Starbank Park Edinburgh
Gardens with a view
Starbank Park is on a steep slope facing the Firth of Forth, from the top of which you get a cracking view across to the Kingdom of Fife. With the Starbank Pub at its lower corner and Trinity, full of balconied houses with gorgeous gardens abutting its back, it’s a local gem.
Railings separate the park from the busy Edinburgh Lower Granton Road which connects Wardie Bay and Newhaven Harbour. In the middle of the two, Starbank Park has a floral star resembling a ship’s compass in case you forget its name! Formally laid out with varied flower beds and box hedges, there’s a flag pole in the middle of the sitting area surrounded by fragrant lavender bushes. A circular Japanese-style garden is resplendent with standing stones, and there’s a recent sculpture inside the bottom railings made from found materials gathered on the foreshore.
A house built in 1815 lies in the top half of the garden where the cherry trees are spectacular in Spring. The Children’s Nature Trail is popular and the Little Libraries, one for kids and the other adults, where you can leave and take away reading books for free, are in most attractive wee houses. A pretty birdbath complements the beautiful flower and herb borders and there’s composting too. Home to Easter Egg hunts, snow sledging and Volunteer Gardening on Wednesday and Saturday mornings (10-11.30 am), it’s such a peaceful place to sit and sun yourself in the sea air!
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh
Sabzi
Punjabi street food
"Sabzi" in Edinburgh used to be a Blockbuster video store, then it became a pop-up restaurant. Now it serves wonderful heart-warming Punjabi street food!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
S. Luca
Ice cream and sweet treats
"S. Luca" has been one of my favorite places in Edinburgh since I was a kid. What they're famous for is their own brand of ice cream - and I love it!
by
Catriona
Laxton
Green. Leith
Plant shop with social mission
"Green. Leith" is a refreshing and colourful addition to the well-known street in Edinburgh. They really take green plants & accessories to a new level!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
Muschat's Cairn
Gory history under rocks
I have to confess I've walked past the spot thousands of times before I actually realised it was anything to pay attention to!
by
Fiona
Diack
Leith Victoria Swim Centre
An architectural gem
The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!
by
Tamsin
Grainger
Pickles
Cosy wine bar
"Pickles" is a tiny wee wine bar in Edinburgh. The bar has a rustic Scottish feel to it, but the main reason I like it is their cheese and wine...
by
Fiona
Diack
Union Brew Lab
A unique coffee experience
"Union Brew Lab" Edinburgh is one of the original hipster coffee shops in the city. JK Rowling hasn't written a book here yet!
by
Fiona
Diack
Manna House Bakery
Incredible bakery/eatery
"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!
by
Mark
Gorman
Craiglockhart Hill
The overlooked hill
Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!
by
Fiona
Diack
Corstorphine Hill
Not just the zoo
The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!
by
Fiona
Diack
Heading to Edinburgh?
138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 138 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Edinburgh
Our team loves Edinburgh
Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh
As featured on:
