Walk Dalmeny Estate, Edinburgh

Just a short drive from Edinburgh is Dalmeny Estate. The land stretches across to the Firth of Forth, with sandy beaches to walk along. The views extend across to Fife, and back to Edinburgh, where the familiar outline of Arthur’s seat is still visible. A quiet path weaves through the estate, leading you from the shadow of the Forth Rail Bridge to the village of Cramond, passing through woodland, beaches and even a castle. Dalmeny House sits proud in the manicured landscape, a grand family home that commands attention from visitors to the estate. Learn about the Dalmeny Estate and how to visit in this post!

The Dalmeny Estate

Dalmeny House and Estate have been home to the Earls of Rosebery since 1662. It is a working estate, meaning that some land is in use for agriculture, forestry and fishing.

The grounds cover an area from the shores of the Firth of Forth, extending across beaches, woodlands and gardens. The grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland for its designed garden of historical importance.

Weaving through the estate is a path, frequented by visitors, dog walkers and cyclists, which will lead you through the nature and historic sites of the estate.

Visiting Edinburgh? Climbing Arthur’s Seat should be high on your list!

Dalmeny House

Dalmeny House was built in 1817, and is a Gothic Revival mansion. Gothic Revival architecture refers to a style of architecture popular in the first half of the 19th century, which drew inspiration from the grand medieval Gothic architecture. The house is a category A listed building, built for Archibald Primrose, the 4th Earl of Rosebery. It is home to the Earl of Rosebery, who had previously had their ancestral home at the nearby Barnbougle Castle.

During WWII Dalmeny House was used as an auxiliary hospital, and the stables were converted into a Barrage Balloon Unit.

The house is open to visitors in the summer months to guided tours, and inside you can see the regency style decoration.

Looking for more day trips from Edinburgh? Visit the village of Roslin with the famous chapel and historical ruins!

Looking for more things to do in Edinburgh? Why not explore the Royal Mile!

Walk Dalmeny Estate

You can walk the grounds around the Dalmeny estate – starting from either Cramond or South Queensferry. The walk takes you through the Rosebery Estate with beautiful views across the Firth, as well as though woodland. There is a path that leads along the shore, which stretches 4 & 1/2 miles.

There’s so much to see on the walk, with stunning views across the Firth of Forth to Fife or train spot as trains run across the Forth Rail Bridge. Within the woodlands are the historic remains of World War 1 gun emplacements, which were part of the Forth defences. Barnbougle Castle lies beyond the woodland, looking out to the Forth. Although you can’t access the castle, you can catch glimpses of the it through the tree line.

In front of Dalmeny House is the Dalmeny Golf Course, where you can play a round of golf with spectacular views.

Enjoy visiting castles? Check out the stunning ruins of Tantallon Castle in East Lothian!

How to Visit?

Visiting the Dalmeny estate is easy and there is good accessibility. It’s best to start your walk at South Queensferry, where there is parking available. You can walk right out to Cramond, where there are bus routes back into the city, or double back along the shore back to where you started.

If you’re visiting in the summer months and would like to see the inside of the house, you have to book onto a guided tour.

Visiting Edinburgh? Why not check out some of the fantastic museums in Edinburgh!

A Castle for Christmas

Many people may recognise Dalmeny House from the Netflix Christmas film – A Castle For Christmas. Although you won’t spot Brooke Shields cycling around the grounds, you can still get up close to the Dun Dunbar Castle.

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