Everything You Need to Know about Stockbridge in Edinburgh
In a modern city like Edinburgh, looking for a slice of that quaint, village charm can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But then you stumble upon Stockbridge, a historic neighbourhood just a short walk from the city centre.
It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and take it all in. Its cobbled streets are lined with cosy cafes, unique independent shops, and pockets of greenery that make you feel like you were suddenly transported into an alternate reality.
If you’re new to the area, I’ve put together a simple guide to help you soak up the best that Stockbridge has to offer.
Where is Stockbridge?
Stockbridge is northwest of Edinburgh’s city centre. It’s bordered by New Town to the south, Comely Bank to the west, and Canonmills to the east.
At its heart lies the Water of Leith, a picturesque river that winds its way through the area, adding to Stockbridge’s charm and tranquillity.
What is the main street in Stockbridge?
The main street in Stockbridge is Raeburn Place. It serves as the central hub of the neighbourhood, lined with a mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. This street is a key part of the area and is often bustling with both locals and visitors.
How to Get to Stockbridge
By Bus: Stockbridge is well-served by Lothian Buses, with routes like 24, 29, and 36 regularly passing through the area. You can alight at any of the stations along Raeburn Pl, but I find the one near Dean St to be the best due to its central location.
By Train: While Stockbridge doesn’t have its own train station, the nearest station is Edinburgh Waverley, located southeast of the neighbourhood. From there, you can take a walk along Hanover Street and Dundas Street to get here within 20 minutes.
By Taxi: A taxi ride will cost you £3.60 for the flagging rate plus £1.70 for every succeeding kilometre. You can mark your drop-off point at either the Jubilee Gardens or at Raeburn Place.
By Car: Parking options include street parking and nearby car parks like St James Quarter Car Park or JustPark.
Best Time to Go to Stockbridge
Exploring Stockbridge is always a delight, but the neighbourhood truly comes alive during the annual Stockbridge Duck Race. It’s a summer charity event where thousands of rubber ducks are released into the Water of Leith to race downstream.
The concept is simple yet fun: participants sponsor a duck, with all proceeds benefiting local charities. If your lucky rubber duck crosses the line first, you can win fantastic prizes donated by the neighbourhood’s local businesses.
What to Do and See in Stockbridge
Explore the beautiful historic buildings on Circus Lane
– Photo credit: haris_nk
For your visit to Stockbridge, you’ve got to check out Circus Lane—it’s like something straight out of a postcard. This little cobbled street is quite a tourist attraction thanks to its iconic mews homes, which are stables with living quarters built above them.
Though their stables are now turned into garages, these homes still keep their enchanting character. When you walk along the street, you’ll be greeted by colourful doors, ivy-coloured walls, and flowers spilling out of window boxes.
My favourite thing about this place is the spire of St Stephen’s Church that peeks through at the end of the street. It certainly makes my photos here a lot more distinct, which my friends from overseas are quick to notice.
Marvel at the rich flora at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
– Photo credit: rbgedinburgh
Website: https://www.rbge.org.uk/
Address: 20A Inverleith Row
Contact details: +44 131 248 2909
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-SUN)
If you want to experience the pockets of greenery I highlighted earlier, stop by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Botanical Garden Edinburgh). It has been around since 1670 and was used primarily to grow medicinal plants.
Today, its role has slightly shifted, and it now showcases over 13,000 plant species from all around the world. Some of the most iconic plants you’ll find here include Wollemi Pine, Maidenhair Tree, and Chinese Paperbark Maple.
One of my favourite spots here has to be the Victorian Palm House. It’s a grand old glasshouse that’s stood the test of time and has some cool architectural features like its iconic domes and its simple yet distinct stone pillars.
Take a dip at the Glenogle Swim Centre
– Photo credit: travelswithmyphone
Website: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/venues/glenogle-swim-centre/
Address: Glenogle Rd
Contact details: +44 131 458 2100
Operating hours:
7:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-FRI)
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Price:
Casual visit – £6.75
Concession – £4.75
Disability card holder – £3.25
Do you fancy a swim or a workout? Visit the Glenogle Swim Centre! Built way back in 1898, this historic fitness hub still features many original Victorian-era architectural touches that give it a unique identity.
Step into the pool area, and you’ll see what I mean. The elegant balconies and quirky little poolside cubicles have been preserved for more than a century. It’s quite fascinating to see them alongside the modern amenities offered here.
Whenever I pop by, I make a point to spend time in the steam room. It’s brilliant for unwinding, soothing sore muscles, and boosting circulation. If you’re in need of a recharge, definitely give it a go.
Stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway
– Photo credit: sir_reggie_the_retriever
Your trip to Stockbridge wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway. This scenic trail follows the winding river, and Stockbridge sits right at its heart, making it an ideal starting point.
The walkway has a lot of history—it used to be lined with mills during the Industrial Revolution. You might even spot some traces of them as you go. It’s also a great place to see some wildlife like herons and kingfishers.
While the whole trail is lovely, the stretch between Stockbridge and Dean Village(Dean Village Edinburgh) is my favourite. Along this part, you’ll find St Bernard’s Well, a stunning neoclassical structure that’s worth a stop.
Where to Eat and Drink in Stockbridge
The Bailie Bar
– Photo credit: bailiebarstockbridge
Website: https://www.thebailiebar.com/
Address: 2-4 St Stephen St
Contact details: +44 131 225 4673
Operating hours:
11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (SUN-THURS)
11:00 AM – 1:00 AM (FRI and SAT)
The Bailie Bar is one of those places that feels like a proper local pub. It’s got that warm, welcoming vibe that makes it a good place for catching up with friends or just a well-poured pint in good company.
What makes this pub so pleasant to visit is its fantastic selection of drinks and grub. You won’t have a hard time finding a favourite here since they have cask ales, whiskies, and mixed cocktails.
For me, their Chardonnay from Australia is a standout. It’s an easy-drinking wine that pairs perfectly with their laid-back vibe. I especially love sipping it during their Tuesday night quiz, which is always a laugh.
Pepe Nero Restaurant
– Photo credit: pepenerostockbridge
Website: https://pepenerostockbridge.co.uk/
Address: 1-3 Raeburn Pl
Contact details: +44 131 332 9977
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (WED-SUN)
Pepe Nero is a family-run Italian restaurant you’ll find right in the heart of Stockbridge. It’s the kind of spot where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy good food without breaking the bank.
Their menu is quite impressive, as it combines traditional Italian recipes with a modern twist. It’s also nice that everything on their menu is made with fresh ingredients—think homemade bread, olive oil, and locally grown veggies.
If I had to recommend one dish, it would be their Prosciutto e Rughetta. It’s a simple yet delicious combo of thin slices of prosciutto and peppery rocket leaves, topped off with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Moss
– Photo credit: moss_edinburgh
Website: https://www.mossedn.co.uk/
Address: 112 St Stephen St
Operating hours: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (WED-SAT)
Moss is a farm-to-table restaurant on St Stephen Street, just around the corner from Circus Lane. They work closely with an organic farm up in Angus, so everything they serve contains homegrown veggies and freshly foraged herbs.
I love how they keep their dishes creative yet wonderfully simple. It’s proper Scottish produce with a Scandinavian twist.
The last time I visited, I tried their garum focaccia with beef dripping and bone marrow, and it was delicious. The fluffy bread soaked in rich, meaty flavours made it a delightful comfort food.
Where to Shop in Stockbridge
Rare Birds Book Shop
– Photo credit: rarebirdsbooks
Website: https://rarebirdsbooks.com/
Address: 13 Raeburn Pl
Operating hours:
10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (MON-SAT)
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SUN)
If you love collecting books, check out Rare Birds Book Shop. They’re quite special since they focus on celebrating women’s writing, with shelves packed full of incredible books by female authors across all genres.
The warm lighting and soft, dreamy colours make it a relaxing spot where you can take your time browsing through the shelves without feeling rushed.
They also host events like author talks and book club mixers. As an avid reader, I find these events to be the perfect chance to connect with fellow readers and discover new favourites.
