Exploring Stockbridge in Edinburgh, Scotland

Exploring the Stockbridge District of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Stockbridge in Edinburgh, Scotland is an affluent area of Edinburgh bounded by Comely Bank and the New Town. For more of our 'Must-See' places in Scotland visit www.adventuresinscotland.uk/.
BUY ME a COFFEE :-)
ko-fi.com/davidwheater
All tips go towards funding more videos and films - thank you so much for your support :-)
It lies under one mile from the West End, just a short 10 or 15-minute walk away. This popular area retains a charming village-like feel and is famous for its bohemian vibe, having long been a favourite with artists, writers and musicians down the ages. Although it seems like a continuation of the New Town, its origins are quite distinct, having started as a small mill village cut off from the rest of the city by a timber bridge. This bridge, over the Water of Leith, is believed to have given the area its name and the current stone bridge dates from 1801.
The area was developed in the 1800s by the painter Sir Henry Raeburn, who owned much of the land in the district. Raeburn Place is named after him. Nowadays, it’s not easy to see where the New Town ends and Stockbridge begins, except for the architecture and design of the area. A great example of this is Ann Street (named after his wife), which, unlike New Town houses, were designed with gardens to the front. Ann Street is now one of the most desirable addresses in Edinburgh. Stockbridge has also been home to some other famous residents, including James Hogg the poet and novelist and the surgeon Sir James Young Simpson. The area was also home to the original Mrs Doubtfire, portrayed in the film by Robin Williams. She ran a rag-and-bone shop in South East Circus Place.
The area contains a mixed variety of architectural styles, including the Stockbridge colonies, which were built by the Edinburgh Co-operative Building Company as low cost housing for the working class. Ironically, they’re now very desirable and expensive!
The area is well known for its independent shops, galleries, cafes and bars, which gives the area a colourful and vibrant feel. The main shopping is to be found along Raeburn Place which offers everything from traditional butchers, a Post Office, travel agents, hairdressers, convenience stores, beauty salons, tailors and gift shops. Popular shops include Coco Chocolatier, I.J. Mellis Cheesemonger, the Artisan Bakehouse, Sheila Fleet Jewellery and the Flaubert Gallery. Stockbridge also has its own Farmers' Market every Saturday. The original stone-built entrance to the Stockbridge market can still be seen, just off St Stephen Street, which is well worth a five-minute detour to see.
There’s no shortage of pubs in the area. Some of the most popular being Stockbridge Tap, Hector's, The Raeburn, The Baillie and The Antiquary Bar. Popular restaurants include the Field Grill House, Suree Thai, Pizza Express, Kilted Lobster, The Scran & Scallie, Hamilton's and The Stockbridge. For coffee lovers, there’s a Cafe Nero and Starbucks on Kerr Street and a Costa’s further along at Raeburn Place. There are also lots of great independent cafes too like Grounds coffee shop and Smith & Gertrude - who should be wholeheartedly supported. Henri Fine Food and Wine emporium is a particular favourite and there’s a popular Waitrose supermarket close by in Comely Bank. The Craigleith Retail Park is only a short drive away by car.
One of Edinburgh’s best regarded schools, The Edinburgh Academy, is located in Stockbridge, which makes the area a big draw for many families. Fettes College is also within easy walking distance.
Stockbridge benefits from its own library and has an excellent community centre in Stockbridge House. Saint Stephen’s Stockbridge (built by William Henry Playfair) has been turned into a community arts venue and is now a huge asset to the area. There’s also the Victorian Glenogle Swim Centre, Dean Tennis and Squash Club and The Grange Club close by. There’s also a floatarium.
The area is very convenient for the Royal Botanic Garden and the Water of Leith Walkway, which flows right through the middle of Stockbridge. The short walk from Stockbridge to the next-door Dean Village, along the walkway, is really delightful and an absolute must-do if you’re in the area. While you’re on the walkway, don’t forget to visit St Bernard’s Well and also Mackenzie Bridge at Dean Terrace, which is very atmospheric. Inverleith Park and its wonderful huge model boat pond is also just a short walk away.
Stockbridge holds its very own festival every year - Stockfest (www.stockfestedinburgh.com), which brings together the whole community to celebrate all that’s great about this fantastic little neighbourhood.
To be notified of new Adventures in Scotland videos don't forget to subscribe :-)
#Edinburgh #StockbridgeEdinburgh #WaterofLeith #InverleithPark
© David Wheater, A Guide to Stockbridge in Edinburgh, Scotland 2019.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hope you enjoy this one. Edinburgh is quite remarkable for the character and distinctiveness of it's different areas, some of which started as villages in their own right. Stockbridge is definitely one of my favourites and I can thoroughly recommend on visiting, especially when the weekend market is on.

