Dean Village & Cemetery
Dean Village has become my first stop to visit once arriving in Edinburgh. Every post I've ever read about Dean Village refers to this picturesque village as a gem, and it is! I just think it deserves an even better adjective. I love this place. It's a refuge from the chaos and crowds of Princes Street and the Royal Mile.
Dean Village is fairytale-esque with its cobbled streets, stone bridge, colorful historic buildings, narrow alleyways, babbling river and the enchanting old cemetery.
You can only get here by foot, as there is no place to park within the village. It's about a 15 minute walk to Dean Cemetery from St Cuthbert's in the west end of Princes Street. There are some steep streets but it's totally worth visiting if you can manage.
If you go through the entrance in the wall near the cemetery, to the Water of Leith walkway, it will take you down a very steep staircase. Hang a left and walk for a few minutes to find a small waterfall.
Keep walking on this idyllic path to get a good view of Bell's Brae Bridge from below.
The full Water of Leith walkway, is a 13 mile route but you can walk just a fraction of it through Dean Village.
Dean Cemetery
Dean Cemetery is one of my favorite cemeteries. I love the grandiose intricate headstones and monuments. I love the the old trees and how they hang over the ancient headstones. I love the way the earth smells here. I love the sound of the Water of Leith just outside the wall. It's a taphophile's dream. I never tire of visiting this place.
Dean Cemetery is still a working cemetery with plots available. I don't have kids or nieces or nephews, perhaps one of my dear readers would do me the honor of making arrangements for me here. I'd be eternally grateful. ;-)
<<Greyfriars Cemetery
St. Cuthbert's Cemetery>>
More Scottish Sites:
I love Edinburgh's medieval Old Town with it's castle looming over the city. It's such a cool city to explore.
Temple Old Kirk is located in Temple Village outside of Edinburgh. This site was the headquarters of the Order of Knights Templar in Scotland.
Medieval Rosslyn Chapel was made famous for being featured in the The Da Vinci Code. It's intricate carvings are associated with many legends and secrets.
Edinburgh's Royal Military Tattoo is an event worthy of your bucket list. It's a unique performance from military bands across the globe and of course bagpipers!
Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh is a haunted graveyard best known for providing inspiration for Harry Potter characters.
St. Cuthbert's cemetery is another one of Edinburgh's cool old cemeteries. The oldest headstone is dated 1606. It has great views of the castle.
The gardens of Drummond Castle are spectacular. They were filmed in Outlander as a stand in for the Palace of Versailles.
An unexpected detour on our road trip around Scotland led us to the picturesque village of Killin.
The Clachaig Inn, located in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, was where we spent the first night of our road trip around Scotland. The grounds are stunning. Hagrid's Hut was built across the highway.
Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland's most photographed castle. It's been in several films. It's a must stop on the way to Skye.
Visiting the Isle of Skye was on my bucket list. It was everything I wanted it to be. Mossy and magical. So green and lush. Water cascading everywhere. It feels like a fairy place. I'm a fan.
The Isle of Lewis & Harris is home to the ancient Callanish Standing Stones and stunning Caribbean looking beaches.
Dunrobin Castle is picture perfect with it's turrets and elaborate gardens. If you can only visit one castle in your life, make it this one.
Urquhart Castle overlooks Scotland's famed Loch Ness. Explore the castle ruins while keeping an eye out for Nessie.
Elgin Cathedral, known as the Lantern of the North, is an impressive 800 year old, Medieval ruin. It was once Scotland's second largest cathedral.
Castle Fraser is one of Scotland's largest tower houses. There are numerous furnished rooms accessed by climbing the narrow turret stairs.
I loved Ardoe House Hotel & Spa, so much, it felt like I was staying in a castle. It was so fun! It's almost its own attraction, complete with it's own highland coos.
Dunnottar Castle, is a medieval fortress, perched atop a cliff overlooking the North Sea. Although it's now a ruin, it's location makes it highly photogenic.
Craigmiller Castle is a medieval fortress just outside Edinburgh city center.
Edinburgh's windy cobblestoned Victoria Street, lined with its colorful shops, is thought to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley, the famed street that sells wizarding supplies in Harry Potter.