Living in Dalkeith
Tucked away in the heart of Midlothian, just a few miles southeast of Edinburgh, Dalkeith is a historic town with plenty to offer. Whether you're after a charming period home, a modern family house, or a convenient commuter pad, Dalkeith has something for everyone. With fantastic green spaces, a rich history, and great local amenities, it's a picturesque part of Scotland to call home.
Is Dalkeith a good place to live?
Dalkeith offers a small-town feel with excellent connections to Edinburgh and beyond. It's a town where history meets modern convenience, offering a mix of traditional properties and new developments to suit all lifestyles.
With great schools, a thriving community spirit, and the stunning Dalkeith Country Park right on your doorstep, it's no wonder more and more people are choosing to settle here. Whether you're commuting to the capital or looking for a more peaceful way of life, Dalkeith fits the bill!
What is the transport in Dalkeith like?
Dalkeith boasts excellent transport links, making it a fantastic choice for commuters and explorers alike. Whether you prefer to travel by bus, train, or car, getting around is easy.
Dalkeith by bus
Buses are a popular way to travel from Dalkeith, with Lothian Buses and Borders Buses providing frequent services.
The Lothian Bus number 3, X33, and 49 routes connect Dalkeith to central Edinburgh, while the X95 operated by Borders Buses heads south towards the Scottish Borders, taking passengers all the way to Carlisle with stops at Hawick, Selkirk and Galashiels.
To access East Lothian, you can jump onboard the Lothian Buses 46 or 48 services to Musselburgh, where you can change buses to reach the main towns of the region. If you're jetting off on holiday, the Airlink 400 service provides an easy connection to Edinburgh Airport, and can be boarded in nearby Gilmerton.
Dalkeith by rail
While Dalkeith itself doesn't have a train station, nearby Eskbank (on the Borders Railway) provides quick and easy access to Edinburgh Waverley in under 20 minutes. From there, you can connect to Glasgow, London, and beyond.
Dalkeith by car
Dalkeith is well connected by road, with the A68 running straight through town and linking to the Edinburgh City Bypass (A720). This makes for easy access to the M8, M9, and M90 motorways, meaning Glasgow, Stirling, and Fife are all within reach.
For those who enjoy scenic drives, the A7 leads down into the stunning Scottish Borders countryside.
What are the schools in Dalkeith like?
Dalkeith has a strong selection of schools, making it a great place for families.
There are several well-regarded primary schools, including Woodburn Primary, Kings Park Primary, and St. David’s RC Primary. For secondary education, Dalkeith High School and St. David’s RC High School cater to local pupils, both offering a range of subjects and extracurricular activities.
If you're looking for further education, Edinburgh College’s Midlothian Campus is just a short distance away, providing vocational courses and training opportunities.
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What are the best things to do in Dalkeith
Dalkeith is packed with history, nature, and fun things to do for all ages.
One of the town’s standout attractions is Dalkeith Country Park, a huge estate with beautiful woodland walks, a fantastic adventure playground (Fort Douglas), and the stylish Restoration Yard, where you can shop, dine, and unwind.
History lovers will appreciate the Dalkeith Palace, a stunning 18th-century building with royal connections. Meanwhile, Newbattle Abbey – once a medieval monastery – offers another glimpse into the past.
For those who love the great outdoors, Vogrie Country Park is just a short drive away, offering miles of trails, a golf course, and even a little café to refuel after a walk.
Fancy a night out? Dalkeith has plenty of cosy pubs, great restaurants, and easy access to Edinburgh’s buzzing nightlife.
Types of property in Dalkeith
Dalkeith offers a fantastic mix of properties, catering to all tastes and budgets. From traditional stone-built houses and Victorian terraces to stylish new builds, there’s something for everyone. First-time buyers will find plenty of affordable housing, while families can choose from spacious detached and semi-detached homes with gardens.
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Planning on moving to Dalkeith?
If you’re after something truly special, you’ll even find some stunning period properties with plenty of character. Whatever your dream home looks like, you’re bound to find it in Dalkeith! Thinking of making the move? Explore the latest properties in Dalkeith on ESPC!
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FAQs about living in Dalkeith
Dalkeith offers a great selection of schools, making it ideal for families. The area has several well-regarded primary and secondary schools, providing a broad curriculum and extracurricular activities. For further education, a nearby college offers vocational courses and training opportunities, ensuring a variety of learning paths for students of all ages. For more details on the best schools in Dalkeith, click here.
As the national body for supporting quality and improvement of learning and teaching, Education Scotland is a great place to look for information on school performance. You can use the website to search for an inspection report in a specific school.
We list the school catchment for every property listing in Dalkeith on espc.com. To search properties by school catchment area, click here.
For details on schooling in Dalkeith, please refer to the Midlothian Council website. Along with information on terms dates and how to apply for a school place, you can find a school catchment area.
The average price of homes in Dalkeith is £222,738. This figure is based on properties marketed and sold through ESPC, in the 3-month period ending on 31/12/2024.
Offering contemporary homes starting from £409,995, Dandara Homes have a new housing development in the Eskbank area of Dalkeith. The development, aptly named Eskbank Gardens, will bring a range of 4 & 5 bedroom houses to the town.
For more news and updated on housing developments in Dalkeith, you can visit the Midlothian Council website.
For details on council tax bands and charges in Dalkeith, please refer to the Midlothian Council website.
Dalkeith offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions. Dalkeith Country Park is a highlight, featuring Fort Douglas Adventure Park with treehouses, zip lines, and slides suitable for children up to 12 years old. The park also offers waymarked walking and cycling routes, allowing families to explore its 1,000-acre estate. Additionally, King's Park provides facilities such as an artificial sports pitch, bowling green, children's play area, and a putting green during the summer months.
For cultural and recreational facilities, the Restoration Yard within Dalkeith Country Park houses a store, restaurant, and wellbeing studio, all set in a restored 18th-century stableyard. The Danderhall Community Hub offers amenities including a gym, sports hall, soft play area, café, and library, catering to various interests.
The Dalkeith and District Community Council represents local residents and encourages participation in community activities. They hold regular meetings where residents can raise issues or become more involved. Throughout the year, Dalkeith Country Park hosts a range of special events suitable for families, enhancing the community's cultural offerings.
Dalkeith at a glance*
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