Gladstone's Land (National Trust for Scotland) — Attraction in City of Edinburgh

You can visit this property by guided tour only.

There were two large live owls outside when I visited - very popular with tourists - and a considerable amount of owl-related merchandise in the shop. I asked what the connection was and was told the Trust likes to partner with the organisation which owns the owls to support traditional skills. I had recently been shown the owl holes in various building in the NTS village at Culross. Barn owls (which don't hunt noisily through the night) were kept against mice and rats.

After the meeting point downstairs you visit the hall upstairs, the kitchen, the painted room and what is now called the Georgian room. The room are styled to represent different periods in the house's history although the objects are not, as I understood it, original to this particular property. The second floor now houses an education centre for schools, the third floor is or was until recently rented out and these also have painted ceilings. The top floors house three holiday let apartments owned by the National Trust.

Our guide was the fascinatingly-accented Tam. The tour was partly about this particular house and the function of some of the objects in the house from the past but we also learned about the Darien scheme, why the Norloch smelt for five miles around, and the origins of words like earmark, curfew, the name Gladstone, 'burning the candle at both ends', caddy, sleep tight, 'saving face', quack and the Scottish word "piece" . We also learnt about the religious symbolism of the flowers and fruit in the painted ceiling and heard about the moral symbolism for virtue and vice in, among others, the monkeys, pigeons, hawks on the painted ceilings of the floors above. I think the tour was interesting for children and adults.

Parking is free in Edinburgh on Sundays but finding a free spot in the centre can be tricky and you always sit in traffic. Next time I would try to remember I prefer to park on the edge of the centre and walk in. I have often parked in e.g. permit holder 4 zones, loading bays and on single yellow lines on Sundays.

The gift shop struck me as one of the Trust's higher end shops. In particular there are some lovely throws and blankets here. Buying your gifts here will support the work of this...

This is a National Trust for Scotland property right on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh quite close to St. Giles Cathedral and the castle (so it's at the top end of Lawnmarket heading to the castle). It's a 16th century tenement and has been set up over three floors to reflect its use in 1912, as a lodging house, 17th century drapers shop and a 16th century merchant's house. The staff are knowledgeable and give all sorts of little details so the visit is really interesting especially if you like history. Members of National Trust for England get in free but its not too expensive and has concession and family tickets which you purchase in the cosy coffee and ice cream parlour through the arches on the ground floor. Access to the building and the three floors are up some stone spiral steps so sadly it's not suitable for anyone who can't manage stairs. The building also has four holiday lets and we stayed in Crichton on the fourth floor. Access to this flat and to Johnstone and Riddoch flats were down Lady Stairs Close at the side of Gladstone's Land. All three are one bedroom flats and Crichton was so nice but the photos of the other flats look fantastic too. Not big but perfectly formed, it has a lounge with dining area, a kitchen, bathroom and double bedroom. Linens, towels and toiletries are supplied and the kitchen is well appointed if you want to cook and eat in. We really enjoyed our stay here - these flats are a real find and you are right on the Royal Mile with all its sights. Just bear in mind the turnpike (spiral) staircase Access- all the visitors comment on it and there are 67 steps up to Crichton so it's an aerobic workout every time you use them. I'm overweight and 65 but I managed them without resorting to oxygen! The flats are not too far either to walk from the station or to Prince's Street with its modern shops. A truly great place. Can't wait...

Gladstone's Land is a historic building located on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, in the heart of the Old Town. It is a remarkable example of a tenement building from the 17th century and offers a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh's past.

Gladstone's Land is a well-preserved, six-story tenement that was once home to various residents, including merchants and craftspeople. Today, it operates as a museum run by the National Trust for Scotland, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore life in Edinburgh during the 17th century.

Inside the building, you can wander through the various floors and rooms, each meticulously restored to reflect different periods in the building's history. The museum showcases the living conditions, furnishings, and decorative arts of the time, giving you an insight into the lifestyles and social history of the people who once lived there.

As you explore Gladstone's Land, you can learn about the hardships of daily life, the social hierarchy, and the challenges faced by the residents. Knowledgeable guides are available to provide additional information and answer any questions you may have.

Gladstone's Land also offers stunning views of the surrounding area from its upper floors. You can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Royal Mile, including landmarks like St Giles' Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle.

Visiting Gladstone's Land is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Edinburgh's rich history and gain a deeper understanding of the city's past. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about life in the 17th century, Gladstone's Land is a must-visit destination in Edinburgh. Cafe and toilets on ground floor and free entry to the writers museums in the...