If you know what you’re looking for, you can easily find the red brick Granton Hub (aka Madelvic House) in North Edinburgh. It’s a development area and this community centre is in a truly historic building with a rich industrial heritage.
Fronted by a sphinx, it is by the first electric car factory, dating from 1898 (now a ruin), and full of interesting ongoing presentations. A prosaic building, it is the corridor walls with old black and white photos and the fascinating conversations with local historians which I like. Telling me about sitting in the harbour with his grandpa, or collecting mussels with his uncle, the resident specialists have many stories to tell. The best way to hear them is to go on one of their walks, however, if one isn’t on, you can download maps or use the Curious Edinburgh app to explore.
The Edinburgh Community Garden is always open with its herbs and fruiting plants, providing a quiet space to sit and sniff the lavender. The nearby Community Orchard is adjacent. Granton Hub has art rooms, regular exhibitions, and workshops covering painting and printmaking. I couldn’t believe the range of work on show when I went to a Friday night opening – sculptures of local activists, photographs of the coastline, plus jewellery made by beachcombers.
There are Grassroots Remedies, weekly meditation sessions, Death Cafes and lots more, so join the mailing list and check out what’s on. Please note, not open on a regular daily basis, but for events only.
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
This park holds a hidden treasure from the 16th century! These siege works are believed to be the only ones from the 16th century found in Britain.
by
"Dean Cemetery" in Edinburgh keeps some fascinating stories hidden in the gravestones. My favorite is that of the man behind the phrase 'botched job...'
by
"Campervan Brewery" and their amazing taproom in Edinburgh is the perfect place for a post-lockdown pint. You should try their Trainspotting beer!
by
Plant based or not, if you love donuts, you HAVE to take a trip to "Considerat Chocolate" in Edinburgh! You won't even notice they're vegan...
by
"J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints" is one of the tons of Harry Potter-related sights in Edinburgh that most fans miss. Tourists wander right past it!
by
Edinburgh's Leith Walk is filling up fast with trendy new coffee shops, bakeries, and local maker stores - "Nott Wine Bar" is one of my favourites!
by
"Lochend Park" in Edinburgh is for you if you want a peaceful stroll around a loch (small lake), a gander at a doocot, a dander under mature trees...
by
Cute, quaint "Newhaven Harbour" is a hidden gem in Edinburg. Try walking around the area - it will take you about an hour...
by
"Starbank Park" in Edinburgh offers cracking views over the Firth of Forth - it's such a peaceful, beautiful place to sit and sun yourself in the sea air!
by
The "Water of Leith" is a river that runs from one side of Edinburgh to the other, and it runs through some of the city's most scenic & interesting sites...
by
"Wardie Bay" in Edinburgh is a bijou beach on the Firth of Forth and my favourite spot for wild swimming in the city...
by
"Dance Base" is an award-winning building in Edinburgh established to provide classes, workshops & performances. Please do join me in dancing!
by
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 138 Insider Tips