H Mural Trail

What are the signs of gentrification? Coffee shops? Direct action? Murals? Community Gardens? Yarn-bombing? Bunting?  We don't know, but we heart wandering around and spotting signs of change. 

This trail will take about 30 minutes to walk this 1.4m trail – and you will be rewarded by official and unofficial street art along the way and a cuppa at the end:

Halmyre Street Mural

11 Halmyre St, Edinburgh EH6 8QA

The mural, coordinated by local art project, Leith Late, features the SS Explorer, the last steam ship to be registered in Leith and now one of the last surviving steam powered trawlers in the world.

Artists include Rabiya Choudhry, Fraser Douglas, DUFI, Fraser Gray, Martin McGuinness and Skint Richie.

Henderson Street Mural

77 Henderson Street, Edinburgh EH6 6ED

Russell Ian Dempster's bold homage to the Leith-born Eduardo Paolozzi on a derelict shop front.

Haven Mural

9 Anchorfield, Edinburgh EH6 4JG

0131 467 7513

havencafe.co.uk

With it's vintage mirrors and comfy armchairs, the Haven Cafe has the feel of a old-fashioned tea room. The real surprise however is Michael Clark's mural on the exterior wall featuring teapot, roses and a gramophone.

The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre

The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre is situated in an elegant Victorian townhouse with bay windows sweeping staircase and an elaborate domed ceiling.

Within these elegant surrounds is the Edinburgh Association of Spiritualists which runs weekly meetings, classes and workshops for those seeking to learn more about mediumship and psychic awareness.

The centre is also home to the Psychical Research and Investigation Unit which hosts a series of evening lectures as well as vigils in reputedly haunted locations, old-fashioned seances and evenings of psychic experiments.

The Centre also boasts The Conan Doyle Cafe – a traditional, Victorian Tearoom serving hand-blended herbal teas including Herbal Chai, Clear Skin and Immune Tea with Echinacea.


The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Centre

25 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh EH12 5AP

0131 625 0700

info@arthurconandoylecentre.com

arthurconandoylecentre.com

@acdcentre

Serenity Cafe

Tucked away in Jackson's Entry, one of the closes that runs from the Royal Mile to Holyrood Road, Serenity is a family-friendly cafe run by people in recovery for people in recovery, their friends and families. It's great value and is open seven days a week.

8 Jackson Entry Edinburgh EH8 8PJ

0131 556 8765

mail@comas.org.uk

serenitycafe.co.uk

Scottish Parliament

Enric Miralle's eye-catching design was inspired by the surrounding landscape. The petal-shaped buildings which form the Parliament are constructed from steel, oak, and granite – lots of granite. To get the most out of a trip to the Scottish Parliament, take one of the free tours (booking advisable).

The Scottish Parliament is open to visitors Monday to Saturday and is free of charge to visit. No booking necessary although you will be required to go through security.

When the Parliament is in recess, you are free to look around the Debating Chamber. There is a shop and very nice cafe (the shortbread is really good!). In addition to permanent artworks on display, the Parliament hosts many exhibitions throughout the year.

If you wish to attend a debate or committee meeting you will need to request tickets via the website.

The magic continues on the outside. The ponds are shaped to resemble the building's outline when viewed from above. The landscaped grounds are spectacular.

Take a moment to look at the bike racks. Notice anything unusual? Step back a bit....now do you see it? The four seemingly random shapes, when viewed at the right angle, form....a bike!



Edinburgh EH99 1SP (it even has its own postcode area)
0131 348 5000
sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
scottish.parliament.uk
@scotparl

St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles Cathedral is the High Kirk (principal place of worship) of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh and as one of the most notable landmarks in the city can hardly be described as a hidden gem. However, few people know that during August, St Giles offer rooftop tours for small groups – booking details are on the website.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the volunteer guides are on duty each day to welcome visitors, answer questions and conduct guided tours on request.

Throughout the summer, there are regular free lunchtime concerts from visiting artists.

Despite its central location, the Cathedral Cafe is rarely busy. Handy for a quiet coffee and cake but anything more substantial is quite expensive (tip: venture down the Royal Mile to Carrubbers which is half the price).

High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE

0131 225 9442

info@stgilescathedral.org.uk

stgilescathedral.org.uk

@StGilesHighKirk

National Library of Scotland

George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EW

0131 623 3700

enquiries@nls.uk

nls.uk

@natlibscot

Don't be put off by the imposing exterior! Although first and foremost a research library, the NLS puts on some fantastic exhibitions and events (including regular 'Getting Started' workshops if you do want to undertake some research). It also has a cafe and a beautiful gift shop.

The (Original) Mosque Kitchen(s)

Indoor: 31–33 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX

Outdoor: 50 Potterrow, Edinburgh EH8 8BT (behind Central Mosque)

Without getting into a debate over which is the 'original' Mosque Kitchen or which is the best, here is what you need to know: both serve excellent, cheap curries, rice and naan.

Closed every Friday 1 – 1.45

Open at Iftar time during Ramadan

During August, the Discover Islam Festival includes exhibitions and tours of the Mosque.

While here, take a minute to look at the Brassfounders’ Pillar in Nicolson Square Gardens which was commissioned for the 1886 International Exhibition of Science, Art and Industry and moved here from the Meadows after the exhibition.

The Exchange Café

The Business School, 29 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh EH8 9LL

0131 667 1971

accom.ed.ac.uk

@uoeliving

The Café is open to the public and offers a wide selection of freshly prepared healthy food and fairtrade beverages, all at very reasonable prices.

DHT Cafe

David Hume Tower. George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JX

0131 667 1971

accom.ed.ac.uk

@uoeliving

The DHT cafe is open to all staff, students and visitors, offering grab-and-go hot and cold food.

Open weekdays 8.30am and closing at 10pm Monday to Thursday (closes 6pm on Friday).

Perfect when you need a midweek late night snack!

Carrubbers Cafe

Chalmers Close, 65 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR

0131 652 3743

office@carrubbers.org

carrubbers.org

@carrubbers

The cafe serves a variety of foods and drinks including, baked potatoes, salads, filled rolls, soups as well as various pastries, cakes, snacks, coffees, teas and soft drinks at very reasonable prices. Open from 10.30am to 2:30pm Monday through Friday. 

Chalmers Close runs from the High Street down to Jeffrey Street - handy for Waverley Station

The Archivists' Garden & Cafe

HM General Register House, 2 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH1 3YY

(enter via gates on West Register Street)

0131 535 1313

enquiries@nas.gov.uk

scotlandspeoplehub.gov.uk

@ScotlandsPeople

Every day, thousands of people walk past the bronze statue of the Duke of Wellington mounted on a rearing horse in front of General Register House at the east end of Princes Street. Few, have been inside the building, even fewer have ventured behind it.

Hidden between General Register House and New Register House is a unique garden which has been transformed with plants chosen to represent Scottish culture and the different aspects of the records held in the two repositories.

During the week, there is also a pleasant, quiet and reasonably priced cafe offering home baking and speciality coffee – a gem in such a central location.