Dunbar's Close

A natural escape in the city centre
Word to the wise: This is one of the city's least known attractions so make sure you make a note of the directions first.

A hidden oasis in the heart of the city, Dunbar’s Close is a beautiful natural garden offering a tranquil escape from the often-hectic Royal Mile. Originally created back in the 19th century by the landscape architect Sir Patrick Geddes, but heavily reconstructed by Seamus Filor in the 1970s, the garden boasts fragrant flowers, blooming bushes and sweet-smelling herbs - and all just a matter of metres from the capital’s busiest pedestrian street.
To get to the hidden garden, you should head down an alleyway on the left-hand side of Canongate (as you’re going down towards parliament), right beside Ye Olde Christmas Shop at number 145.