Last Updated on the 2nd of November, 2026
Resting beneath the historic Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens unfolds like a green canvas.
If you go for a stroll through the gardens, you’ll find vibrant foliage all year-round – cherry blossoms in spring, roses in summer, vibrant maple leaves in the fall, and evergreens in the winter.
The park is located between Old and New Town and is one of the best places from which you can get stunning Edinburgh Castle views, as it sits right below the massive rock face of the castle, giving you a dramatic upward perspective.
It is also a place where you can find hidden kirkyards, historic monuments, playgrounds, seasonal events, and plenty of spots to simply sit with an ice cream and soak up the atmosphere. Whenever I visit Edinburgh, I bring a lunch and watch the bustle of the city pass me by.
But did you know that originally these gardens used to be a stinking marsh, called the Nor’ Loch?
It all started in the 1460s, when King James III ordered the valley to be flooded to make it into a defensive moat and barrier for Edinburgh Castle and the city’s northern side.
Over the centuries, it turned into a stinking sewer because of how Edinburgh city grew.
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The Nor’ Loch: Origins and Grim History
Back in a day, Edinburgh had a very limited sanitation system; therefore, all waste – slaughterhouse refuse, household waste, human waste and even dead animals-all ended up in the Nor’ Loch, creating a foul-smelling reservoir of filth and earning it an unpleasant reputation.
What’s more, when in the sixteenth century witchcraft trials became popular in the city, a common way of testing whether suspects were actually witches was by dropping them in a body of water: if they floated, they were guilty.
While in Scotland this technique was not widely used, there are stories that some suspected witches were dunked in the Nor’ Loch, but the trial was abandoned because the Loch was so clogged up with the waste that it was very difficult to get anything at all to sink in it, let alone people.
When Edinburgh’s New Town expanded, the toxic marshland became a severe health hazard.
The draining of Nor’ Loch, during which, I might add, workers discovered numerous human bones and skeletons, began in stages in the late 18th century to allow construction of the North Bridge and was successfully transformed into the lush Princes Street Gardens public park we know it now.
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Exploring Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens, now a World Heritage Site, are divided into two sections separated by The Mound, the artificial hill that connects the Old and New Towns and now houses the Scottish National Gallery.
These sections are named East Princes Street Gardens and West Princes Street Gardens, respectively.
The eastern side, located next to Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, spans approximately 8.5 acres and has long served as a public park.
The larger western end, covering 29 acres, officially became a public park in 1876, but this was met with fierce opposition from the local residents of the area, who were using the green space as their private recreational zone that was only open to the public on Christmas, New Year’s Day and one other day every year.
Today, Princes Street Gardens as a whole are a beautiful green statement at the heart of Edinburgh.
But it’s not just gardens; it’s a place steeped in history, and like most of Edinburgh, it has its dark past.
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Top Things To Do in Princes Street Gardens
The Princes Street Gardens is a great sightseeing stop and a place to slow down for an hour.
With free entry, 37 acres of green space, two cafés, world-class museums, and a stunning view of Edinburgh Castle, it makes it one of the most rewarding stops you can make in Edinburgh city.
Here are some of the best things to do in the gardens:
View & Photograph the beautiful Ross Fountain
Located in the heart of West Gardens, the ornate 19th-century fountain is one of the best postcard-worthy views in the city for photos with Edinburgh Castle in the background.
Jean-Baptiste Jules Klagmann created the fountain in France in the 1860s and showed it at the 1862 Great London Exhibition, where Daniel Ross noticed it.
He was so captivated by the fountain that he bought it and gifted it to Edinburgh.
Before the fountain was shipped to Edinburgh, it was split into 122 pieces and reassembled at Princes’ Street Gardens. The project took years, and unfortunately, Daniel Ross was unable to see the fountain finished. He died one year before the fountain was completed and opened to the public in 1872.
If you look closely, you can see sculptures of cherubs, lions, eight mermaids, and four female muses representing arts, science, poetry, and industry.
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Climb the Scott Monument
Standing proudly in the East Princes Street Gardens is a striking memorial with dramatic spires dedicated to one of Scotland’s most beloved writers-Sir Walter Scott.
Soaring at 200 feet and 6 inches, it holds the world record as the largest monument to a writer, making it even bigger than the José Martí monument in Havana.
At the base of the monument, you can see a white marble statue of Sir Walter Scott himself, carved from a 30-ton block of Carrara marble by Sir John Steell. He’s depicted sitting with his loyal deerhound Maida by his side.
The inside of the monument isn’t just a hollow tower—it’s home to a cosy little museum where you can learn about his literary career and how the monument came to be.
There are 287 steps to the top of the Scott Monument, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.
