Dunbar's Close Gardens

When I worked down at Holyrood, someone mentioned this. I didn’t think there could be a lovely secret garden off the Royal Mile that I’d never seen, but here it is. If it’s a nice day, grab some food locally and head here for some peace and quiet.

As you meander up the Royal Mile it’s easy to find yourself focused on the big attractions like St Giles’ Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle. If you slow down and have a peek into some of the many little ‘closes’, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what they might reveal. One in particular worth exploring is Dunbar’s Close. A throwback to the 1770s, apparently Robert Burns the legendary poet even frequented this tiny green corner of Edinburgh, no doubt to enjoy an oyster or two from Mrs. Love’s oyster cellar, and a tankard of ale! These days it’s the perfect place to find a bench by the gardens and enjoy your lunch in solitude.You'll find it at the bottom end of the Royal Mile. Keep an eye out for ‘Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe’ in red, and ‘Holyrood Souvenirs’ in blue. Between them is a narrow lane with a gate at its end. Behind that gate is the secret garden!

Dunbar's close Garden, in the south of Calton Hill, the secret garden that you will undoubtedly break into on the way to Calton Hill. The entire courtyard is quiet and full of greenery.

Dunbar Gardens is located near the Royal Mile, away from the noisy streets. The garden is beautiful and well maintained. Suitable for fast climbing or more leisurely excursions. Many of the trees in a 17th century garden are hundreds of years old.

A nice and quiet rest in the hustle and bustle of the Royal Mile. Not far from the Scottish Parliament, this is a small garden. With the careful maintenance of the local residents, you can sit in the almost semi-concealed garden, hardly hear the sound of vehicles, and you can find a refreshment and scones at the entrance of Kalinda.