Thanks to its proximity to the city centre, Dean Village in Edinburgh, Scotland, offers locals and visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy stunning landscapes
Summer is just around the corner and while the UK has been experiencing unsettled weather conditions, longer and brighter days are encouraging more people to get out and about.
After a day of work, going for a walk can be relaxing and beneficial as it helps relieve stress and is also a great way to exercise. At this time of year, people living in busy city centres are often on the lookout for quiet spots to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle.
A pretty village located just five minutes from Princes Street in Edinburgh city centre has been described as “a little oasis of quiet and peace” thanks to its picturesque architecture and stunning natural landscape. Dean Village was once a former milling settlement – and the remains of its old mills are still visible today.
Hugging the banks of the Water of Leith is Well Court, one of the village’s most iconic buildings, which was built in the 1800s to house local workers. Sitting 30 metres above the Water of Leith is Dean Bridge, which helped the expansion of Edinburgh from east to west when it was completed in 1831. The bridge, which is 136 metres, was designed by engineer Thomas Telford.
There was a period of time in which the village declined, as reported by the Scottish Daily Express, but Dean Village is now an enchanting area for locals and tourists alike. The city centre is close by, and it is also close to the Dean Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Dean Village has charmed visitors, with TripAdvisor users giving it a 4.5-star score. One person called it Edinburgh’s “best kept secret”, writing: “A quaint village… Simply a quiet residential area in Edinburgh. The best views are just a short walk. Narrow cobblestone roads heads downhill along the water of Leith. Enjoy the views of small houses that line the streets and the views over the river.”
Another shared: “Dean Village is a little oasis of quiet and peace in the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh, especially during the Arts and Book Festivals in August. A short walk from the center of town, its windy cobbled streets and older buildings have a quiet river running through the center of things, with delightful cool green pathways and all kinds of trees and flowers everywhere.
“There is some very old and very quirky architecture, along with lots of colorful buildings, hanging flower baskets and gardens to add splashes of color.” They added: “It’s a pleasant way to spend a few hours, and the Museums of Modern Art are just a short walk down the river path. Just be aware that cafes, and restrooms, are scarce, especially on the weekends.”
One more wrote: “Deen Village was certainly a few mile walk up from Old Town in Edinburgh and the noise and confusion of tourists. What a haven; tree lined streets, beautiful old buildings with flower potted windowsills and a peaceful river running through. We finally heard the birds singing and saw some nature! The old cemetery was worth a walk through but don’t step onto the grass because someone will be there to remind you of the rules. No shops so no souvenirs.”
