The facility was established as the world's first indoor butterfly house when it opened in 1984.
The interior was maintained at a constant tropical temperature to support exotic butterfly species from tropical climates.
Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World is an indoor tropical glasshouse located within the Melville Nurseries garden centre near Dalkeith. The facility houses a collection of free-flying exotic butterflies alongside various reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids. Visitors traverse a climate-controlled environment designed to simulate a rainforest habitat. The centre features dedicated areas for observing insect life cycles and smaller terrarium displays for invertebrates. It is situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, functioning as a specialized small creature zoo. The site has officially ceased operations as of its permanent closure in 2021, and the physical location is no longer open to the public as a visitor attraction.
Not applicable.
Verify current status before travel as the site is permanently closed.
The site shares grounds with a garden centre if visiting the general area for other purposes.
Do not plan a visit to this site as it is no longer an active attraction.
Permanently closed since 2021.
