Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town is characterised by a medieval ‘fishbone’ street pattern of narrow closes and wynds, centred around the Royal Mile. The backbone of the city, the street is actually 1.13 miles long and is made up of five sections – Castlehill, Lawnm
arket, High Street, Canongate, and Abbey Strand – connecting Edinburgh Castle at the top to the Palace of Holyrood House at the bottom.
The Canongate – which roughly translates as the ‘walk of the monks’ – was historically a separate burgh with its own council. Notable buildings include the Canongate Kirk – burial site of Adam Smith – the Scottish Parliament and the 16th century Canongate Tolbooth, a former courthouse and jail.
Ancient, cobbled streets and atmospheric lanes are filled with restaurants, bars and cafes – including Angels with Bagpipes and The Black Grape – which guarantees a vibrant atmosphere – increasingly so during Festival time!
Transport links are plentiful – most major bus routes run nearby, Waverley rail station is a short stroll, the tram is a few minutes’ walk away on Princes Street linking the city to the airport and there’s a taxi rank on nearby Market Street.
Royal Mile Primary School is on the Canongate and several independent schools, including George Heriot’s, are nearby. The University of Edinburgh is based in the old town, as is Edinburgh College of Art and Moray House College of Education.
Supermarkets, pharmacies and other essential services are readily available, alongside more non-essential stores like The Chocolatarium, Royal Mile Whiskies and Kiltane for cashmere!
Housing ranges from post-war apartment blocks (designed by Sir Basil Spence) and new-build mews houses to historic tenement flats and industrial conversion townhouses.
All in all, ideal surroundings for those wanting to live in an area with proximity to both the green spaces of Holyrood Park and the historic centre of a cosmopolitan, diverse city. Explore our latest property listings in this location.