Circus Lane

Circus Lane is one of Edinburgh’s most charming and photogenic streets - a quiet cobbled mews lane tucked behind the grand crescents of the New Town. This narrow street is lined with converted coach houses, once used as a service area for the surrounding Georgian mansions. Today this quaint street is as highly sought after as the mansions its former residents used to look after, and it is a hugely popular photo location. The distinctive clock tower of St Stephen’s Church rises at the far end, and draws the viewer’s eye along this gentle curved street.

Circus lane is a public thoroughfare and very popular with visitors, so patience is needed for a clear frame. All seasons work well, though late spring and summer bring out the flowering plants that add colour to the doorways. No tripod is needed in daylight conditions which is handy as you will likely have to work fast around others. There is minimal traffic here and it is slow moving. Afternoon light is best if you are shooting on a bright day to ensure the lane is illuminated, but this composition also works well when it’s overcast or even raining for an atmospheric and moody feel.