Gladstone's Land: A Living Window into 17th-Century Edinburgh

A Storied Merchant's Home on the Royal Mile

Gladstone's Land stands as a remarkable example of Edinburgh’s Old Town tenement architecture, dating back to the mid-16th century and extensively extended in the early 1600s by merchant Thomas Gladstone. This towering townhouse once housed wealthy tenants in opulently decorated apartments above bustling commercial premises, including a grocer and cloth shop on the ground floor and a tavern in the basement. The building’s stone arcade entrance and winding staircases evoke the atmosphere of a thriving urban centre during Scotland’s rapid growth.

Preserved Interiors and Painted Ceilings

Inside, visitors can explore six rooms furnished with original antiques and period decoration. The highlight is the stunning Renaissance painted ceilings from circa 1620, exquisitely preserved and rich with symbolic motifs, including a playful monkey figure. The rooms showcase domestic life across centuries, from the prosperous 17th-century family quarters to a mid-18th-century dressmaker’s shop, illustrating Edinburgh’s evolving social fabric and commercial prosperity.

Immersive Historical Experience

Gladstone's Land offers an immersive visitor experience with interactive, self-guided tours that bring history to life. Knowledgeable volunteer guides provide insights into daily life, technological advances, and the challenges faced by residents. Specialist tours delve into themes like food history and intimate social lives, enriching understanding of the Old Town’s vibrant past. The house’s Dickensian atmosphere makes it especially evocative during winter months.

From Decline to Preservation

By the late 18th century, Edinburgh’s upper classes moved to the New Town, leaving Old Town tenements like Gladstone's Land to poorer residents. The building fell into disrepair and was nearly demolished in the 1930s. Saved by the National Trust for Scotland in 1934, it has since been restored to reflect its layered history, preserving a vital link to Edinburgh’s urban heritage and the lives of its diverse inhabitants.

A Modern Refreshment Stop with Historic Roots

The ground-floor ice cream parlour and coffee shop continue the building’s long tradition of commercial use. Inspired by 19th- and 20th-century refreshment rooms and dairies, it offers a variety of cakes, hot drinks, and ice cream flavors, including one based on an 18th-century recipe. This welcoming space provides a relaxed contrast to the historic interiors and a perfect spot to rest while soaking up the Royal Mile’s atmosphere.

Accessibility and Visitor Information

While the ground floor is wheelchair accessible, upper floors are reached by steep spiral staircases, with an armchair visit option for those with mobility issues. Admission fees apply, with discounts for concessions and families, and free entry for National Trust members. The site is open daily, with self-guided tours until mid-afternoon and pre-booked guided tours later in the day, ensuring a rich and flexible visitor experience.