can you visit dalkeith palace

Visit Boughton

Visit Boughton for a day out you will never forget. One of Britain’s grandest and best-preserved stately homes.

Visit Bowhill

Bowhill House and Country Estate is a different adventure every time. Discover a magnificent history in a stunning setting.

Visit Dalkeith Country Park

The secluded country park only a stone's throw from Edinburgh. Its rivers, woods, and wildlife have been beloved by generations.

Visit Drumlanrig Castle

The Castle is the stunning Dumfrieshire seat of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry.

• Aims and Objectives
• Education and Research
• Internships
• Arms & Armour
• Boughton House
• Bowhill House

Dalkeith Palace

• Drumlanrig Castle
• About the Monuments
• Conservation Project
• Creative Arts
• Guidebook & Creative Writing Project
• Songs for the Montagu Monuments
• Learn more about the Collection
• Visit a property

Dalkeith Palace is situated just five miles from Edinburgh’s city centre at the stunning Dalkeith Country Park .   The Palace architecture and surrounding area are wonderful and, although it is not possible to see the interior, they are worth a visit alone. Furthermore, the Park is currently undergoing an exciting redevelopment project which started in summer 2016. You can read more about this on Dalkeith Country Park’s website.

You can read more about this on Dalkeith Country Park’s website .

Dalkeith Palace was built in 1702 on the site of an earlier Castle and until the 1920s was the principal seat of the Montagu Douglas Scott family in Scotland. The Palace was the creation of Anna Scott, the 1st Duke of Monmouth and Buccleuch’s widow, who employed James Smith , Scotland’s leading architect in classical style at the time. Modelled on William of Orange’s palace in the Netherlands, Het Loo , no expense was spared as huge quantities of marble were important and engravings were done by Grinling Gibbons . After Anna passed away, Dalkeith was further developed with a bridge by Robert Adam and a fine Stableblock. Fortunately, the dramatic neo-Jacobean makeover planned by William Burn in the 1820s never got beyond the stage of an elaborate model.

The majority of the collection once housed at Dalkeith Palace is now on display at Bowhill House .

Buccleuch Links

• Scottish Palaces

Dalkeith Palace

Stories of love and war. Tales of Scottish clans, royal conflict, and daring escapes. If that sounds like your kind of day then Dalkeith Palace, Scotland, is the place to be!

Dalkeith Palace, once the spectacular dwelling of the first Duchess of Buccleuch and even Bonnie Prince Charlie, now stands as an architectural marvel!

Adventuring around Medieval Dalkeith Castle (and let’s not forget about the stunning Dalkeith Park, too!) is an unforgettable experience. Plus, it’s a fast shot from Edinburgh , the capital of Scotland, so you can make it an all-in-one day.

Stroll through the country park and hear the stories pouring out of the old tower walls. Dalkeith Palace has a bit of something for everyone: the explorer, the historian, the art lover, and more!

In This Post

History of Dalkeith Palace

Midlothian is rife with fascinating history; if the name sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen an iconic Heart of Midlothian football game !

The history of Dalkeith Palace began with the Clan Graham in the 12th century. When John de Graham died in the 14th century, it was passed to the Clan Douglas through his sister and her husband, James Douglas, who became the Earl of Morton. In 1406, James Douglas built the college chapel.

Cardinal David Beaton was jailed in Dalkeith Castle in 1543, and shortly after, the castle was taken over by soldiers. Anne of Denmark and James VI visited the castle often in the late 16th century; during one of their stays, a prisoner escaped through their bedroom with the queen’s servant’s help. Talk about a daring escape!

Dalkeith Palace history saw a lot of royalty, from Princess Margaret’s birth to Prince Charles’ illness. King Charles I purchased the castle from William (the 7th Earl of Morton) and strengthened it. After some defensive additions like the drawbridge, he returned the castle to the Earl of Morton, as he found the purchase challenging.

William eventually sold Dalkeith Palace to the Buccleuch family. Anne and James (the eldest illegitimate son of King Charles II) became the Duchess of Monmouth and Duke of Buccleuch. When James was executed, Anne commissioned architect James Smith to make the new house similar to Prince William of Orange’s palace. Construction went underway, and architect James Smith was the one who decided to take a part of the tower house of the old castle and place it into the new structure. You can even see the old tower walls as part of the country house today!

In the 18th century, William Walker and Benjamin Robinson started renovations for the new p alace complex, including several marble chimney pieces . Plumber John Scott redid the roof and other minor additions were carried out afterwards, like the low window by James Playfair and the resurfacing of the building by John Adam. The layout of Dalkeith Palace was strange at the time; the Great Dining Room couldn’t be positioned correctly and was placed on the ground floor. The 18th century also marked the construction of the spectacular Montagu Bridge, designed by Robert Adam.

In the 19th century, William Burn made more changes to Dalkeith Palace, including new spaces for the Duke’s Chamberlain. The construction of St Mary’s Church as a private chapel was also an addition made by William Burn!

Tons of interesting guests stayed at Dalkeith Palace when it was thriving; King George IV in the 19th century, Queen Victoria in 1842, and Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed for two nights, too! During World War II, some Polish Soldiers stayed at Dalkeith Palace and left stunning graffiti that you can see today on the third-floor wallpaper.

The Buccleuch family hasn’t lived in Dalkeith Palace in over a century. Not long after they left, Dalkeith Palace became a research and development office and later, the University of Wisconsin took residence. The Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust and the University of Wisconsin completed their lease in 2021.

Details to Remember About Dalkeith Palace

When you’re heading to Dalkeith Palace, it’s best to plan in advance regarding times, cost, accessibility and transportation.

Dalkeith Palace Opening Times

Dalkeith House never used to be open to the public, but the University of Wisconsin has moved elsewhere. That means you can actually tour inside now!

Dalkeith Country Park is allowing small tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between 11.30 am and 2.30 pm. Tours run from 18 June to 03 September, with 2023’s theme being “A Passion For Music”.

Each tour of Dalkeith Palace is just over an hour, costing £9.50 a person, including exhibition entry!

Accessibility

Dalkeith Country Park and the Restoration Yard have accessible and level parking spaces and accessible toilets, too. They also have baby-changing sites!

The Restoration Yard’s Kitchen Store and Coffee Bar are wheelchair-friendly. The fort can only be accessed through assisted wheelchairs and the terrain isn’t completely smooth. The Sky Maze also has accessibility options for assisted wheelchairs, buggies, and prams.

How to Get To Dalkeith Palace

Don’t be late! The tour session gap is pretty small, so plot your route out in advance.

Ways to Get There Using a Car

It’s best to stick to GPS if you don’t know the area well. The Dalkeith Palace address to look out for is Buccleuch St, Dalkeith EH22 1DN, UK. If you’re driving from Edinburgh to get to Dalkeith Palace, Country Park, expect a 15-35 minute journey. Depending on where you’re coming from, the best routes are the A1 (S) or the A7 Old Dalkeith Road.

Ways to Get There Using Public Transport

If you don’t have a car or plan to rent, public transit is the way to go!

The best way to get to Dalkeith Palace by bus from Edinburgh is to head to the North Bridge bus station for a direct 35-minute journey to Dalkeith House, Scotland. The bus leaves approximately every 30 minutes.

A train will definitely make the trip longer, but you can catch one from the Borders and Edinburgh City Centre to Eskbank Station. Then it’s a 25-minute to get there!

Attractions at Dalkeith Palace

There’s lots to see in and around Dalkeith Palace; plan a full day!

Tour Dalkeith Palace

For the first time ever, it’s possible to tour inside Dalkeith Palace! Now you can stroll the halls of Dalkeith Castle, rife with English and Scottish history, and check out the paintings and exhibition.

Wander the Country Park

The Country Park is a fantastic place to spend the day. You can picnic with the family, go for a lovely stroll, and there are even cycling paths. Nowadays you can actually camp at Dalkeith Country Park to be right in the middle of the magic!

Fort Douglas

Fort Douglas is all about the kids! They’re open every day, with morning and afternoon sessions available. Kids (up to 12) can have a blast climbing and exploring bridges, slides, and tree houses with endless fun.

The Restoration Yard

The Restoration Yard is full of fun activities. If you want a more chilled afternoon, the Wellbeing Lab has you sorted with mindful activities like pilates, arts and crafts, yoga, meditation, and more!

The Shop has endless, hand-picked options for fashion, books, toys, anything!

Then there’s The Kitchen, which is perfect for topping off a day of adventure with a bite to eat. Head to the Larder for some quick snacks on the go.

If you want to be in the middle of the action in Dalkeith Palace, Go Ape will get your heart pumping! They’ve got 8 thrilling zip wires and even a ground activity, where you have to solve mysteries and puzzles and figure out top-secret codes.

Keep a lookout for Dalkeith Palace events ! They’ve always got something happening, from craft workshops to special dining festivities.

More Scottish Palaces to Visit

• Bishop and Earl’s Palace
• Culross Palace
• Dumfries House
• Dunfermline Palace and Abbey
• Falkland Palace
• Hopetoun House
• Linlithgow Palace
• Palace of Holyrood
• Scone Palace
• Spynie Palace

Graham Grieve

Support this blog 💙.

• The Best Castles
• 5000 Club / 2000 Club
• Top 20s, Outlander and Lists

Magnificent Ruins

• Scenic Castles

Grand Castles

• Stately Homes and Mansions
• Mellerstain
• Mount Stuart
• Inveraray Castle
• Drumlanrig Castle
• Culzean Castle
• Paxton House
• Traquair House
• Floors Castle
• Hill of Tarvit
• House of Dun
• Dumfries House
• Scone Palace
• Hopetoun House
• Culross Palace
• Haddo House
• Arniston House
• Pollok House
• Dalkeith Palace
• Balmoral Castle
• Dalmeny House
• Monzie Castle
• Callendar House
• Winton Castle
• Lews Castle
• Gosford House
• Pitmuies House
• Dunninald Castle
• Gunsgreen House
• Hospitalfield House
• Culloden House
• Melville Castle
• Balbirnie House
• Stonefield Castle
• Gilmerton House
• Glengorm Castle
• Stobo Castle
• Cameron House
• Mertoun House
• Finlaystone House
• Brechin Castle
• Newbattle Abbey
• Tyninghame House
• Malleny House
• Gordon Castle
• Pittencrieff House
• Broughton House
• Huntly House

Feature Articles

• Old Castle Pictures
• New Sites (A-E)
• New Sites (F-Z)

Other Articles

• Map of Sites
• The Publisher
• bloGinshead

Dalkeith Palace is the magnificent mansion, including an old castle, of the Douglases and then the Scott Dukes of Buccleuch, set in beautiful landscaped policies and now a country park with lovely walks, cafe, restaurant and shop, near the town of Dalkeith in Midlothian in central Scotland.

Lothians: About 0.5 miles north-west of Dalkeith, on minor road north of A6094, between the rivers North Esk and South Esk, at Dalkeith Palace and Dalkeith Country Park.

Private   NT 333679   OS: 66   EH22 1ST

OPEN: Country park open all year, except 25/26 Dec and 1 Jan, daily 7.00-19.00. Extensive walks, Restoration Yard (restaurant and shop), Fort Douglas (for the bairns), and much else. House not open. Tel: 0131 654 1666   Web: www.dalkeithcountrypark.com

Restoration Yard:  www.restorationyard.com

Standing in around 1,000 acres of sylvan woodland and parkland with the gorges of the Esk between the North and South Esk, Dalkeith Palace or House, an extensive 18th-century U-plan classical mansion, incorporates part of an old castle, possibly dating from as early as the 12th century. The old part has vaulted chambers and two turnpike stairs.

The house was remodelled in the 1570s or 1580s, again in 1701-11 by the architect James Smith for Anna, Duchess of Buccleuch, then in 1768 by James Playfair, then by the William Burn in the 1830s. 

The mansion rises to three storeys in the main block with an a impressive classical facade with pilasters and a triangular pediment and lower advanced wings. The mansion has a grand marble main staircase and fine interiors, including carved fireplaces.

‘Dalketh’ is prominently marked on Blaeu’s map of The Lothians by a large park, then on Adair’s map of Midlothian in large wooded and enclosed policies. The village is also depicted.

The landscaped policies, laid out by W S Gilpin, include the Montagu Bridge (see below), the 12-sided and elabroately carved Orangery designed by William Burn (which is to be restored), extensive woodland walks by the banks of the North and South Esk, and the large stables designed by William Adams in the 1740s and now used for Restoration Yard, a restaurant and shop. Some of the trees are more than 900 years old.

The property belonged to the Grahams from the 12th century, but passed by marriage to the Douglases about 1350. Dalkeith was sacked in 1452 by the brother of the murdered 6th Earl of Douglas, but the castle held out, and in 1458 James Douglas of Dalkeith was made Earl of Morton. James IV first met Margaret Tudor, his wife-to-be, here in 1503. Cardinal David Beaton was imprisoned at the castle in 1543.

The castle was taken by the English after the Battle of Pinkie in 1547, and many Scots who had fled the battle were captured. James Douglas, 4th Earl of  Morton  – Chancellor for Mary, Queen of Scots, and later Regent for the young James VI – remodelled the castle, and built a magnificent palace in 1575 (he also owned Aberdour Castle in Fife). James VI visited in 1581, after Morton had been executed. William Douglas, 6th Earl of Morton, had a ratification of 1592 for the castle, palace, tower and fortalice of Dalkeith. Charles I was entertained here in 1633.

In 1642 the property was acquired by Francis Scott, 2nd Earl of Buccleuch . Anna, Duchess of Buccleuch in her own right, stayed here and had the house remodelled. Her husband, James, Earl of Monmouth, had been executed in 1685 for treason, after leading a rebellion against James VII. Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed at the house for two nights in 1745, as George IV in 1822 and Queen Victoria in 1842.

In the lovely and extensive grounds are the impressive Montagu Bridge, an impressive single-span structure designed by Robert Adam in 1792, commissioned by Henry, 3rd Duke of Buccleuch, to commemorate his marriage to Elizabeth Monagu, daughter and heiress of the Duke of Montagu. Henry incorporated both the Douglas and Montagu name into his own, and the family became Douglas Montagu Scott. The weir below the bridge is part of the landscape feature, reflecting the bridge above the weir, providing a cascade below it. 

The family had stopped using the house by the time it occupied by the army during World War I , and during World War II the palace was used to house Polish troops. Since 1986 Dalkeith Palace has been used by students from the Wisconsin in the USA, and the country park was revamped from 2015 in a £7million investment. Ricard Montagu Douglas Scott is the 12th and current Duke of Buccleuch. The family also own  Branxholme ,  Bowhill  and  Drumlanrig Castle  in Scotland, and the magnifcient and grand Boughton House , in landscaped gardens and country park, in Northamptonshire in England.

