Your Information To The Greatest Edinburgh Images Areas
The place do I begin with this character stuffed metropolis of previous world attraction and vibrant Scottish custom? Edinburgh will little question find yourself in your record of favorite cities when you’ve spent a while right here, particularly in case you’re into images which I consider to be top-of-the-line issues to do in Edinburgh. There’s a sense you hardly ever get elsewhere that’s created by mysterious alleys, stone cottages and a rustic vibe with crags, waterways and mountains framing the town.
Edinburgh is so photogenic. Let’s simply get that set in Scottish stone.
I could have even mentioned on quite a few events throughout our time there that I may most positively dwell there. It’s a kind of cities that as a photographer would maintain you busy for years with so many topics to seize and scenes to compose to not point out the ever altering climate and lightweight.
When you’re visiting Edinburgh quickly I’ve put collectively a information to probably the most photogenic places all through the town, issues to do in Edinburgh and a few picture recommendations on how finest to seize them. Belief me, there isn’t any scarcity of Edinburgh images places, in case you’re visiting for 24hrs or staying for 2 weeks, there’s a lot to maintain you occupied whether or not it’s snowing, sunny or a bit moist.
As all the time, I’ll kick issues off with a map to point out you precisely the place every spot is, then beneath you’ll discover a bit extra data and a few pattern photographs of every location.
Edinburgh Photograph Spots + Photoshoot Areas
Learn extra: For extra images location guides to different cities and areas world wide, click on by means of to the ‘Vacation spot Guides’ part
Edinburgh Images Areas
Calton Hill
Probably the most well-liked place in Edinburgh to {photograph} sundown, Calton Hill overlooks the town and positively delivers with spectacular views. From right here you may watch a sunny glow seem behind the Edinburgh Fort, seize lengthy publicity photographs of Princes Road from The Nelson Monument and watch as the town switches on its lights for the night.
On the high of the hill you’ll additionally discover the Nationwide Monument of Scotland, a memorial to Scottish troopers and sailors with big columns. You’ll discover lots of people crawling throughout it for pictures however personally I wish to respect monuments like this, particularly once they’re memorials and seize a solar burst or lovely glow from afar.
Photograph Tip: The Dugald Stewart Monument creates an iconic view over Edinburgh and to seize it, wander up the hill a bit extra to the stone constructing the place at sundown you’ll little question discover the tripods out in full drive.
Dean Village
When you wander the Water of Leith walkway you’ll arrive in Dean Village, a fairytale scene with vibrant buildings lining the stream and the texture of a rustic village. Remember to stroll down Hawthornbank Lane with a fantastic yellow constructing and cobbled avenue that leads all the way down to the stream.
You will get proper all the way down to the water degree for reflections and in case you cross the bridge and proceed strolling alongside the stream you’ll arrive at a waterfall.
Photograph Tip: Attempt for all angles, from the bridge, from the stream, the lanes…there’s a lot to seize right here.
Closes + The Royal Mile
Mysterious, charming and alluring, the closes of the Royal Mile are for my part, someplace you could go to when photographing Edinburgh. Whereas 1000’s of individuals stroll alongside the primary thoroughfare day by day, few realise these hidden gems exist and in case you look carefully you’ll uncover walkways with an entrance title plate and steps main down.
Slim and moody, the closes weave between tall buildings and have been usually named after a notable resident who as soon as lived within the residences the staircases cross. Every shut is completely different in look with some favourites together with Advocate’s Shut, Previous Stamp Workplace Shut and Milne’s Shut.
The Royal Mile itself additionally presents oodles of images alternatives with buildings relationship again to the early 1800’s that lead in the direction of the citadel. On the high of the Royal Mile you’ll discover Castlehill which options a variety of bigger buildings nevertheless down the top with Holyrood Palace, facades are a bit smaller, much less ornate however nonetheless stuffed with their very own particular character.
Photograph Tip: Go to when the dim avenue lamps create an eerie previous ambiance.
