Pilrig Park Edinburgh

UK's only siege works site

Sarah from Edinburgh

"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."

Pilrig Park doesn’t look like much, but if you’re staying in (or exploring) the Leith area around it, then it’s worth dropping by if you love lesser-known history nuggets. Why? Because this unassuming park holds a hidden treasure from the 16th century!

During excavations in 2006 and 2007, the remains of Somerset's Battery, or Mount, were unearthed within the park. This artillery fort played a crucial role during the Siege of Leith in 1560. It was constructed by the Protestant besiegers as they sought to conquer the French citadel in Leith. What makes this discovery truly remarkable is that these siege works are believed to be the only ones from the 16th century found in Britain, making them of immense military significance.

Let's dive into a bit of history, shall we? The Siege of Leith marked the end of a twelve-year encampment of French troops at the port of Leith. The French soldiers had arrived in 1548 by invitation from the Scots but were eventually compelled to leave in 1560, with the assistance of an English force. The town of Leith itself was not taken by force; instead, the French troops departed peacefully under the terms of a treaty known as the Treaty of Leith or the Treaty of Edinburgh.

There isn't anything to see of the remains/finds these days, but I still love walking through the park knowing its history.

Art & culture

Relaxing

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

Edinburgh Spotter Sarah

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 and environmental welfare means that I regularly document projects and interest stories covering these topics. Why Edinburgh I’ve visited 40 countries and countless cities, but Edin...

About this spot

Pilrig Park, Pilrig Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5AY

free

Nov 17, 2025

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.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. 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

Dean Cemetery

Hidden stories

"Dean Cemetery" in Edinburgh keeps some fascinating stories hidden in the gravestones. My favorite is that of the man behind the phrase 'botched job...'

Relaxing

Fiona

Diack

Nov 17, 2025

Campervan Brewery

COVID-friendly beer spot

"Campervan Brewery" and their amazing taproom in Edinburgh is the perfect place for a post-lockdown pint. You should try their Trainspotting beer!

Bars

Fiona

Diack

Nov 17, 2025

Considerat Chocolate

Incredible vegan donuts

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...

Snacks

Sarah

Mackenzie

Nov 13, 2025

J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints

Hidden finds!

"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!

Art & culture

Sarah

Mackenzie

Nov 9, 2025

Nott Wine Bar

Charcuterie boards & artisan coffee

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!

Bars

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Snacks

Sarah

Mackenzie

Nov 7, 2025

Lochend Park

Birdwatching bounty

"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...

Relaxing

Tamsin

Grainger

Oct 29, 2025

Newhaven Harbour

Fish and chips by the sea

Cute, quaint "Newhaven Harbour" is a hidden gem in Edinburg. Try walking around the area - it will take you about an hour...

Art and good coffee

The "Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop" is a bit of an institution. Going regularly means I can keep up with the artist’s work and enjoy a scone & jasmine tea.

Art & culture