In short
Circus Lane is a curving cobbled mews lane in Stockbridge, just off Royal Circus, with the spire of St Stephen's church at the end. It's free and flat, and best photographed on overcast days or early in the morning. People live here, so keep noise down and don't block doorways.
Circus Lane is one of those Edinburgh streets that looks almost too perfect to be real. A narrow cobbled mews curves gently between low stone houses with flower boxes and ivy, and at the end of the curve the clock tower of St Stephen’s Church rises above the rooftops.
What is Circus Lane?
Circus Lane is a mews lane behind the grand Georgian houses of Royal Circus, on the edge of the New Town and Stockbridge. Mews lanes were built as service streets, with stables and coach houses for the big houses in front. Today the old stables are homes, and the lane is one of the most sought-after addresses in the city.
The tower at the end belongs to St Stephen’s Church, designed by William Henry Playfair and completed in 1828.
How to get there
Circus Lane runs behind Royal Circus towards St Stephen Street, in the north of the New Town. It’s about 15 minutes’ walk downhill from Princes Street, or a few minutes from the centre of Stockbridge.
Where to stand
Stand near the Royal Circus end of the lane, so the curve leads your eye down towards the church tower. That’s the shot everyone comes for.
When to go
Soft, overcast light is best: bright sun creates hard shadows across the cobbles and the house fronts. Early mornings are quietest. Spring and summer, when the window boxes are full, are the prettiest seasons.
Local tip
Shoot in portrait orientation from the Royal Circus end, so the curve of the lane leads your eye straight to the church spire.
Please be respectful
This is a residential lane, and the people who live here have become very used to cameras. Keep the noise down, don’t sit on doorsteps or lean on cars, and don’t block the lane for people who need to get home.
Nearby
- St Stephen Street, at the end of the lane, with independent shops, cafés and pubs.
- Stockbridge, for brunch and, on Sundays, the market.
- Dean Village, a 15-minute walk along the Water of Leith.
Good to know
Questions people ask
Where is Circus Lane?
In Stockbridge, just below Royal Circus in the New Town, about 15 minutes' walk from Princes Street.
Can you visit Circus Lane?
Yes, it's a public lane, but the houses are private homes. Please be quiet and respectful.
When is the best time to photograph Circus Lane?
Early morning or on an overcast day, when soft light avoids hard shadows on the cobbles.
