Gilmerton Cove Edinburgh
Explore mysterious hand-carved underground tunnels and caverns with debated origins, a truly unique historical adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Gilmerton Cove Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore mysterious hand-carved underground tunnels and caverns with debated origins, a truly unique historical adventure.
"A hidden gem of a place to explore, very unique and interesting how those coves came to be. "
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are essential for navigating the uneven terrain. Hiking boots are recommended! :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Jacket
It gets cold underground, so pack an extra layer to stay comfortable during your tour. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Subterranean Chambers
Underground
Explore hand-carved tunnels and caverns with mysterious origins, a truly unique underground adventure.
Visitor Centre & History
Above ground
Learn about the theories surrounding the cove's creation, from ancient rituals to secret meeting places.
The 'Druid Temple' Theory
Main chamber
Discover the intriguing possibility of this site being an ancient 'druid temple' or Mithraeum.
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Status Before You Go
Book Your Tour in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are essential for navigating the uneven terrain. Hiking boots are recommended! :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Jacket
It gets cold underground, so pack an extra layer to stay comfortable during your tour. :cloud:
Check Opening Status
Gilmerton Cove has had temporary closures; always confirm it's open before visiting. :warning:
Easy Bus Access
Easily reachable by bus from central Edinburgh, making it a convenient day trip. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are essential for navigating the uneven terrain. Hiking boots are recommended! :athletic_shoe:
Bring a Jacket
It gets cold underground, so pack an extra layer to stay comfortable during your tour. :cloud:
Check Opening Status
Gilmerton Cove has had temporary closures; always confirm it's open before visiting. :warning:
Easy Bus Access
Easily reachable by bus from central Edinburgh, making it a convenient day trip. :bus:
Mobile & Mobile Only
You need to be mobile to descend stairs and navigate the chambers. Not suitable for those with mobility issues. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gilmerton Cove as a 'hidden gem' and a 'unique and surprising discovery' with a captivating underground exploration. The mystery surrounding its origins and the intriguing hand-carved chambers are major highlights. However, potential visitors should be aware of its appointment-only nature and the need to confirm opening status, as it has experienced temporary closures.
"What a hidden gem of a place to explore. If you are in the Edinburgh area, Gilmerton Cove is definitely worth the bus ride over. It's very unique and interesting how those coves came to be and who really made them? The tour can last a while and there is some climbing around involved. You don't need to be athletic to do this tour but you do need to be mobile. Make sure you wear your close toed shoes, I prefer my hiking boots for this tour and it can get cold down there so make sure you have brought your jacket with you as well."
Brunza LaBore
"This place is wonderful! We visited between Christmas and New Year. We arrived before anyone else and the lady who met us was absolutely lovely, and immediately made us feel at ease and began to tell us a little about the cove. But the real 'wow' starts when you decent the stairs in your hard hat and see what's hiding below! We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the tour. I do think they would benefit hugely by having an online pre-pay booking system, since out of the 11 people that should have been on our tour only 4 of us turned up. At the moment you pay on the day, so the cove lost out on the ticket price for 7 people who couldn't be bothered to turn up which is incredibly sad since there was also a waiting list. I appreciate this would probably be costly to implement but it would mean the cove did not lose out for no-shows. This a small out of town attraction (you'll need to get a bus, but it's very easy to find) and really relies on people visiting. And you absolutely should!"
Clare Smalley
"Interesting subterranean chambers of speculative origin.
My opinion, this site began as a Mithrium and has had various uses over 1700 years. Others suggest the site dates back 300 years with various opinions for its use such as a Masonic lodge, illegal whisky still, abandoned mine or a family home.
Whatever and whenever this site is, it's highly recommended a visit to."
Bruce Evans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gilmerton Cove is located in the suburb of Gilmerton, south of Edinburgh. It's easily accessible by bus from the city centre. Several bus routes serve the area, making it a straightforward journey. Check local bus timetables for the most direct options.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, but given its location in a residential area, street parking may be available nearby. However, using public transport is often recommended for ease of access.
Yes, some visitors suggest it's possible to combine a visit with other nearby attractions like Craigmillar Castle, making for a longer exploration day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Gilmerton Cove operates on an appointment-only basis. While some visitors have paid on the day, it's highly recommended to book in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Contact them directly via phone, email, or social media, though response times can vary.
Specific pricing details are best confirmed directly with Gilmerton Cove when booking your appointment. Visitors have noted that a pre-pay system would be beneficial to prevent no-shows.
Gilmerton Cove has experienced periods of temporary closure, sometimes due to roadworks or water buildup. It's crucial to check their current operational status before planning your visit.
Tours at Gilmerton Cove can last a while, offering an in-depth exploration of the subterranean chambers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for navigating the uneven underground surfaces. Many visitors recommend wearing hiking boots. Additionally, it can be cold below ground, so bringing a jacket or warm layer is advised.
No, Gilmerton Cove is not suitable for individuals with significant mobility issues. The tour involves descending stairs and moving around in the chambers, requiring a good level of mobility.
The exact origins and purpose of Gilmerton Cove are a mystery, sparking much speculation. Theories range from a Mithraeum (ancient Roman temple), a Masonic lodge, an illegal whisky still, an abandoned mine, or even a family home. Some suggest it dates back 1700 years, while others believe it's around 300 years old.
The 'hidden gem' aspect of Gilmerton Cove lies in its mysterious, hand-carved subterranean chambers, which are unlike anything else in the region. The intrigue surrounding its purpose and age adds to its allure.
Rumours suggest a tunnel may run from Gilmerton Cove to Rosslyn Chapel, but this has not been discovered.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside Gilmerton Cove, allowing you to capture the unique atmosphere of the underground chambers.
The most striking photo opportunities are within the hand-carved chambers themselves, showcasing the intricate stonework and mysterious ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🕵️ History Buffs & Mystery Seekers
🚶♀️ Active Explorers & Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Unraveling the Mystery of Gilmerton Cove
Theories abound regarding its creation. Some suggest it dates back as far as 1700 years, potentially serving as a Mithraeum (a temple dedicated to the Roman god Mithras) or an ancient druid temple. Others propose a more recent origin, around 300 years ago, with uses ranging from a Masonic lodge, an illegal whisky still, an abandoned mine, or even a secret family home. The lack of definitive evidence only adds to its mystique.
Exploring Gilmerton Cove involves navigating narrow passages and chambers, requiring visitors to be mobile and wear appropriate footwear. The atmosphere is often described as unique and captivating, offering a stark contrast to the bustling city above. Despite its enigmatic nature, it's consistently praised as a hidden gem and a worthwhile detour for those seeking unusual historical experiences in Edinburgh.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
When you visit, comfort and safety are key. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, with hiking boots being a popular choice among visitors for navigating the uneven underground terrain.
Getting to Gilmerton Cove is relatively straightforward, with easy bus access from central Edinburgh making it a convenient excursion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit