Regent, Royal, and Carlton Terrace Gardens
Status: CLOSED for the public
Contact Details
Key enquiries: regentgardens93@gmail.com
The Gardener is Charley Mallalieu - regentgardener@gmail.com and 0131 478 0244.
Key Articles
Regent, Royal, and Carlton Terrace Gardens: An Exclusive Haven in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Regent, Royal, and Carlton Terrace Gardens, collectively known as Regent Gardens, offer a stunning example of 19th-century garden design. Covering 12 acres on the eastern slopes of Calton Hill, these private communal gardens are the largest of Edinburgh’s New Town gardens that remain in private ownership.
A Historical Overview
The gardens, originally known as the Calton Hill Pleasure Ground, were established in the early 1830s. Designed to provide a picturesque outlook for the grand terraces designed by the renowned architect William Playfair, the gardens have retained much of their original Victorian charm. The layout includes expansive lawns, specimen trees, and wooded areas, creating a serene and beautifully landscaped environment. Notably, the gardens have remained largely unchanged since their inception, preserving a piece of Edinburgh's historical landscape architecture.
Exclusivity and Restricted Access
Despite their beauty and historical significance, Regent Gardens are not accessible to the public. Membership is restricted to residents of the adjacent terraces, maintaining the gardens as an exclusive retreat for a privileged few. The governance of these gardens is managed by the Regent Royal and Carlton Terrace Gardens Association, which ensures that only qualifying addresses can apply for access.
What the Public is Missing
The restriction of these gardens to a small group of residents means that the wider public misses out on a unique urban green space. The gardens offer spectacular views over Edinburgh, including sights of Arthur’s Seat and the Firth of Forth. The meticulously maintained lawns and diverse tree species provide a tranquil environment that could be a valuable recreational space for the broader community.
The lack of public access to such a significant green space highlights broader issues of urban inclusivity. While these gardens occasionally open for special events like the Doors Open Days, these opportunities are rare, leaving the general public with limited chances to experience this historic and beautiful area.
