Dunbar's Close Garden, Edinburgh's Hidden 17th-Century Oasis

A Quiet Sanctuary Amid Edinburgh’s Historic Royal Mile

Dunbar's Close Garden is a small, walled garden tucked away from the vibrant thoroughfare of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, at 137 Canongate. The garden lies within a narrow medieval close named after David Dunbar, an 18th-century Edinburgh writer who once owned property here. Unlike the densely packed tenements typical of the Old Town, this area historically featured elegant townhouses with spacious gardens, reflecting its proximity to Holyrood Palace and the nobility who resided nearby.

Design Rooted in 17th-Century Garden Traditions

Though created in the 1970s, the garden faithfully reflects the style and character of 17th-century town gardens. Landscape architect Seamus Filor, commissioned by the Mushroom Trust, designed the garden using old maps and historical precedents, including inspiration from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. The garden is divided into multiple parterres featuring clipped topiary, geometric flower beds, espaliered fruit trees, and ornamental plants such as roses, irises, and honeysuckle, all typical of the period’s horticultural practices.

A Legacy of Urban Green Space Preservation

The Mushroom Trust, a Scottish charity dedicated to protecting urban green spaces, rescued the abandoned site in the late 1970s and gifted the completed garden to the City of Edinburgh Council in 1978. The garden embodies the vision of Patrick Geddes, a 19th-century urban planner who championed ‘pocket gardens’ to revitalize the Old Town’s green spaces and improve urban living. Today, the garden remains a managed, peaceful refuge amidst the city’s historic fabric.

Experiencing the Garden’s Atmosphere and Features

Visitors enter through a narrow cobbled close into a serene space shaded by mature trees, including whitebeams and a central tulip tree. The garden’s layout encourages quiet exploration, with gravel paths winding between neatly trimmed yews and box hedges. The western boundary is formed by the stone walls of Canongate Kirk, adding a sense of enclosure and history. Benches scattered throughout offer restful spots to absorb the calm, listen to birdsong, and glimpse views of Calton Hill and the Old Royal High School rooftops.

Seasonal Highlights and Botanical Interest

The garden’s planting changes with the seasons, showcasing snowdrops and grape hyacinths in spring, vibrant marigolds and agapanthus in summer, and rich autumnal hues later in the year. While the original 17th-century gardens also grew vegetables, herbs, and fruit such as figs and apricots, today’s garden focuses on ornamental plants that evoke the period’s aesthetic. The garden’s compact size and sheltered design create a microclimate that supports diverse flora and a quiet urban wildlife habitat.

Continuing the Tradition of Urban Tranquility

Dunbar's Close Garden remains a beloved secret for those seeking respite from the Royal Mile’s crowds. Its free public access, historic authenticity, and carefully maintained atmosphere make it a unique green jewel in Edinburgh’s Old Town. The garden serves both as a reminder of the city’s layered history and as a living example of successful urban conservation and design.