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 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

Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens Princes Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2HG

Princes Street Gardens lies at centre of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site, within New Town and Old Town Outstanding Conservation Areas.

Gardens and Parks

Granton Castle Walled Garden

23 West Shore Road EH5 1QB , Edinburgh North EH5 1QB

Granton's very own secret garden is hidden away and was once attached to the now demolished Granton Castle.

Gardens and Parks

Cockenzie House and Gardens

22 Edinburgh Road Cockenzie, Prestonpans EH32 0HY

Cockenzie House and Gardens is a hidden gem, a Jacobean house built in 1675 by the Seton family and surrounded by gardens.

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

Pentland Hills Regional Park

Pentland Hills Regional Park , Lothians

The Pentland Hills Regional Park is a living, working landscape, that offers great opportunities to experience, learn about and enjoy the outdoors. Sculpted...

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

Dunbars Close Garden

137 Canongate Edinburgh EH8 8BW, Edinburgh Old Town EH8 8BW

Dunbar’s Close on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town is a hidden gem, laid out in the style and character of a 17th century garden.

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

Calton Hill

Calton Hill , Edinburgh New Town EH7 5AA

Calton Hill is a hill in central Edinburgh, just to the east of the New Town and is included in the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gardens and Parks

Roslin Glen Country Park

Roslin Glen Country Park North Esk Valley, Roslin EH25 9PU

Roslin Glen Country Park is a wooded glen in the North Esk Valley, near the village of Roslin.It contains walks with several places of interest along...

Gardens and Parks