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

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.

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

Sighthill Park

Sighthill Park Broomhouse Road, Edinburgh West EH12 3UP

Sighthill is a large park with flat expanses of grass which are dedicated to football and it is bounded by community woodlands.

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

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

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

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).

READ MORE

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park

Almondell & Calderwood Country Park Almond Lodge, Broxburn EH52 5PE

Probably the best kept secret in West Lothian, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park is a 220-acre park and 4 star visitor attraction!

READ MORE

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!

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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.

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
All Gardens and Parks listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Paisley First
Escape The Past
Open Pass Scotland
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Fayre Play
Link
Hostelworld
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

Paisley First
Escape The Past
Open Pass Scotland
Escape The Past
Renfrewshire Council
Fayre Play
Link
Hostelworld
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

T at 3
The Three Sisters Presents T at 3, 3 days of live music, performances and more from Friday 18th – Sunday 20th July!
Leith Panorama
Introducing LeithPanorama — a brand new clubbing concept set high above the docks, in one of the most breathtaking and industrial spaces to emerge in the UK in recent years.
Chloe Jones - UK Tour 2025
Following her debut performance at Glastonbury Festival and a Nashville tour, join acclaimed folk-Americana singer-songwriter Chloe Jones for an intimate acoustic evening at The Waverley Bar!
Woodland Explorers at Jupiter Artland
Join our Woodland Explorers for a jam-packed day exploring art and nature amongst the wild trees and sculptures at Jupiter Artland this summer!
Guid Crack: It Takes a Village
Enjoy another fun and friendly session of Edinburgh’s monthly storytelling club on 25th July, hosted by Dan Serridge and featuring tales from Trinidad Cabezón Droguett and Andrew Wilson!

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