Is this walking tour Edinburgh suitable for families?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. The route includes several parks like Astley Ainslie and the Sciennes Path which are car-free and safe for children to explore.

What is the best time to visit Grange Cemetery?

The best time is during daylight hours, particularly in the late afternoon. The low sun creates beautiful shadows across the Victorian headstones and highlight the intricate stone carvings.

Can I see the Royal Observatory on this walk?

While the walk ends at the base of Blackford Hill, you will have a clear view of the Royal Observatory on the summit. You can choose to extend your walk by 15 minutes to reach the Observatory gates.

Is the route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the majority of the route is on paved surfaces. Some paths in the Grange Cemetery and Astley Ainslie Park are gravel or have slight inclines, but they are generally manageable for most strollers.

Are there places to eat along the way?

The start of the route in Newington is packed with cafes and restaurants. Summerhall also has an excellent internal cafe and bar. Options become more limited once you enter the residential Grange area.

What makes The Grange neighborhood special?

The Grange is one of Edinburgh's most prestigious conservation areas. It is famous for its high density of large, stone-built Victorian villas and its lush, private gardens that create a unique 'urban forest' feel.

Is there a fee to enter the stops on this route?

No, all the stops on this self-guided walk, including Summerhall's public areas, the Sciennes Path, and the Grange Cemetery, are free to access.

Newington and The Grange: Victorian Grandeur and Green Lanes | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Escape the crowded Royal Mile and discover the sophisticated charm of Edinburgh’s Southside on this self-guided walk through Newington and The Grange. This neighborhood stroll unveils a side of the city often missed by visitors, where grand Victorian architecture meets secret green corridors and creative cultural hubs. Your journey begins at the elegant Queen's Hall, a former chapel turned premier music venue, before heading into the eclectic atmosphere of Summerhall. Once a renowned veterinary school, Summerhall is now a sprawling arts complex that perfectly captures the modern energy of this historic district. As you leave the bustle behind, the route leads you along the Sciennes Path, a hidden pedestrian artery that feels worlds away from the city traffic. You will explore the stunning Grange Cemetery, a masterclass in Victorian funerary art and the final resting place of some of Scotland’s most influential thinkers. This walking route highlights the transition from the dense urban tenements of Newington to the sprawling stone villas of The Grange, an area developed in the 19th century as a leafy sanctuary for the city's professional classes. The final leg of this adventure takes you through the tranquil grounds of Astley Ainslie Park and toward the lower slopes of Blackford Hill. Here, the manicured gardens of the Victorian era give way to the rugged beauty of Edinburgh’s volcanic landscape. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a nature lover looking for a peaceful escape, this self-guided adventure offers a refreshing perspective on Edinburgh’s heritage and its enduring connection to the natural world.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

The elegant 19th-century architecture of The Queen's Hall
Summerhall's transformation from a veterinary school to an arts center
The 'secret' urban shortcut of the Sciennes Path
Intricate Victorian monuments in the tranquil Grange Cemetery
The diverse arboretum and open spaces of Astley Ainslie Park
Panoramic views from the base of the iconic Blackford Hill

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

The Queen's Hall

Start your exploration at The Queen's Hall on Clerk Street. Originally built in 1823 as Hope Park Chapel, this building is a classic example of the Georgian-to-Victorian transition in Edinburgh's architecture. Designed by Robert Brown, its spire remains a local landmark. In 1979, it was converted into a world-class concert hall and has since hosted everything from the Edinburgh International Festival to legendary rock acts. Notice the fine stonework and the way the building commands the streetscape, marking the gateway to the Southside's cultural heart.

2

Summerhall

A short walk away lies Summerhall, a place where science and art collide. For over a century, this was the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, known locally as the 'Dick Vet.' When the school moved in 2011, the site was preserved as a multi-disciplinary arts venue. As you walk past, look for the subtle architectural nods to its medical past, including the old anatomy lecture theaters hidden within. Today, it houses galleries, a brewery, and a distillery, serving as a vibrant hub for the city's creative community.

3

Sciennes Path

Tucked away behind the main roads is the Sciennes Path. The name 'Sciennes' (pronounced 'sheens') is a corruption of 'Siena,' referring to the 16th-century Convent of St Catherine of Siena that once stood nearby. This path is part of a network of old routes that allow you to traverse the city away from car exhaust. It offers a unique view of the rear of Victorian tenements and the small gardens that residents have tended for generations. It is a quiet, leafy transition point between the busy Newington area and the residential grandeur of the Grange.

4

Grange Cemetery

Enter the Grange Cemetery, opened in 1847 to serve the growing southern suburbs. This is not just a burial ground but a curated landscape reflecting Victorian values of memory and nature. Look for the graves of notable Scots, including Thomas Chalmers, a leader of the Free Church of Scotland, and the geologist Hugh Miller. The cemetery is famous for its 'Egyptian' and 'Gothic' style monuments. It provides a sanctuary for local wildlife and offers a remarkably peaceful atmosphere for reflecting on the city's history.

5

Astley Ainslie Park

Continue into the grounds of the Astley Ainslie. Originally established as a hospital for convalescents in the 1920s, the site was designed with the philosophy that nature and fresh air were essential for healing. Because of this, the grounds were planted with an incredible variety of trees, creating a de facto arboretum. As you walk through these open spaces, you will see a mix of historic hospital pavilions and modern healthcare facilities, all set within one of the most significant green lungs in South Edinburgh.

6

Blackford Hill Lower Slopes

Your walk concludes at the base of Blackford Hill. This area marks the boundary between the planned Victorian suburbs and the wilder, volcanic hills that define Edinburgh's southern skyline. From the lower slopes, you can see the Royal Observatory perched on the summit. This area is geologically significant; it was here in 1840 that Louis Agassiz found evidence of glacial erosion, proving that Scotland was once covered by ice. It is the perfect spot to rest and enjoy the expansive views back toward the city center.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes depending on your pace. The distance is approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from The Queen's Hall to the base of Blackford Hill.