Caoba
– Photo credit: caobamexicanshop
Website: https://www.caoba.co.uk/
Address: 56 Raeburn Pl
Contact details: +44 131 343 2757
Operating hours:
9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (MON-SAT)
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (SUN)
Another exciting shop you’ll find on Raeburn Place is Caoba. It’s a quirky little gift shop overflowing with authentic Mexican decorations and folk art. It’s not like anything else in the area!
When I popped in, I was blown away by the variety of items they had, from handmade crafts and figurines to spicy Mexican salsas. The staff were friendly and went out of their way to help me pick out some really great finds.
One thing I couldn’t resist taking home was a set of Day of the Dead decorations. They’re bursting with colour and detail, and they’ve definitely become a key decoration in my home; everyone who sees them can’t help but admire them.
Stockbridge Market
– Photo credit: stockbridgemarket
Website: https://www.stockbridgemarket.com/
Address: 1 Saunders St
Contact details: +44 131 261 6181
Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (SUN)
Stockbridge Market comes to life every Sunday on Saunders Street, right by the Water of Leith near St Bernard’s Well. It’s a vibrant spot filled with delicious street food, fresh produce, and warm artisan bread that’s hard to resist.
There are also stalls with handmade crafts, unique artwork, and specialty treats like organic jams and artisanal cheeses. With such an amazing variety of stalls, it’s quite difficult to leave this place without buying something.
I recommend dropping by Knight’s Kitchen. They serve delicious East African dishes, like their Ugali pies made from maize flour with meat and vegetable fillings.
Where to Stay in Stockbridge
New Town Guest House
– Photo credit: newtowngh
Website: https://newtownguesthouse.com/
Address: 22 St Bernard’s Cres
Contact details: +44 131 332 2993
Check in: 3:00 PM
Check out: 11:00 AM
Price(£ for £199 and below, ££ for £200-£300, and £££ for £300 and up): £
If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay while you’re in Stockbridge, book a room at the New Town Guest House! It’s located on the western edge of the neighbourhood and is only a couple of metres away from Raeburn Place.
Despite its price, it still features some beautifully decorated rooms that combine classic elegance with modern comforts. Each room is equipped with essentials like a comfy bed, a smart TV, and a free WiFi connection.
I stayed here once, and one of my favourite moments was enjoying my morning coffee by the window while looking out at the streets of Stockbridge. Since it’s not located on a main road, the atmosphere here tends to be peaceful and quiet.
Nira Caledonia
– Photo credit: niracaledonia
Website: https://niracaledonia.com/
Address: 6 and 10 Gloucester Pl
Contact details: +44 131 225 2720
Check in: 3:00 PM
Check out: 11:00 AM
Price: £
Nira Caledonia is a boutique hotel tucked away in a beautiful Georgian townhouse near Circus Lane. It’s quite affordable, and I recommend it if you want a relaxing stay near Stockbridge’s most iconic street.
I’ve stayed here a few times, and I like that their rooms come with goose feather beds, elegant furnishings, and luxury toiletries. Some rooms even come with spa baths or floor-to-ceiling windows, which can add a bit of indulgence to your stay.
What really keeps me coming back, though, is how peaceful the hotel is. Despite being close to all the buzz of Stockbridge, it feels quiet here on most days. That, and their hearty breakfasts, which are more than enough for me to start the day.
The Raeburn
– Photo credit: theraeburnhotel
Website: https://www.theraeburn.com/
Address: 112 Raeburn Pl
Contact details: +44 131 332 7000
Check in: 2:00 PM
Check out: 11:00 AM
Price: £
If you prefer staying right in the heart of Stockbridge, check out The Raeburn. Located on the neighbourhood’s busiest street, it has a nice mix of elegance and comfort at a decent price.
Here, the rooms are quite beautifully designed and feature cosy beds, smart TVs, and amenities like Egyptian cotton sheets and fluffy towels. Some of them even have Victorian-style bathrooms with freestanding baths and rainforest showers.
It also has a brasserie-style restaurant that serves delicious British dishes made with local ingredients. After a meal, you can unwind at its bar with a drink by the fireplace or out on the terrace.