Stockbridge

North of the New Town is Stockbridge, a neighbourhood that looks like a little village, just a short walk from the city centre. It has a special charm that will captivate you. It’s also a short stroll along the river from Dean Village, where our walking tour of the Georgian New Town ends.

Edinburgh’s bohemian neighbourhood

Stockbridge has a bohemian atmosphere that has attracted many of Edinburgh’s artists, writers and musicians to live here. You’ll find a great variety of shops, with jewellers, antique shops and art galleries everywhere.

Many of the most interesting shops in Stockbridge are charity shops, which sell donated items to raise money for good causes.

Stockbridge is also where you can take some of the prettiest photos in Edinburgh. One of the classics is Circus Lane, a lovely cobbled street that seems to belong to another time.

It’s not the only one: if you feel inspired, there are lots of amazing photos waiting for you in Stockbridge.

Stockbridge Market

Its village feel is even more noticeable on Sunday mornings, when the Stockbridge Market is held, where you can buy produce straight from the people who make and grow it.

You’ll find everything from quality fruit and vegetables, many grown around Edinburgh, to bread, craft beer and works of art.

If you fancy a snack, there are also plenty of food and drink stalls.

The Royal Botanic Garden

Without a doubt, the most important attraction in Stockbridge is the Royal Botanic Garden, an extraordinary collection of plants from every climate zone, in glasshouses and outdoors. A lovely place for a walk on a sunny day.

The Water of Leith walkway from Stockbridge

As well as seeing the bridge that gives the neighbourhood its name, a walk along the Water of Leith is one of the most peaceful things to do here.

Head upstream and, in about 15 minutes, you’ll reach Dean Village, a beautiful little village on the riverbank that was once a milling community.

Walk in the other direction and you’ll reach the mouth of the river in the port of Leith.

Walking towards Dean Village, you’ll come across St Bernard’s Well, an 18th-century temple built over a spring by the Water of Leith, whose water was believed to have health-giving properties.

Very close to Dean Village, and a short walk from Stockbridge along the river, is the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, a must if you love modern and contemporary art.

If you have enough time, don’t miss Stockbridge. It has a very special atmosphere and countless beautiful corners that will make your walk a wonderful experience. For brunch, try The Pantry, next to Circus Lane.