Cockburn Street

Cockburn Street, one of the most picturesque streets

The Edinburgh audio-guided tour takes you along Cockburn Street, undoubtedly one of the most picturesque streets in the old town. Designed in 1856, it links the city centre to the station, once reachable only by narrow, steep lanes.

A tribute to a heritage defender

The street bears the name of Henry Lord Cockburn, one of the most respected men in Edinburgh in the nineteenth century. At a time when the Victorian era was gaining momentum, he worked to preserve the city's heritage and prevent the destruction of many monuments threatened with replacement. Cockburn Street illustrates this balance between modernisation and the safeguarding of the city's old character.

What there is to see

This curved street, lined with old façades, descends gently towards the station and offers fine views. It has many shops, cafés and spots of typically Scottish charm. It is a very pleasant street to walk along, linking the Royal Mile to the Waverley area in the heart of the old town.

Practical information

Cockburn Street is in the old town of Edinburgh, linking the Royal Mile to the Waverley station area. The street can be walked freely at all hours; sloping and cobbled, it calls for good shoes. The shops and cafés keep their own hours.

Why was the street created?

Designed in 1856, Cockburn Street was created to link the city centre to the station, which was previously reachable only by narrow, steep lanes.

Who was Henry Lord Cockburn?

Henry Lord Cockburn was a respected figure in nineteenth-century Edinburgh who worked to preserve the city's heritage. The street bears his name in tribute.