Dalkeith Country Park

1,000 acres of heritage, woodland and slow-down luxury right here in Dalkeith. Think grand architecture, blue-chip walks, quietly adventurous play for the kids, and exceptional food and shopping at Restoration Yard. It’s an easy day that feels like a mini-escape. 

Why our guests love it

• Restoration Yard: a beautifully restored 18th-century stable yard with a Tuscan-inspired courtyard.  Browse The Store, then linger over brunch or lunch in The Kitchen with panoramic views towards the historic Orangerie. Coffee is served all day from the Coffee Bar. Typical opening: Store 10:00–17:00; Kitchen from 09:30; Coffee Bar 09:00–17:00. 

• Trails & nature: Way marked walking routes through riverside scenery and Old Oak Wood (a designated SSSI) with seasonal wildlife spotting (roe deer, otters, buzzards and more). Trail map available to download. 

• Heritage highlights: Dalkeith Palace (guided tours seasonal), the romantic Montagu Bridge, and the 12-sided Orangerie designed by William Burn. 

• The Hive: a glass observation hive where you can watch thousands of honey bees at work. 

Eat, shop, restore

The Kitchen for seasonal Scottish dishes and that view; wander The Store for fashion, home and a rather tempting food hall; or drop into The Studio for occasional yoga and wellbeing classes. It’s refined but relaxed - perfect after a walk.

Gentle adventure (for every age)

• Fort Douglas Adventure Playground – turreted treehouses, bridges, slides, tunnels and zip wires with a separate toddler area. Two daily sessions (10:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:00). Pre-book—tickets do sell out; book adult tickets too (children must be accompanied by an over-18). Seasonal extras include a weather-dependent Zorbing Cannon Ball Run and children’s party packages. 

• Go Ape, Dalkeith: treetop courses for different ages/abilities, including eight zip lines over the River Esk. Minimum heights: Treetop Adventure (1.0 m), Adventure Plus (1.2 m), Treetop Challenge (1.4 m). 

Walks worth dressing for

Choose from easy riverside ambles to longer green-route loops; the downloadable map marks routes and viewpoints. Watch for bluebells in spring and the iconic “Michael” oak on the Old Wood trail. 

Palace & culture (seasonal)

From late August to early October, guided tours open Dalkeith Palace’s early-classical interiors and stories; tickets are required and family pricing is available. The estate also hosts exhibitions and performances throughout the year - browse the “What’s On” page for current listings. 

For anglers

Fly-fishing permits (brown trout and grayling) are offered April to late September on the North and South Esk within the park. Catch-and-release; permits currently £35.

Planning a visit to Dalkeith Country Park? For a smooth, luxe day out, check the official site: https://www.dalkeithcountrypark.co.uk  for the latest opening times, parking info, and to pre-book hot spots like Fort Douglas, Go Ape, and The Kitchen before you