Tamsin from Edinburgh
Lochend Park Edinburgh
Birdwatching bounty
Lochend Park in Edinburgh has a lot to offer someone who would like a peaceful stroll around a loch (small lake), a gander at a doocot (a 16th-century dovecote), a dander under mature trees, or a play on the swings. Situated in the middle of an urban housing area, it has quite a history too.
Ten minutes walk from St Triduana’s Chapel, there are swans, geese, coots, moorhens, mallards and herons sailing serenely, meandering between reeds, and sitting on their nests. There are only pigeons and the odd visiting dove these days, but when it was the private grounds of the Lochend Castle / House (built in 1810, still inhabited, and sometimes referred to as Restalrig Castle), the fowl would have graced the long, wooden tables. According to Wikipedia, the Doocot was used as a "plague kiln" in 1564, and a boat house in the 19th century for the Royal Humans Society, who were set up to save people from drowning. The boat was also used in winter to check if the ice on the loch was thick enough for games of curling, apparently, and around 1650, it served as Leith's main water supply.
We are so lucky in Edinburgh to have so many green spaces. I used to picnic in Lochend Park with my children, and they loved to run around the loch in opposite directions and see who got back to the rug first. In 2021, it was an ideal place for a snowy saunter with friends on New Year’s Day.
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh
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!
by
Mark
Gorman
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!
by
Fiona
Diack
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!
by
Fiona
Diack
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!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
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...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
The Cactus House
Henderson Row
"The Cactus House" is one of my favourite little hidden gems (and photo stops). This impressive doorstep is adorned with flowers, cacti and so much more!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
The Forgotten Railway Tunnel
Scotland Street
There's a forgotten railway tunnel on Scotland Street in Edinburgh. I like toake people down there to give them a lesser-told history lesson...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
The ‘Heave Away’ Hoose
"I'm not dead yet"
"The ‘Heave Away’ Hoose" tells the story of a young boy who was the sole survivor of the collapse of a tall house in Edinburgh. So many such stories...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Grow Urban
Plant & coffee shop
"Grow Urban" in Edinburgh is an independent plant shop that also has its very own coffee shop! Entering feels like stepping inside a jungle...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Lupe Pintos
Travel the world in Edinburgh
"Lupe Pintos" is so much more than a deli, with all the unusual and hard-to-find international ingredients crammed in it, it's an Aladdin's cave of food...
by
Fiona
Diack
Wild West Town
Hidden cowboy street
"Wild West Town" is a mini town in Edinburgh that's just like... well, a town from the American Far West. The ghost town-style feel only adds to it!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Nor Loft
Rooftop champagne bar
"Nor Loft" in Edinburgh's Market Street Hotel's loft champagne bar has marvellous views and an unrivalled champagne selection. Lovely sunsets in summer!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Heading to Edinburgh?
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Edinburgh?
✓ 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 Edinburgh
Our team loves Edinburgh
Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh
As featured on:
