doesn’t have its own train station, Eskbank Station on the Borders Railway is just a short drive away. From there, you can hop on a train and be in Edinburgh Waverley in around 18 minutes, making commuting or day trips to the capital incredibly convenient.
Loanhead by car
For those who drive, the town’s close proximity to the A720 Edinburgh City Bypass means easy access to the M8, M9, and M90 motorways. Whether you’re heading to Glasgow, Stirling, or Fife, the connections are fantastic. And if you’re in the mood for a scenic drive, the rolling landscapes of the Pentland Hills are just minutes away.
What are the schools in Loanhead like?
Loanhead is a great choice for families, thanks to its selection of well-regarded schools. Loanhead Primary School is a popular option with strong community ties, while nearby Paradykes Primary School has been newly rebuilt and offers modern facilities. Loanhead St Margaret's Primary School is a good option for parents seeking Roman Catholic denomination schooling.
For secondary education, pupils typically attend Lasswade High School, which has a great reputation and plenty of extracurricular activities to keep students engaged.
For further education, Edinburgh College’s Midlothian Campus is just a short drive away, offering a range of vocational courses and training opportunities for school leavers and adult learners alike.
What are the best things to do in Loanhead
Loanhead may be a small town, but there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Nature lovers will enjoy being so close to Pentland Hills Regional Park, which is perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views. If you prefer shopping, Straiton Retail Park is right on the doorstep, featuring big-name stores like IKEA, M&S, and Next, along with plenty of cafés and restaurants to relax in after a day of retail therapy.
For those looking to stay active, Loanhead Leisure Centre offers a swimming pool, gym, and fitness classes. The town is also home to the much-loved Loanhead Gala Day, an annual summer event that brings the whole community together for a fun-filled celebration.
If you fancy a day out, Roslin Glen is just a short drive away, offering beautiful walking trails and the chance to visit the famous Rosslyn Chapel. And when it comes to nightlife, Edinburgh’s buzzing bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues are just a quick bus ride away.
Types of property in Loanhead
Loanhead offers a fantastic mix of properties, from traditional stone-built homes to modern family houses. First-time buyers will find plenty of affordable flats and starter homes, while families can enjoy spacious semi-detached and detached houses with gardens. For those looking for something sleek and contemporary, there are also stylish new-build developments offering energy-efficient, modern living spaces.
Planning on moving to Loanhead?
If you’re looking for a town that offers great amenities, a strong community spirit, and easy access to Edinburgh, Loanhead could be the perfect place for you. Whether you’re after a quaint cottage, a modern townhouse, or a family-friendly home, you’re bound to find something to suit your style. Thinking of making the move? Explore the latest properties in Loanhead on ESPC!
Find a solicitor estate agent in Loanhead
You can search our directory of local ESPC solicitor agents. Simply type in Loanhead and we’ll give you the contact details and all the information you need on the agent.
FAQs about living in Loanhead
Loanhead is a great choice for families, thanks to its selection of well-regarded schools. The area offers primary schools with strong community ties and modern facilities, including options for Roman Catholic denomination schooling.
For secondary education, local students typically attend a nearby high school known for its positive reputation and variety of extracurricular activities. For further education, a college campus just a short drive away provides a range of vocational courses and training opportunities for both school leavers and adult learners.
For more details on the best schools in For more details on the best schools in Loanhead, click here.
As the national body for supporting quality and improvement of learning and teaching, Education Scotland is a great place to look for information on school performance. You can use the website to search for an inspection report in a specific school.
We list the school catchment for every property listing in Loanhead on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on schooling in Loanhead, please refer to the Midlothian Council website. Along with information on terms dates and how to apply for a school place, you can find a school catchment area.
The average price of homes in Loanhead is £262,707. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 28/02/2025.
There are no new housing developments or upcoming infrastructure projects currently underway in Loanhead. For more news and updated on housing developments in Loanhead, you can visit the Midlothian Council website.
For details on council tax bands and charges in Loanhead, please refer to the Midlothian Council website.
Loanhead offers a variety of family-friendly activities, parks, and attractions. The town features several parks and playgrounds suitable for children, providing outdoor spaces for play and relaxation. For indoor activities, there are soft play areas and sports facilities that cater to families, ensuring entertainment regardless of the weather.
Loanhead offers diverse cultural and recreational facilities. The Loanhead Leisure Centre features a 25-meter swimming pool, toddler pool, gym, fitness classes, soft play area, café, library, and sports hall. King George V Park provides a children’s play area, grass and artificial sports pitches, and inclusive play equipment. The Loanhead Guitar Club offers informal tuition and practice for adults. For dining, The Radhuni, an award-winning Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant, is renowned as one of the UK's best curry houses, offering a top-tier culinary experience.
Families can participate in community groups and events such as the Loanhead Gala, a traditional festival featuring a week of activities culminating in a gala day with ceremonies and entertainment. Additionally, organizations like Growing Families provide pre-school activities and support for parents, fostering community connections.
Loanhead at a glance*
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