Best Secret Gardens in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is blessed with a range of secluded and tranquil secret gardens – most of which are only a stone’s throw away from some of Edinburgh’s busiest streets! Whether you’re looking to enjoy a picnic with a few friends or simply want a few moments of calm in the busyness of everyday life, we’ve selected a few of our favourite secret gardens in Edinburgh to share with you.

1. Dr. Neil’s Garden

• Where: Old Church Ln, Duddingston Village
• Enjoy spectacular views of Arthur’s Seat from our Holyrood Road apartment, offering peace and tranquility in the city centre.

Dr. Neil’s Garden is a true hidden gem that even some locals may not have even heard of! It’s tucked away under the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and lies next to one of the oldest buildings in Scotland – Duddingston Kirk. The garden also looks out on to the picturesque Duddingston Loch, which is rich in wildlife. It’s thanks to the imagination, dedication and sheer hard work of Drs. Andrew and Nancy Neil, plus the current gardeners who look after it, that we have this wonderful green oasis. After closing for a large portion of this year, see their website below for up to date opening times. 

Website: www.drneilsgarden.co.uk

2. Sandeman House Garden

• Where: 55 High Street
• Fancy staying on Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile? Our Canongate apartment might be the perfect holiday home for you!

This may surprise a few of you but the majority of the secret gardens on this list are located on non-other than the bustling Royal Mile! Sandeman House Garden belongs to the Scottish Book Trust and is just off the Royal Mile, before John Knox House. Head down Trunks Close and you will find this secluded spot which is open to the public during the day.

Image Credit: Landscape Institute (website)

3. Dunbar’s Close Garden

• Where: 137 Canongate
• Another charming Old Town property, located just off the Royal Mile, is Old Tolbooth Wynd.

Next, we have the extremely picturesque, Dunbar’s Close Garden. Hidden away down a cobbled close (Scottish term from a little lane) it’s easy to overlook this hidden gem. The garden has been laid out in the style and character of a 17th-century garden and is a brilliant example of what the majority of gardens on Canongate would have looked like in the 17th century. It’s the ideal location to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet or a scrumptious picnic on a warm summers day.

Website: www.edinburgh.gov.uk/dunbarsclosegarden

4. Archivist’s Garden

• Where: H M Register House, 2 Princes Street
• South Charlotte Street is a gorgeous and centrally located home, perfect for your visit to Edinburgh and seconds away from Princes Street.

This hidden gem is located just off one of the busiest streets in Edinburgh, Princes Street. It is a courtyard garden between General Register House and New Register House and is open during office hours and is free to visit. The Archivist’s Garden is an interesting garden as all 57 plant species are somehow connected to Scotland, its people and its history. The courtyard is tucked in between buildings so you don’t feel like you’re in the middle of Edinburgh’s bustling city centre.

Website: www.nrscotland.gov.uk/research/archivists-garden

5. Chessel’s Court

• Where: 240 Canongate

Lastly, located within the unassuming arches of Chessel’s Court is a pleasantly surprising open garden space and an outstanding and rare example of a traditional 18th century Edinburgh ‘mansion-style’ tenement. It’s also the location where the infamous Deacon Brodie was caught! There’s lots to see in this beautiful courtyard, including a heart-shaped ivy and a tiny herb garden with seating at the south eastern corner of the courtyard.

Featured Home: Chester Street

Our Chester Street home is located on a smart Victorian street in Edinburgh’s sought after West End. The buildings are very impressive and the streets are wide and elegant. It takes less than 10 minutes to walk to Princes Street from here and with your very own small private terrace garden to enjoy.

If you’re looking for your very own secret private terrace garden what better Edinburgh holiday let than the spectacular Chester street home! This two bedroom, two bathroom home with a small private garden is so luxurious. Everything has been done to the very highest quality.

See more of our lovely Edinburgh holiday lets here…