Dalkeith Palace is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman, a ‘Green Lady’ which is said to have been witnessed in recent times. One story is that the ghost is the spirit of a girl around eight-years-old called Anna, who fell out of one of the upstairs windows, and the building is haunted by the wee girl’s spirit, as well as that of her nursemaid.

New sixth edition in preparation: more than 1,500 additional sites, hundreds more illustrations, comprehensive online maps and indexes, and much much more.

Due for 2024, and still a huge amount of work to do … more info to follow soon.

Check any and all opening and access information with the sites themselves…

Rowanhills art and exhibition of romantic landscapes in oils

Naked photos row…

Scenic Ruins

Stately Homes

Tweet this page

Goblinshead

Cockenzie House 22 Edinburgh Road Cockenzie

Email: [email protected]

Or use our contact form .

Web View Mobile View

Dalkeith Palace

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travelers

Dalkeith Palace - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Dalkeith Palace

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

DALKEITH PALACE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• (0.71 mi) Rathan House - the Guesthouse at Eskbank
• (0.30 mi) Dalkeith Hotel by ALTIDO
• (1.16 mi) The Melville Inn
• (0.99 mi) Melville Castle Hotel
• (3.78 mi) Straven Guest House
• (0.21 mi) Bombay Lounge
• (0.51 mi) Itihaas
• (0.33 mi) The Cavaliere Ristorante & Wine Bar
• (0.30 mi) The Coffee Shop at St Nicholas Buccleuch
• (0.42 mi) Gurkhas Penicuik
• (0.10 mi) Dalkeith Country Park
• (0.13 mi) St Marys Episcopal Church
• (0.16 mi) rentamotorcycle.co.uk
• (0.15 mi) The Montagu Bridge
• (0.21 mi) Dalkeith Corn Exchange Museum

We've noticed that you're using an out of date browser. We recommend that you update to the latest version to enhance your browsing experience.

Availability Search for  Dalkeith

Terms & conditions.

This booking system and any information appearing on this page relating to the availability of any accommodation is provided by third parties and not by VisitScotland. It is intended to provide real time availability information relating to accommodation which is also provided by third parties. You may use this booking system to place direct bookings with third party accommodation providers. Any booking you make will not be placed with VisitScotland and we will have no liability to you in respect of any booking. If you proceed to make a booking you will leave our Website and visit a website owned and operated by a third party. VisitScotland does not have any control over the content or availability of any external website. This booking system and any information appearing on this page is provided for your information and convenience only and is not intended to be an endorsement by VisitScotland of the content of such linked websites, the quality of any accommodation listed, or of the services of any third party.

VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Dalkeith is a small town south-east of Edinburgh.

Related items of interest

Cookies are required to view this content. Change your preferences at Manage Cookie Settings

The content of many of our web listings is provided by third party operators and not VisitScotland. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for (1) any error or misrepresentation contained in third party listings, and (2) the contents of any external links within web listings ((1) and (2) together hereinafter referred to as the "Content"). VisitScotland excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the Content. The Content is provided for your information only and is not endorsed by VisitScotland.

What's Nearby

Accommodation, attractions, food & drink, terms and conditions.

• Destinations
• Where to Stay
• See & do
• My dashboard
• Planning tools
• What's nearby
• My favourites
• Log your travels
• Weekly journal

A Daring Escape From Dalkeith Palace By Graeme Johncock -->

By Graeme Johncock

A Daring Escape From Dalkeith Palace

Words by Graeme Johncock , photography Dalkeith Country Park

• A Daring Escape From Dalkeith Palace 00:00

Despite the name, Dalkeith Palace was never a permanent home to monarchs, but this country mansion still has plenty of royal connections. Before the current, elaborate building was constructed, the medieval Dalkeith Castle stood on the very same spot above the River Esk. Being just outside Edinburgh meant that the castle was a popular retreat for Kings and Queens, away from the cramped capital city.

King James VI and Queen Anne were regular guests at Dalkeith Castle. In 1592, while the King was holding court here, a young man called John Wemyss of Logie was awaiting judgement in the dungeon below. John was a close friend of James but had now been arrested and accused of plotting to kidnap the King.

After he had been dragged to Dalkeith, to James’ surprise the prisoner confessed to everything. He was happy to share how deep the conspiracy ran, possibly hoping the King would come to realise that people had genuine grievances that needed addressed. Regardless of his reasons, John was lucky not to be executed on the spot. The King was in a volatile mood, and it was surely only a matter of time before a death sentence was passed.

There was still one hope left though and that was one of Queen Anne’s Danish maids, Margaret Winster. Working together in the royal household, the pair had fallen in love and Margaret risked everything to save John. They were convinced that the King would soon come to his senses, but they needed to keep John safe until that day came.

Photography by Dalkeith Country Park

Margaret told the guards that the Queen wished to see the prisoner immediately. It was late at night, but this was Anne’s most trusted servant, so they dutifully brought John up to the royal bedchamber. Once inside, Margaret quietly led him right past the sleeping King and Queen to an open window. One of their companions was waiting below with a horse and John climbed down some tied-up bedsheets to make his escape from swift justice.

Obviously, the King was furious and demanded that Margaret immediately be sent back to Denmark. However, Queen Anne stood up to her husband and did her best to protect her brave servant. As soon as she discovered what had happened, she sent Margaret to stay with John’s cousin at Wemyss Castle until James had calmed down.

The couple had taken a gamble, but the King did eventually forgive his friend and John received a full pardon for his part in the conspiracy. With a royal blessing he went on to marry the woman he owed his life to, the very next year. This romantic, lover’s rescue later inspired an old Scots ballad known as “The Laird o Logie”.

Dalkeith Castle would later pass to the Duchess of Buccleuch who transformed the building in the early 18th Century. She modelled her new grand residence on William of Orange’s palace at Het Loo and Dalkeith continued its royal connections. Bonnie Prince Charlie, George IV and Queen Victoria all visited, but none of them had a stay quite as eventful as King James VI.

Written by Graeme Johncock

Graeme is the writer and storyteller behind Scotland’s Stories, sharing the traditional folklore and legends that make Scotland truly incredible.

No listings with this search

HIDDEN SCOTLAND

Follow us on Instagram

Your journey awaits

Join our mailing list to receive our weekly journal, where a journey of discovery awaits.

• The Magazine
• My Travel Stories
• Where to stay
• Things to do
• Tours to take
• Exclusive Use Venues

A 2 NIGHT STAY

AT THE GART MANSION

This prize includes a champagne reception, three course meal and a breakfast hamper on both mornings. And is worth over £10,000.

Already have an account? log in here

You are now signed up for the Hidden Scotland Journal, a free weekly email. Would you also like to gain free access to the full features of Hidden Scotland? To find out more sign up below.

Join Hidden Scotland Today

Already have an account ? Log in here

By entering your email, you agreee to recieve marketing emails from Hidden Scotland

or sign up with email

Sign In To Hidden Scotland

Don't have an account ? Sign up here

Dalkeith Country Park Visitor Guide

Dalkeith Country Park is located near Edinburgh in Midlothian . The historic estate features expansive grounds with extensive walking trails in addition to a shopping and restaurant complex. There is also a large mansion house within the grounds, but it’s not open to the public.

Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, historical architecture, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the countryside, Dalkeith Country Park offers a rich and varied experience for all visitors.

Visiting Dalkeith Country Park is a delightful experience for all ages, as it offers a blend of natural beauty, historical architecture, and family-friendly activities. The park is part of the Buccleuch family estate which covers a vast 1,000 acres of forestry and farmland centred around a palatial house, as well as a shopping mall and restaurant complex, an adventure playground, and a high ropes course.

To get to the park, drive north through Dalkeith High Street on the A6094 and take the turn just before the sign for St. Mary’s Church. The spire of St. Mary’s Church, which is directly ahead behind a sizable gated entrance, makes it impossible to miss. From this point, you can drive through the grounds to the old laundry house which has parking for around 40 vehicles plus 4 disabled spaces.

If you park at the laundry house, you’ll find yourself in the centre of the main attractions, with the Restoration Yard shopping area to one side, the adventure play park dead ahead, and Dalkeith Palace behind, all of which are surrounded by farmland, woodland, and a maze of paths and single-track roads.

There’s a payment kiosk at the park entrance, but there’s a good chance you’ll find it’s unmanned, in which case there’s no charge for entry. In fact, it’s possible to enjoy a day at Dalkeith Country Park for no cost at all, though you’ll find your wallet quickly emptied if you take the family to the on-site restaurant and then let them burn off a few calories in the nearby Fort Douglas Play Park.

The playpark is very well-equipped, the café is first-class with a delicious assortment of locally sourced food, and the shops are excellent with an eclectic mix of locally sourced food and clothing, so you could quite easily spend your day in this one corner of the estate.

However, a visit to Dalkeith Country Park is mainly about enjoying the beautiful outdoor spaces, and with huge open lawn areas, riverside walks, cycle routes, and woodland trails, I can’t think of anywhere else nicer to visit in Midlothian on a warm summer’s day.

The Highlights

1: The walking routes through Dalkeith Country Park are superb. They’re long enough for a decent walk but also paved, so they’re easy to access for all abilities. The paths are also suitable for cycling, and some, such as the Estate Trail, are flat and level which makes them suitable for elderly visitors.

2: Restoration Yard is a unique retail and wellness space housed in the beautifully renovated 18th-century stables and courtyard. Inside, you’ll find a store that offers a range of high-quality goods, from stylish clothing and unique homeware to artisanal food products. The Restoration Café, meanwhile, provides a perfect spot to relax and enjoy locally sourced, seasonal dishes.

3: Designed for adventure, Fort Douglas is an extraordinary playground that will thrill children and the young at heart. It features an array of exciting climbing structures including towers, zip wires, slides, and suspension bridges.

Visiting Tips

1: To make the most of a day out at Dalkeith Country Park, I recommend downloading the walking trails pdf which depicts the entire estate. The park is much bigger than you might initially think, so the map will come in very handy during a visit.

2: If you’re a frequent visitor to Fort Douglas you can join their loyalty programme and earn points to spend in the Dalkeith Country Park cafe.

3: When planning a visit, it’s advisable to check the Dalkeith Country Park website for any events, seasonal activities, or changes in opening hours to ensure you make the most of your experience.

Tourist Information

While your first instinct after arriving might be to make a beeline for Dalkeith Palace, I’m afraid you’ll have to content yourself with looking at it from the outside as it’s (unfortunately) off-limits to the public. It’s a real shame because the building is stunning and I can only imagine how grand it must be inside, but since an American university is currently using it, there isn’t much you can do there besides take a few photos of the exterior.

The expansive lawn in front of Dalkeith Palace is open for public use, though, and it’s a great spot for a picnic, but if you’d rather go for a walk, you’ll find tarmac roads that join the palace to Restoration Yard. These single-track roads are in good condition and they offer accessible routes through the park that anyone can enjoy, whether on two feet, pushing a pram, or in a wheelchair.

If you follow the road west, you can enjoy a large woodland that has several footpaths and two large open parks – Westgate and Howlands – or you can follow the road north, which will take you to the River Esk and onwards into the estate’s farmland. Alternatively, you can stop at Restoration Yard and herd the kids into the Fort Douglas Adventure Park while settling back in the cafe with a coffee in hand.

The retail space features wee boutiques that sell a range of men’s and women’s clothing along with books, games, homewares, and furniture, so if you’re looking for a gift, you’re bound to find something inside. Across the courtyard, you’ll find a selection of workshops where you can enhance your well-being with yoga, pilates, and lifestyle coaching, while hungry bellies can be filled in the adjoining restaurant.

Fort Douglas, meanwhile, is situated behind Restoration Yard on the other side of the River Esk. A bridge allows access to a collection of treehouses, tunnels, climbing walls and suspension bridges that are divided into two play zones – one for toddlers and the other for ages five and up.

As it’s quite a new attraction, the equipment is in tip-top condition, and from what I’ve seen, it’s very sturdy and well maintained, so there shouldn’t be any problem letting children go wild in there. If you’d rather not leave them unattended, you’re allowed to join in the fun, but I’m afraid your four-legged friends will have to wait outside while you’re clambering around in the treehouse.

Elsewhere, you’ll find the Montagu Bridge, which the renowned Scottish architect Robert Adam built in 1792, along with the historic 12-sided Orangerie which has undergone a massive renovation to become a wedding venue.

The last big draw for Dalkeith Country Park is the walking routes, and you’ll find several waymarked paths on the estate, ranging from an easy 20-minute ramble to a decent two-hour hike through farmland and woodland. The longer walk is highly recommended as it offers 5 miles of unspoilt countryside where there’s a good chance you’ll see roe deer, otters, squirrels, foxes, and buzzards.

The park’s woodlands have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest as some of the trees are over 900 years old, although the park itself dates back much further, tracing its roots as far back as Roman times.

The modern estate is relatively modern in comparison, as it became the seat of the Duke of Buccleuch in the 1700s. The Buccleuch family remains one of the largest private landowners in Europe, and their influence can be seen in most of the buildings on the site, especially Dalkeith Palace.

While it’s not officially a palace, i.e., a royal residence, it’s still a stunning building and is widely regarded as being one of the finest early classical houses in Scotland, thanks to renowned architect James Smith who designed it to replicate the Dutch palace Het Loo .

The palace was completed in 1711 and was built to replace a much earlier mediaeval fort, with additional buildings like the Orangerie, the bridges, and the laundry house added over the course of the following 100 years.

Things to Do

Fort Douglas Adventure Park : Let your children run wild in the Fort Douglas Adventure Park. With sky-high treehouses, thrilling zip wires, and challenging balance routes, it’s a perfect space to let them burn off energy in a safe, child-friendly environment.

Nature Walks : Engage with nature on an informative audio tour courtesy of GeoTourist . Learn about the diverse local fauna, flora, and fascinating history of Dalkeith Country Park. It’s a great way to appreciate the park’s wildlife and learn about its ancient woodlands.

Cycling and Walking Trails : Grab your bike or lace up your walking shoes and venture along the many paths weaving through the 1,000-acre park. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging cycle, the beautiful landscapes of woodlands, riversides, and open fields provide a picturesque backdrop for a countryside adventure.

Restoration Yard : This beautifully restored 18th-century stables complex is a haven for shopping, dining, and wellness. Browse the shops for homewares, fashion, and gifts, enjoy a delicious meal in The Kitchen restaurant, or join a yoga class in The Studio.