[@MrCherryJuice]

I return to this video repeatedly...and am in tears as soon as the music starts. I am very familiar with Stockbridge and its environs - it is such a fabulous place, a world unto itself, melding into the fabulous New Town in what is surely one of the most beautiful and engaging cities in the world. And though I no longer live in your wonderful city, my heart is there every day, and I am back for weeks every year to walk its streets. Thank you for all the wonderful videos you do. And for letting the imagery do the talking.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thank you so much for your very kind words which are deeply appreciated. Stockbridge has such character and is always a pleasure to visit. Really hope you can visit soon. Thanks so much for watching and your kindness. Warmest best wishes, David 🙂

[@laurahill6321]

Hi David , I was born in Edinburgh, but grew up in the Scottish Borders, my whole life I’ve loved visiting Edinburgh regularly but Stockbridge is my favourite area ,ironically a couple of years ago I met my partner who is originally from Stockbridge you couldn’t make that up although he has lived in the borders for 20 plus years , he takes me on tours of Stockbridge it’s amazing! , thank you for making this Beautiful video it brings me to tear’s especially the second last song . You have captured Stockbridge beautifully .

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

awww... thanks so much Laura, that's so nice of you and much appreciated. This was an early video in my filming career, but I still love looking back at it. It's such a special part of the city and it's wonderful you both met & fell in love there. Thanks for watching and wishing you both many more happy, joyous times in Stockbridge. All the best, David :-)

[@ruskinyruskiny1611]

Excellent in every way. Great pleasure to watch. Thank you.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thank you Ruskiny, that’s much appreciated. I’m really glad you liked it. Best wishes, David

[@sylviaederer9404]

What a lovely place. I could live here if I weren’t a country girl! Thank you, from Northern California country side.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Sylvia, yes Stockbridge is a great place to live with so much to offer. Thanks for commenting and have a great week. Best wishes, David :-)

[@MM-qg9fq]

I lived in Northern California too, for 25 years ( sonoma county) moved my family to Scotland, and bought in heart of Stockbridge, Edinburgh. Most beautiful place to live and raise a family.

[@ncolgan5038]

Stunning

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks I really appreciate it. Best wishes, David :-)

[@ernestmccreight6188]

Looking forward to visiting Stockbridge and Dean village next month in February. I'm a Glaswegian who has been fortunate to have lived in Bermuda for 52 years but Edinburgh is my favourite city. Great video, well done.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks so much Ernest, Stockbridge is one of my favourite areas of Edinburgh and very much worth visiting. How wonderful to live in Bermuda. I've never been, but hopefully one day when the pandemic fades. Hope you have an amazing time in Edinburgh when you visit and don't hesitate to ask if there's anything I can help with. Warmest best wishes from Edinburgh :-)

[@georgegraham3342]

Hi from Australia. Thanks for this journey through Stockbridge. I remember Inverlieth gardens and the pond - played there as a child in the ‘50’s. I went to Flora Stevenson’s after having started at Daniel Stewart’s. Now into my 70’s. Thanks - and keep safe.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi George, lovely of you to get in touch at this difficult time. I'm so glad my video has brought back some good memories of the area. Thanks for your kind words and I hope we can all stay safe and return to normal soon. All the best from Scotland :-)

[@benlotus2703]

Brilliant editing. Fantastic video.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks Ben, I deeply appreciate it. Warmest best wishes, David :-)

[@dfinchermd]

