CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Charlotte Square Gardens

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

Charlotte Square Gardens

About Charlotte Square Gardens

40 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh New Town EH2 4HQ

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.

Upcoming Events at Charlotte Square Gardens

More Gardens and Parks in Edinburgh

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.

READ MORE

Newhailes House and Gardens

Newhailes House and Gardens Newhailes Road , Musselburgh EH21 6RY

Discover 300 years of Scottish history through the magnificent and carefully conserved neo-Palladian villa that is Newhailes House and Gardens!

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

Hunters Hall Park

Hunters Hall Park Niddrie Mains Road, Edinburgh East EH16 4ND

This park is dedicated to sport, and home to the Jack Kane Centre, which provides a range of sporting and leisure facilities.

READ MORE

Vogrie Country Park

Vogrie Country Park Gorebridge, Midlothian EH23 4NU

Vogrie offers a haven of tranquillity in the heart of Midlothian's countryside.

READ MORE

Hopetoun House

Hopetoun House Hopetoun, South Queensferry EH30 9SL

Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Hopetoun is a place of outstanding natural beauty, which has Scotland's finest stately home at its heart.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

20A Inverleith Row, Stockbridge and Canonmills EH3 5LR

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh is a scientific centre for the study of plants, their diversity and conservation, as well as a popular tourist attraction.

READ MORE

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...

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE
All Gardens and Parks listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Wonder & Co
Hilton Glasgow
Murrayfield Experience
Fayre Play
Hilton Glasgow
Murrayfield Experience
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Murrayfield Experience
Renfrewshire Council
Edinburgh Street Historians
Open Pass Scotland
Murrayfield Experience
ATG

Sponsored Links

Wonder & Co
Hilton Glasgow
Murrayfield Experience
Fayre Play
Hilton Glasgow
Murrayfield Experience
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Murrayfield Experience
Renfrewshire Council
Edinburgh Street Historians
Open Pass Scotland
Murrayfield Experience
ATG

Popular Events

Conifox Terror Scream Park
Terror Scream Park, Edinburgh’s most intense 18+ horror event, launches for the very first time this autumn at Conifox Adventure Park.
Edinburgh Diwali
The South Asian festival of Diwali, which is celebrated by different cultures and religions all over the world, returns to Edinburgh with a multi-cultural feast of light, music and dance!
To Kill A Mockingbird
Aaron Sorkin's riveting stage adaptation of Harper Lee's thrilling courtroom drama To Kill A Mockingbird is coming to the Festival Theatre in October!
Family Leith Theatre Halloween Heritage Tour
Explore Leith’s 1930s art deco treasure this Halloween at our special family-friendly heritage tour and trail.
Edinburgh Magic at The Caledonian
Kevin Quantum invites you to an intimate and quite astonishing evening of magic, mystery and wonder in one of Edinburgh’s most historic and enchanting hotels - The Caledonian!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall