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12 January 2024
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The beautiful city of Edinburgh is packed with memorable and historic landmarks. For starters, there’s the magnificent Edinburgh Castle, probably the most iconic of all. It’s pretty hard to miss as it dominates the skyline! Another must-see tourist attraction is The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King’s official residence. And if you like a bit of history, the National Museum of Scotland is the most-visited museum in the country.
Let’s be honest, however, and admit that sometimes it’s nice to go beyond the usual tourist haunts. Why not delve a little deeper – and explore Edinburgh off the beaten track? There are plenty of hidden wonders to discover. Here, we’ve come up with a list of seven gems that most visitors miss.
The Water of Leith is the main river that runs through Edinburgh, often referred to as its ‘hidden river.’ The 12-mile Water of Leith Walkway runs alongside the river and connects many of Edinburgh’s New Town areas. This walkway is a real treat as it allows you to go off the beaten track and wander through beautiful parks, gardens and neighbourhoods. Highlights include the Colinton Tunnel mural and the ‘6 Times’ life-size sculptures by Antony Gormley. These are eye-catching cast iron sculptures of the artist’s body. The scenic walkway also offers the perfect opportunity to look out for local wildlife, including otters and kingfishers!
Have you ever fancied stepping into the pages of a magical storybook? That’s how you’ll feel when you visit the charming Dean Village. This riverside gem along the Water of Leith was originally built in the 12th century and went on to become a busy milling centre.Â
The village has a variety of mill stones and stone plaques decorated with baked bread and pies as a reminder of its milling history. At the heart of the village is the iconic Well Court building, which housed local workers who worked at the water mills. In short, Dean Village is a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you, as there are countless opportunities for beautiful photographs!Â
This beautiful Victorian cathedral in the West End is the next stop in our guide to Edinburgh off the beaten track. Opened in 1879, St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral is the tallest building in the urban Edinburgh area. Its three spires form an iconic part of the city skyline. This Gothic cathedral is the mother church of the Diocese of Edinburgh. What’s more, it’s the only cathedral in Scotland to perform evensong every day, so you’ll have the chance to hear some atmospheric music if you time your visit right. Other attractions here include Paolozzi’s stained glass Millennium Window and the Rood Cross, which is on display as part of the National War Memorial.
Next on our list of lesser-known Edinburgh gems is Lauriston Castle, also in the west of the city. Transformed from a 16th-century castle into a sprawling Edwardian mansion, it offers a snapshot of Edinburgh at the turn of the century. Take a guided tour here to learn more about the history of the house and its inhabitants. You can also enjoy woodland walks in the extensive grounds and visit the award-winning Japanese garden. With its lovely surroundings, Lauriston Castle is the perfect spot to enjoy breathtaking views across the Firth of Forth.
Just a mile out of the city centre, you can discover the leafy paradise that is the Royal Botanic Garden! Founded in 1670 as a physic garden, the 72-acre site is now home to 13,500 plant species and has multiple themed gardens. Known to locals as The Botanics, the Garden offers fantastic views of the capital’s skyline and the imposing Edinburgh Castle. Some of the stunning themed gardens here include the Woodland Garden, the Rock Garden, and the Chinese Hillside. Admission is free, and the visitor centre offers delicious home-grown food from the on-site Kitchen Garden.
This secluded garden is another of Edinburgh’s best-kept secrets! If you’re strolling along the city’s iconic Royal Mile, there’s a chance you might miss a truly tranquil oasis. It is easy to overlook at first as it seems a bit like the entrance to someone’s private garden. However, if you venture beyond the cobbled close, you’ll find the perfect escape from one of Edinburgh’s busiest areas. This beautiful 17th-century-style garden is free to enter. If you’re lucky, you might have it all to yourself!
You’ll feel like you’ve escaped to the Highlands when you visit this picturesque spot on the southern fringes of the city. There are numerous walking trails which take you up and down rolling hills and around picture-perfect reservoirs. Locals recommend Pentland Hills Regional Park as a brilliant bucolic getaway! It features a whopping 10,000 hectares of countryside and over 100km of waymarked paths. These include a mix of gentle and challenging routes to suit different abilities. There are a couple of visitor centres to help you learn more about the Regional Park. This really is Edinburgh off the beaten track!
These hidden gems offer just a glimpse of Edinburgh off the beaten track. There are many more amazing places to discover! The No Fuss Guide to Edinburgh is our handy pocket-sized guide to the city and all its must-see attractions.
Packed with expert recommendations, insider tips, and detailed maps, this book provides a truly comprehensive guide to Edinburgh. We’ve included more than 400 must-see locations, from the best-known landmarks to the hidden wonders that only locals know about! Click here to order your copy – and have fun exploring this vibrant city!
