2026 Dalkeith Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

We had a fantastic day out with our family, including our two kids aged 5 and 8. Most of our time was spent at Fort Douglas, the incredible adventure playground. It’s very well-designed, offering plenty of seating and even a coffee stop for parents. The good weather was a bonus, keeping the slides dry, though the kids' areas are mostly covered. Parking is prepaid by card only, currently £4. Entry to the Fort is very affordable and well worth it. Our kids enjoyed seeing the beehive near the Fort’s entrance, and we had a lovely walk along the river, finding two geocaches set within the park (approved, of course). The palace and grounds are beautifully maintained and a joy to explore. It was a fantastic day, and I highly recommend it to anyone, with or without kids. We’ll definitely visit again when we return to Edinburgh.

We had a lovely day out as a family. The younger kids really enjoyed the Fort Douglas play area, while the older ones had fun at the Go Ape attraction onsite. There are plenty of beautiful walking trails to explore. The cakes in the café were absolutely delightful—the ginger cake in particular was outstanding! Keep an eye out for their summer camping dates.

#hellonewyear HISTORIC EDINBURGH STAY FOR BIG GROUPS - The Old Millhouse near Edinburgh is a luxurious and stylish stay just a few miles from Edinburgh. This historic house has 5 bedrooms, with space for up to 10 guests and a number of elegant spaces to socialise and relax in. Outside, find 3.5 acres of beautiful gardens and a super indulgent hot tub. Take yourself for a country walk, or head into the city and discover all it has to offer. #Coolstays #Scotland #Edinburgh #HotTub #DogFriendly #GroupAccommodation

If you need a moment to take a break from the bustling tourist area! Take a bus from Edinburgh to Dalkeith, which is about an hour southeast. The city is quiet, and when you enter the large park, you will be faced with a natural landscape without any artificiality. There are no good restaurants, but the ice cream at the restaurant in the park is delicious, and you can eat sandwiches and coffee by sitting on the tables and chairs provided in the park to relieve fatigue. Please note that cooking with fire is prohibited!