Be there July 5. Thanks for the intrduction and this beautiful love letter to Stockbridge. If I'd seen this prior, I would have booked our VRBO there.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

So glad you enjoyed it and many thanks for watching. Hope you have a wonderful time when you visit. Best wishes, David :-)

[@aidanwilson6035]

Thanks so much David for this wonderful video on Stockbridge , you have a great eye for detail and observe beautiful images that most of us would never notice along with great editing skills , it must of taken many hours to produce such amazing content !. I grew up in the area in the 1970's and 80's , but sadly can't afford to move back , thankfully it still has a unique charm despite many changes over the years !.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Aidan, thanks so much for your very kind words. It really means a lot to me. It did take a while to make, but I really enjoy it. Thanks for your support. Best wishes, David

[@raefamily3141]

Thank you for this wonderful visit to the Stockbridge I love. We're currently locked down in the US and my heart aches to be there. This reminds me of how lovely it will be again.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hello Rae Family from Edinburgh. I'm afraid we're in lockdown too, but it'll get better soon. So glad you enjoyed the video. They take a very long time to shoot and edit and I always deeply appreciate it when people get in touch. I hope you can come and visit Edinburgh again very soon when the virus restrictions are lifted. Warmest best wishes to you all, David :-)

[@michelleheslep8877]

I looks beautiful and I can't wait to be there in just a couple of weeks. Always so many things to do and see while traveling, it's hard to do it all. Like you said, "leave something for next time".

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks so much for watching Michelle, Stockbridge is well worth a visit and I can recommend taking a walk along the river to the Dean Village and on to the Gallery of Modern Art. Hope you have a wonderful time and thanks for visiting Edinburgh, Best wishes, David 🙂

[@michelleheslep8877]

@@DavidWheaterScotland Thanks so much.

[@leonlowe]

My first "residence" in Edinburgh was in Stockbridge - 2 Doune Terrace. A room in one of the Georgian houses that was my refuge from work at RAF Kirknewton.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Leon, how interesting you were based at RAF Kirknewton, I live very close by and it still seems to be being used for the occasional private aircraft. Lucky you living in Stockbridge, it's still a great place to live today. Thanks for commenting :-)

[@Oldmamil]

Thank you. We are from Bendigo in Australia and visited the area in Dec 2018 and was great to revisit it again via you video.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks so much. Really glad you enjoyed visiting Edinburgh. Hope you can come back and visit again soon when we get over this terrible outbreak. Stay safe and thanks again for your kind words. Best wishes, David

[@shepherdLoki]

Very enjoyable

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Dewar, really glad you liked the video. Thanks for your support. Best wishes, David

[@richardthomson203]

I grew up in Colinton, but much later in life moved into no 7 Raeburn St, Stockbridge with my then girlfriend who later became my wife. Many years further down life's path, I now live near the Cotswolds, but Edinburgh will always hold a place in my heart.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Richard, thanks so much for getting in touch. I love that Edinburgh still means so much to you and how lovely that you met your wife in beautiful Stockbridge. It's such a lovely part of the city and Raeburn Street is such a gorgeous wee lane. Hope you can visit us again soon. Thanks again, all the best, David :-)

[@EleeZia]

Lovely content David :)

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks EleeZia, that's really kind of you and much appreciated :-) Best wishes, David

[@jackiehardyful]

Just found your KZbin! Love all your videos! Thank you for sharing! Regards from Georgia, USA.

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Hi Mike, thanks for your lovely comment. It means a lot to me. Best wishes, David

[@sandybutton243]

I just love it!!! Thanks for filming, editing and uplodading! Can't wait to be back!! Cheers from Germany!

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks so much Sandy, really appreciate your lovely comment. Hope you can come back and visit us again soon. I'll be posting videos from all over Scotland over the course of the year, so hopefully I can whet your appetite to come back sooner than later. Thanks again, best wishes, David :-)

[@DannieQx]

Class video love Edinburgh!

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thanks so much Dannie, I really appreciate it. All the best, David :-)

[@sjadventure7371]

Nice place sir new friend hir

[@DavidWheaterScotland]

Thank you. Yes, it's a lovely place Stockbridge. All the best, David :-)