24 Hours in Stockbridge
Stockbridge is a popular spot to explore in Edinburgh, and for all the right reasons. Located down from New Town and centred around the beautiful Water of Leith, Stockbridge is a fantastic location to discover local hidden gems. Whether you’re in search of a new book, a unique treat, or a new wardrobe staple, Stockbridge has something for you.
If you ever stay in the neighbourhood, relax and follow our perfect itinerary for a day in Stockbridge.
Fortitude Coffee
Make the most of your morning stroll with a hot cup of something tasty. Fortitude Coffee is a great choice if you’re a coffee enthusiast. Fortitude is a gorgeous café with a speciality in coffee roasted locally and served in Edinburgh. The coffee shop can be found in various spots around the city, but for your convenience, there is one located on Hamilton Place towards the heart of Stockbridge.
Grab yourself a classic black americano or perhaps a delicious oat milk latte if you’re feeling fancy.
Lannan Bakery
What’s a delicious hot beverage without a beautifully paired bespoke pastry? Lannan Bakery, located just a short distance from Fortitude, is arguably one of the most popular bakeries in the City of Edinburgh. This bakery is 100% worth the hype, with indulgent pastries to cater to anyone’s palate.
Grab yourself something sweet, perhaps a classic pain au chocolat or try something special like their staple Maple & Pecan Pastry. Due to the bakery’s popularity, it’s worth heading out early to secure a spot in the queue for when the doors open, and the pastries are the freshest.
Circus Lane
Possibly one of the most popular areas of the neighbourhood has to be the Iconic Circus Lane, which is a great start your day in Stockbridge. The famous lane is known for its unique village-like character, and is a hotspot for tourists, all snapping their perfect pictures. We recommend starting the day early to avoid the busy periods, so you can take the perfect photos to remember your visit.
Some of the best times to visit the lane are in the Spring and Autumn. During the Spring, all of the flowers are in bloom, making for the perfect background shots; alternatively, during the autumn, the lane is covered in leaves, perfect for the ‘moody’ Edinburgh aesthetic.
Treen, Sustainable Fashion
While you explore the cobbles of Stockbridge, you might as well take a wander to some of the amazing independent clothes shops that are there. One of our personal favourites is Treen, a sustainable fashion destination specialising in curating timeless style staples from eco-conscious brands. With their focus on slow fashion, it’s a great location to invest in your wardrobe staples.
Why not also check out:
Kestin - A Scottish men’s clothing brand founded by Kestin Hare in the City of Edinburgh. Their designs focus on modern Scottish designs blended with traditional inspiration.
Toast - Located just outside Circus Lane, a gorgeous clothes store curating simple, functional clothing and homeware.
Meander Apparel - A Scottish outdoor clothing brand, inspired by nature and the ambition to create functional and versatile clothing to make to most out of the outdoors.
Our Favourite Bookstores
Some of our favourite Bookstores can be found in the Stockbridge neighbourhood, and they are not ones to skip off your list.
Rare Bird Books is a female-owned business that sells women-only authors throughout its shop. Their collection ranges from romance to horror, and of course includes a range of diverse authors from different backgrounds.
The Bookshop also has a great collection of merchandise, which can be a great additional purchase alongside your chosen book.
Golden Hare Books
Golden Hare Books, located on St Stephen Street, is a fantastic destination to grab your book before a trip to Lannan Bakery or Fortitude Coffee. The store has an abundance of local authors to choose from, but also some literary classics.
If you’re not certain what to pick, they regularly display surprise books if you’re looking to step out of your genre comfort zone.
Toastology
Feeling hungry? Great news.
One of the reasons Stockbridge holds its popularity is the range of delicious food vendors located on the high street, but also every weekend at the Stockbridge Market (a must-visit!). A fantastic and unique food vendor is Toastology - Stockbridge’s iconic toastie shop.
They specialise in a range of unique toasties, including haggis and a delicious three-cheese option.. The shop caters to a variety of dietary requirements, including Vegan and Vegetarian options, so it’s a great choice for everyone.
The Last Word
Finish your day off with a well-deserved cocktail at The Last Word. Located on St Stephen Street, this independent cocktail spot is a real hidden gem. With a cosy setting and specialised drinks, it’s the perfect destination to take in your day of exploring the neighbourhood.
Ready for Bed? Unwind with us.
We have a range of accommodation located in and around the Stockbridge neighbourhood, perfect for retiring to after a day of exploring Stockbridge.
Cumberland Street - Located a short walk from Stockbridge, a rare hidden gem with two bedrooms and a private garden.
St Stephen Street - Footsteps away from The Last Word and Rare Hare Books bookshop, this two-bedroom apartment is a real find.
Raeburn place - Our Stockbridge snug, situated in the heart of the neighbourhood. This one-bed apartment is perfect for a solo traveller or a couple’s getaway.
Book with us direct for the best rates today.
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If you’re reading this far, first of all, thank you. Secondly, you can check out the rest of our amazing Edinburgh accommodation here.