An Authentic 17th-Century Stuart Sanctuary Hidden off the Royal Mile
Down an unassuming cobbled pend at 137 Canongate lies one of Edinburgh's most enchanting horticultural discoveries. Named after David Dunbar, an eminent 17th-century Writer to the Signet who owned tenements and lands along this close, Dunbar's Close Garden transports visitors three centuries backward in time to the elegant domestic courtyards of Stuart Scotland.
By the mid-20th century, the close had fallen into dereliction, filled with rubble and commercial clutter. In 1976, the Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust stepped forward to rescue the parcel. Inspired by Sir Patrick Geddes' pioneering philosophy of 'conservative surgery'—the humane belief that dense medieval cities required scattered pockets of living greenery to nurture the human spirit—landscape architect Peter McGurn meticulously recreated an authentic late 17th-century merchant's parterre garden.
Arranged across six descending stone-terraced 'rooms', the garden features meticulously clipped dwarf boxwood knot hedges, fragrant lavender borders, espaliered Scottish apple and pear trees trained against ancient rubble masonry, and weathered wooden benches. The moment you step through the arched pend, the rumbling roar of modern city traffic evaporates, replaced by the rustle of sycamore leaves and the clear hourly chimes of nearby Canongate Kirk.
Three Centuries of Canongate Transformation
David Dunbar's Lands
Writer to the Signet David Dunbar constructs townhouses and private gardens off the Canongate.
Geddes' Vision
Patrick Geddes establishes small neighborhood gardens across the Old Town to revive civic health.
Public Restoration
The Patrick Geddes Trust and Peter McGurn rebuild the 17th-century knot parterres for the city.
Free Access 365 Days a Year
Dunbar's Close Garden is maintained as a public civic gift by the City of Edinburgh Council. No admission tickets or advance bookings are required.
Six Defining Features of the Knot Garden
Discover the historical plantings, artisanal stone carvings, and microclimates that give Dunbar's Close Garden its timeless Scottish Renaissance character.
17th-Century Boxwood Parterre Knot Rooms
Intricately clipped dwarf boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) hedges planted in symmetrical geometric quadrangles. These formal parterres recreate the courtyard garden styles favored by wealthy Scottish nobles and lawyers during the reign of King Charles II.
The dwarf box hedges are meticulously hand-trimmed twice annually in late spring and early autumn to maintain razor-sharp 90-degree edges and pyramid corner accents.
A masterwork of historic garden restoration, demonstrating how 17th-century Scots combined mathematical Renaissance order with medicinal plant cultivation.
Espaliered Heritage Scottish Apple & Pear Trees
Traditional Scottish fruit varieties trained flat against ancient sandstone rubble walls on horizontal wires. In spring, delicate white and pink blossoms coat the masonry; by September, branches hang heavy with heritage cooking apples and Scottish pears.
Sandstone boundary walls absorb solar radiation throughout the day and slowly radiate warmth into the fruit trees through cool Edinburgh nights, enabling fruit to ripen in Scotland's northern climate.
Preserves historic Scottish horticultural techniques that allowed self-sufficient tenement households to harvest fresh fruit within the fortified city.
The Historic Canongate Entry Pend (137 Canongate)
An unassuming stone archway set into the 18th-century tenement row on the north side of the Canongate. Walking through the narrow, echoing cobbled passage creates a striking transition from the lively Royal Mile into tranquil birdsong.
Look up at the lintel of the tenement pend: the heavy stone jambs and iron hinges recall the era when every Old Town close could be locked securely with wooden gates at nightfall.
One of the most evocative hidden passageways in the Old Town, illustrating how Edinburgh's narrow closes concealed private courtyards behind towering street facades.
The Carved Sandstone Obelisk Sundial
A free-standing carved stone sundial mounted upon a chamfered plinth in the central lawn quadrant. In bright sunshine, the bronze gnomon casts a crisp shadow across Roman numerals incised into weathered Scottish stone.
Scottish Renaissance sundials were celebrated for multi-faceted geometric shapes; this replica was carved during the 1976 restoration to reflect authentic 17th-century garden ornaments.
Symbolizes the passage of time across centuries of Royal Mile history and connects visitors to pre-industrial timekeeping.
The Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust Restoration (1976)
In the 1970s, this neglected derelict parcel was transformed into an authentic period garden by the Patrick Geddes Memorial Trust and landscape architect Peter McGurn, implementing Geddes' philosophy of 'conservative surgery' to green Edinburgh's Old Town.
Geddes believed that urban citizens required quiet natural sanctuaries among the stone tenements to sustain psychological well-being and civic pride.
A shining model of community conservation that prevented high-density redevelopment and gifted a permanent green sanctuary to the people of Edinburgh.
Canongate Kirk Chime Vista & Weathered Benches
Sturdy wooden and stone benches set under the shade of mature sycamore, birch, and yew trees. From here, visitors enjoy framed glimpses of the Dutch-gabled spire of Canongate Kirk and distant slopes of Calton Hill.