Water of Leith Walkway
Not often in a metropolis do you discover a location as tranquil as this stroll method. Solely ten minutes from Prince’s Road you’ll be listening to the sound of chirping birds, trickling streams and wandering previous stone cottages that might be from a Beatrix Potter e book. Put merely, this walkway is a peaceable metropolis escape.
When you can be a part of the walkway in a lot of locations, the trail begins on the nook of Glenogle Rd and Brandon Terrace then weaves its method alongside the river banks in the direction of Dean Village after which even additional to Roseburn. When you’ve walked by means of Stockbridge you’ll comply with a path by means of lush inexperienced rainforest earlier than arriving at St.Bernard’s Effectively. Found in 1760, this pure spring was believed to treatment all diseases and has a statue marking its location of Hygeia, the Greek goddess of well being. There’s a small door to the effectively which is just open on particular days all year long so guests are in a position to style the water which is understood to have a really robust style.
Photograph Tip: Take the walkway your entire size and maintain a watch out for the little cascades, greenery framing the stone homes and staircases simply earlier than St.Bernard’s Effectively which work nice in pictures.
Learn extra – ‘Setting the Scene: Making Water Dance in your Photographs’
Victoria Road – aka Harry Potter Inspiration!
A curved and cobbled avenue, Victoria Road is sort of presumably one of the best wanting avenue in Edinburgh. With vibrant facades it’s sometimes called Diagon Alley (from Harry Potter) and apparently the place J.Okay Rowling took her inspiration, it’s value a stroll to seize the road scenes right here.
My favorite retailer in the entire metropolis is Museum Context which is positioned proper in the course of Victoria Road and presents a fascinating buying expertise in case you’re into classic maps, antiques and naturally, the little magician referred to as Harry Potter.
Photograph Tip: Climb the staircase to Higher Bow for an ideal view down over Victoria Road.
Dunbar’s Shut Backyard
This quiet backyard is such a particular little gem proper within the coronary heart of Edinburgh’s Previous City. Designed within the fashion of a 17th century backyard it’s elegant shrubs are preened, fairly and blooming. You don’t even realise you’re in a metropolis when you step off the Royal Mile and into this hidden house. Across the backyard are picket benches the place you may sit and absorb the serenity or you will get busy like me and {photograph} their hedges and neat strains.
Photograph Tip: Wait for somebody in a vibrant jacket to walk by 😉
St Giles’ Cathedral
Inside this cathedral relationship again to the 14th century is among the most unbelievable ceilings I’ve ever seen. A putting daring blue color highlights the centre of the cathedral with lights creating an impact just like the sky and solar. There’s no admission cost nevertheless to {photograph} contained in the cathedral you could buy a images cross. To take action it’s merely a £2 donation and in return you’ll obtain a small sticker to put on whilst you’re taking pictures.
Photograph Tip: Search for, I had a sore neck after visiting as a result of I took so many various angles of the ceiling!
Edinburgh Fort
Perched excessive above the town, Edinburgh Fort is the most well-liked vacationer attraction on the town. When you’re after a peaceable stroll amongst historical past, sadly this isn’t the place to go. There’ll greater than seemingly be 1000’s of vacationers piling by means of the gates however, it does provide a improbable view over Edinburgh. Inside there’s the Nationwide Warfare Museum, St Margaret’s Chapel and at 1pm every day the canons are fired!
I truly most popular to {photograph} the citadel from varied factors across the metropolis than shut up. Its imposing presence is seen from a lot of places so make sure to maintain your eyes open for a novel perspective.
You’ll discover the citadel positioned on the high of the Royal Mile, the previous city’s foremost avenue which connects the citadel with Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s official Scottish residence.
Photograph tip: Capturing the citadel from Calton Hill simply beside The Nelson Monument completely strains up with a Scottish flying flag someplace within the Princes Gardens when you have a zoom lens!
Stockbridge
My favorite suburb of Edinburgh, Stockbridge is all the things you need in a Scottish village. With the Water of Leith operating by means of it, espresso outlets and naturally dwelling to Circus Lane (see beneath), its vibe may be very relaxed making it an ideal place to wander and seize avenue scenes. Probably the greatest options all through Edinburgh are the cobbled streets, I’m unsure I even discovered a avenue that wasn’t cobbled so make sure to go off exploring the limitless rows of residences with matching doorways and squared window containers.
