Dean Village & Cemetery
Dean Village is a gem worth exploring from Edinburgh. Dean Village was once separate from Edinburgh and known as Water of Leith village. It was a successful grain milling area for more than eight hundred years, with eleven working mills at one time, powered by the Water of Leith. After milling ceased the area turned to decay. It was revamped in the 1970's, and is now one of the more desirable and expensive places to live around Edinburgh.
You can only get here by foot, as there is no place to park within the village. It's about a 15 minute walk from the west end of Princes Street. There are some steep streets but it's totally worth visiting if you can manage. Also there are no toilets or cafes. It's also accessible along the Water of Leith walkway, a 13 mile route, if you're an avid walker.
Dean Village is fairytale-esque with its cobbled streets, colorful historic buildings, narrow alleyways, and the enchanting cemetery.
Dean Cemetery stands on the former site of Dean House mansion, the center of the Dean Estate. It was one of the finest houses around Edinburgh. After it was demolished, it became the most fashionable and secure cemeteries in Edinburgh.
Dean Cemetery is one of my favorite cemeteries. I love the grandiose headstones and monuments. I love the headstones under the old trees. I love the way the earth smells here. I love the sound of the Water of Leith just outside the wall. It's a taphophile's dream.
Dean Cemetery is still a working cemetery with plots available. I don't have kids or nieces or nephews, perhaps one of my dear readers would do me the honor of making arrangements for me here. I'd be eternally grateful. ;-)
Dean Cemetery
<<Greyfriars Cemetery
St. Cuthbert's Cemetery>>
More Scottish Sites:
I love Edinburgh's medieval Old Town with it's castle looming over the city. It's such a cool city to explore.
Temple Old Kirk is located in Temple Village outside of Edinburgh. This site was the headquarters of the Order of Knights Templar in Scotland.
Medieval Rosslyn Chapel was made famous for being featured in the The Da Vinci Code. It's intricate carvings are associated with many legends and secrets.
Edinburgh's Royal Military Tattoo is an event worthy of your bucket list. It's a unique performance from military bands across the globe and of course bagpipers!
Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh is a haunted graveyard best known for providing inspiration for Harry Potter characters.
St. Cuthbert's cemetery is another one of Edinburgh's cool old cemeteries. The oldest headstone is dated 1606. It has great views of the castle.
The gardens of Drummond Castle are spectacular. They were filmed in Outlander as a stand in for the Palace of Versailles.
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Eilean Donan Castle is one of Scotland's most photographed castle. It's been in several films. It's a must stop on the way to Skye.
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The Isle of Lewis & Harris is home to the ancient Callanish Standing Stones and stunning Caribbean looking beaches.
Dunrobin Castle is picture perfect with it's turrets and elaborate gardens. If you can only visit one castle in your life, make it this one.
Urquhart Castle overlooks Scotland's famed Loch Ness. Explore the castle ruins while keeping an eye out for Nessie.
Elgin Cathedral, known as the Lantern of the North, is an impressive 800 year old, Medieval ruin. It was once Scotland's second largest cathedral.
Castle Fraser is one of Scotland's largest tower houses. There are numerous furnished rooms accessed by climbing the narrow turret stairs.
I loved Ardoe House Hotel & Spa, so much, it felt like I was staying in a castle. It was so fun! It's almost its own attraction, complete with it's own highland coos.
Dunnottar Castle, is a medieval fortress, perched atop a cliff overlooking the North Sea. Although it's now a ruin, it's location makes it highly photogenic.