Malleny Garden

Tucked away in the village of Balerno, this is a much smaller, “secret garden” style attraction. It is a hidden gem managed by the National Trust for Scotland. It is located in Balerno, Edinburgh, postcode EH14 7AF.

What to Expect and Enjoy
Malleny is all about peace and quiet. It’s a traditional walled garden that feels like it hasn’t changed for centuries.

  • The Four Evangelists: These are four massive, 400-year-old clipped yew trees that dominate the garden. They are quite impressive and give the place a real sense of history.
  • The Rose Collection: If you visit in midsummer, the scent is incredible. They hold one of the largest collections of 19th-century shrub roses in Scotland.
  • Walled Tranquillity: The garden is split into different “rooms” with beautiful borders and even a vegetable and herb garden. It’s the perfect spot to sit on a bench and read a book or just enjoy the bird song.

Best For and Time Spent
This is a “must” for garden enthusiasts and couples seeking a romantic, quiet spot. It’s likely too small and quiet for teens or very active children who want to run around.

  • Duration: Most visitors spend about 1 hour here, as it is quite compact.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

  • Parking: There is limited free parking on-site about 100 metres from the gate. The road leading to it is quite narrow, so take it slow!
  • Food & Drink: There isn’t a cafe on-site, but there are plenty of local cafes and pubs in Balerno village just a short walk away. Bringing a picnic to eat on one of the garden benches is a lovely idea.
  • Savings: It is free for National Trust members. They also often participate in “2-for-1” entry schemes with certain magazines or rail tickets.
  • Combine your trip: Since it’s a shorter visit, many people combine Malleny with a walk along the nearby Water of Leith Walkway, which starts nearby in Balerno.
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