Visit at quarter past the hour to hear the melodic bells of Canongate Kirk chime across the rooftops while finches and robins forage in the boxwood borders.
Offers one of the most serene reading and contemplation spots on the entire Royal Mile corridor.
Five Interconnected Garden Chambers
Designed as six outdoor 'rooms' stepping down the northern slope from Canongate toward Calton Hill.
The Entrance Pend & Forecourt
Arrival through 137 CanongateThe dramatic stone approach descending from the Canongate sidewalk into the walled garden enclosure.
- Arched stone pend with traditional cobbles
- Wrought-iron entry gate and welcome plaque
- Historical explanation plaque by the Geddes Trust
- Transitional corridor from street bustle to stillness
The Herb & Parterre Rooms
Formal 17th-Century GeometryThe core formal parterres echoing the medicinal and culinary herb yards of 17th-century Scottish burghers.
- Geometric dwarf boxwood knot compartments
- Aromatic herbs: lavender, rosemary, and thyme
- Crisp gravel pathways defining the quadrangles
- Clipped yew pyramids marking axis corners
The Espalier Wall & Orchard Terrace
Historic Fruit CultivationStretching along the northern stone wall where sunny exposures nurture traditional orchard varieties.
- Heritage Scottish apple and pear trees trained on wires
- Ancient heat-retaining sandstone boundary masonry
- Spring blossom canopy and autumn harvest boughs
- Perennial border plantings beneath fruit espaliers
The Sunlit Meadow & Sundial Quadrant
Open Lawn & Solar TimekeepingThe sunniest sector of the close, featuring an open grass lawn and historical solar timepiece.
- Carved sandstone obelisk sundial
- Manicured green lawn panel
- Sun-trap seating benches
- Surrounding yew hedging providing wind shelter
The Shaded Bower & Calton Hill Outlook
Quiet Contemplation & Canopy TreesThe lower northern terrace where towering trees create cool shade and an intimate atmosphere for readers.
- Mature sycamore, silver birch, and yew canopy
- Framed views looking north toward Calton Hill
- Secluded shaded timber park benches
- Songbird nesting boxes and native mosses
Sanctuary Walking Routes
Tailored walking trails for mindful meditation, horticultural appreciation, and historic Canongate exploration.
Tranquil Reading & Meditation Circuit
Escape the midday crowds of the Royal Mile to rest, sketch, or read surrounded by greenery and birdsong.
Pause under the stone archway to appreciate the sudden hush.
Gently brush lavender and rosemary leaves to release herbal scents.
Enjoy warm sunshine and watch the shadow creep across Roman numerals.
Sit under mature branches with a view toward Canongate Kirk spire.
17th-Century Scottish Botany & Topiary Tour
A detailed inspection of Stuart-era knot designs, microclimate wall cultivation, and boxwood symmetry.
Inspect the precise clipping and alignment of Buxus sempervirens borders.
Observe how horizontal training maximizes sun exposure on stone.
Notice native ferns, wall pennywort, and lichens thriving in lime mortar.
Learn how modern urban ecologists saved this space in 1976.
Canongate Hidden Courtyards & Closes Trail
Connect Dunbar's Close Garden with neighboring historic courtyards and kirkyards along the Lower Royal Mile.
Start inside the tranquil 17th-century knot parterre.
Visit the gravestones of economist Adam Smith and poet Robert Fergusson.
Walk through the picturesque filming location for Outlander's print shop.
Admire the 17th-century coaching inn courtyard at the foot of the hill.
Planning Your Visit to Dunbar's Close
Everything you need to know about finding the entrance pend, opening hours, photography, and etiquette.
Dawn to Dusk Access
Gates open daily at 07:00. Closing follows sunset: 16:30 in winter, 18:00 in spring/autumn, and 20:00 to 21:00 during summer. Open every day of the year.
How to Find the Pend
Located at 137 Canongate. Look for the narrow arched opening between tenement buildings, marked with an understated brass plaque. Walk straight through the pend to reach the gates.
Best Photography Times
Early morning (08:00 – 10:00) provides stunning low-angle sunlight streaming across the boxwood parterres, when dew still clings to leaves and songbirds are most vocal.
Quiet Etiquette
Visitors are encouraged to speak softly, silence mobile ringtones, and preserve the peaceful contemplative atmosphere for local readers and wildlife.
Seating & Benches
Multiple wooden benches and stone plinths are positioned across all garden rooms, offering sunny lawn spots as well as cool shade beneath mature sycamore and birch canopies.
Nearby Royal Mile Sights
Only a 2-minute walk from Canongate Kirk, the Museum of Edinburgh, The People's Story, and a 6-minute stroll down to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Scottish Parliament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear guidance regarding entrance fees, opening hours, accessibility, dog policies, and seating.