Dr Neil's Garden

Behind Duddingston Kirk in Edinburgh, Dr Neil’s Garden is a quiet botanical garden beside Duddingston Loch, on the lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat. Its paths pass colourful planting, a Physic Garden and Thomson’s Tower, with benches for a pause and views across the water. Entry is free, and donations help maintain the charity-run garden. It makes a peaceful stop if you want time among plants and greenery away from the city centre. Some paths are steep and narrow, so access around the garden can be difficult for wheelchair users.

A garden beside the loch

Dr Neil’s Garden sits behind Duddingston Kirk in Duddingston Village, where the lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat meet Duddingston Loch. Doctors Andrew and Nancy Neil began cultivating the garden in 1963, turning an untended patch into a place for plants and quiet walks.

The setting gives the garden a distinctly different pace from central Edinburgh. Short paths wind among planted areas, and benches provide places to stop and look towards the loch. The garden is also close to walking routes around Arthur’s Seat.

Plants and Thomson’s Tower

The Physic Garden is one of the garden’s particular points of interest. Thomson’s Tower adds a link to Duddingston’s curling history: it was built in 1825 to store stones belonging to the Duddingston Curling Society.

The garden is free to enter and is maintained as a charity-run space. Donations contribute to its upkeep. You can reach it from No. 5 Old Church Lane or through the Garden Tearoom at the kirk. Some routes within the garden are steep or narrow, and wheelchair access is limited.