Charlotte Square Gardens

This pleasant, leafy green space located at the heart of the historic New Town is an oasis of tranquility.

About Charlotte Square Gardens

	40 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh New Town EH2 4HQ

Listed Under Attractions - Gardens and Parks

Like many of the Georgian gardens in Edinburgh's New Town these private gardens are normally off-limits to the general public although periodically open for special events like Doors Open Day and the Edinburgh International Book Festival. In August the marquees go up and Charlotte Square Gardens becomes a kind of tented, literary village with book readings, meet-the-author events and discussions between writers from all backgrounds. There's a cafe, book shop, and garden area to sit out on if the weather's good. The Gardens central location and the compact nature of the Book Festival makes it well worth a visit. Entrance is free. Events are usually ticketed.

Charlotte Square was mostly designed according to plan by celebrated New Town architect Robert Adam who died in 1792 without ever seeing his vision completed years later. Charlotte Square, which is located at the West End of George Street, is mirrored by St Andrew's Square at the East end of George Street. The gardens are surrounded by buildings of historical note including the First Minister of Scotland's Official Residence and the big green domed building of West Register House. The National Trust's Georgian House at 7 Charlotte Square offers a window into 18th century living with its neo-classical design and period furnishings on 3 floors.

The large statue in the middle of the gardens commemorates Prince Albert, the Royal Consort to Queen Victoria, and was unveiled by the Victoria herself. Heavy wrought-iron fence normally closes off the gardens.

The gardens were originally called George Square, but were renamed after George III's queen and first daughter to avoid confusion with George Square in the South of the city.

We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Charlotte Square Gardens are accurate, if any of the above information is incorrect we would appreciate if you could take a minute to suggest an edit.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our What's On Edinburgh Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our @WhatOnEdinburgh Twitter or Instagram accounts and you're all set!

Upcoming Events at Charlotte Square Gardens

Sorry, but we have no upcoming events for Charlotte Square Gardens. If you know of an event taking place at Charlotte Square Gardens or anywhere else in Edinburgh tell us about it and we'll list it on the website, for free!

More Gardens and Parks in Edinburgh

Gardens and Parks

Inverleith Park

Inverleith Park , Stockbridge and Canonmills EH3 5PA

Inverleith Park is in the heart of Edinburgh, right next to the Royal Botanic Gardens, just to the north of the New Town & Stockbridge.

Gardens and Parks

Jupiter Artland

Jupiter Artland Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston EH27 8BB

Set within the picturesque 80 acre estate of Bonnington House, arts organisation Jupiter Artland is the brainchild of Nicky and Robert Wilson!

Gardens and Parks

Archerfield Walled Garden

Archerfield Walled Garden Archerfield Estate, Dirleton EH39 5HQ

A fabulous Taste, Shop and Explore experience in the heart of East Lothian. We look forward to welcoming you through our doors to experience everything Archerfield Walled Garden has to offer...

Gardens and Parks

Craigmillar Castle Park

Craigmillar Castle Park Old Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh South EH16 4TB

Craigmillar Castle Park is a natural heritage park with areas of mature and young woodland, grassland and old quarries.

Gardens and Parks

Polkemmet Country Park

Polkemmet Country Park , Near Whitburn EH47 0AD

The Park offers beautiful woodland and riverside walks, play area, picnic areas with seating and a barbecue facility.

Gardens and Parks

The Meadows

The Meadows Melville Drive, Edinburgh South EH9 1ND

Lying just to the south of Edinburgh City Centre, The Meadows is one of the city's best-loved public parks!

Gardens and Parks

George Square Gardens

57 George Square, Edinburgh South EH8 9JU

George Square is a city square in Edinburgh, adjacent to the Meadows in the south side of the city.

Gardens and Parks

Dalkeith Country Park

Dalkeith Country Park Via King's Gate, Dalkeith EH22 2NA

At Dalkeith Country Park there is something for everyone. Here you’ll find walking routes along woodland paths, space to cycle in peace, and plenty to keep energetic kids amused.

Gardens and Parks

Holyrood Park

Holyrood Park Queen's Dr, Edinburgh East EH8 8HG

Holyrood Park is a unique historic landscape in the heart of the city, whose dramatic crags and hills give Edinburgh part of its distinctive skyline.

Gardens and Parks

Lauriston Castle

2 Cramond Road South, Edinburgh West EH4 6AD

When you step inside Lauriston Castle, you see it just as it was in 1926, when it was left to the nation by the last private owner, Mrs Reid.

Gardens and Parks

Beecraigs Country Park

Beecraigs Country Park , Linlithgow EH49 6PL

Beecraigs Country Park is a great place to visit. It caters for a wide range of leisure and recreational activities within its 370 hectares (913 acres).

Gardens and Parks