Fishing on the River Esk : For those who enjoy a quiet day by the river, fishing on the River Esk is a good option. Note that only fly fishing is permitted and a permit must be pre-purchased from the Dalkeith Country Park website .

Things to Do Nearby

Gilmerton Cove, 16 Drum St., Gilmerton, Edinburgh, EH17 8QH. 10-minute drive. A subterranean labyrinth of caves and passageways that are believed to be hundreds of years old but have an unknown purpose. Visitors are taken underground on a guided tour that explores the history of Edinburgh and the secrets of the caves.

Dalkeith . 1-minute drive. A Historic former mining town with a high street that features a number of shops bars, and restaurants. There’s also a supermarket and a public park.

Vogrie Country Park . Gorebridge EH23 4NU. 13-minute drive. This is an expansive country park deep in the heart of the Midlothian countryside. Vogrie features a maze of paths for woodland walks as well as a playground, café and miniature railway.

Carberry Tower Mansion House . Carberry Tower Estate, Musselburgh EH21 8PY. 9-minute drive. A grand 18th-century country house set in 35 acres of countryside. The house is open both as a hotel and as a restaurant. The grounds are free to visit and paths run to Queen Mary’s Mount where Mary Queen of Scots is said to have rested after her defeat in Edinburgh.

National Mining Museum . Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Dalkeith, EH22 4QN. 10-minute drive. A colliery museum is located in a converted coal mine. During a visit, guests can take a guided tour of a mock coal mine with former miners who once worked there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you pay for parking at dalkeith country park.

Dalkeith Country Park has paid parking inside the park. Payment is via contactless machines.

Is Dalkeith Country Park free?

There is no fee to visit Dalkeith Country Park other than fir car parking and the Fort Douglas play park. Visit the tickets page for the latest entry prices.

Who owns Dalkeith Country Park and who owns Dalkeith House?

The Duke of Buccleuch owns Dalkeith Country Park. Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust is the owner of Dalkeith Palace.

Do you need to book Dalkeith Country Park?

Dalkeith Country Park has online booking for the Fort Douglas play park. Visitors do not have to book to visit the rest of the park.

Can you walk around Dalkeith Country Park?

Yes, you can walk around Dalkeith Country Park. There are over 1,000 acres to explore and the majority of the estate has well-managed paths that are tarmacked. See the website for details.

Are there toilets at Dalkeith Country Park?

There are free-to-use public toilets at Restoration Yard in Dalkeith Country Park.

Does Dalkeith Country Park have a swimming pool?

Dalkeith Country Park does not have a swimming pool.

Related Posts

Dryden Tower Visitor Guide

Swanston, Pentland Hills Visitor Guide

Crichton Castle Visitor Guide

Rosslyn Chapel Visitor Guide

Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

• 1 Understand
• 3 Get around

Dalkeith is a town in Midlothian , six miles southeast of Edinburgh in the Central Belt of Scotland. It's a commuter town for the city and had a population of 13,400 in 2016. The main attractions are the country park around the 18th century Dalkeith Palace, and Scotland's National Mining Museum a couple of miles south at Newtongrange.

Understand [ edit ]

The languages of ancient Britain were P-Celtic, akin to Welsh, so the town name may resemble ddôl coed , "meadow wood". The later Gaelic language was Q-Celtic, brought from Ireland, but in these lowland parts it was supplanted by Scots-English in early modern times. The area was industrial even in the Norman era, with monks hewing coal and bashing metal. The big growth was with 19th-century industry, with deep coal mines, and the railway arrived in 1831. Dalkeith became the administrative centre for the county of Midlothian and remains so. It also became part of Edinburgh's commuter belt, but has not been absorbed as a suburb - it's just far enough out to have retained its identity as a separate town, beyond the palisade of the city bypass.

Get in [ edit ]

From the airport, follow ring-road A720 to congested Sheriffhall roundabout (a flyover is long overdue) then A6106 for the last mile into Dalkeith. You can also take Skylink Bus 400 to Fort Kinnaird on the southern edge of the city, then change to the buses below.

From Edinburgh, use Lothian Bus 3 (and night bus N3), 29, X29, 33 or X33. These start from various points in the western or northern burbs, then run via central Edinburgh, southside and Fort Kinnaird / Royal Infirmary to Dalkeith. From here they continue to Newtongrange, Gorebridge or Mayfield.

Dalkeith used to stand astride the A68 Edinburgh - Jedburgh - Northumberland road, and just east of the A7 Edinburgh - Galashiels - Hawick - Carlisle road. Both roads now bypass town but some buses still call at Dalkeith. The most useful of these is the 51 / 52 from Melrose, Jedburgh and Kelso. Borders Bus X95 stops at Eskbank en route between Edinburgh, Galashiels, Selkirk, Hawick and Carlisle. Long distance coaches (eg from Newcastle and London) don't call here.

East Coast Bus 140 runs from Musselburgh (with buses to North Berwick, Haddington and Dunbar) to Dalkeith and onward to Roslin (for Rosslyn Chapel) and Penicuik.

Eskbank railway station is a mile southwest of Dalkeith, less convenient than the bus for Edinburgh. But the train is a good option for Galashiels and Tweedbank (for Abbotsford House and Melrose Abbey), running hourly and taking 40 min.

Get around [ edit ]

Dalkeith is small enough to walk around. For the Mining Museum at Newtongrange, take any of the buses running south from Edinburgh to Gorebridge. For Rosslyn Chapel at Roslin, take Bus 140 west towards Penicuik.

See [ edit ]

• 55.8961 -3.0662 2 Dalkeith Museum , 61 St Andrew's St EH22 1BP , ☏ +44 131 663 4683 . W 11AM-3PM . Built 1853, the Corn Exchange (which runs through to High St) has been refurbished as a museum. ( updated Mar 2022 )
• St Nicholas Church at 119 High St dates from 1406 but is mostly Victorian.
• Roslin five miles southwest of Dalkeith has Rosslyn Chapel, with remarkable carvings including the "Apprentice Pillar".

Do [ edit ]

• Football: Bonnyrigg Rose were promoted in 2022 and now play soccer in League Two, Scotland's fourth tier. Their home ground is New Dundas Park (capacity 2640) in Bonnyrigg, along A6094 two miles southwest of Dalkeith town centre.
• Midstock Music Festival [dead link] is probably next held on 24-25 May 2024 in the Country Park, tbc.
• Let's Rock Scotland is a retro music festival in the Country Park held in late June.
• Dalkeith Agricultural Show is held in mid-July in the Country Park.
• Out East is a family-friendly music festival, held in early August.

Buy [ edit ]

• There's a Lidl on Newmills Rd, but people do their big shop at Fort Kinnaird, the huge retail park 5 miles north on the A1.
• Dobbie's Garden Centre is two miles west of town, junction of A7 and A772. It's open daily 9AM-6PM, but the Butterfly World attraction has closed down.

Eat [ edit ]

• Cavaliere serves Italian food at 124 High St. It's open Su-Th 11AM-11PM, F Sa 11AM-midnight.
• Itihaas is a Bangladeshi restaurant at 17 Eskbank Rd, open M-Sa noon-2PM & 5-11PM, Su 12:30-11PM.

Drink [ edit ]

• Town pubs include Black Bull, Coach & Horses, and Mayson's; Blacksmiths Forge the Wetherspoon pub has closed down. Justinlees Inn is southwest at Eskbank crossroads.
• Glenkinchie Distillery is to the east in the countryside near Pencaitland, see Haddington .

