The list of must-see sights in Edinburgh is long. Every visitor knows to visit the Edinburgh Castle, walk the Royal Mile, eat haggis, climb Arthur’s Seat, and go whisky tasting. But there are sights off the main tourist trail that are so worth your time. One of these underrated but incredibly scenic spots is Dean Village.
Even after reading about Dean Village and looking at photos of it online, I still wondered if it was worth our time. A quaint village…simply a small, quiet, residential area in Edinburgh…should we really go out of our way to visit this place?
To add to our conundrum, it was raining in Edinburgh…proper Scottish weather, I suppose, but still not the best of weather conditions to go on a wee stroll through town.
Well, Tim convinced me to go, and I am so glad we did. Once you see these photos, you just may put Dean Village on your list of things to do, also.
Dean Village is a residential area. If you plan to visit Dean Village, please be respectful of the people who live here. Stay on the sidewalks, do not step onto private property, don’t litter, and keep your voices low.
Photo Tour of Dean Village
A taxi dropped us off at the intersection of Dean Path and Damside. Fortunately, the rain stopped, but the cobblestoned roads were still very slippery. Our first view of Dean Village was from the bridge crossing the Water of Leith, a small waterway that snakes its way through Edinburgh.
The best views are just a short walk from here. Walk down Hawthornbank Lane, a narrow, cobblestone road that heads downhill along the Water of Leith. Enjoy the views of the small houses that line the street and the views over the river.
Tyler and Kara were having such a good time they didn’t even mind posing for this photo. I love this one! Hardly ever do they pose for the camera like this.
The best views are at the bottom of Hawthornbank Lane. If you don’t mind climbing down to the edge of the river, you can have this view.
For those who do not want to go off-road, cross to the center of the metal bridge for this view.
And from the other side of the bridge, the views keep changing.
Once on the other side of the river, walk up Damside, back towards your starting point. If you want, you can check out the courtyard to your right.
Things to Know About Dean Village
Dean Village is located near the Stockbridge neighborhood of Edinburgh. To get here, we took a 10 minute taxi ride from the National Museum of Scotland. A visit here lasts about an hour, giving you plenty of time to leisurely stroll through the village.
You can also get here on by using the Edinburgh Bus Tours hop-on hop-off bus. They offer three routes through the city and the “Edinburgh Tour” has a stop at Charlotte Square (stop #12) that is near Dean Village. From Charlotte Square, it is a half-mile walk and takes about 10 minutes to get to Dean Village. Thanks for the tip, Barbara!
Keep in mind that this is a residential area when visiting. Respect the peace and quiet of those who live here.
There are no restaurants or bathroom facilities in Dean Village. Also, once here, do not expect taxis to show up without being arranged ahead of time. From Dean Village, you will have to walk uphill on Bells Brae to a much more populated area of town. It is here that you can hail a taxi or grab a bite to eat.
For those interested, you can walk along the Water of Leith through Edinburgh. The entire trail spans approximately 18 miles, quite the distance! For more information on this walk, visit The Walkway website.
So, what do you think? Does a visit to Dean Village look like it is worth it?
Plan Your Trip to Scotland
Below are more of our guides to Edinburgh and beyond, including Glasgow, the Highlands, and the Isle of Skye.
2 Days in Edinburgh: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit
Edinburgh is one of those cities that feels made for a short visit: historic streets you can explore on foot, dramatic viewpoints, cozy pubs, and world-class sights packed into a compact Old Town. With just two days in Edinburgh, you can see the city’s highlights without feeling rushed, from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile […]
11 Awesome Things to Do in Edinburgh with Kids
Edinburgh is one of the best cities in Europe to take your kids. Visit a castle, climb an extinct volcano, take a Harry Potter tour, learn about medieval history, and pay a visit to a spooky dungeon. What kid would not find this interesting? If you plan on visiting Edinburgh with kids, we have great […]
10 Day Scotland Itinerary: Edinburgh, Glasgow & the Isle of Skye
The ultimate Scotland road trip starts here. In 10 days, explore Edinburgh, drive through Glencoe, visit Loch Ness, and experience the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye. Scotland may look small on a map, but planning the perfect route can feel overwhelming. With castles, whisky distilleries, Highland road trips, and the dramatic landscapes of […]
How to Visit Edinburgh Castle & Avoid the Crowds (What We Did)
Rising up from the center of Edinburgh is the famous Edinburgh Castle. Wherever you go in Edinburgh, there it is, the castle, proudly towering over the rest of the city. With its prominence and history, visitors arrive by the hundreds every day to tour its sites. Did you know that Edinburgh Castle is the most visited […]
Best Way to Climb Arthur’s Seat: An Extinct Volcano in Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat is one of the best things to do in Edinburgh, and one of the easiest ways to escape the city without ever leaving it. Rising above Holyrood Park, this extinct volcano offers panoramic views over Edinburgh’s Old Town, New Town, and the surrounding countryside, all for a relatively short and rewarding hike. We’ve […]
Where to Get the Best Views of Edinburgh
Are you planning a trip to Edinburgh? Sure, you can’t miss the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, dinner in a pub, and whisky tasting, but you also cannot miss the best views of Edinburgh. No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a climb up Arthur’s Seat or a view from the Scott Monument. In this guide, we’ll break down the […]
12 Wonderful Things to Do on the Isle of Skye (2026 Guide & Map)
The Isle of Skye is Scotland’s most dramatic destination — a wild landscape of jagged cliffs, hidden waterfalls, fairy-tale hills, and rugged mountain peaks. We spent several days exploring Skye’s most iconic viewpoints and lesser-known corners, hiking the Quiraing, watching the sunset at Neist Point, and discovering quiet spots like Brother’s Point. In this guide, […]
Hiking the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye
For one of the most spectacular views on the Isle of Skye, do not miss the Quiraing. These dramatic cliffs are gorgeous, rain or shine. The hike around the Quiraing was high on our list. There is no better way to see the scenery than hiking around the Quiraing. Of course, this is Scotland, and […]
Driving to the Isle of Skye from Edinburgh or Glasgow
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most popular destinations. It may seem like a long drive to get there, but by adding in scenic pitstops along the way, you can turn the journey into a sightseeing adventure. In fact, the journey through Scotland is almost as good as the destination! There are multiple […]
The Perfect Isle of Skye Itinerary (1, 2 & 3 Days)
The Isle of Skye is Scotland’s most dramatic destination, a dramatic landscape of sea cliffs, towering rock formations, and some of the most unforgettable scenery in the UK. In this detailed Isle of Skye itinerary, we show you exactly how to spend 1, 2, or 3 days exploring the Trotternish Loop, the Old Man of […]
Glasgow, Scotland: 24 Hours of Fun for the Whole Family
Glasgow is often an overlooked destination in Scotland. Most people tour Edinburgh and then head to the Highlands, for good reason, as both of these places are amazing. But Glasgow is worth a visit. It’s a great Scottish city and all you need is 24 hours to see the best of it. Whereas Edinburgh is […]
Essential Hiking Gear: What Should You Bring on a Day Hike?
In this post, find out what we carry with us on day hikes. Whether you are a new hiker, shopping for a friend or family member, or just curious about what hiking gear you should bring on a day hike, we have a lot of great information to share with you. We have hiked thousands […]
10 Day Ireland Itinerary: The Ultimate Irish Road Trip
This is a fast-paced 10-day road trip that hits Ireland’s must-see highlights. Key stops include Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, with three nights spent using Killarney as a convenient base for exploring the southwest coast. Ireland is an absolute must-see destination, famous for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant […]
Comments 21