It’s no secret that Scotland spends the majority of its time wet and grey looking - but what it lacks in sunshine, it makes up for in its vibrance of art and culture. Although the Capital is the hub of Scotland during the Summer months, both with the nice weather and with various festivals, I’d like to think that during the rest of the year, Edinburgh can be just as beautiful. This photo-essay will look at a walk I took around Stockbridge at the beginning of February, exploring just how interesting Edinburgh is in all months of the year.

Whichever part of Stockbridge you start at, it is impossible to not notice and admire the brilliant architecture of the area. Although there are different blends of both modern and historic elements of Stockbridge, you are instantly taken back in time to the 18th and early 19th Century with the Georgian style architecture and cobbled streets lining most of the neighbourhood. Despite this, there is one street that has remained rather famous throughout the years because of its unique aesthetic - Circus Lane. Built in the early 19th Century, Circus Lane is no stranger to the world thanks to its curving mews and beautiful atmosphere. Although one of the most well-known streets in the city, I had never actually visited, despite having lived in Edinburgh 3.5 years! Sometimes being a local of Edinburgh (or anywhere), you’re put off visiting the places that are well known because although famous for a reason, there are always downsides as everyone is aware of them - Circus Lane came under this category for me. However, as I happened to be exploring parts of Stockbridge I previously hadn’t, I figured now was the time to give it a look - and I was not disappointed. As soon as I entered the lane, silence crept in all around me. I was one of the few people there, aside from the birds on nearby hedges and a couple or two silently wandering through the lane. No sign of crowds or people pushing to get a photo in front of the church - just a peaceful, beautiful street. It does have to be noted that perhaps there wasn’t as much of a bloom within the flowers, much less of a grand display to admire as in the Summer, but it wasn’t any less beautiful - if anything it just complimented the crisp February weather perfectly. 

A Quieter Side of Stockbridge

One of the main things to admire within Circus Lane (apart from how adorable the street itself is) is that of St. Stephens Theatre - formerly St Stephen’s Church. Whatever time of day, or time of year it is, St Stephens Theatre has remained a focal point for a lot of the city. Built in 1827-28 and designed by architect William Henry Playfair, the Theatre is one of few buildings that you can see from quite far up the hill, nearby to the town centre of Edinburgh. In addition to it being a popular Fringe venue, I still see it as one of the most interesting parts of Stockbridge, with its grand physique towering over the nearby flats, taking centre stage. 

However, there is perhaps another feature of Stockbridge that deserves just as much attention - the bridge itself. The name Stockbridge is originally derived from the Old Scots word “stock - brig” (from Anglic “stocc brycg”), meaning timber or log bridge. Although perhaps now is not the most exciting feature, without the bridge, you would not have the beautiful neighbourhood at all. It doesn’t take a genius to look at the Stockbridge today and notice the unique and vibrant atmosphere it carries throughout - with its artisan shops and markets as well as the arts and culture scene - all having the bridge to thank.

Nowadays, it may just be used to transport things from Leith to the town centre, or even place dirty coffee cups upon, but when it was built in 1801, the bridge was a fundamental part of Stockbridge, yes - joining two parts of the city together, but also allowing a expansion of the village to house more of the artisan groups in the area. This is why now in the 21st Century, Stockbridge is still known for all its Bohemian and artisan nature in every single corner, whether through amazing delicatessens, bakeries and cafes, unique shops or simply just its breathtaking charm.

In addition to the designs embedded within the trees, Stockbridge is also home to other delightful individuals. Looking outside the popular shops and streets, one of my favourite parts about Edinburgh is its gardens. Princes Street Gardens are of course high up on the list, amongst that of the Meadows and Inverleith Park, but there is no reason why more quiet areas can be just as delightful. It may seem an issue at first, but I encourage you to have a look past the fences when you are next going past a private (or public garden) - just because you can’t go in, doesn’t mean you can’t admire the wildlife and scenery from the outside. Usually, I wouldn’t bother to linger around as often you cannot see all that much, but I decided to stop for a few minutes and photograph that of Royal Circus Gardens, just up the road from Stockbridge. With spending only a few minutes there, I was able to spot lots of wildlife, from household birds to even a red squirrel. This is also why I mentioned public gardens too - it’s all very well being able to wander throughout the gardens, but perhaps there is something else nearby that wishes to do the same, something that you might be able to spot from behind the fence instead of within the visibility of the inside. 

Although it may seem at first glance that the Water of Leith is the only element of Nature surrounding Stockbridge, there are actually many other hidden gems to discover in the way of wildlife and nature if you really open your eyes. Yes, the river bed flowing through the heart of the neighbourhood is truly magnificent, it isn’t the only feature that deserves to be addressed. Nearby, just close to where the weekly Sunday Market is held, is a small park-type area where you can find a collection of very interesting trees. It may be the artist within me calling out, but I think there is always something interesting with things like this, creating shapes and patterns, perhaps even faces, within the everyday. As I said, maybe it is just me, but I think Stockbridge is one of those places that plays with your curiosity and imagination at every turn - can you blame it? 

As mentioned, Stockbridge hasn’t always been the most high-up on my list in terms of places to see around Edinburgh due to one reason or the next, but after my visit in early February, I have been back multiple times as well as thought out plans to visit even more of the neighbourhood. I think a lot of the time, places like Stockbridge can seem over-visited and clustered, putting people (like me) off of visiting often, but after my walk today around the area, I have realised that perhaps all that is missing, is for you to create your own view of the place, instead of relying on that of others. I’m not saying don’t visit the well-known areas or take your picture at the famous church, but instead use this to see it the way the majority may not, or also visit places others might have not noticed, let yourself aimlessly wander and see where it takes you - you never know what you might find!