Dr Neil's Garden Edinburgh
A hidden oasis beside Duddingston Loch, Dr Neil's Garden offers tranquil paths, blooming flowers, and serene views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming flowers galore
Dr Neil's Garden Edinburgh
Best Time
Blooming flowers galore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden oasis beside Duddingston Loch, Dr Neil's Garden offers tranquil paths, blooming flowers, and serene views.
"A beautiful peaceful oasis of tranquility in Edinburgh, well worth the hunt to find it."
🎯 Finding the Entrance
Look for black gates on Old Church Lane; signage is minimal. Ask locals if unsure!
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy yummy cakes and tea at the cozy cafe run by charming ladies.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Serene Pond
Beside Duddingston Loch
A tranquil water feature offering peaceful views and a calming ambiance.
Winding Garden Paths
Throughout the garden
Explore charming paths meandering through blooming plants and wild flowers.
Views of Arthur's Seat
Overlooking Duddingston Loch
Enjoy picturesque vistas of the iconic Edinburgh landmark.
Planning Your Visit
Finding This Hidden Gem
Embrace the Peace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Finding the Entrance
Look for black gates on Old Church Lane; signage is minimal. Ask locals if unsure!
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy yummy cakes and tea at the cozy cafe run by charming ladies.
Edinburgh's 'secret' garden with a serene loch perfect for a spring wander
Hidden Gems
🚶♀️ Combine with Arthur's Seat
Walk through Arthur's Seat and Duddingston Loch to reach the garden.
🍺 Historic Pub Next Door
Visit The Sheep Heid Inn, one of the UK's oldest pubs, right next door.
Pretty parks or public gardens in Edinburgh
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Finding the Entrance
Look for black gates on Old Church Lane; signage is minimal. Ask locals if unsure!
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy yummy cakes and tea at the cozy cafe run by charming ladies.
🚶♀️ Combine with Arthur's Seat
Walk through Arthur's Seat and Duddingston Loch to reach the garden.
🍺 Historic Pub Next Door
Visit The Sheep Heid Inn, one of the UK's oldest pubs, right next door.
🌿 Buy Garden Herbs
The garden sells herbs for your own green space.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dr Neil's Garden is widely praised as a beautiful, tranquil, and free oasis in Edinburgh. Visitors love its peaceful atmosphere, charming paths, and lovely cafe. Some find it a bit tricky to locate, and public transport can be a long journey, but the effort is consistently deemed worthwhile for this hidden gem.
"Lovely place to chill out enjoy beautiful surroundings and colourful gardens. You can have a walk, read a book enjoy a light lunch, take a seat view the water or Arthur's seat. Then go next door to Jock Tamsins garden as this has lovely flowers, fruit trees, views just as delightful . All free except lunch obviously."
Me
"A beautiful peaceful oasis of tranquility in Edinburgh. Sells herbs for the garden. Faces on to Duddingston loch. Come here to sit in peace, reflect and find some rest. Difficult to find as maps didn’t take me there. I had to ask someone. There is balck gates on the road which looks like it’s taking you into the manse. A little confusing as I didn’t see a sign outside for it. Well worth the hunt to find it. Free"
Fiona
"Lovely tranquil place to while away an hour.
Some of the reviews here giving it one star, I mean Jesus, have a word with yourselves. It's free, and it's beautiful.
My only negative is that it is quite hard to get to on public transport. The number 12 bus is your best bet, but it takes a fair old time from town. I'd also recommend putting some good signage up on the entrance to the street itself, as it's not totally obvious where it is - and this is a local talking here.
But all in all, a great little place and great cafe."
Apaler Wuss
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is located on Old Church Lane in Duddingston Village. While maps can be tricky, look for black gates. The number 12 bus is a good public transport option, though it takes a while from the city center. Many visitors combine a visit with a walk through Arthur's Seat and Duddingston Loch.
It can be a bit challenging to find as there's minimal signage. Locals suggest looking for black gates on Old Church Lane and not being afraid to ask for directions.+1
Yes, it's a lovely walk! You can stroll from Stockbridge to Dean Village, or more directly, walk through Arthur's Seat and Duddingston Loch to reach the garden.
The number 12 bus is recommended for public transport, though it can be a lengthy journey from central Edinburgh. Driving is also an option, with parking available nearby.
Yes, you can drive to Duddingston Village. Parking is available in the vicinity, though it can be limited during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Dr Neil's Garden is completely free to enter and enjoy. It's a beautiful, accessible spot for everyone.
The garden is generally open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate its beauty.
No booking is required as the garden is free to enter. You can visit spontaneously during daylight hours.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to keep pets on a lead if allowed, or consider leaving them at home to preserve the tranquility of the garden.
The garden has winding paths, some of which may be uneven. While beautiful, it might present challenges for those with significant mobility issues. The cafe area is generally more accessible.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can wander through the beautiful gardens, sit by the pond, read a book, enjoy a light lunch, or simply relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for quiet reflection.
Yes, there's a charming cafe run by friendly ladies, offering delicious cakes and tea. It's a delightful spot to rest and refuel.
Spring is particularly beautiful with blooming flowers. However, the garden offers charm throughout the year, with autumn colors also being a treat.
There are basic facilities available, including a cafe. Restrooms are typically available, especially near the cafe area.
Absolutely! The garden is incredibly picturesque and a wonderful spot for photography, capturing the blooming plants, pond, and views of Arthur's Seat.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The pond area offers serene reflections, while the winding paths with blooming flowers create magical shots. Don't miss the views of Arthur's Seat in the background.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for capturing the garden's beauty. Golden hour can be particularly stunning here.
Generally, personal photography is welcomed. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the garden's tranquility.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the overall landscape, while a macro lens can highlight the intricate details of the flowers. A smartphone camera is also perfectly capable of capturing beautiful shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public gardens to ensure the safety and peace of visitors. It's best to check local regulations or avoid drone use.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with a walk around Duddingston Loch or a trip to Arthur's Seat, which offers more adventurous trails for older children. The proximity to The Sheep Heid Inn also means you can easily grab a family-friendly meal afterwards. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited to the cafe.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
The garden's free entry and relatively hidden location mean you can often find a peaceful corner to yourself. The charming cafe offers a friendly spot to enjoy a warm drink and a treat, and the opportunity to chat with the welcoming staff. It's a safe and serene environment to recharge before continuing your Edinburgh adventures.
📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers
Visit during the 'golden hour' – early morning or late afternoon – for the most magical light. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the expansive beauty and macro lenses to focus on the intricate details of the flora. The garden's natural, slightly wild aesthetic offers a unique charm that sets it apart from more formal botanical gardens.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Tranquil Escape: The Garden's Ambiance
The garden's charm lies in its understated beauty and the sense of discovery it offers. Unlike more manicured formal gardens, Dr Neil's Garden has a more natural, wild feel, with paths meandering through flowers and trees. This creates an intimate and inviting space for exploration. It's a popular spot for those seeking a quiet moment of reflection or a gentle stroll, and many appreciate that it's free to access, making it an accessible escape for everyone.
Navigating to and Around the Garden
For those using public transport, the number 12 bus is a viable option, though it can be a lengthy journey from central Edinburgh.
The Garden Cafe and Local Delights
Beyond the garden itself, the surrounding Duddingston Village offers further attractions. Adjacent to the garden is Jock Tamsin's Garden, another lovely spot with flowers and fruit trees.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit