Circus Lane

"You’ll need to wander slightly off the beaten path to find the whimsical Circus Lane which is tucked away in the quaint Stockbridge neighbourhood (around a 20-minute walk from the city centre). The area was originally built in the 1700s during the Georgian period, when developers decided that creating curved streets was at the height of fashionable architecture, so much so, that these expensive residences could only be afforded by Edinburgh’s richest and wealthiest inhabitants. In keeping with the elite nature of the area, Circus Lane was once used to house the horses and carriages, owned by these affluent homeowners, with their staff usually living above. If you look closely, you can still see signs that reveal how the garages used to be former stables. The curved cobbled path leads you down a quirky lane, lined with charming, coloured mews and ivy-clad frontages, which are now homes to many local artists, writers, musicians and creatives. When you reach the bend, you will see St. Stephen’s Church tower peeking over the rooftops in the background, which makes for the perfect photo opportunity. To give yourself the best opportunity of getting this historic lane to yourself, I’d recommend visiting either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. "

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