Sleep [ edit ]

• 55.8877 -3.0957 2 Premier Inn ( Edinburgh A7 Dalkeith ), Melville Dykes Road EH18 1AN ( jcn with A7 ), ☏ +44 333 321 9227 . Well-run budget chain hotel near city bypass. B&B double £100 . ( updated Mar 2022 )
• 55.895 -3.0969 3 Innkeeper's Lodge ( Melville Inn ), Lasswade EH18 1AR ( off A772 at Dobbie's ), ☏ +44 131 370 3670 . Pleasant, friendly chain hotel at northwest edge of town. B&B double £100 . ( updated Mar 2022 )

Connect [ edit ]

As of July 2023, Dalkeith has 4G from Vodafone, and 5G from EE, O2 and Three.

Go next [ edit ]

• Edinburgh is an easy day trip by bus. Don't take a car into the city.
• Most onward routes involve connecting via Edinburgh, but another day-trip is to take the train south from Eskbank to Tweedbank. This gets you (with a bit of hiking) to Abbotsford (mansion of Sir Walter Scott) and Melrose Abbey.
• The East Lothian coast is scenic around Gullane , North Berwick and Dunbar .

• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Maps with non-default size
• Has map markers
• Listing with Wikipedia link but not Wikidata link
• Articles with dead external links
• Has routebox
• Has Geo parameter
• Usable cities
• Usable articles
• City articles
• The Lothians
• All destination articles
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Midlothian View News Worth Reading

• Visit Midlothian
• Local Business
• Community Council
• Councillors

Dalkeith Palace returns with plans for a museum and library

Tuesday August 3rd 2021

An historic palace is set to open its doors to the public for the first time in it’s 300-year history under plans to create a new museum and public library at the heart of Dalkeith country park.

Dalkeith Palace has been a residential teaching centre for the University of Wisconsin for the last three decades.

However the university left in January after Covid-19 impacted on international students travel and owners are now planning to open it up to the public.

The Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust said the freeing up of the palace building was a “unique opportunity”.

It said: “Within Dalkeith community and Buccleuch there is a strong feeling that the palace should open its doors so that the important shared story of the palace, town and country can be appreciated.

“It also has the potential to be a vibrant hub for creative businesses, complementary to the historic and aesthetic character of the building.”

The palace has parts that date back to medieval times but the current building was built in 1702 under the guidance of the 1st Duchess of Buccleuch and daughter in law of Charles II, Anna Buccleuch.

The Category A Listed building has played its part in Scotland’s history including serving as a base for Bonnie Prince Charlie to launch his Jacobite campaign.

In the 20th century it was used as a military base and research centre before the university moved in for nearly 30 years.

The Buccleuch Trust has invested heavily in Dalkeith Country Park, where the palace sits, in recent years creating the Fort Douglas adventure play park and Restoration Yard with new jobs and paths connecting the town centre to the park.

Now it wants to bring the palace back into public use.

Midlothian Council has granted permission for a change of use of the palace from a residential college to a public facility with plans for a museum, public library, art spaces, café and offices.

The trust said: “The change of use of the palace is designed to celebrate what the palace has stood for throughout its history – a forward looking celebration of creativity and creative thinking in art, architecture, philosophy, music, design, horticulture, innovation and invention.”

There are no plans for any physical alterations to the listed building.

Approving the change of use Midlothian planning officers ruled:

“The proposed uses will increase access to a significant listed building and will help to provide a long term use for the building.”

Subscribe to the Midlothian View newsletter

Comments are closed.

Edinburgh Council enters talks with bus station owners

Concern after trees in Newbattle fed ‘weedkiller’

Christine Grahame reacts to the First Minister’s resignation

Two important Midlothian travel surveys now open for comment

What You Need To Know Before Visiting Buckingham Palace (Yes, You Can Go Inside)

• Key Takeaways:
• Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing a major renovation until 2027. Some areas may be closed during the renovation, so it is important to check the official website for updates.
• Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace and other royal palaces were closed to the public and are gradually reopening. The State Rooms of Buckingham Palace will be closed for the rest of the year.
• To visit Buckingham Palace, it is recommended to book in advance and arrive early to allow time for security checks. Certain items are prohibited inside the palace, and photography is only allowed in the garden. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is also worth watching.

One of the things that all Americans will most likely do when traveling to London is visiting Buckingham Palace. A far cry from some of the overrated tourist attractions in London , the palace is still a working royal residence and is definitely worth a visit. Keep reading to find out what you need to know before going.

For 70 years, Buckingham Palace was one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II - now, it is an official residence of King Charles III. The changing of the King's (formerly Queen's) Guard is one of the most iconic attractions in London and something visitors from around the world flock to see.

UPDATE: 2023/10/27 17:07 EST BY NOAH STAATS

Everything People Need To Know When Visiting Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace continues to be a global icon for tourists and English people alike. Although there is a renovation happening until 2027, there will be plenty of tours, photo-ops, and history once you enter the property. Have fun, and be safe!

Buckingham Palace Is Being Slowly Renovated

Because Buckingham Palace is so old, there have been efforts made to renovate the property. According to the Royal Family, the building's infrastructure is in urgent need of a complete overhaul to prevent long-term damage to the building and its contents. Of course, this should not result in anyone's trip being ruined, but it is worth it to check the official website now and then to ensure none of the Palace is closed.

Moreover, Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing major refurbishment works costing £369 million, expected to be completed in 2027. This will be one of the most significant renovations ever to the property, which is the country's way of preserving an iconic landmark. King Charles has been steadfast in his efforts to have this project completed as soon as possible, although such a large Palace can only be repaired so fast.

Visitors can expect certain areas to already be finished, with others closing periodically. Therefore, tours may be adjusted and altered to show more of one section over the other, so keep that in mind. Nobody ever said a renovation was easy!

• When Will Construction Be Done At Buckingham Palace?: Construction at Buckingham Palace is expected to finish in 2027.

These scenic train rides through England may offer something unique to visitors.

Notice Of Closures Following The Death Of The Queen

Following the passing of the much-loved Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, Buckingham Palace (and the other royal palaces) were closed to the public. The official residences and palaces have been and will be reopening progressively to the public.

The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and The Queen’s Gallery, Edinburgh reopened later in September. However, Buckingham Palace will not be fully reopening in 2022 as the State Rooms of Buckingham Palace will be closed for the rest of the year.

Ordinary Opening Hours For The State Rooms:

• July to August: 9.30 am to 7.30 pm
• September to October: 9.30 to 6.30 pm
• Closed: Tuesday and Wednesdays

One should check with the Royal Collection Trust for up-to-date information.

How To Get To Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the prettiest destinations in London , and that’s just when looking at it from the outside. Centrally located, it’s super easy to get to and is close to three underground stations: Victoria, Green Park, and St. James’s Park, all of which are about 10 minutes away.

Many tourists choose to get off the Tube at St. James’s Park and then stroll through the luscious gardens in the park on their way to the palace. Alternatively, you could take a cab, but this can take a lot longer than the Tube due to traffic. If you don’t mind walking, the palace is within walking distance of several hotels in Westminster. It’s also one of the stops of the Hop on Hop off bus tour.

These are the cheapest spots to visit in England (outside of London, of course).

When You Can Go Inside

Many tourists are content to observe Buckingham Palace through the gates, but it is possible to go inside. The palace offers internal tours between July and October. It’s a self-guided tour where each participant is given an audio guide and allowed to travel through the rooms included on the tour at their own pace. If you’re touring the palace, you must always follow the designated route, and you won’t be allowed to return to another room you’ve already been to.

Entry Fees Buckingham Palace Only:

• Adult: £30.00 ($33)
• Young Person: £19.50 ($22) (Aged 18 to 24)
• Child: £16.50 ($18) (Aged 5 to 17)

Entry Fees Royal Day Out:

• Adult: £55.00 ($61)
• Young Person: £36.00 ($39) (Aged 18 to 24)
• Child: £30.00 ($33) (Aged 5 to 17)

The Royal Day Out includes access to the Royal Mews, The Queen's Galley, and Buckingham Palace. The tour offers access to 19 of the 775 rooms in the palace. You’ll get a chance to walk through the State Rooms where the Queen entertains guests for state affairs, including the Throne Room and the White Drawing Room. You’ll also get to see the Ballroom and walk through the garden on the way out. You also have the option to pay more for access to the Royal Mews and the Queen’s Gallery.

RELATED: The 10 Best Pubs In London For Locals And Tourists

Book In Advance And Be On Time

Because the palace is only open to visitors for four months every year, places fill up very quickly. Book in advance as far ahead as possible. When purchasing your tickets online, you’ll be able to choose an entrance time, and the sooner in advance you book your ticket, the better chance you’ll have of selecting a convenient time slot.

• Tip: Plan Ahead And Book Tickets Well In Advance

One of the things to know before your Buckingham Palace tour is that you should arrive at the palace between 15 and 30 minutes early. There is always a long queue to get through security, and if you’re too late, there’s a chance you will miss out on your tour.

RELATED: 10 Etiquette Tips For Afternoon Tea In England

The Rules Of Entry

Understandably, there are a few rules of entry that all tour participants are required to follow when visiting the palace. Certain items are banned, including liquids, food, backpacks, scissors, penknives, and luggage. If you bring any of these items in, they will be confiscated. In some cases, they will be returned as you exit the palace. Those with large umbrellas are also asked to check them before embarking on the tour.

Photography is permitted in the garden but not in the staterooms. Mobile phones must also be switched off during the tour. Baby pushers are also not permitted in the staterooms.

These are some of the most historic English towns to visit in the North and South end of the country.

RELATED: How Not To Go Broke In London

Other Things To Do At Buckingham Palace

If you don’t book a tour of Buckingham Palace, it’s still worth a visit. Many visitors are content to admire the palace from the outside, but there’s also the Changing of the Guard ceremony. In June and July, this generally takes place every day, although it is subject to change.

From August to May, you can catch the ceremony on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The official start time is 11 a.m. and there are several vantage points to watch the ceremony from, including the Buckingham Palace Gate and the Victoria Memorial.

Anzac Day is this Thursday. Here's where to watch a service and how to make Anzac biscuits

This week Australians and New Zealanders will stop to commemorate Anzac Day. 

But while the date is specific to the Gallipoli landing in 1915, it's a day to pay respect to all Australians who have served and died in military operations throughout history. 

When is Anzac Day?

Anzac Day is on April 25 every year. 

This year, that falls on a Thursday. 

Is Anzac Day a public holiday?

Anzac Day is a public holiday across Australia and New Zealand. 

In years where April 25 falls on a weekend, some states and territories may hold the public holiday on the Monday or Friday — but because it's on a weekday this year, that's not the case. 

What does Anzac stand for?

Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. 

What is Anzac Day?

It's a national day of remembrance, commemorating those who have served and died in military operations.

Or, as the Australian War Memorial puts it, it's a time for the nation to "reflect on the many different meanings of war".

What's an Anzac biscuit?

These days, an Anzac biscuit (or bickie, depending on how casual you want to be) is typically a sweet oaty biscuit made with desiccated coconut and golden syrup. 

But in a summary of Australia's Anzac Day traditions written for the federal government , David Watt points out that this wasn't always the case. 

"The original Anzac biscuit, also known as the Anzac wafer or tile, was a hardtack biscuit or long shelf-life biscuit substitute for bread," he says. 

"These were not necessarily popular with soldiers at Gallipoli, but there are now recipes for more edible domestic versions."

The Australian War Museum has three historical Anzac biscuit recipes on its website , which we've reproduced here:

Anzac tile/wafer recipe

The army biscuit, also known as an Anzac wafer or Anzac tile, is essentially a long shelf-life, hardtack biscuit, eaten as a substitute for bread. Unlike bread, though, the biscuits are very, very hard. Some soldiers preferred to grind them up and eat them as porridge. The following recipe has been supplied courtesy of Arnott's Biscuits Limited, through Frank Townsend, chief chemist. Originally, the biscuits were baked in large industrial ovens but the recipe has been altered so that one can bake them in a domestic oven. Ingredients sufficient for six biscuits: 200gm/1.5cups/300mls flour 400 gm/3 cups/600 mls wholemeal flour 40 gm/5 tbls sugar 20 gm/3 tbls milk powder 1.5 gm/good pinch salt 220 mls water (Use self-raising flour. If self-raising flour is not available, sieve 10 grams of baking powder together with plain flour before adding other ingredients.) Method Place flour, sugar, and milk powder in a large bowl and blend with your fingertips. Form into a pile and scoop out a hole (well) in the centre. Add all of the water in which the salt has been dissolved. Thoroughly work the flour from the inside of the well into the water until the whole is a mass of lumps of flour and water. Once the dough is formed, transfer it to a tabletop or pastry board. The dough should now be torn apart, rubbed into balls, and thrown together, and the process repeated until the mass is well mixed and in the form of a hard dough. The dough is then rested for about half an hour. Now roll the dough in 8mm–thick sheets using a rolling pin and two 8mm thick guides (wooden slats are ideal), the dough being rolled down between the two guides until the rolling pin rests on the guides during each traverse. The rolled sheet of dough is then cut into 90 mm squares, preferably by pressing with the edge of a steel rule rather than slicing with a knife. The pressing action helps to join the top and bottom surfaces and will improve the lift on baking. A cardboard square, 90 mm on each side, can be used as a pattern to ensure uniformity in your tiles. Next, the biscuit squares should be docked by having a regular horizontal and vertical pattern of holes pushed into them at about 18 mm spaces with a flat-ended pin or rod. Push it in until it bottoms, twist slightly, and then withdraw. Repeat at the next position. Each biscuit should have five vertical and five horizontal rows of docker holes, 25 holes in all. There are those at the Memorial who argue for 49 holes (7 x 7) as the authentic number of docker holes. Place on a lightly greased steel baking sheet, with the biscuits about 6 mm apart, and form a wall around the load with scrap dough to avoid burning the edges of the biscuits. Bake at about 200 degrees centigrade for 30 to 40 minutes on a low shelf in the oven. Take care not to burn them. To achieve a suitable hardness in your biscuits, store for a time in an air-tight container.

Source: Australian War Memorial

Anzac biscuits (without coconut)

The popular Anzac biscuit is a traditional, eggless sweet biscuit. Early recipes did not include coconut. The following recipe (without coconut) was published in The Capricornian (Rockhampton, Queensland) on Saturday, 14th August 1926. Ingredients 2 cups rolled oats 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup plain flour 1/2 cup melted butter 1 tbsp golden syrup 2 tbsp boiling water 1 tsp bicarbonate soda (add a little more water if mixture is too dry) Method Combine dry ingredients. Mix golden syrup, boiling water and bicarbonate of soda until they froth. Add melted butter. Combine butter mixture and dry ingredients. Drop teaspoons of mixture onto floured tray, allowing room for spreading. Bake in a slow oven.

