Attractions
Fort Douglas Adventure Playground
Restoration Yard
Go Ape
Soul Water Sauna
The Wellness Space
Our Sister Estates
The Park
Trails
Weddings
Kids’ Parties
Charity Partnership
Wildlife & Nature
Discover Dalkeith
History
Memberships
Fishing
Stay
Camping
Contact
Private Events
Work For Us
The Team
How was your visit?
Need the essentials first?
We’ve rounded up the answers to our most frequently asked questions, so you can find everything from parking and food to toddler-friendly play and opening times at a glance.
Fort Douglas FAQs
Fort Douglas is perfect for children up to 12 years old, with adventures for every age. Little explorers aged 4 and under will love Mini Maze, our secure toddler play area, while older children can enjoy zip wires, giant slides, climbing walls, rope bridges, treehouses, tunnels and more.
Yes! There is plenty of parking at Dalkeith Country Park, including our brand new car park. Fort Douglas is around a 5-minute walk from the car park.
Yes! The Coffee Cabin is located in the heart of Fort Douglas and is open on weekends and during school holidays, serving freshly brewed coffee, cold drinks, hot snacks, ice cream and more. When The Coffee Cabin is closed, we recommend stopping by Restoration Yard before your visit to pick up a coffee from The Coffee Bar.
We recommend booking online in advance to secure your visit and receive the best available ticket price. If tickets are still available, you can also book on the day at the Fort Douglas Hub.
Ticket prices vary throughout the year. Check our latest prices and book online before your visit to save £1 per ticket.
Yes. Fort Douglas has tarmac paths throughout, making it easy to navigate with buggies and prams. There is a short hill on the way in, but it only takes around a minute to walk up.
Absolutely. Mini Maze is our secure play area designed especially for children aged 4 and under, with tunnels, towers and bridges that are perfectly sized for little adventurers.
Yes. There are two toilet facilities at Fort Douglas – one at the entrance in the Fort Douglas Hub and another beside The Coffee Cabin in the centre of the playground. Baby changing facilities are available at both locations.
Your ticket gives you access for the full day. Fort Douglas is open from 10.00 – 17.00, so you can arrive when you like and stay for as long as you wish during opening hours.
No. We no longer operate timed sessions, so you can enjoy Fort Douglas anytime between 10.00 – 17.00.
Yes! Fort Douglas is a fantastic place to celebrate, with birthday party packages that make planning your child’s special day easy.
Yes! Throughout the year we host seasonal events, including Easter adventures, summer activities, Halloween fun and festive Christmas experiences.
Absolutely! Fort Douglas is an all-weather adventure playground, so a little rain doesn’t stop the fun. Just bring waterproofs and enjoy the adventure.
Fort Douglas is open daily from 10.00 – 17.00, and you can come and go throughout the day. If you’re looking for a quieter visit, we recommend visiting midweek during term time where possible.
Restoration Yard is just a 5-minute walk away, where you’ll find The Coffee Bar for drinks and light bites, The Kitchen for breakfast and lunch, and The Foodhall if you’d like to pick up treats for a picnic in the park.
No. While dogs are welcome throughout the rest of Dalkeith Country Park, they aren’t permitted inside Fort Douglas. Assistance dogs are welcome and must be kept on a lead at all times.
Families tell us they love the huge variety of play equipment, from zip lines and giant slides to climbing structures and bounce pillows. Parents also mention the picnic areas, on-site Coffee Cabin, friendly team and the freedom for children to play safely while they explore.
Where to Eat Near Fort Douglas: Coffee & Food Options
Let’s face it – parenting at a playground needs caffeine. The best coffee option? Hands down, the Fort Douglas Coffee Cabin. Located in the centre of the adventure playground, it’s open every weekend and during peak times, serving hot drinks, snacks, cakes and ice cream.
If you’re looking for a casual sit in lunch spot, The Coffee Bar at Restoration Yard offers a delightful selection of teas, coffees, scones, cakes, sandwiches and seasonal soups.
For a more relaxed bite, The Kitchen offers sit-down breakfast, brunch and lunch, but it’s best to book in advance as it fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Easy Access & Plenty of Seating
Fort Douglas is more accessible than ever, thanks to recently upgraded tarmac paths that make exploring with a buggy or pram easy. If your little one decides they’d rather walk, you’ll also find a dedicated buggy park near the entrance.
Once you’re inside, there are plenty of places to settle in while the adventures unfold. Fort Douglas has four picnic areas spread throughout the playground, along with additional benches in key locations, including within Mini Maze and a large central circular bench with views across the play areas. Whether you’re enjoying a coffee, sharing a picnic or simply taking a well-earned break while the children play, you’ll always find a comfortable spot to base yourselves.
Stress-Free Facilities & Flexible Timing
When you’re visiting Fort Douglas Adventure Playground, it’s the little things that can make a big difference. You’ll find everything you need for a comfortable family day out, including two toilet facilities and baby changing stations – one at the Fort Douglas Hub near the entrance and another beside the Coffee Cabin in the heart of the playground.
Planning your day is easy too. Fort Douglas is open 10.00 – 17.00 with all-day sessions, so there’s no need to rush for a specific entry time. Arrive whenever suits your family, whether you’re working around nap times, snack breaks or those inevitable last-minute shoe negotiations, and stay for as long as you’d like during opening hours.
Space to Explore, Comfort to Supervise
One of the things families love most about Fort Douglas Adventure Playground is the freedom it gives children to explore, climb and play while parents can still keep an eye on the action.
With a spacious layout and a variety of play areas to discover, children can build confidence as they navigate bridges, slides, tunnels and climbing challenges, while parents can find a comfortable spot nearby to relax. Whether your little adventurer wants to run, climb or explore at their own pace, Fort Douglas is designed to make family days out feel easy and enjoyable for everyone.
Why do families love Fort Douglas?
Parents often tell us that Fort Douglas is the perfect place for children to let off steam, with a huge variety of play areas to explore. From zip wires and giant slides to climbing walls, rope bridges, tunnels and jumping pillows, there’s something to keep adventurers of all ages entertained.
Families love that children can build confidence as they explore independently, while parents can relax knowing there are plenty of picnic spots, a Coffee Cabin for refreshments and friendly staff on hand. Whether it’s a first visit or a family favourite, many visitors tell us they return again and again for new adventures.
Book Your Fort Douglas Visit
Whether it’s your first time visiting or your tenth, Fort Douglas Adventure Playground continues to be a favourite for families looking for outdoor fun with thoughtful amenities. Bring the snacks, wear the trainers, and prepare for an adventure – come rain or shine.