New Town Guide

 

Hello friends, and welcome to my New Town guide! I’m treating this series of blogs as if I were replying to a friend who asked for my recommendations in a specific Edinburgh neighbourhood. So, rather than being definitive guides to an area, they'll be filled with my personal recommendations on where to eat, small businesses to visit and attractions to see. 

A Local's Guide to New Town

For those who enjoy a little bit of history, New Town was built as a result of severe overcrowding and unsanitary living conditions in the Old Town. These conditions were driving Edinburgh's wealthy residents out of the city and in an attempt to retain them, the Town Council announced a public competition in 1766 to develop roughly a hundred acres of land north of Old Town. James Craig’s simple and symmetrical plan was chosen. At the time, the New Town development was the largest planned city development in the world and is still a Georgian masterpiece. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

How to Spend Your Time

Princes Street Gardens – Princes Street Gardens separate Old and New Town. Interestingly, the 37 acres park was once home to a man-made loch called Nor' Loch which started as a place for locals to boat in the summer and skate in the winter but it soon turned into a dumping ground for all manner of waste from Old Town. It wasn't until the birth of New Town that it was turned into a garden. The gardens are one of my favourite places to visit throughout the seasons. 

Tip: Look out for the Ross Fountain and the working floral clock in West Princes Street Gardens if you visit between July and October - both in West Princes Street Garden.

Calton Hill - Calton Hill is probably my favourite vantage point in Edinburgh with views across the city and towards the Firth of Forth. You'll also find the Collective Art Gallery (a contemporary art gallery) housed within the historic City Observatory and City Dome; Cafe Calton (which I've yet to visit) and the Nelson Monument which you can climb for even better views. 

The Georgian House (No 7 Charlotte Square) - perfect for a rainy day! The impressive house has been lovingly restored by the National Trust of Scotland to reflect the lives of those who lived and worked there in the late 18th and early 19th century. On my visit, the self-guided tour began with a short video about life in the Georgian House during the 18th-century. From there, I wandered downstairs, visiting the various rooms as I went. 

Note: The building is open to the public between April and October. 

Scottish National Portrait Gallery is the world’s first purpose-built portrait gallery. Housed within a striking red sandstone neo-gothic building, it's a must-visit if you have any interest in architecture. The Gallery opened to the public in 1889 and spans three levels. My favourite room is the grand hall which boasts a magnificent frieze designed as a visual encyclopaedia of key figures in Scottish history.  

Note: I also really enjoy Cafe Portrait. 

Moray Place - When I want to escape the crowds, I always enjoy a wander through New Town's Georgian Streets. The circular Moray Place is considered one of the grandest streets in Scotland. Look out for no 28 (the grandest of these magnificent buildings) which the 10th Earl of Moray kept for himself.  

Shopping Local  

(Just a couple of my favourites, I’ve really tried to limit myself!)  

Broughton Street - Broughton Street is a short walk from St Andrew's Square and is home to a range of brilliant small businesses. I always enjoy wandering down the street popping in and out of a few favourites such as Lifestory, Rosevear Tea, Stòr Coffee and Curiouser & Curiouser. It's an ideal place to pick up a gift for a loved one.  

Scottish Design Exchange (117-119 George Street) - Filled to the brim with local artists and designers' work.  A great place to pick up a unique souvenir or present.

The Treasure Trove (23A Castle Street) - Dating back to 1882, The Treasure Trove's original purpose was to promote the handiwork of war widows or those who were housebound. Today, it continues to sell beautiful products handmade by its members.

Unicorn Antiques (65 Dundas Street) - An eclectic array of antiques. You never know what you'll come across!

A Bite to Eat

(Note: I don't have a lot of experience eating out in New Town) 

The Cobbled Roastery (48 Thistle Street) - excellent coffee & hot choc

Cafe Portrait (Scottish National Portrait Gallery) - fresh soups, vibrant salads and sandwiches

Leo’s Beanery (23A Howe Street) - cosy nook for lunch 

Further Exploring

Archivist's Garden - Sandwiched between General Register House and New Register House is the Archivist's Garden. The garden features 57 plant species that are all connected to Scotland and is free to visit during office hours.

Dundas House - Dundas House has been the registered office of the Royal Bank of Scotland since 1825. When you enter the building, you'll walk through the beautiful original house then emerge into RBS’s spectacular extension featuring a domed ceiling punctuated by stars which let in the light. The building welcomes visitors during the bank’s opening hours and there's even a dedicated section about the building’s history.

Ingleby Gallery (33 Barony Street) - Ingleby Gallery is one of the country’s leading private galleries which has made its home in the stunning Glasite Meeting House in 2018.

Mansfield Traquair (15 Mansfield Place) - The beautiful building is home to a stunning mural by Phoebe Anna Traquair. Keep an eye on their website for open days.

New Town Private Gardens - Private gardens are a key element of New Town’s design and if you’re anything like me, an occasional peek through the fence may not be enough to satisfy your curiosity. Thankfully, many of the gardens fling their gates open to the public a few times a year during Doors Open Days and Scotland’s Garden Scheme.

 

See you in the next guide!