Dalkeith
(Midlothian)-
St Mary's Church, Dalkeith
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Dalkeith
Dalkeith, located just south of the Edinburgh City By-pass is Midlothian's county town and hosts many of the administrative buildings. It is the largest town in Midlothian and has served as a market-place from pre Medieval times. There are many significant and characterful buildings around the centre (excluding the Modern 1960s development!), and the opening of the new Dalkeith by-pass will relieve traffic issues arising from the A68 trunk road snaking through the centre. The old High Street widens as it travels east, to reveal the buildings of St. Nicholas Church (1400s) and the Corn Exchange in what would have been the heart of the outdoor market. This concourse leads to the gates of Dalkeith Palace, the grandest of several large houses belonging to the Buccleuch family. The grounds are open to the public as a visitor attraction with adventure playground, café/restaurant and beautiful walks.
Dalkeith has several quality hotels, restaurants and pubs. On the outskirts we find Newbattle Abbey College with almost 1,000 years of history and connections with Mary Queen of Scots. The Abbey is open to the public for guided tours.
Golf Courses and sports facilities are abundant.