Things to do in Stockbridge

For its compact size, Stockbridge abounds with a variety of things to do and the neighbourhood has an action-packed calendar of family friendly events.

Galleries and Gardens

Discover world-class collections of art and botany.

Home to more than 5,000 items of 20^th century art, The Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art is a short walk from Stockbridge’s main street and is well worth a visit. Comprising of two buildings, Modern One and Modern Two, the galleries are surrounded by outdoor sculptures by renowned artists such as Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth, while inside you’ll find ground-breaking paintings from acclaimed artists including Matisse and Picasso as well as a superb collection of works by Scottish artists such as Peploe, Fergusson and Paolozzi. Afterwards, refuel at either Café Modern One, which serves a selection of sandwiches, soup and cakes, or tuck into classic Italian dishes made with seasonal Scottish ingredients in Paolozzi’s Kitchen.

Glowing orange in the autumn and bursting with fragrant blooms in the summer, there really is nowhere quite like the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to open your eyes to the joys of nature. These world famous gardens date back to the 17th century and offer a rich and diverse botanical experience, with highlights including the Rock Garden, Alpine Houses and Woodland Gardens. Aiming to provide the best possible access to everyone, facilities include free to use mobility scooters and wheelchairs, accessible toilets, plenty of seating throughout the magnificent 70 acres, hearing loops at welcome points and pen, paper and magnifying glasses to record your discoveries. Check out their events page for a fantastic year-round programme of workshops, cultural performances, walks, talks and exhibitions.

Across the road from the Botanics is Inverleith Park. With some of the best views of the city, it offers an ideal picnic spot in the warmer months. If you’re feeling a little more active, then the park covers a large amount of space such as football goals, rugby posts, tennis courts and cricket greens. Or for a more relaxing pursuit take some bird food to feed the ducks and swans at the park’s large pond.

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Historic Highlights

Remember your camera, as you don’t want to miss capturing these unique pieces of Edinburgh’s history.

Connecting Balerno in the south west with the neighbourhood of Leith and the Firth of Forth in the north, the Water of Leith Walkway runs 13 miles through the city. Navigated as one route, or broken into sections, one of the most popular sections is from Stockbridge to Dean Village and whether walking or cycling this family friendly walkway is alive with nature, with native wildflowers, heron, kingfishers and ancient mighty trees.

On your way, be sure not to miss St. Bernard’s Well. Designed by painter Alexander Nasmyth in 1789, the figurine inside the structure is a depiction of the Greek goddess of health Hygeia. This natural spring was originally discovered in 1760 and locals believed that ‘taking the waters’ in this natural spring was thought to have restorative, if not actual healing, powers.

For a feeling of stepping back in time, Dean Village is a true timepiece. Dating from the 1880’s the village was originally home to various mills and buildings that housed the workers. Reminders of the village’s past can still be seen today, with mill stones and stone plaques carved with depictions of bread and pies.

Top Tip: Water of Leith Conservation Trust provide a free Audio Trail which is worth downloading. Plaques along the 13 mile route highlight each section, which includes information on local history, the river and its wildlife.

Not to be confused with Stockbridge’s modern day Sunday market, you can see the remnants of the facade from Stockbridge’s 19th century market between St. Stephen Place and Hamilton Place. The market ran for over 80 years, before it’s demise in 1906. Today, the archway is a category “B” Listed building with columns on either side which support a pediment inscribed with the name of the market and the words – Butcher Meat, Fruits, Fish and Poultry.

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Markets

Shop here for tasty artisan goodies and gorgeous homemade crafts.

Open every Sunday from 10am to 4pm in Jubilee Gardens, the Stockbridge Market is a big hit with local Edinburgh residents.  Artisan breads, cheese, smoked salmon and even handmade dog treats sit alongside handmade soaps, jewellery and carefully created crafts. Satisfy your palate with delicious handmade crepes, melting marshmallows or a warming drink as you stroll through this delightful market.

Since it opened in 2021, The Neighbourhood Market has proven to be a popular seasonal attraction. Featuring an array of street food stalls and live music, the 2023 market runs from 17 May to 23 July, Wednesday to Sundays from midday to 10pm.

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Festivals

If you see a group of rubber ducks floating down the Water of Leith, it must be the Stockbridge Duck Race! Now over 30 years old, contestants release numbered rubber ducks into the Water of Leith and race down to see who crosses the finish line first. Prizes are donated by the local businesses and the money raised from entry fees goes to charity. 

Held in Inverleith Park, expect big flavours and big entertainment at The Foodies Festival. Hear top hints and tips from top chefs and expert bakers, sample new wines, champagnes and cocktails and enjoy delicious street food from around the world, all while enjoying live music in this family-orientated foody festival. 2023’s line-up includes musicians Calum Bowie and Callum Beattie and chefs Paul Wedgwood and Gary MacLean. Running from 04 – 06 August, tickets are on sale now.

Or get the festive season off to a magical start with The Edinburgh Christmas Charity Festival. Held in Inverleith Park this 2-day festive festival has a host of activities for all the family, including 5K and 10K runs, a Santa Toddle and the much-loved Santa Parade, featuring the man himself and his reindeers.

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