Duddingston Village

This small, picturesque village nestled in the foothills of Arthur’s Seat, Duddingston is surrounded by a rich history. The village was once separate from Edinburgh but has since been encircled by the city. It borders Holyrood Park, originally a Crown hunting estate established in 1541.

Duddinston Kirk

One of Scotland’s oldest churches, Duddingston Kirk was established in 1124 at the entrance to the park. There is evidence of a number of historic traditions preserved in the Kirk, including the jougs and prominent gravestones which survived the Reformation intact. To protect the graves from body snatchers or ‘resurrectionists’, which plagued the city until the Anatomy Act of 1832, a gatehouse was added in 1824. The Kirkyard is filled with stories of interesting people who have been buried here, which makes it well worth a visit.

The Secret Garden

One of Scotland’s most remarkable gardens is located within the grounds of the Kirk. Dr Neil’s Garden was created by Dr Nancy and Dr Andrew Neil in 1963, who believed that outdoor activities and tranquility were conducive to their patients’ health. It consists mainly of conifers, heathers, alpines, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas, and other rare and notable plants. The garden continues to flourish today and is open to the public.

The Sheep Heid Inn

The Sheep Heid Inn is the oldest continuously serving pub in Scotland on the Causeway. It was founded in 1360 and has welcomed both tourists and locals for generations. Bonnie Prince Charlie was a notable patron of the Sheepie, who held his war council here before the battle of Prestonpans (1745).

In summer 2016, Queen Elizabeth II appeared in the dining room for dinner, surprising diners and management alike. A large oil painting depicting the battle hangs on the wall. To commemorate her visit, two ‘thrones’ have been installed.

The rear of the pub has a Skittle Alley, which is one of the oldest examples of skittles, the precursor to bowling in the world. If the resident team is not practicing, you might be offered a chance to play.

Duddingston Loch

The Prestonfield House Hotel is located at the edge of Duddingston Loch, a small body of water that serves as a backdrop to the village. Ice skating was popular in the past, when the loch would freeze over. The popular winter activity was depicted in Henry Raeburn’s oil on canvas portrait of The Reverend Robert Walker in 1790. A relatively unknown painting until 1949, it is now regarded as one of Scotland’s most famous portraits. It is located in the National Gallery of Scotland on Princes Street.