Dean Village - The Most Picturesque Village in Edinburgh

Dean Village is a picturesque riverside area which offers peace and quiet away from the busyness of Edinburgh's City Centre. The medieval village is home to historic architecture, which sits atop the Water of Leith and looks like it came straight out of a fairytale.

*View of Dean Village and the Water of Leith*

As a photographer visiting Scotland, I made it my top priority to see this quaint village of old Edinburgh and these are some of the top landmarks and sights I had visited around Dean Village.

Landmarks in Dean Village

Dean Bridge

The Dean Bridge is a 32-metre tall bridge that towers over the scenic Water of Leith River. Built using the stone from the Craiglith Quarry near Blackhall Village, the bridge finished construction in 1831. This historic bridge is one of Dean Villages' most impressive landmarks, and a walk along the Water of Leith means you can't miss this gigantic bridge.

Well Court

Well Court is a traditional old Tenement building which sits along the banks of the Water of Leith. The house was bought in 1883 by Sir John Findlay, a famous businessman and owner of the Scotsman newspaper. Over a century later in 2007 and Edinburgh World Heritage began major restoration on the house.

Today the building serves it original purpose as apartments and is more beautiful than ever. This is one of the most amazing buildings in Edinburgh so make sure to look out for it when you visit Dean Village.

Dean Cemetery

Dean Cemetery is a significant historic cemetery which dates back to Victorian times. The old cemetery is a quiet and peaceful place and is one of the oldest sights in the area. Dean Cemetery is located along the Dean Path within a short walk of the village.

Dean Gallery

The Dean Gallery is an iconic building which contains the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Formerly known as the Modern Two, the art galleries are divided into two buildings, each with its own different art theme.

The Dean Gallery is within a short walk from Dean Village, admission for most exhibitions is free, and it is said to be one of the best art galleries in Edinburgh.

The Water of Leith Walkway

When visiting Dean Village, remember that the village is not contained to a small area but is actually very walkable. The Water of Leith Walkway is sizeable enough to walk around the town and get multiple views of the beautiful architecture.

*Riverside view of traditional architecture in Dean Village*

You can see the magnificent views of traditional architecture by taking a lovely walk through the designated riverside paths. There are some walks planned out through this site if you are interested.

Eleven Working Mills

Dean Village is known for previously having Eleven Working Mills, which are no longer in use today. Although if you stroll around the village, you can find large stone plaques in the places where the mills used to be. The stone plaques are a pleasant remembrance of the Eleven Working Mills and something to look out for on your walks around Dean Village.

Best Times to Visit Dean Village

I first visited Dean Village at dusk, just when the riverside houses were turning their lights on. This is the most magical time to see any riverside spot, especially a place with incredible architecture like Dean Village. The blueish evening sky, in contrast with the yellow lights and the calm river with serene sounds, make this an excellent time to visit.

Visiting before dusk during sunset and through until night time is another option, this way you'll get to see the area in different light. Photography at dean village during the evening is also the best time as night is slightly too dark and the buildings cover the sunset. Still, dusk is just right to grab some excellent shots.

*Architecture of Dean Village in Edinburgh*

I enjoyed my time at Dean Village so much that I decided to revisit the very next morning. The morning is just as peaceful at Dean Village, and it is the perfect time for a riverside walk along the Water of Leith. Picnics would also be great during the morning as you can listen to the calm river while relaxing.

Best Viewpoints to Photograph Dean Village

The scenic Dean Village provides countless opportunities for photographers. It is, in my opinion, the best place in Edinburgh to take photos. There is so much going on in this tiny village; although it may look hard to navigate, it is relatively small. The riverside area provides the best views for photography. Bridges and walking paths close to the riverside are by far the best places to take photos at Dean Village.

*Dean Village in Edinburgh in the evening*

The village is lower down the hill, and from my visits, I couldn't find any good viewpoints from the hills or the Dean Bridge to photograph the area from above. So it's best to get up close to this beautiful architecture.

How to Get There and Is Dean Village Free?

Getting to Dean Village from Edinburgh city centre is relatively easy. It is within 10 minute's walk of the West End and a 15-minute walk from Princes Street. If you are tired and are not feeling walking, there are plenty of public transportation options available too. There is also pay and display parking available on the roads nearby for those looking to drive to the village.

Dean Village is a beautiful place with a ton of history, and fantastic intricate landmarks dotted all around the area. If you are visiting Edinburgh soon, make sure you don't miss this village. Dean Village was amongst my favourite destinations during my time in Edinburgh, and I can happily recommend it to anyone planning a trip to the Scottish capital.