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A Day in Stockbridge: Discover Edinburgh’s Hidden Gem Neighbourhood

  • Writer: Lee & Debbie
    Lee & Debbie
  • Apr 3
  • 5 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Edinburgh Travel Guide: 1 Day In Stockbridge Itinerary

Circus Lane, Stockbridge. 1 day in Stockbridge Edinburgh itinerary. By The Organised Explorers

Tucked away from the bustle of central Edinburgh, Stockbridge and its surrounding areas offer a quiet escape from the noise of the city, with an array of independent shops, cosy cafés, quaint cobbled streets, and serene green spaces. Often overlooked by tourists, Stockbridge is one of Edinburgh’s hidden gems. A day in Stockbridge and its nearby areas offer the perfect opportunity to explore some of the best of Edinburgh's rich culture and local life, so be sure to include this delightful corner of the city in your Edinburgh itinerary.


How To Get To Stockbridge.


Stockbridge is just half a mile from Princes Street, making it easily accessible for those staying in the city center. The walk to Stockbridge is mostly downhill and takes around 15 minutes, offering a pleasant stroll with views of the city along the way. For those who prefer not to walk, there is also a regular bus service that connects Stockbridge with the city center, making it simple to hop on and off to explore both areas.


Admire Modern Masterpieces at the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.


Edinburgh is home to an impressive array of art. If you've read our 1 day in Edinburgh itinerary, you’re likely familiar with the Scottish National Gallery, located near Princes Street Gardens. But did you know the city also has a vibrant modern art scene? The Modern features two galleries and two sculpture gardens, showcasing works from the late 19th century to the present day including pieces by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock. It’s a must-see for art lovers, and the best part is that entry to the galleries is free.


Be sure to keep an eye out for two of Anthony Gormley's statues from his 6 TIMES series. Figure 1 is located between Modern One and Modern Two, near the pedestrian crossing, while Figure 2 can be found behind Modern One. We'll see another statue from this collection later in the itinerary. More information on this intriguing collection of statues can be found here.


Location: 75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR



Discover The Charm Of Dean Village.


After admiring the wonderful works of art, take a stroll through the streets of Edinburgh to the picturesque Dean Village. One of the more popular spots on this itinerary, Dean Village is an Instagrammer's dream. This cherished beauty spot was once a water milling village and still retains many of its charming 19th century buildings and quaint cobbled streets. Be sure to visit Bell's Brae Bridge, the ideal spot for a picture perfect photo (pictured below).


Location: Bells Brae, Edinburgh EH4 3BJ




Take A Stroll Along The Water of Leith Walkway.


Follow the path out of Dean Village along the Water of Leith Walkway, a peaceful walk through lush woodlands alongside the river, heading towards Stockbridge. The entire route is 13 miles in length, but this itinerary will take us around half a mile. Along the way you'll come across St. Bernard's Well, a striking neoclassical temple with a statue of Hygeia, the Greek goddess of health. Further along the path, you'll encounter the third of Anthony Gormley's statues (Figure 3) where the figure can be seen standing in the river.


Location: Miller Row, Edinburgh EH4 3BJ



Enjoy A Delicious Brunch At The Pantry.


After a full morning of exploring, it's time for brunch at The Pantry. The mouth-watering menu has something for everyone, including Scottish cooked breakfast with haggis and tattie scones, French toast, waffles (highly recommend) and avocado toast. The Pantry caters for those on vegan, vegetarian or gluten free diets and also offers a menu for little ones. This popular brunch spot is small, so be prepared to wait for a table, but it is well worth it.


Location: 1 N W Circus Pl, Edinburgh EH3 6ST


Waffles at The Pantry. By The Organised Explorers

Take Pictures At Circus Lane.


Just around the corner from The Pantry, you'll find Circus Lane, a pretty spot that’s become popular on social media in recent years. If you’re active on platforms like Instagram, you’ve likely seen its charming cobbled streets, old lampposts, colourful houses and a view of the beautiful St. Stephen's church.


Note: While it's a great place for photos, please remember that these are people's homes, so be mindful and respectful when taking pictures.


Location: Circus Ln, Edinburgh EH3 6SU


Circus Lane, Stockbridge, Edinburgh. By The Organised Explorers

Indulge In Cheese At I.J Mellis.


If you're a cheese lover you cannot miss I.J. Mellis, one of the best cheese shops we've ever been to. With an impressive range of farmhouse and artisan cheeses, this quaint shop offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, high quality cheeses, and knowledgeable staff. This is a pricey stop on our itinerary, but worth it for a cheese enthusiast. Stock up on a few different cheeses, breads and meats to enjoy as part of an indulgent picnic later in your trip.


Location: 6 Bakers Place, Edinburgh EH3 6SY


I.J Mellis & Son exterior. By The Organised Explorers

Explore Stockbridge Market.


Across the road from I.J Mellis you'll find the vibrant Stockbridge Market, a must visit if you're following this itinerary on a Sunday. The market is filled with a variety of local independent traders offering fresh produce, handmade crafts and delicious street food.


Location: Saunders St, Edinburgh EH3 6TQ



Relax At The Royal Botanic Gardens.


After picking up some goodies, take a leisurely ten minute walk to the tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens, passing beautiful buildings and unique independent shops along the way. The garden is a peaceful haven, home to over 13,000 species of plants from around the world. Our favourite spots of this 70 acre garden are the Arboretum, the Rock Garden and the Chinese Hillside, each offering the perfect place to relax after a busy day.


Location: 7 Arboretum Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NY



Enjoy Dinner At The Scran & Scallie.


Our top pick for ending the day in Stockbridge is dinner at The Scran & Scallie. This gastropub serves elevated pub food classics and is owned by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin. It's a favourite among locals and visitors, making it a must-visit in the area. We highly recommend booking a table in advance to make sure you get a seat at this very popular restaurant.


Location: 1 Comely Bank Rd, Edinburgh EH4 1DR



 

We hope you have enjoyed reading our 1 day in Stockbridge itinerary. As you can see, there's much to explore and enjoy in this charming neighbourhood and its surrounding areas. Let us know if we missed anything or if you've had the chance to visit Stockbridge before.




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How To Spend A Day In Stockbridge: Discover Edinburgh's Hidden Gem Neighbourhood


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