Anzac biscuits (with coconut)

The Country Women's Association of New South Wales Calendar of Cake and Afternoon Tea Delicacies: a recipe for each day of the year (Sydney: The Association, 1933) included two recipes for Anzac biscuits, one without coconut and the following version which included coconut. Anzac biscuits, No. 2 Ingredients: 1 cup each of rolled oats, sugar and coconut 1 tablespoon syrup 3/4 cup flour 2 tablespoons butter 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (dissolved in 2 tablespoons boiling water) Method Melt butter. Add syrup to dissolved soda and water. Combine with melted butter. Mix dry ingredients and stir in liquid. Place small balls on to a buttered tray and bake in a moderate oven. Lift out carefully with a knife as they are soft till cold.

Why is Anzac Day on April 25?

It's the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand armed forces during World War I. 

On April 25 1915, the soldiers landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula, in what was then known as Turkey (which is now officially known as Türkiye).

The ultimate objective was to capture Constantinople (now Istanbul), which was the capital of the Ottoman Empire. 

This was when Australia and New Zealand were fighting as part of the Commonwealth for Britain, which had declared war against Germany. 

The Ottoman Empire was, at the time, an ally of Germany. 

The Gallipoli campaign was supposed to be a fast victory, but it ended up dragging on for eight months, with heavy casualties on both sides. 

More than 8,000 Australian soldiers died during the campaign.

It had a profound impact on Australians at home and the first day of the campaign "became the day on which Australians remembered the sacrifice of those who died in the war", the Australian War Memorial website says. 

"Although the Gallipoli campaign failed in its military objectives, the actions of Australian and New Zealand forces during the campaign left a powerful legacy," the website says. 

"What became known as the 'Anzac legend' became an important part of the identity of both nations, shaping the ways in which they viewed both their past and their future."

How is Anzac Day commemorated?

There are many traditions associated with the day, but the two key events are a memorial service at dawn and a march later in the day. 

Dawn services are symbolic of the time Anzac forces originally landed on the shores of Gallipoli.

These ceremonies typically involve the laying of floral wreaths, a moment of silence and a rendition of The Last Post — which is a specific tune played on a bugle. 

Later in the day, former and current military personnel and family representatives march in a parade and gather with the public for a formal memorial service. 

Anyone can go to the public services , which are typically held in central areas. 

How can I find Anzac Day service near me?

Head to the RSL Australia official website to find out what events are happening near you .

But if you're unable to make it there in person, you can watch the services on ABC TV and the station's streaming service ABC iview. 

The Sydney Dawn Service will be broadcast live on ABC TV, ABC NEWS channel, ABC iview and on the ABC listen app from 4:20am AEST, followed by the Canberra Dawn Service at 5:30am.

ABC TV and ABC NEWS channel will broadcast the Gallipoli Dawn Service live from 12:30pm AEST, the Villers-Bretonneux Dawn Service from 1:30pm AEST and the governor-general's address from 6:55pm AEST.

But there will be broadcasts for each of the nation's capital cities. 

Capital city broadcasts

Every capital city will have live TV coverage of a local march, however coverage of capital city dawn services varies.

State TV broadcasts of capital city marches and dawn services will also be streamed live on ABC iview.

The Adelaide Dawn Service will be broadcast live on ABC TV, ABC iview, ABC Radio Adelaide, ABC Radio SA and on the ABC listen app from 6am to 7am (CST).

The Adelaide March will be broadcast on ABC TV and ABC iview from 9am to 12pm (CST) and will include highlights of the Adelaide Dawn Service.

• ABC TV South Australia Live Stream

The Brisbane March will be broadcast live between 10am and 12.30pm (AEST) on ABC TV and ABC iview. 

• ABC TV Queensland Live Stream

The Darwin Dawn Service will be broadcast live on ABC TV, ABC iview, ABC Radio Darwin, ABC Radio NT and on the ABC listen app from 6am to 7am (CST).

The Darwin March will be broadcast on ABC TV from 9am to 10am (CST).

• ABC TV Northern Territory Live Stream

The Canberra Dawn Service will be broadcast live on ABC TV, ABC NEWS channel, ABC iview, Radio National, ABC Local Radio and on the ABC listen app from 5.30am (AEST).

• ABC TV ACT Live Stream

The Hobart March will be broadcast live between 11am and 12.30pm (AEST) on ABC TV and ABC iview. This will include highlights of the Hobart Dawn Service .

• ABC TV Tasmania Live Stream

The Melbourne March which will include Dawn Service highlights and will be broadcast on ABC TV and ABC iview from 9am to 12pm (AEST). 

The Melbourne Dawn Service  will be broadcast live on ABC Radio Melbourne and on the ABC listen app  from 5.30am.

• ABC TV Victoria Live Stream

The Perth March will be broadcast live between 9am and 10:30am (AWST) on ABC TV and ABC iview. This will include highlights of the Perth Dawn Service .

• ABC TV Western Australia Live Stream

The Sydney Dawn Service will be broadcast live on ABC TV, ABC NEWS channel, ABC iview, ABC Radio Sydney, ABC Radio NSW and on the ABC listen app from 4:20am (AEST).

The Sydney March will be broadcast on ABC TV and ABC iview from 9am (AEST).

• ABC TV New South Wales Live Stream

All Anzac Day TV programming will be added to the Australia Remembers collection on ABC iview.

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Anzac day 2024 on the abc.

• Plan A Visit

• Dalkeith Palace

The Palace that never was

Running from 01 April – 03 September, ‘ The Palace T hat N ever W as ’ is the latest exhibition at the Biggar & Upper Clydesdale Museum . Featuring the magnificent architectural model of Dalkeith Palace, built by Biggar born Kemp (1795-1844).

If you’ve visited The Park, you’ll be familiar with the sight of Dalkeith Palace close to the entrance of Town Gate and overlooking The Bowl. But, did you know that in 1831 designs were put into place to transform The Palace into an even grander structure than we see today?  

Commissioned by Anna 1st Duchess of Buccleuch

Dalkeith Palace , as we know it today, was commissioned by Anna 1 st Duchess of Buccleuch in 1702. Completed almost a decade later in 1711, The Palace stood then as it stands now. Whilst home to the Buccleuch family until WW1 and later host to Wisconsin University from the early 1980’s until 2021. The Palace could have had a much larger presence within The Park, had plans by the great George Meikle Kemp (architect of the Scott Monument on Princes Street ) progressed further than just a model in the mid 19 th century.   

Visit the exhibition

Running from 01 April – 03 September, ‘ The Palace T hat N ever W as ’ is the latest exhibition at the Biggar & Upper Clydesdale Museum. Featuring the magnificent architectural model of Dalkeith Palace, built by Biggar born Kemp (1795-1844) , the restored model showcases the grand additions the 5 th Duke of Buccleuch had envisioned for Dalkeith Palace.

Although never achieved, the model survives to this day following 3000 hours of research and restoration by Patrick Baxter begun in 1993 following a request by the now 10 th Duke of Buccleuch.   

The Duchess of Buccleuch and Queensberry

• Book Fort Douglas
• Book Camping
• Book a table at The Kitchen
• Book Events
• Book Go Ape