Dalkeith Country Park

Dalkeith Country Park, via The King's Gate, Dalkeith, Edinburgh, Edinburgh and Lothian, EH22 1ST, Scotland
1-90 Years

Description

Dalkeith Country Park is a large historic park in Midlothian offering a mix of nature, adventure, and family-friendly activities. Set within beautiful landscapes and rich heritage, it provides a relaxing yet exciting environment for visitors of all ages. The park is ideal for outdoor exploration, leisure, and adventure experiences.

Visitors can enjoy walking trails, wildlife spotting, and riverside views, along with attractions like Fort Douglas Adventure Playground and Go Ape with zip lines and treetop courses. The park also features Restoration Yard with shops, restaurants, and wellness spaces, as well as activities like fishing and seasonal experiences. Its blend of history, nature, and adventure makes it a diverse destination for both relaxation and thrill-seeking. 

Entry to the main park is free, while attractions such as Fort Douglas and Go Ape require separate paid tickets. Parking is available with a charge of £3 per visit. 

Dalkeith Country Park offers a well-rounded experience combining outdoor fun, history, and modern attractions. It is perfect for families, couples, and groups looking for both relaxation and adventure. With its wide range of activities and scenic setting, it makes for a memorable day out in Scotland.

Features

  • Free
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

The Park 

  • Trails: You can explore our beautiful environment on foot with one of our waymarked walking routes, in the heart of Midlothian.
  • Wildlife & Nature: Discover the Scottish wildlife & nature that call Dalkeith Country Park home and explore the seasonal changes.
  • Discover Dalkeith: Explore the strong historic connections between The Park and the town of Dalkeith during your visit.
  • Soul Water Sauna: Where the ancient tradition of wood-fired sauna meets the wild beauty of Dalkeith Country Park.
  • History: Dalkeith Country Park is a very special place with a vibrant history. The grounds and historical buildings have been welcoming guests for hundreds of years.
  • Volunteering: Come and join our group of volunteers. Work with the amazing team who help protect and maintain the natural environment for everyone to enjoy.
  • Fishing: Enjoy a fabulous day’s fishing in the River Esk just a stone’s throw from the centre of Edinburgh, where you will find brown trout and grayling.

Attractions

  • Fort Douglas Adventure Playground: Let operation fun begin! Little adventurers love to climb, scramble and slide through the tunnels, towers and turreted tree houses of our adventure playground. With a dedicated toddler zone, ziplines and jumping pillows, Fort Douglas is one big adventure for children age up to 12 yrs.
  • Go Ape: Dalkeith Country Park is one of only three Go Ape locations in Scotland. Located in the centre of the Park, Go Ape Dalkeith boasts eight incredible ziplines spanning across the River Esk. Three adrenaline pumping courses allow you to choose your thrill level. Ziplines and sky-high platforms supply the thrills for adults and older children, whilst young adventurers can take to the tree tops on the first ever Scottish Treetop Adventure course for children over 1m tall.
  • Restoration Yard: Shop wonderful, eat local and restore balance at Restoration Yard. It is the perfect place to visit with family and friends. Located in beautifully renovated 18th century stables within the historic Dalkeith Country Park, Restoration Yard is a gorgeous store, restaurant and wellness space. Come on in – shop it, eat it, breathe in the beauty of the nature surrounding you and find your inner calm. We look forward to welcoming you, your family and friends. Delight your senses. Experience joy. Restoration Yard is a place where memories are created.

Facilities

Parking: Parking available.  

Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • Dalkeith Country Park: Open 07.00 – 19.00
  • Fort Douglas: Open daily 10.00 – 17.00
  • The Store at Restoration Yard: Open 10.00 – 17.00
  • The Kitchen at Restoration Yard: Open from 09.00 with last orders at 15.45
  • The Coffee Bar at Restoration Yard: Open 09.00 – 17.00
  • The Larder at Restoration Yard: Open seasonally

Address: Dalkeith Country Park, via The King's Gate, Dalkeith, Edinburgh, Edinburgh and Lothian, EH22 1ST, Scotland

Post Code: EH22 1ST

Council: Edinburgh

County: Edinburgh and Lothia

  • By Car: The Park entrance is less than five minutes from the Edinburgh City By-pass. The main vehicle entrance is King’s Gate, a left turn shortly after Sheriffhall Roundabout on the A6106. The Park postcode is EH22 1ST or you can find it on what3words. Larger vehicle drivers please be aware this entrance has a height restriction of 2.7m so you’ll need to enter via Town Gate. Cars can also enter and must exit The Park via Town Gate which can be found on Dalkeith High Street. Postcode for your Sat Nav is EH22 2NA.  There is a £3 charge for parking – pay online or by card when you arrive.
  • By Bike: The main entrance to The Park is Town Gate (postcode EH22 2NA). You can then follow our road into The Park. Cyclists may also enter The Park using our Monkton and Smeaton Gates (Smeaton Gate is closest to the National Cycle Route no.196). All gates are open from 7am – 7pm unless you are an Acorn Membership holder. 
  • By Bus: If you’re travelling from Edinburgh to Dalkeith, jump on a Lothian Bus number 3 to Dalkeith High Street. Dalkeith Country Park is then a short five to 10-minute walk away. 
  • By Train: There are regular trains from the Borders and Edinburgh City Centre to Eskbank Station, a 25 minute walk from The Park. Or jump on the number 39 Lothian Bus from Tesco Hardengreen to Dalkeith High Street. From Dalkeith High Street it’ll take about five to 10 minutes to walk to The Park.  
  • On Foot: The main pedestrian entrance to The Park is Town Gate (postcode EH22 2NA). You can then follow our footpath into The Park. Pedestrians may also enter The Park using our Monkton and Smeaton Gates. All gates are open from 7am – 7pm unless you are an Acorn Membership holder.

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