Colinton
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What To See In Colinton
Colinton is a leafy village in the South-West of the City Centre in Edinburgh.
Spylaw Park
Colinton Tunnel
Robert Louis Stevenson Statue
Cuddies Lane
Colinton Parish Church
St Cuthberts Episcopal Church
Colinton House
Bonaly Tower
Where To Eat & Drink
Dantes
Osteria Dei Sapori
The Spylaw
Co-op Colinton
Where To Stay
Spylaw Bank House
Travelodge Dreghorn
Braid Hills Hotel
Airbnb
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Colinton is located around 4 miles (6.5 km) south-west of Edinburgh city centre and is easy to reach by bus, car, or bicycle.
By Bus
Lothian Buses provide regular services between the city centre and Colinton. Routes 10, 16, 18, and 45 all serve the area, depending on where you are travelling from. Buses leave frequently from Princes Street and other central locations, with journey times of approximately 25–40 minutes.
By Car
Driving from Edinburgh city centre takes approximately 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Parking is available in and around Colinton, although spaces can be limited during weekends and busy periods. You can use a ride hailing app like Uber, Lyft or Bolt to find a ride.
By Bicycle
Colinton is connected to Edinburgh by a network of cycle routes, including the scenic Water of Leith Walkway and nearby National Cycle Network paths. Cycling from the city centre usually takes 25–35 minutes, depending on your route.
Walking
If you enjoy walking, you can reach Colinton from the city centre in around 1½ to 2 hours. The route along the Water of Leith offers beautiful scenery and is one of Edinburgh's most enjoyable urban walks.
Colinton is one of Edinburgh's oldest and most picturesque villages, with a history that stretches back over 1,000 years. Originally known as Hailes, the area later became known as Colinton, and it developed as a small farming and milling community along the banks of the Water of Leith.
During the Middle Ages, the Water of Leith played an important role in the village's growth. Its fast-flowing water powered several mills that produced flour, paper, and textiles, making Colinton an important centre for local industry. Many of these historic mill buildings have since been restored and are now homes or businesses.
The village is also known for its historic church. Colinton Parish Church has served the local community for centuries, with parts of the present building dating back to the late 16th century. The churchyard contains many fascinating gravestones that tell the story of generations of local families.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Colinton became a popular place for wealthy Edinburgh residents to build country homes, attracted by its peaceful countryside and beautiful riverside setting. Although Edinburgh expanded over time, Colinton managed to retain much of its village character.
Today, visitors can still see many reminders of Colinton's past, including traditional stone cottages, old bridges, former mill buildings, and the scenic Water of Leith Walkway. The village combines its rich heritage with beautiful green spaces, making it one of Edinburgh's most charming places to explore.
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, or nature, Colinton offers a unique glimpse into Edinburgh's past while remaining a welcoming and vibrant community.