Photograph Tip: Keep away from peak hour occasions to get pleasure from Stockbridge to the fullest. Circus Lane is a should see in Edinburgh!
Circus Lane
Quaint, cobbled and easily put, cute. Circus Lane offers all these emotions of previous world attraction with immaculately stored cottages, flower pots and vibrant window sills. Situated in Stockbridge it’s only a 10minute stroll from Princes Road. When strolling from St Vincent’s Road down the lane, make sure to flip round as a result of Saint Stephen’s Cathedral creates an ideal topic to characteristic in your shot with the Circus Lane cottages within the foreground.
Photograph Tip: Go to throughout the day when the individuals who truly dwell listed below are at work and their automobiles aren’t parked within the lane.
Greyfriars Kirkyard + George Heriot’s Faculty
Hottest now due to their affiliation with the Harry Potter collection, the Greyfriars Kirkyard is a cemetery positioned in Edinburgh’s Previous City. J.Okay Rowling took inspiration from the cemetery for the Harry Potter collection and the stately wanting George Heriot’s Faculty positioned proper beside was used as the bottom for her Hogwart’s imaginative and prescient.
My favorite a part of Greyfriars Kirkyard although is the story of Greyfriars Bobby. Bobby was a Skye Terrier whose proprietor John Grey was buried within the graveyard. The story goes that for the following 14 years Bobby spent his life sitting by the grave and was then buried simply contained in the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard. Guests can now go away a stick for Bobby, a practice that I couldn’t resist including to and was very near bursting into tears at simply how cute it was!
Princes Road Gardens
London has Hyde Park, New York has Central Park and Edinburgh has the Princes Road Gardens. Lined with historic buildings and stuffed with flower beds and inexperienced house, the gardens are a fantastic house inside the metropolis centre. The principle cause I liked photographing the gardens was as a result of they provide an ideal view of the buildings that lead towards the Edinburgh Fort and the citadel itself is good for some inventive views by means of the bushes.
On the western finish of the gardens you’ll discover St Cuthberts Churchyard which sits beneath Fort Rock and has vaults and moss lined gravestones.
The gardens within the summertime are alive with exercise as musicians, bands and performances create an environment that’s onerous to not get caught up in. As soon as these bagpipes begin enjoying it’s nearly crime to not faucet your toes and have a bit jig.
Photograph Tip: The Scottish Nationwide Gallery sits proper within the center up excessive above the gardens and it’s an ideal spot to look over them to {photograph} the scenes from above.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
Because the official Scottish residence of the Queen, it’s fairly the present stopper. Whereas it’s a lot smaller than Buckingham Palace the Queen apparently spends one week right here every summer season and yr spherical it’s stored wanting ship form. Constructed within the 1670s it has a glamourous nation mansion really feel whereas clearly nonetheless being extravagantly royal. What units it aside for me are the gardens that encompass the palace. Additionally if you are going to buy a ticket to discover the palace, it’s also possible to try the Holyrood Abbey ruins which in themselves are a sight to see.
Photograph Tip: Seize the palace whereas mountaineering the Salisbury Crags. The palace is basically spectacular from above and from the crags and even from Calton Hill, you may {photograph} it with the mountain environment.
Photogenic Hikes in Edinburgh –
Arthur’s Seat
So I used to be advised a spherical journey to Arthur’s Seat takes about two hours from Holyrood Palace which I assume is appropriate in case you don’t have a digital camera. If nevertheless you wish to cease each couple of minutes to seize the surroundings and your breath, give your self a good 4 hours to actually soak all of it in. Excessive above the town you’ll be handled to unbelievable views when you attain the highest and my tip is to take a picnic since you’ll want some sustenance after the hike!
On the way in which to the highest there’s all the great thing about Holyrood Park to {photograph} so maintain a watch out for reflections in St Margaret’s Loch, there’s loads of chook life and in case you’re not venturing out to the highlands, it’s an ideal place to seize some mountain landscapes.
