Sarah from Edinburgh

About me Hi! I’m Sarah. I’m a marketing professional and travel writer. Based in Edinburgh’s city centre, I’ve worked for some of Scotland’s most prestigious tourism boards, hotels and attractions. Teaching people about my beautiful city and country is one of my favourite pastimes. I love storytelling. My own website focuses on vegan travel on a tight budget. My love of animals ...
Oct 2, 2025

Circus Lane Edinburgh

Instagram dreams!

""Circus Lane" in Edinburgh is dubbed by many one of the most beautiful streets in Britain. Come here for a short (or long!) photo detour..."

Grab your cameras Instagrammers – this is a spot you don’t want to miss! Located in the attractive area of Stockbridge, beautiful Circus Lane is a cobbled stoned delight of terraced mews houses and quaint colourful doorways.

Dubbed by many as one of the prettiest streets in Britain (and certainly in Edinburgh), this picturesque stop-off is a wonderful little street to nip down if you’re exploring the twists and turns of one of Edinburgh’s most affluent areas. In times gone by, the lane was used as a service street, allowing access to horses and carriages. As you explore, you’ll see small nods to this in the newly decorated garages that were once stables.

The street is packed with character, maintaining its old-timey feels with charming chimney pots, tiny upper-floor windows and blooming hanging baskets. At the end of the street, you’ll spot St. Stephen’s Church, a sturdy landmark that watches over Circus Lane and Stockbridge. This A-listed building is said to be home to the longest pendulum in Europe – hanging proudly in the Church’s clock-tower.

You won’t need a lot of time to explore Circus Lane (unless you’re really fond of a photo opportunity!). 10-15 minutes should do the trick! I find it’s a nice detour if you’re already in the area to explore the popular Sunday market or visit one of the many quirky bars.

Fun Fact: This is the only street in the UK named Circus Lane, meaning you won’t find another in Great Britain.

002-building
Art & culture

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

Circus Lane

£

no-price

Our Edinburgh City Guide

Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Edinburgh guide.

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh

The Leith Collective

Design and art shop

"Scottish Design Exchange" is in Edinburgh's Leith, hidden in a shopping mall called Ocean Terminal. It's not high concept, it's things you'd actually buy.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Mark

Gorman

Oct 22, 2025

Sabzi

Punjabi street food

"Sabzi" in Edinburgh used to be a Blockbuster video store, then it became a pop-up restaurant. Now it serves wonderful heart-warming Punjabi street food!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

Oct 17, 2025

Green. Leith

Plant shop with social mission

"Green. Leith" is a refreshing and colourful addition to the well-known street in Edinburgh. They really take green plants & accessories to a new level!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

Oct 13, 2025

S. Luca

Ice cream and sweet treats

"S. Luca" has been one of my favorite places in Edinburgh since I was a kid. What they're famous for is their own brand of ice cream - and I love it!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Catriona

Laxton

Oct 13, 2025

Muschat's Cairn

Gory history under rocks

I have to confess I've walked past the spot thousands of times before I actually realised it was anything to pay attention to!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Fiona

Diack

Oct 11, 2025

Leith Victoria Swim Centre

An architectural gem

The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Tamsin

Grainger

Oct 10, 2025

Pickles

Cosy wine bar

"Pickles" is a tiny wee wine bar in Edinburgh. The bar has a rustic Scottish feel to it, but the main reason I like it is their cheese and wine...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Fiona

Diack

Oct 9, 2025

Manna House Bakery

Incredible bakery/eatery

"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Mark

Gorman

Oct 6, 2025

Craiglockhart Hill

The overlooked hill

Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Fiona

Diack

Oct 3, 2025

Corstorphine Hill

Not just the zoo

The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Fiona

Diack

Oct 2, 2025

Little Free Library

Birdhouse book stops

"Little Free Library" in Edinburgh is a project for neighbourhood book exchanges. It has really caught on here -- look for the birdhouse mini libraries!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

Oct 2, 2025

Antony Gormley Sculptures

River statues

The "Antony Gormley Sculptures" are six human-like statues across Edinburgh. Four of them are actually in the river! I love introducing visitors to them...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

Oct 2, 2025

Heading to Edinburgh?

138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Edinburgh app Home
Edinburgh app Home
Edinburgh app Map
Edinburgh app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

138 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Edinburgh

Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
53
Made with the 💚 of 500 Spotters.
Filters