Name: Dovecot Studios
Rating: 5.0

Dovecot Studios

Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Dovecot is a world-renowned tapestry studio in the heart of Edinburgh and a landmark centre for contemporary art, craft and design. Established in 1912, Dovecot continues a century-long heritage of collaboration with international artists to make exceptional handwoven tapestries and gun-tufted rugs.

Alongside the tapestry studio, Dovecot run an exciting programme of exhibitions and events to further explore contemporary art, craft and design. From visiting our latest exhibitions to watching the weavers at work, there is something for arts, crafts and design lovers at Dovecot Studios.

Price starts from £12.70 for General Admission. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Historic Weaving Floor: Experience the heart of the building where master weavers create contemporary tapestries and tufted rugs using traditional techniques.
Working Tapestry Studio: Watch history in the making as artists work on intricate textile projects from the elevated viewing balcony.
Contemporary Exhibitions: Explore a rotating programme of exhibitions celebrating art, fashion, textiles, and design from both local and international creators.
Educational Day Out: Gain a deeper understanding of the physics of weaving and the evolution of textile art through accessible displays.
Design & Craft Shop: Browse a curated collection of beautifully made gifts, books, and textiles created by independent makers.

What to See

The Weaving Floor: Observe the weavers at work in a space that once served as the historic Old Town swimming baths.
Victorian Vaulted Ceilings: Admire the architecture of the repurposed baths, which provide a bright, open, and atmospheric setting for art.
Wool Spool Wall: A striking, colourful display of wool that serves as a vibrant visual centrepiece for the studio.
Permanent Textile Displays: Discover various historical items and tools of the trade that have been used by weavers for generations.
The Viewing Balcony: Stand on the elevated platform to gain a "bird's-eye view" of the entire creative process on the studio floor below.

Facilities

Accessibility: The building is fully accessible with lift access to all floors. There is a buzzer at the front entrance to request assistance from staff.
Toilets: Accessible toilets are available on-site.
Shop: A dedicated space selling artisanal gifts, books, and high-quality textile products.
Food: The on-site café serves refreshments and light bites during weekdays.

Pro-Tips

Arrival: The viewing balcony is most active on weekdays; try to plan your visit between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm (Monday–Friday) to see the weavers in action.
Timing: The building can be quiet, so it is a perfect "low-stimulation" activity for families needing a break from the busy streets of the Old Town.
Check Status: The viewing balcony is occasionally closed for private events; always check the "Visit" section of the official website before heading out.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? The studio is better suited for children aged 7 and older who can appreciate the delicate weaving process and follow the history of the building. Younger children may find the environment less engaging as it is a quiet, contemplative art space.
How long does a visit take? A typical visit lasts between 1 and 1.5 hours, which is enough time to watch the weavers, browse the current exhibition, and enjoy a quick break in the café.
Where is the best place to park? There is limited two-hour on-street parking on Infirmary Street. For longer stays, the NCP car park on Holyrood Road is the most reliable option for visitors.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The atmosphere is calm and highly creative, providing a refreshing change from loud or crowded tourist attractions.
Families appreciate the unique opportunity to see real-time craftsmanship and the history of the Victorian bathhouse.
The staff are frequently described as helpful and welcoming, making the experience accessible for all ages.

What Visitors Don't Like

There are no on-site cloakroom or left-luggage facilities, which can be challenging if you are carrying bags or strollers.
Because it is a working studio, some areas might be inaccessible during specific private events or exhibition changeovers.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

Dovecot is an active production space, meaning the "collection" evolves as weavers complete new commissions. Visitors can observe the following elements:
High-Warp Looms: Massive vertical frames used by weavers to produce handwoven tapestries.
Tufting Guns: Specialized tools used to create large-scale, gun-tufted rugs.
Wool Spool Walls: A vibrant, towering display of hundreds of shades of dyed wool.
Cartoon Boards: Full-scale design templates pinned to walls, acting as the "map" for the weavers.
Weaving Combs: Handheld steel tools used to beat down the weft threads for density.
Contemporary Tapestry Commissions: Look out for works like the "Sibyls" triptych or collaborations with artists such as Sekai Machache.
Tapestry Colour Studies: Small-scale samples created for high-profile commissions like those by Elizabeth Blackadder.
Historical Architecture: The building’s original Victorian vaulted ceilings and pool hall layout.
Textile Tool Displays: Historical weaving implements used by master weavers for generations.
Exhibition-Specific Artifacts: Rotating items including historical embroidery, fashion garments, and textile sculptures.

Beyond the Main Attraction

The Royal Mile: A short walk from the studio, offering a deep dive into Edinburgh’s historic Old Town.
National Museum of Scotland: A short walk away, offering extensive history and science collections.
Edinburgh Castle: The iconic fortress is within a 10-minute walk, perfect for combining your visit with major sightseeing.
Southside Creative Quarter: Explore the surrounding area’s independent bookstores, artisan cafés, and design shops.
The Grassmarket: Located nearby, this area is rich in history and offers fantastic views of the castle for family photos.

New for 2026

Elizabeth Blackadder: A Life in Colour: Marking five years since the artist's passing, this major exhibition (opening June 20, 2026) explores her 50-year collaboration with Dovecot and her celebrated use of colour.
Costume Couture: Sixty Years of Cosprop: Starting July 18, 2026, this exhibition offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the creative work of the world-famous costume house.
The Biba Story (1964–1975): A fashion-focused retrospective exploring how Biba became the world's first true lifestyle brand.
David Remfry: In Residence: Featuring 30 evocative paintings and the artist’s first-ever tapestry created at Dovecot.
Drawing on Style: A showcase of original fashion illustrations by icons like Antonio Lopez and Kenneth Paul Block.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Ticket prices for paid exhibitions are as follows:

General Admission: £12.70
Senior Concession (65+): £11.50
Student Concession: £11.50
Accessible Concession: £11.50
Art Fund: £6.40
Young Scot: £6.40
Carers go free: Free
12 and under: Free

Pricing URL: https://dovecotstudios.com/visit/admission-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Dovecot Studios does not currently offer public-facing birthday party packages. For private event or group booking inquiries, please contact the team at [email protected].

Gallery & Shop: Mon–Sat: 10am–5pm.
Tapestry Studio Viewing Balcony: Mon–Fri: 12-3pm & Sat: 10am–5pm.
Café: Mon–Fri: 9.30am–4pm & Sat-Sun: 10am–4pm.

Address: Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT, UK

Post Code: EH1 1LT

Council: Edinburgh

County: Edinburgh and Lothia

Car: There is 2-hour on-street parking on Infirmary Street. The closest public car park is the NCP car park on Holyrood Road.
Walk: Dovecot is a 10-minute walk from Waverley Train Station, Princes Street, and Holyrood Palace.
Bicycle: Edinburgh has a number of cycle lanes and paths. Dovecot has a bike rail at the front of the building.
Bus: Lothian Bus routes 3, 5, 7, 8, 14, 29, 30, 31, 33, 37, 47, 48, 49. See Lothian Busses for bus times.
Train: The closest train station is Edinburgh Waverley. From here it is a 10-minute walk or 5-minute taxi journey to Dovecot. See Scotrail for train times and tickets.
Parking: There is 2-hour on-street parking on Infirmary Street. The closest public car park is the NCP car park on Holyrood Road.