Take a look at a map of Edinburgh’s New Town, and one of the first things you’ll notice is the clear lines of streets and squares. The New Town is one of the earliest and finest examples of town planning. But it wouldn’t be complete without the New Town Gardens. These beautifully designed green spaces of the Edinburgh New Town Gardens were part of the original plan by James Craig. To this day, they are considered a work of art. Here is a closer look.
The Origin of the New Town
In the 18th century, the population of Edinburgh started to outgrow the city. The Old Town as we know it today simply became too small to accommodate all citizens, and conditions became unsanitary.
The New Town was planned as the solution to Edinburgh’s overcrowding problems, a new part of the city built to accommodate thousands of people and give them space to live. James Craig was the original architect, whose prize-winning plan was adopted in 1767. Development took about a century, combining spaciousness and order.
In addition, the plans were drafted in a manner that allowed for continued growth. James Craig’s plans were picked up and developed further by Robert Reid and William Playfair. The New Town Gardens were an integral part of the plan from the beginning.
Why the New Town Gardens Are So Significant
The gardens are not only significant for their beauty, but they also play an important role in the capital’s social history as a sign of what public pressure and involvement can achieve. By now, they are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. They also remain unchanged in their location and size.
The New Town Gardens continue to contribute to the distinct look of the New Town. These spaces are more than an accessory to the surrounding buildings. They are also excellent vantage points for some of the most outstanding views of the cityscape.
When the gardens were first built, the intention was to build more than green spaces for relaxation. The architects were hoping to encourage and grow the nursery trade. They succeeded, and between 1770 and 1870 the number of seed merchants grew from five to 37.
The New Town Gardens Today
The New Town Gardens today stretch from Calton Hill to Dean Village. There were plans to expand the scheme to Leith, but those have never been realised. There are still around 30 gardens, and many of them are privately owned.
While some of the gardens retain their original layout, others have been simplified. In East Princes Street Gardens, for example, several subsidiary paths have been grassed over. Flower beds have replaced a gravel walk.
Another thing that has not changed is the gardens’ popularity with Edinburgh residents. Princes Street may be almost entirely commercial, but visit on a nice day, and you will find Princes Street Gardens teeming with families enjoying the green space, couples taking a stroll, and workers enjoying lunch away from their desks.
Accessing Privately Owned New Town Gardens
Many of the privately owned gardens have specific rules for membership and access. Owning period property adjacent to these spaces often comes with the privilege of being able to spend time in these special green spaces.
Others are regularly opened to the public to allow as many people as possible to enjoy the area. If you’re interested in visiting Edinburgh’s New Town Gardens, look out for special open days. To find out more about owning a period property with access to private gardens in the New Town, contact our Director, Fiona Vernon on 0131 699 0333 / 07900 605674 or email [email protected].
