The Flodden Wall is a 16th-century defensive wall built around Edinburgh’s Old Town after the Battle of Flodden in 1513. This surviving stretch stands above Grassmarket, reached by climbing the Vennel steps at 1 Vennel. Look for the arrow slits and the join with the Telfer Wall; the main draw is the view of Edinburgh Castle from the nearby viewpoint, especially after dark. You can also find other remains in Greyfriars Kirkyard, then continue through Grassmarket.
A defensive wall around Old Town
The Flodden Wall was built around Edinburgh’s Old Town in the 16th century, after the Battle of Flodden in 1513. It was intended to protect the city from a possible English invasion. Parts of other city defences, including the Telfer Wall, were built later.
The wall followed the edge of the old city. One stretch ran across the west end of Grassmarket and uphill along the Vennel, with a watchtower or bastion at its south-west end. From there, the route continued east around Greyfriars Kirkyard towards Bristo Port and Potterow Port, near the present-day National Museum of Scotland.
What remains at the Vennel
Climb the Vennel steps from Grassmarket to reach this section. Arrow slits remain in the masonry, and the wall joins the Telfer Wall at a corner. An old window frame is marked with the date 1875.
The nearby viewpoint is a popular place to photograph Edinburgh Castle. The wall itself is a short stop, so take time to look at its details before continuing through Grassmarket. Other surviving sections can be seen at Granny’s Green Steps, in Greyfriars Kirkyard, and along Drummond Street and the Pleasance.
The wall and life inside the city
The city walls marked a boundary around Edinburgh’s Old Town. As the population grew, that boundary limited outward expansion. The resulting density meant that people lived close together, sometimes in houses as tall as 14 storeys.
Some residents had little reason or money to pay tolls to leave the city, so the enclosed area could shape everyday life as well as defence. The remains at the Vennel offer a small, tangible trace of that boundary. For a longer walk, continue to Greyfriars Kirkyard, where more of the wall survives.
FAQ
Where is the Flodden Wall in Edinburgh?
This section is above Grassmarket at 1 Vennel. Climb the Vennel steps to reach it.
What can you see at the Flodden Wall?
Look for surviving arrow slits, the join with the Telfer Wall and an old window frame marked 1875. The nearby Vennel viewpoint looks towards Edinburgh Castle.
When was the Flodden Wall built?
The wall was built in the 16th century after the Battle of Flodden in 1513, to defend Edinburgh against a possible English invasion.
How long does a visit take?
Allow about 15 to 30 minutes to see this stretch and the nearby viewpoint. You can add time to explore Grassmarket or visit the remains in Greyfriars Kirkyard.
