Walk around the block at Spaces Lochrin Square, Edinburgh

Moments from Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street and the conference centre, Spaces Lochrin Square offers a modern workspace in the heart of Edinburgh. Spaces Lochrin Square is a well-placed workspace within easy reach of Edinburgh’s famous sights. Find inspiration around the block in the Scottish capital

We go around the block in historic Edinburgh, the celebrated Scottish capital famous for its mediaeval castle and Harry Potter connections. As the heart of Scottish government, it is welcoming a growing community of Spaces members.

King of the castle

There are few more inspiring places to work than at Spaces Lochrin Square. Set in the shadow of the imposing Edinburgh Castle, yet only a five-minute walk from the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, it’s easy to take a break from work and immerse yourself in Scottish history. Bearing down from Castle Rock at the head of the Old Town, it’s less than 15 minutes’ walk from the Spaces offices, along Fountainbridge and Johnson’s Terrace up to the fortress. Although the rock has been occupied since the second century, the current stronghold was built around the 12th century as a royal residence for David I, King of the Scots. While your busy schedule might not allow for a full-blown visit, at least nip through the entrance and give a nod to the statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace that flank the imposing Gateway. If you wander up at lunchtime, you’ll hear the legendary one o’clock gun, a cannon fired every day at 1pm.

The history of art

If that spreadsheet or contract is really taking its toll, it’s worth taking an hour out of the office to see the Old Masters at the Scottish National Gallery. Perched on The Mound, at the far end of Princes Street, it’s a 20-minute walk from the Spaces offices, or a ten-minute bus ride, but it’s worth making the effort. The grand Neoclassical monument houses major works from all the great Scottish painters including Sir Henry Raeburn and Alexander Nasmyth, as well as famed pieces by Constable, Turner and Monet.

Retail therapy on Princes Street

If you need supplies, head to Princes Street on the northern side of the castle. Regarded as one of the most impressive shopping streets in the world, thanks to its grand Georgian architecture, you’ll find a mix of high-street shops, such as the Apple Store and Harvey Nichols, and quirky independents, such as the Valvona & Crolla Scottish Food Hall. Alternatively, if the sun makes an appearance, relax on the lawns of Princes Street Gardens.

Find inspiration from Scottish literature

If you’re stuck writing that big report, head over to the Royal Mile and find inspiration from Harry Potter author, JK Rowling, whose golden handprints are found in front of the Edinburgh City Chambers. While you’re here, nip into The Writers’ Museum in Lawnmarket at the top of the Royal Mile. This free museum celebrates the greats of Scottish literature. See Robert Burns’ writing desk and original manuscripts, as well as various first editions by Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

Peace and quiet in the heart of the city

If time is tight and you only have moments for a breather in between meetings, then nip across Fountainbridge and wander around Lochrin Basin, part of Edinburgh Quay. This quiet hidden waterway was formed when the eastern end of the Union Canal was filled in and it’s now a peaceful area where local canal boats are moored.

Arthouse cinema

After work, kick back at a screening in one of Scotland’s oldest and most charismatic cinemas. The Cameo Picturehouse is a leisurely five-minute walk down Ponton Street from the offices. Opened in 1914 as the King’s Cinema, its elegant old-school appeal has attracted many famous faces over the year. From Quentin Tarantino, when it screened Pulp Fiction in 1994, to Irvine Welsh, who used it for the world première of Trainspotting in 1996.

Take a walk around the block to explore Old Town, New Town and then head back to Spaces to get some work done.