In short
Stockbridge is a village-feel neighbourhood on the Water of Leith, about 15 minutes' walk north of Princes Street. It's known for its Sunday market, independent shops and cafés, Circus Lane, and the riverside walkway to Dean Village. It's where many locals spend their weekends.
Stockbridge feels like a small market town that happens to be 15 minutes’ walk from Princes Street. It sits on the Water of Leith, just north of the New Town, and it’s where many Edinburgh people spend their Sundays: brunch, a browse round the shops, the market by the river and a walk along the water.
What’s Stockbridge like?
Stockbridge began as a village on the river, named after an old bridge across the Water of Leith. It was swallowed by the growing city in the 19th century, but it never lost its village feel. Today it’s a mix of Georgian terraces, colourful shopfronts and leafy streets, known for its independent shops, charity shops, cafés and pubs.
What to do
- Brunch. Stockbridge is the city’s favourite brunch neighbourhood. Wander along Raeburn Place and St Stephen Street and take your pick.
- The Sunday market. Stockbridge Market runs on Sundays from 10am to 4pm on Saunders Street, beside the river, with street food, coffee, bakers and local producers.
- Circus Lane, the curving mews lane with the church spire at the end.
- The Water of Leith Walkway. Walk upstream past St Bernard’s Well to Dean Village, or downstream towards Canonmills and Leith.
- The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a short walk north in Inverleith. The garden is free to enter.
- Inverleith Park, next to the Botanic Garden, with one of the best views of the city skyline.
Where to eat and drink
Raeburn Place and St Stephen Street are lined with independent cafés, bakeries, delis, bistros and pubs. It’s one of the best places in the city for a relaxed lunch or a neighbourhood dinner. See my guide to eating in Edinburgh.
A perfect day in Stockbridge
- Morning: Start in Dean Village and follow the Water of Leith down to Stockbridge.
- Late morning: Brunch on Raeburn Place or St Stephen Street.
- Midday (Sundays): Stockbridge Market on Saunders Street.
- Afternoon: The Royal Botanic Garden, then the skyline view from Inverleith Park.
- Evening: Circus Lane at golden hour, then dinner in one of the neighbourhood bistros.
Getting there
Walk downhill from Princes Street through the New Town, via Frederick Street and Howe Street, in about 15 to 20 minutes. Lothian buses also run from the city centre.
Good for
A slow morning, brunch, shopping, Sunday markets and a taste of how Edinburgh people actually live.
Good to know
Questions people ask
Is Stockbridge worth visiting?
Yes, especially on a Sunday. Combine it with Dean Village and Circus Lane.
When is Stockbridge Market?
Stockbridge Market runs every Sunday from 10am to 4pm on Saunders Street, beside the Water of Leith.
