The park is large and beautiful for a walk. There is plenty of parking available and there is a massive playpark for the kids. The country park is free to enter and wander however should the kids want to play in Fort Douglas it comes at quite a price. My boys (all under 14) loved playing in the huge fort and we stayed there for quite a while however when you want to rest there is very limited seating. There are a few dozen picnic benches however parents were hogging them for hours on end, there are no benches around the playpark either so when you want a rest you need to stick you bum on the floor. Not very good should you have an elderly or imfirm relative or friend with you. The park was very busy as it was Easter weekend however in my opinion it was far to busy for the amenities available, we had to queue for 10 minutes for the toilets, it was 20 minutes to get a coffee at the cabin in the playpark and when the boys asked for an ice cream we had to leave the park and head to the stables, the queue was right out of the door and was about 25 minutes long. I would go back to the park but I would do it on a quiet day as it was wild and isn't properly equipped for masses of people. I'd also add that they had the Easter bunny however it was the most bored and lackadaisical character I've ever came across, there was no interaction at all, a bit embarrassing really. Whilst there I visited the cafe, the lady in front of me asked about the cake selection and what ones had nuts in them as she has to avoid those. The young slim man with dark hair and a hawk like nose tried to find out by calling someone however he could not get an answer so he told her that he didn't know. However it was how he told her, he was downright rude, not just his tone but body language also, shrugging his shoulders when she asked to speak with a manager then telling her she can if she wants but she'll need to head over to the restaurant to do so. I cringed watching his interaction and felt sorry for the lady and how badly she was treated. As this drama was unfolding the 3 people in front of me asked if there was only person serving to which they were told just take it to the shop till round the corner, they'll sort you out then he just dismissed them. Previously having worked for both Next and John Lewis I found the service and...
Read moreDalkeith Country Park offers a delightful experience with its various attractions such as the riverside walk, orangery, cafe, and the great shopping options with local crafts and produce.
Firstly, the riverside walk at Dalkeith County Park is a serene and beautiful path along the river Esk. The walk provides a peaceful ambiance and stunning views of the surrounding nature. The well-maintained path is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon with family and friends. The tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the calmness away from the bustling city.
The orangery in Dalkeith Country Park is a marvelous architectural gem. The well-preserved structure exudes elegance and grandeur. Visitors can marvel at the beautiful grounds that surround the orangery, which adds to its charm. It's a great place to escape the elements while still enjoying the beauty of the outdoors.
The cafe at Dalkeith County Park is a perfect place to refuel and indulge in delicious treats. The cafe offers a wide range of options, including freshly brewed coffee, homemade pastries, and mouthwatering sandwiches. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it an inviting place to take a break and savor some refreshments. Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack or a full meal, the cafe and restaurant have plenty to offer for both adults and children.
One of the highlights of Dalkeith County Park is the great shopping experience it provides. The park showcases a variety of local crafts and produce, allowing visitors to support local businesses and artisans. The selection is diverse, ranging from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to delicious jams and fresh produce. With such a wide array of choices, visitors can find unique souvenirs or ingredients to take home, making the shopping experience truly delightful.
Overall, Dalkeith County Park offers a plethora of attractions and activities to enjoy. From the serene riverside walk, the stunning orangery, the inviting cafe, to the fabulous shopping experience, the children's castle and GoApe climbing centre, there is something for everyone. Whether you're a nature lover, a food enthusiast, or just seeking a leisurely day out, Dalkeith County Park is definitely...
Read moreThought we would visit while touring the area in our campervan pulled into where our sat nav said but wasn't really sure if it was correct as no sign posts then discovered that there was a small gate with metal arch way above there was no where to pull over or turn round and by this time there was three cars behind us so was committed I jumped out to guide my partner and make sure there was enough clearance and that we wasn't going to hit or damage anything. Everything was fine we got through with loads of clearance but before we knew it a man was shouting and waving his hands at us to pull over and wait. He then started ranting at us about how we had just broken the law and we shouldn't of done it how if we had hit the metal arch we would of caused thousands of pounds of damage to the metal work (forgetting that why would I want to risk causing damage to the roof of my £30,000 campervan ) wasn't interested in anything we had to say just kept ranting and to be quite honest I have never been spoken to like that before in my life. I have no idea who the man was but I do know he is vile,rude, arrogant and stuck up who was obviously forgetting that it is tourists like us that give him a job. Anyway we drive down a very bumpy track trying to navigate our way but the whole place seems to have a lack of sign posts and for someone who has never been there before you are meant to be a mind reader. My son spent about 20 minutes in the play area then we thought we would try and find something else to do. We walked over to palace as we saw some people going in. We get there the door is closed no lights no signage about anything by this time we had enough. With the welcome we got it had just put the visit to a bad start. Don't waste your time or money going here and if you are visiting in a campervan you are better off going round to what I now know is the car exit but the pedestrian entrance and parking in a pay and display car park there. I certainly will not be visiting this awful...
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