Secret Gardens of Edinburgh Draw Visitors Off the Beaten Path

Lesser-known green spaces throughout Edinburgh are attracting curious travelers looking for a quieter, more personal encounter with the Scottish capital.

17 June 2025 at 15:34 • By Isla Montgomery, The Angle Watch

Tucked behind stone walls and ivy-draped gates, Edinburgh’s secret gardens are experiencing a quiet boom in popularity. As crowds flood the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat, a more tranquil form of tourism is taking root among those seeking greenery and solitude.

The Dunbar’s Close Garden, just steps from the Canongate, offers a 17th-century layout with box hedges and neatly trimmed paths. Once overlooked by tourists, it's now a trending location on social media, thanks to its photogenic symmetry and calm atmosphere.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has also introduced a self-guided 'Hidden Corners' trail, encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known sections like the alpine houses and woodland garden. Participation has surged since its launch in early spring.

Guides like Fiona MacAllister, who runs walking tours focused on green heritage, say demand for nature-infused experiences is growing. 'People want to escape the usual tourist checklist and discover something peaceful, something alive,' she explained.

Community-run spaces such as the Garden of Earthly Delights in Tollcross have joined the movement, offering workshops and open days. Locals are embracing the interest, seeing it as a chance to highlight environmental stewardship and community resilience.

Edinburgh Council is currently mapping additional micro-gardens across the city to potentially include in a new 'Quiet Edinburgh' campaign set to launch next spring. The goal is to relieve pressure on major attractions while spotlighting underappreciated urban gems.

For many, these green hideaways offer not just beauty, but a different lens on the city—one of contemplation, ecology, and timeless charm.