The Forgotten Railway Tunnel Edinburgh
Scotland Street
Sarah from Edinburgh
For me, one of the most charming things about Edinburgh is that a lot of it is made up of little districts that use to be separate villages. Only a short 10-minute walk from the main Princes Street, you’ll find King George V Park. It’s now a peaceful little city park providing access routes to cyclists in the North of the city.
However, up until 1840, this entire area was a rural meadow and loch. The loch was drained in 1842 to make for a railway and goods yard; Scotland Street Station was born. This busy railway line ran all the way up to Edinburgh’s main Waverly Station, right under the city!
What’s magical about this line is that most of the locals have forgotten that it’s there. And, unless you’re looking for it, you’d never know it was there, either. In 1868 they closed the tunnel, but they did use it for other things – it was the city’s biggest air-raid shelter during the Second World War, and it was also used for mushroom growing!
The tunnel’s story has a sad ending that leaves the line somewhat frozen in time. In 1980, the council destroyed the entrance at Waverly Station. However, the enormous entranceway at Scotland Street remains, caged up so that nobody can get in or out. I like to take people down there to give them a lesser-told Edinburgh history lesson.
Edinburgh Spotter Sarah
About this spot
Eyre Place 94
- 24 hours daily
£
free
Our Edinburgh City Guide
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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
Rogue Bros
Fabulous gourmet sandwich eatery
I had Mushroom and Thyme soup that was astonishingly delicious and homemade Apple and Rhubarb Crumble with Creme Pat Custard that was to die for.
by
Mark
Gorman
Dubilaka Cliffs
Sunset spot
"Dubilaka Cliffs" on the outskirts of Edinburgh is for wildflower lovers, campfire setters, bird-watchers and photography buffs...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Milk Cafe at the Sculpture Workshop
Hmm yummy!
The "Milk Cafe at the Sculpture Workshop" in Edinburgh is far away from the busy centre and has an outside seating area which catches the sun most of the day...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
National Museum Collections Centre
Treasure trove
The National Museum Collection Centre in Granton, Edinburgh is a treasure trove. Book a private visit and see what not many people get to see...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Piershill Cemetery
Magical mystery
"Piershill Cemetery" in Edinburgh has a large Jewish section (quite uncommon), but the main thing that caught my eye was the tomb of the Great Lafayette...
by
Fiona
Diack
Kukina
The borek place
"Kukina" in Edinburgh is known among my circle of friends as 'the borek place.' But I have to admit: once I had one their gozleme, I could never go back...
by
Fiona
Diack
Pilrig Park
UK's only siege works site
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
Sarah
Mackenzie
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...'
by
Fiona
Diack
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!
by
Fiona
Diack
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...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
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!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
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!
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
✓ 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:
