Restoration Yard
WHAT
Attraction
WHERE
A68, Junction Whitecraig; 6 minutes
WHEN
The Kitchen: Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm (5pm Sat-Sun)
Store & Coffee Bar: Mon-Sun 9.30am-6pm
Fort Douglas: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm (4pm winter)
Kid friendly
Disabled access
Free WiFi for visitors
Vegetarian or vegan options
Gluten-free options
Parking available onsite
Just outside Edinburgh the 1,000-acre Dalkeith Country Park is a bucolic stop with something for everyone. Kids will love the enormous Fort Douglas Adventure Park and when you’ve tired them out on the climbing walls, treehouses and slides, head to the stunning Restoration Yard.
Once the stable block for the Duke of Buccleuch’s estate and crowned with a stately clock tower, the yard has been given a radical makeover. Browse the beautiful clothing, homewares, books and gifts in the shop, pick up some artisan deli goods in the fine foods store, even stop for a yoga class. You can refuel in the informal Coffee Bar alongside or grab a table in the slightly more formal restaurant The Kitchen with plate glass windows overlooking the river and herb garden.
Dalkeith Country Park is looped with dog-friendly walking and cycling paths, so stretch your legs before getting back in the car. The longest, two-hour trail takes you through woodlands and along the River Esk – look out for roe deer, otters and buzzards.