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

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

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

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!

READ MORE

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...

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

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

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

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...

READ MORE

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.

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

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
All Gardens and Parks listings in Edinburgh

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Guide Dogs
Edinburgh Street Historians
TGC Leisure
Hilton Glasgow
MNB
Escape The Past
Escape The Past
Hostelworld
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Sponsored Links

Fayre Play
Guide Dogs
Edinburgh Street Historians
TGC Leisure
Hilton Glasgow
MNB
Escape The Past
Escape The Past
Hostelworld
ATG
Edinburgh Dungeon

Popular Events

Blast 5km Series @ The Meadows 2025
Join Blast Running in the heart of Edinburgh for the Monthly Blast 5K Series at The Meadows – a lively lunchtime race that’s become a firm favourite on the city’s running calendar.
Palestine Fundraiser Music Night
Come along to Leith Arches on Friday 5th September for a night of great music, with all ticket and raffle proceeds going to Medical Aid for Palestine!
Contemporary showcase of 25 displaced Ukrainian Artists
The showcase 'a match is silent, but it speaks' brings together the voices and new artworks of 25 Ukrainian artists, each of whom has endured a year shaped by displacement and deep transformation!
Houseplant Market - Edinburgh
The Houseplant Market is returing to Edinburgh! Taking place in the Bristo Square Marquee for 3 days only this September!
Panto 2025: Jack and the Beanstalk
Join Allan Stewart, Grant Stott and Jordan Young for the GIANT of a pantomime we've all BEAN waiting for!

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