Hidden Edinburgh Gardens

Secret Gardens in Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a mysterious city, with many hidden places you have to be in-the-know to find. So, today we are looking at some of the secret gardens in Edinburgh that most tourists don’t know about. See if you can find them on your next visit!

Dunbar’s Close

137 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8BW

This secret Edinburgh garden is a stone’s throw from the Royal Mile, one of the city’s busiest streets. Tucked away off the Canongate, just by Canongate Kirk, you’ll find Dunbar’s Close Garden. A small, tranquil area laid out in a 17th century design. It’s almost always empty, a secret gem right in the heart of the Old Town.

Hidden garden in Edinburgh

Kyoto Friendship Garden

Lauriston Castle, 2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 6AD

Lauriston Castle in the north of Edinburgh, has its very own beautiful Japanese garden. They added it to the grounds of the 16th century property in 2002, although many people are still unaware of it’s existence. The garden’s official name is ‘Castle Garden to Water and Beyond’, and it has a very calming, spiritual atmosphere.

Japanese Garden in Edinburgh

Secret Herb Garden

32A Old Pentland Road, Lothianburn, Edinburgh EH10 7EA

Husband and wife team Hamish and Liberty opened this specialist herb nursery on the outskirts of Edinburgh in 2011. With over seven acres of herb gardens, bordered by native hedgerow and a gentle stream, it’s a magical place to visit. You can also enjoy refreshments in the Glasshouse, surrounded by the beauty and aromas of herbs from all over the world.

Box of fresh herbs

Redhall Walled Garden

97 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 2LZ

Redhall is a beautiful 2-acre walled garden dating from the 18th century. It’s a community project, where people with mental health problems work together and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening. It’s open to the public on week days, so you can explore the gardens and surrounding estate for yourself. And on special open days, they also hold a plant sale, bake sale and various events.

Person gardening vegetables

Dr Neil’s Garden

Old Church Lane, Edinburgh, EH15 3PX

This secluded garden in Duddingston Village is nestled beside the ancient Duddinston Kirk. Doctors Nancy and Andrew Neil founded the garden on the lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat in 1963. It’s a calming space with conifers, heathers, alpines, ponds and herbaceous borders. There’s also a physic garden which grows medicinal plants. This was added in 2013 as a memorial to the doctors.

Hidden garden in Duddingston Edinburgh

Granton Castle Walled Garden

23 West Shore Road, Edinburgh, EH5 1QB

Granton Castle Walled Garden is one of our favourite hidden gems. The castle was built around 1450 as a family home, but fell into disrepair in the 1700s. By 1928, a quarrying firm destroyed most of the castle. However, the walled garden and dovecot survived. And when the garden was threatened by housing development proposals, it was saved by a local campaign. Today, the garden is looked after by the “Friends of Granton Castle Garden” community group. They are working to restore this forgotten garden to its former glory. Taking it section by section, the 2-acre waterfront garden is slowly transforming into a productive space, and a great place to visit and enjoy. Although not always open to the public, look out for upcoming events and open days on their Facebook page.

Why not look for these secret gardens in Edinburgh on your next stay at Parliament House Hotel? Check out our special offers and book a break today.