Dalkeith

Town in Midlothian
★

Dalkeith sits just outside the Edinburgh City Bypass, far enough from the capital to ensure that it retains a reasonable selection of shops and services. As the county capital of Midlothian, there’s a pleasant sense of hustle and bustle without any feeling of pretentiousness. A handful of attractive churches and historic buildings underscore the area’s long history, though the very centre is blighted by a conspicuous 1960s development which the town planning department might now regret. The main draw for visitors is Dalkeith Country Park: a charming, mostly wooded estate surrounding Dalkeith House and the North and South Esk rivers, accessed from the north end of the High Street. The latter river also has a path network linking with Newbattle and Lothianbridge for further pleasant rambling.

Location

Midlothian

O.S. Grid Reference: NT 331673

GPS coordinates: 55.894101,-3.070840

Dalkeith Country Park is a short walk from the town centre. Take a bus for more distant sights.

The town is best reached by bus from Edinburgh city centre, though there are some other local routes.

A few central parking spots charge a fee or have restricted times.

<1 mi away

>> Dalkeith Museum ★

>> St Mary’s Church (Dalkeith) ★★

>> Walk: A piece o’ Dalkeith ★★

<3 mi away

>> National Mining Museum Scotland ★★★★ (2 mi ↓)

>> Gilmerton Cove ★★★ (3 mi ←)