cathedral
Rosslyn Chapel
A 15th-century chapel of astonishing carved stonework near Edinburgh, made famous by The Da Vinci Code.
7 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomScotland
Dalkeith
Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe
About Dalkeith
Dalkeith works well as a base: 5 minutes from Danderhall, 7km from Rosslyn Chapel.
Dalkeith is in Scotland, United Kingdom, with about 13,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Danderhall, about 4 km away.
Dalkeith ( dal-KEETH; Scottish Gaelic: Dail Cheith, pronounced [t̪al ˈçe]) is a historic market town in Midlothian, Scotland, on the River Esk. It was granted a burgh of barony in 1401 and a burgh of regality in 1541. The settlement of Dalkeith grew southwestwards from its 12th-century castle (now Dalkeith Palace). ItRead more
had a population of 15,146 in 2022.
The town is divided into four distinct areas: Dalkeith proper with its town centre and historic core; Eskbank (considered to be the well-heeled neighbourhood of Dalkeith with many large Victorian and newer houses) to its west; Woodburn (primarily a working class council estate with pockets of new housing developments) to its east; and Newbattle (a semi-rural village with its abbey) to the south.
Dalkeith is the main administrative centre for Midlothian. It is twinned with Jarnac, France. In 2004, Midlothian Council re-paved Jarnac Court in honour of Dalkeith and Jarnac's long standing link. On the north-eastern edge of Dalkeith at Woodburn is the Dalkeith Campus (completed 2003) – housing both Dalkeith High School and St David's Roman Catholic High School plus community leisure facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Dalkeith?
Within an hour or so of Dalkeith: Rosslyn Chapel (7 km), Rosslyn Chapel (The Da Vinci Code) (7 km), Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh (8 km), National Museum of Scotland (10 km).
Are there any good drives near Dalkeith?
The nearest famous roads are The Royal Mile, College Valley and A68 Jedburgh to Edinburgh (Carter Bar).
Where is Dalkeith?
Dalkeith is in Scotland, United Kingdom, about 4 km from Danderhall.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 12,720
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Scotland
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 55.8932, -3.0681
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Dalkeith
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
film location
Rosslyn Chapel (The Da Vinci Code)
The intricately carved 15th-century chapel south of Edinburgh is the film's final destination.
7 km · about 15 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh
Ancient volcanic peak rising 251 metres in the heart of Edinburgh, offering panoramic city views from its dramatic summit.
8 km · about 15 min drive
museum
National Museum of Scotland
A stunning Victorian and modern building housing diverse collections from Scottish history to world cultures and natural science.
10 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Edinburgh Castle
Dramatic fortress perched atop Castle Rock, dominating the Edinburgh skyline for over 900 years.
10 km · about 20 min drive
historic highway
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh's historic spine of cobbled streets and closes linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with landmarks.
10 km · about 20 min drive
cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral
The High Kirk of Edinburgh with its distinctive crown spire, mother church of Presbyterianism on the Royal Mile.
10 km · about 20 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Calton Hill
An accessible hilltop crowned with neoclassical monuments, giving the classic skyline view of Edinburgh at sunset.
10 km · about 20 min drive
Driving roads near Dalkeith
- Right hereArthur's Seat, EdinburghAncient volcanic peak rising 251 metres in the heart of Edinburgh, offering panoramic city views from its dramatic summit.
- Right hereThe Royal MileEdinburgh's historic spine of cobbled streets and closes linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with landmarks.
- Right hereCalton HillAn accessible hilltop crowned with neoclassical monuments, giving the classic skyline view of Edinburgh at sunset.
- 25 kmQueensferry CrossingThe world's longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2017, carrying the M90 high over the Firth of Forth alongside its famous Victorian and 1960s neighbours: three centuries of bridges in one view.
- 68 kmCollege ValleyA remote Cheviot valley reached by a permit-only single-track road, one of the quietest drives in England.
- 70 kmA68 Jedburgh to Edinburgh (Carter Bar)A rollercoaster of blind crests over the Cheviots crossing the border at Carter Bar, then across the Lammermuirs.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
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