Photograph Tip: Plan for sundown and take a picnic dinner!
Learn extra – ‘Setting the Scene: Golden Hour Images Suggestions’
Salisbury Crags
When you’re going to do one stroll in Edinburgh, my selection is the Salisbury Crags. Watching over Edinburgh like a rugged and resilient guard, the crags are fairly the journey. Ranging from simply close to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, climb up beneath the crags for about 30minutes (45mins in case you’re slower and like taking a lot of pictures like me!). Half method up there’s a fantastic view over the palace however proceed on for some actually spectacular landscapes as you hike your method up the rocky cliffs. There’s a number of paths heading in varied instructions when you attain a sure level however in case you decide to stay near the rocks ultimately you’ll discover a place the place it’s doable to climb up after which wander alongside the very high of the crags. With Arthur’s Seat looming behind you’ll have Edinburgh glowing within the different route, an unbelievable vantage level particularly at sundown!
Photograph Tip: When you’ve made it to the highest of the crags, there’s a spot about half method alongside the place the rocks jut in a bit and it creates the proper place to {photograph} the citadel and Edinburgh skyline with somebody standing on the sting overlooking the town.
Different Notable Edinburgh Images Areas:
Heriot Place (The Vennel)
This staircase was one of many locations I used to be advised to go to and whereas it’s most actually an ideal view of the Edinburgh Fort, in case you’re operating out of time don’t fear an excessive amount of. This shot is most lovely within the night mild as soon as the lamps are lit and making a moody previous world really feel.
North Bridge
Operating on high of Waverly Prepare Station, the bridge connects Edinburgh’s Previous City to the New City. It additionally offers dramatic views of the facades of the Royal Mile that lead in the direction of Edinburgh Fort. I used the railings as reflective distractions to blur out the practice strains beneath.
Queen St Gardens
Whereas I couldn’t discover a method in, the Queen St Gardens are lovely even by means of the fence. You will discover little corners to seize and because it appears tough to realize entry, it’s like a bit dream world of completely preened backyard paths and plush flora.
Royal Botanic Gardens
A world away from Princes Road but in actuality, only a 15 minute stroll, the Royal Botanic Gardens are lovely. When you favor a bit little bit of nature over crowded streets I actually advocate spending a while right here after which following it up with a stroll alongside the Water of Leith. That includes greater than 13,000 plant species it’s lush, enjoyable and there’s the gorgeous Inverleith Home positioned proper within the centre which makes for excellent picture alternatives. Admission is free!
The place to Keep in Edinburgh:
I opted for an residence to base myself whereas I explored the town and occurred to come upon the cutest two bed room flat within the metropolis on Airbnb. Observe this hyperlink to take a look at Pier’s residence in Stockbridge which was embellished to perfection with beautiful British furnishings, entry to Netflix, all the things you would have to cook dinner and really feel such as you’re dwelling in Edinburgh together with an incredible location.
Situated in Stockbridge only a 10minute stroll from Princes Road it’s proper across the nook from espresso outlets, bus stops, the Water of Leith Walkway is a block away and so are the Royal Botanic Gardens. When you haven’t performed AirBnb earlier than I extremely advocate it!
In any other case, I’d counsel someplace near the town centre so you may wander and {photograph} from dawn to sundown. I all the time use Reserving.com when trying to find a resort as I really like their map characteristic that allows you to see the place a property is positioned in relation to a number of the images places you wish to go to! Take a look at the Edinburgh metropolis web page right here.
For extra data:
To take a look at opening occasions, metropolis excursions, locations to eat and basic details about the historical past of Edinburgh make sure to try the Go to Scotland web site. Additionally their Instagram account @visitscotland is fairly addictive when you fall in love with the wonders of Scotland!
Highway Tripping in Scotland:
We used Edinburgh as our base to begin a Spaceships Leases highway journey across the highlands and outer islands. I’ll be publishing extra guides about this over the approaching weeks so maintain a watch out to see what we obtained as much as!
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Hi there! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site is from my private expertise on the highway. I hope it’s helpful on your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences world wide.