How to Get to Dean Village Edinburgh and What To Do There!

In the city of Edinburgh there’s a lovely little quarter called Dean Village with picturesque buildings and a peaceful river stream making it the perfect escape from the urban centre.

Read on for how to get to Dean Village Edinburgh, tips for visiting and where to go to get the best photos.

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Contents (jump to)

Dean Village History

gorgeous view of water, homes and sky in Dean Village Edinburgh

image of Dean Village Edinburgh. Yellow and white houses in a row in centre, leith river in front and blue sky in back

Also known as Water of Leith village, this is an area of Edinburgh going back 800 years that was once the mill town using over 10 mills to churn water from the city’s largest river.

Given its proximity to the bustling city but uniqueness of its greenery and tranquil, this neighbourhood with its 19th century houses have become a sought after place to live in Scotland so be sure to include this in your Edinburgh itinerary.

Want to take a dedicated Edinburgh walk through Dean Village?
Join this audio tour!

How to Get to Dean Village Edinburgh

image of tunnel part of Dean Village Edinburgh

image of bridge and water and homes in Dean Village Edinburgh

These following walking directions will take you 30 minutes and get you from the centre of Edinburgh to Dean Village:

Start at Scott Monument, Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ

Walk down Princes Street with Edinburgh Castle and Princes St Gardens on your left

Turn right on the street between Johnnie Walker and Greggs and keep going down

Bonus: Stop and admire Randolph Crescent which is picturesque (and reminds me of Bath, England)

Bear left on ‘Bells Brae’ Street

You’ve arrived in the cute neighbourhood!

Public Transport: The bus to Dean Village Edinburgh is number 19 towards Granton.

Taxi: 0131 228 1211

If you’re driving and parking Dean Village Edinburgh isn’t the most ideal place for your first stop because there isn’t any Dean Village parking (unless you’re a resident who are allowed to park here). So your best bet is to find accommodation with parking or city centre parking and follow the directions as above.

Dean Village Map

Here’s a marker on for the Dean Village walk map. As you can see, it is to the West of Edinburgh:

Dean Bridge

Things to Do in Dean Village in Edinburgh Scotland

Wells Court building in Dean Village Edinburgh

Pedestrian bridge in Dean Village Edinburgh

So thinking what to do in Dean Village Edinburgh? After you’ve done the Edinburgh centre to Dean Village walk, you’ll find the Dean Bridge, old water mills, wells, plaques, the Dean Gallery, the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art and finally, Well Court, the most central building of the village that has been here since the 1800s.

For the most popular thing to do here, take a Dean Village Water of Leith walk or cycle along this Leith river route, explore the pretty areas and buildings, see the bridge, and get the best photo spots in Dean Village Edinburgh Scotland.

Near Dean Village Scotland

For another gem of Edinburgh visit the neighbourhood of Leith for trendy bars, join an Edinburgh food tour, find solace at the sea by hitting Portobello Beach or visit Greyfriars Kirkyard which is the most haunted place in Edinburgh!

Edinburgh Dean Village FAQS

image of big issue on wall in Dean Village Edinburgh

bridge and water in Dean Village Edinburgh

How far is Dean Village to Edinburgh Castle? By foot it will only take around 10/15 minutes to reach the castle although you’ll see it way before that!

Are there any pubs in Dean Village Edinburgh? There aren’t any within the village but the closest ones are Johnnie Walker and Indigo Yard.

What are things to do in Dean Village Edinburgh? Admire the views, walk around, visit the museum!

Is there a Dean Village Edinburgh cafe? No but it’s a perfect spot to take your own drinks and picnic.

What are places to eat in Dean Village Edinburgh? Again, there’s none specifically in the village but the closest ones are La Plaza Bistro and No.35 at The Bonham.

Take a Guided Tour of Dean Village Here:

Thanks for reading. Enjoy this lovely part of the city!

The Dean Village Edinburgh UK: Save For Later!