Hidden Edinburgh

Edinburgh is renowned for its various side streets and numerous nooks and crannies hiding many gems for a visitor to discover. Here are some suggestions for an alternative view of Edinburgh:

Hidden attractions

Mary Kings Close: When Edinburgh’s local authorities decided to build what was to become the City Chambers in 1753, this meant the demise of some of Edinburgh’s closes just off the Royal Mile. However, it wasn’t really the end, since the lower stories of the closes were kept as foundations to the building, now allowing us to explore these ancient streets and learn more about how Edinburgh’s inhabitants lived in those days.

Blair Street Vaults: These eighteenth century vaults are the result of the building of the North and South bridges linking the newly built New Town with the Old Town of Edinburgh. The vaults were used to store the produce of the shopkeepers who had businesses on the bridges. They were guarded by caretakers and some chambers were inhabited despite the damp, unventilated conditions. Believed to be haunted, a number of Edinburgh’s walking tour companies pay these mysterious chambers a visit.

Gilmerton Cove: Gilmerton is historically a small mining community on the southern fringe of Edinburgh. Restored by the City of Edinburgh Council and the Gilmerton Heritage Trust, the unusual Gilmerton Cove site is surrounded by mystery. It is an underground dwelling hewn from the local limestone, of which many theories abound about its initial function, e.g. a drinking den or a covenanters hideout. Mercat Tours organises visits to the venue, so you have a chance to decide which story you believe.

Hidden places

Water of Leith: Proof positive, if any were needed, that Edinburgh is a beautiful green space as well as a busy city. The Water of Leith has wonderful opportunities for strolling and learning about some of the hidden history of Edinburgh. Historically, both a powerhouse for over 70 mill sites and an important haven for ships at its mouth, this river has an important place in Edinburgh’s history. Today, it is a wooded and peaceful location for riverside walks and exploration. It links Stockbridge with Leith and walkers are able to visit places like the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art or even Balerno.

Doors Open Days

Every autumn, Edinburgh opens the doors of its lesser known buildings as part of the Doors Open Days programme which occurs throughout Europe. It’s a great chance to see parts of buildings that are never or rarely opened to the public, including some famous buildings that have mysterious pasts.