How To Spend a Weekend in Stockbridge

There are many lovely areas in Edinburgh, but Stockbridge has to be one of our favourites with its charming village-like atmosphere, abundance of cafes and restaurants and its friendly locals. You’ve also got beautiful green areas such as Inverleith Park, the Botanic Garden and Water of Leith on your doorstep. Stockbridge actually used to be a small village outside the city that was incorporated into the City of Edinburgh in the 19th century. It’s such a great, vibrant place that you can easily spend a whole weekend exploring (and eating your way through) Stockbridge!

FRIDAY

Dean Village is as pretty as a picture.

Check in at your Dickins home

First things first, you need to check into your Dickins self catering apartment in the heart of Stockbridge (because you’re obviously staying with us right?!). We have several homes in the area to choose from, and some interesting ones to check out is Dean Park Mews (sleeps 2) – a bright and modern flat in a traditional mews house, St Stephen Street (sleeps 3) – a homely home with all the books you could wish for and Leslie Place (sleeps 2) – a recently refurbished home just off the Main Street of Stockbridge .

Dean Village & Well Court

Once you’ve made yourself at home it’s time to go out and get to know the area. Head to the bridge that Stockbridge gets its name from on Deanhaugh Street – the name comes from Scots ‘stock brig’ meaning ‘timber bridge’. The current ‘Stock bridge’ is made out of stone, however, and spans Water of Leith.

Walk along Dean Terrace or Saunders Street to get to the path that takes you through Dean Gardens to the stunning Dean Village – once a busy industrial village with eleven mills powered by the river. Walk around and snap away with your camera or phone and make sure you also cross the river and visit Well Court, the most striking building in the village.

Well Court is the most striking building in Dean Village.

Gallery of Modern Art

As you’ll be in the area we highly recommend you walk to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. If you’re hungry head to the lovely cafe for a bite to eat before you immerse yourself in modern art.

Dinner at Smith & Gertrude

Walk back to Stockbridge the way you came and go back to the flat to put up your feet for a while before dinner. Our Stockbridge homes are all in great locations so you have the luxury of just popping home if you wish! You also have the option of cooking dinner in the apartment or heading out to one of the many restaurants.

If you decide you want to go out for a meal why not try the hip Smith & Gertrude for a beautiful glass of wine and a cheese/charcuterie board to go with it. Depending on how much cheese you eat (trust us, you can easily overdose here!) you might need something else to fill your belly with. If so, there are many options around, such as Hamilton’s Bar & Kitchen next door, Nok’s Kitchen for some delicious Thai food or perhaps opt for a fine dining experience at Purslane.

SATURDAY

Circus Lane is one of Edinburgh’s prettiest streets.

Breakfast

Staying in a self catering apartment also gives you the option of having breakfast in the house – which we think you should take advantage of! So pop into Sainsbury’s, Waitrose or Scotmid and get some eggs, fresh bread, orange juice and fruit and enjoy a nice, relaxed breakfast before heading out.

Coffee!

Start Saturday with a lovely cup of coffee at one of Stockbridge’s many coffee shops. Söderberg and Artisan Roast always deliver, and if you want to pick up your own, locally roasted coffee beans make sure you visit Mr Eion (coffee makes a great souvenir as well!).

Get your locally roasted coffee beans at Mr Eion!

Shopping on St Stephen Street

Walk over to St Stephen Street – a street lined with interesting independent shops. Recently opened massage and lifestyle store The Method is the place to find a lovely, natural face cream or scented candle for your home, Bon Tot is mecca for anyone into Scandinavian-style children’s wear and Those Were the Days is a quirky vintage boutique you will fall in love with.

Circus Lane

Running alongside St Stephen street is absolutely adorable Circus Lane that you just have to walk along so you can experience serious street-envy and take a bunch of photos for Instagram.

Lunch at Bon Papillon

Again you’ll venture a bit outside the Stockbridge borders, but who knows exactly where they are anyway?! Bon Papillon is a lovely wee cafe/art gallery/shop where you can have a delicious home made lunch followed by a gorgeous piece of cake.

More shopping!

Stockbridge is one of the best places for charity shopping in Edinburgh, so walk along Raeburn Place and pop into the charity shops you like the look of and make some interesting finds!

Dinner at the Scran & Scallie

The Scran & Scallie is a Stockbridge hotspot and somewhere you definitely need to book a table at. In fact, we suggest you book a table at all the restaurants you want to eat at to avoid disappointment.

If the Scran & Scallie is full, Rollo Wine Bar & Restaurant just across the street is an excellent choice – or why not try Taisteal where you can sample more tasty Scottish produce?

Drinks

It’s Saturday night so a few drinks are in order…The Last Word Saloon will serve up an excellent cocktail, cosy Good Brother’s Wine Bar won’t disappoint on the wine front and if you’re looking for a pub then Hectors and Hamiltons are always good choices. Sláinte!

SUNDAY

The weekly Stockbridge Market is a must if you’re in the area!

Breakfast

Start the day slowly by having breakfast and coffee or tea at the flat you’re staying in. If you feel like another caffeine-kick when leaving the apartment (might be needed after the drinks the night before!) go to Cowan & Sons (used to be Maxi’s) on 33 Raeburn Place or why not try out the very stylish The Pastry Section.

The Royal Botanic Garden

With a takeaway coffee in one hand, leisurely stroll to the stunning Botanics to enjoy Edinburgh’s most beautiful public garden. We recommend you visit the enticing Glasshouses with plants from the tropics, desert and everything in between.

The Tropical Palm House was built in 1834 at a cost of £1500.

Stockbridge market

The highlight of a Stockbridge weekend must be the weekly Sunday market in Jubilee Gardens that seems to be where both the tourists and the locals mingle, often accompanied by live music. Try the mouth-watering dumplings by Harajuku Kitchen and scoff down a bag of heavenly marshmallows by the Marshmallow Lady for dessert.

Enjoy your home away from home

After a weekend’s worth of exploring and delicious food it’ll be a treat to go back to your Dickins apartment, put the kettle on and put your feet up. Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you want us to find you the perfect Stockbridge self catering apartment for you!