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Edinburgh's most photographed location!
Edinburgh's most photographed location!
Dean Village is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Edinburgh. It sits beside the Water of Leith, only a short walk from the busy city centre. Long ago, Dean Village was not a quiet place at all — it was full of noise from water mills! For more than 800 years, people here used the power of the river to grind grain into flour. You can still see old millstones and carved symbols of bread and pies on the buildings today.
We will explore this area and take some fantastic photographs. It is then a very short walk to the Modern Art Gallery, where students will have the opportunity to see what is currently on display. With the help of an activity to complete during their visit, they will leave having learnt and seen new things, ad had fun while doing it.
St. Bernard's Well – Hidden among trees by the river, this neoclassical temple is one of Edinburgh’s architectural gems. It was built in 1789 over a natural spring once believed to have healing powers. The interior features a statue of Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health. Students can discuss Victorian spa culture and how health tourism shaped Edinburgh’s 18th-century development.
Dean Village – Continue west along the Water of Leith to reach Dean Village, a picturesque former milling community dating back over 800 years. The old millstones and carved signs still line the riverbanks. This stop highlights Edinburgh’s industrial heritage and transformation from working village to affluent residential area.
Dean Bridge – Pause at the impressive Dean Bridge, designed by the famous Scottish engineer Thomas Telford in 1831. The bridge spans the valley 30 metres above the Water of Leith, offering dramatic views over the river gorge and the city skyline. Discuss its engineering significance and how it connected the expanding New Town with the western suburbs.
The Timetable for the Trip
The Timetable for the Trip
14:00 – Depart Edinburgh Academy
14:15 – Stop 1: St Bernard’s Well
14:40 – Stop 2: Dean Village
15:10 – Stop 3: Dean Bridge
15:40 – Arrive at Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art
16:30 – End of Trip
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