Step into the quirky, photogenic gem with cowboy charm in Edinburgh
Frontier style and cowboy charm probably aren’t the first thing that springs to mind when thinking about exploring Edinburgh. But if you’re looking for something a bit different, then Wild West Edinburgh could be it.
Also known as the cowboy street, this themed alleyway in the historic suburb of Morningside feels like stepping into a scene from a Western. In a city known for its medieval closes and Georgian streets, it’s definitely different!
The obvious question is, why is there a cowboy street in Edinburgh? Here’s everything you need to know about one of the most unusual things to do in Edinburgh: the hidden wild west street
Edinburgh’s Hidden Wild West Street
Why is there a wild west themed back street in Edinburgh? Here’s the back story.
This small in size but huge in character street in Morningside was transformed in the 1990’s as a way to advertise a local furniture shop. The business was run by a man who’d spent time in the U.S.A and specialised in Western style furniture and decor.
The story goes that the business owner drafted in designers who’d worked for Disney to help him create that story book Western style. The cowboy street definitely does have that theme park or film set feel!
The furniture shop is long gone, but the hidden wild west street remains, ghost town- like. The Frontier town feel is created by wooden facades that have turned the buildings into everything you’d expect from a Western town scene- a cantina, a blacksmiths, a jail and so on.
The door of the Cantina is actually the fire door for Morningside Library. They’ve embraced it and kept the sign in keeping with the wild west theme. Making Morningside Library a handsome early 1900’s library to the front and a Western Cantina to the rear!
There’s western style painted signs, wooden shutters and prices in dollars to complete the scene. Just add a cactus or two and a handsome cowboy for the full effect!
Wild West Edinburgh: A quirky Morningside street and surely one of the most unusual free things to do in Edinburgh.
How to Find Wild West Edinburgh
Wild West Edinburgh is tucked away in the Morningside neighbourhood, about 3 miles our of the city centre. Morningside is a leafy suburb, well-to-do and packed with independent shops, bars & cafés. Well worth a visit in its own right.
It’s not a bad walk from Edinburgh city centre on a fine day if you’re up for it, and there’s plenty of places to stop along the way. If your short on time or don’t fancy the walk, the area is very well served by bus from Princes Street.
You can plan your journey on the Lothian Buses Journey planner, use ‘Morningside Library’ as your destination. Edinburgh buses use a changeless system- contactless payment or correct change only.
Off the bus, look for Morningside Library and the sign for Spring Valley Gardens. You’ll see the alleyway entrance from there. Use postcode EH10 4QG.
Tips for Visiting Edinburgh’s Wild West
- Know what you are going to. There’s no admission or interaction, this is literally just a quirky street in an Edinburgh suburb. Come for the character and the sheer curiosity of it.
- Bring your camera, this place is great for photography. In fact, this street has been used for professional shoots! The neighbouring streets are also very photogenic, in a more traditional Edinburgh way.
- This area is home to working business’s, so come out of hours or on a Sunday for the best chance of a quiet visit with good photo opportunities.
Exploring Morningside & Braid Hills, Edinburgh
Wild West Edinburgh is a unique little place to visit but it won’t take long- I’d say 45 minutes max if you’re taking pictures or 20 minutes or so if you’re just going for a look.
Morningside and the neighbouring Braid Hills Park is a lovely area to explore away from the tourist-packed centre of Edinburgh.
To make a day of it, you can walk up Morningside Road taking time to admire the handsome old streets and many independent shops, and onto The Braid Hills Hotel where it’s possible to enjoy afternoon tea daily between 2pm-4.30pm (pre-booking highly recommended). This is served in the hotel’s 1886 restaurant with panoramic views of Braidburn Valley Park and Edinburgh City Centre.
So, that’s Wild West Edinburgh. It’s tiny and tucked away, but free to visit and definitely different. Seeking it out is a great way to explore a different side to Edinburgh to the one you see in the city centre.
If you’re interested in unusual or lesser known aspects of Edinburgh, you might also enjoy this post: The Edinburgh Dog Statues: A Tale of Two Tails
Helen x
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