Dunbar’s Close is a small, peaceful garden just off the Canongate section of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Look for its narrow entrance near Canongate Kirk, then follow cobbled paths between clipped hedges, shrubs and flower borders. The garden is arranged as a series of distinct, enclosed spaces, with benches where you can pause or eat a picnic away from the busy street. Its layout recreates the style of a 17th-century garden, making this a quiet stop for a short walk or a moment of rest in the Old Town.
A garden behind the Canongate
Dunbar’s Close sits just off the Canongate section of the Royal Mile, near Canongate Kirk. Its entrance is a narrow passage that is easy to walk past, so look carefully along the high stone walls. Beyond it, the street gives way to a compact garden divided into smaller, enclosed areas.
The garden was created by town planner Sir Patrick Geddes as part of a network of green spaces in Edinburgh’s Old Town. Its design follows the style of a 17th-century garden, with hedges framing separate spaces and paths leading between them. The garden was restored in the late 1970s. Its name comes from writer David Dunbar, who owned property nearby.
Paths, planting and places to sit
Walk through the different sections rather than stopping at the entrance. The layout includes cobbled and gravel paths, clipped hedges, shrubs, flowers and a canopy of trees. A small grassy area lies at the back of the garden, and benches provide places to sit among the planting. There is no covered seating, so plan for outdoor conditions if you want to stay for a meal or a longer pause.
Dunbar’s Close is a modest garden, not a large park. Its appeal is the contrast between the enclosed, orderly spaces and the busy Royal Mile just outside. It works well as a brief break while exploring the Old Town, or as a quiet place to sit with food you have brought along.
Access and visiting
The entrance from the Royal Mile is reached by stairs. Within the garden, uneven levels, cobbles and gravel can make some routes harder to navigate. The main area is described as wheelchair accessible, but the stair access from the Royal Mile is a limitation.
Dogs are allowed. There is no playground or public restroom, so plan for those needs elsewhere. The garden has set visiting hours, and its posted schedule is 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Check access before setting out, especially if you are visiting near the end of the day.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Dunbar’s Close?
It is at 137 Canongate, just off Edinburgh’s Royal Mile near Canongate Kirk. The narrow entrance can be easy to miss.
Is Dunbar’s Close free to visit?
The garden is free to access.
How long do you need at Dunbar’s Close?
About 20 minutes is enough for a short walk through the garden and a pause on a bench.
Is Dunbar’s Close wheelchair accessible?
The main garden area is described as wheelchair accessible, but the entrance from the Royal Mile is by stairs. Paths include cobbles, gravel and changes in level.
