Dunbar’s Close Garden – A secret Royal Mile Jewel

Just metres from the hive of activity that is Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, there are tiny gardens which are great for a quick escape to recharge your batteries or enjoy your lunch in silence. The Royal Mile has around 80 narrow lanes or ‘closes’ that are evidence of the area’s medieval beginnings.

I always try and take time to explore them. In doing so I have found some great gardens. My favourite is Dunbar’s Close Gardens, close to Canongate Kirk towards the bottom of the Royal Mile.

The gardens have been laid out as they might have looked in the 17th century when the area was one of the wealthiest parts of the city. You are almost guaranteed to have it all to yourself.