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After Sir Walter Scott died in 1832, the people of Edinburgh were determined to honour him in a way that matched the scale of his literary legacy.
The Binny sandstone used for construction was incredibly hard—great for enduring Edinburgh weather, but brutal for those who worked it.
Unfortunately, the stonemasons, who carved the tower’s ornate details, paid a high price.
The fine dust generated during the carving process led to widespread cases of silicosis, with nearly half the workforce succumbing to lung disease—a devastating reminder of the human effort involved in building monuments of this scale.
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Stop by the Scottish National Gallery
Situated on The Mound between the two gardens, this gallery houses a significant collection of Scottish and international art.
If you wish to discover masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Turner, as well as the iconic Scottish Colourists, then you should stop by the Scottish National Gallery.
The gallery is located on the Mound right next to Princes Street Gardens; it would be easy to incorporate it into your daily Edinburgh itinerary.
I was astounded by the quality and the variety of the collection and delighted to see the showstopper paintings that draw visitors from far and wide – Monarch of the Glen by Sir Edwin Landseer, the eternal symbol of Scotland and the most reproduced of all 19th-century British paintings.
The painting of The 12-point stag set against a misty Highland was my favourite highlight, as well as Winter Landscape by Hendrick Avercamp.
- Address: The Mound, Edinburgh, EH2 2EL
- Opening Times: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- General Admission: Free entry
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See the charming Gardiners Cottage
When the city council renovated the gardens in 1886, they built a lovely red stone cottage for the Head Gardener who used to maintain the gardens.
The historic cottage is set on the mound beneath the Floral Clock and beside the Garden of Remembrance.
Today, you can find a sign saying “Great Aunt Lizzie’s Cottage”, because it was featured in Teacup Travels, a CBeebies TV series.
No one lives here today, but it is private property, so you can only admire it from the outside over the hedgerows.
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Explore Historical Statues and Monuments
Within the park, you can also discover many various sculptures and monuments.
There are several historical statues dedicated to poet Allan Ramsay, explorer David Livingstone, publisher Adam Black, and the Scottish doctor James Simpson.
You will also find many war memorials such as:
- Wojtek the Soldier Bear Statue: A sculpture commemorating the famous bear that served with the Polish Army during World War II
- Royal Scots Greys Monument: A memorial that is dedicated to the famous cavalry regiment
- Royal Scots War Memorial: The sculpture honours members of the Royal Scots regiment who gave their lives in service
- Norwegian Memorial Stone: A tribute to Norwegian-Scottish wartime connections and service during the mid-century global conflict
Read More: Some of The Best Things To See At The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh
See the Floral Clock
Another beloved feature of Princes Street Gardens is the Floral Clock, said to be the world’s oldest, made up of over 35,000 individual colourful flowers and plants across a 200-square-metre display, which change with the seasons.
John McHattie originally crafted the clock in 1903, using vibrant Lobelia, Pyrethrum, and other flowers.
It is a fully functioning clock featuring moving hands that keep accurate time. You can also listen for the cuckoo, which pops out to call every hour.
The floral clock is a delightful feature of the Gardens, and it is well worth a quick, free stop if you are already walking through the gardens.
I always stop by it because each year, it features a different theme that honours notable anniversaries, historical figures, local organisations, or charities.
*Good to know – the clock is in full bloom from June through late September or October, and is then dismantled for the winter
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Enjoy Seasonal Events
Princes Street Gardens is also a place where many key festivals take place throughout the year.
- In winter, the East Gardens are transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights and stalls, seasonal food, Santa’s Story, and amusement park rides. A large Ferris wheel that provides panoramic views of the city skyline is also present during festival seasons.
- In autumn, the annual Edinburgh Oktoberfest celebrations are held in the West Gardens. You can sample bratwurst, schnitzel and beer shipped from Bavaria.
- Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Celebrations, the largest event of the year, also take place in the gardens with live concerts and performances.
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Stop by St. Cuthbert’s Church and Graveyard
Once you explore the gardens and see the beautiful Ross Fountain, make sure you wander a bit further, pass by the playground and stop by St. Cuthbert’s Church and Graveyard, located near the junction between Princes Street and Lothian Road.
St Cuthbert’s Kirkyard is one of my favourite places because the collection of blackened gravestones, old trees swaying in the wind, crypts and dramatic views create a completely different atmosphere from the gardens.
The historic kirkyard is one of Edinburgh’s oldest Christian sites, dating back to the 7th century, and serves as the final resting place for notable figures like writer Thomas De Quincey and mathematician John Napier.
I have yet to visit the church, but it is said to have Victorian Baroque and Renaissance interior features with rare stained glass.
What’s more, it’s where my favourite writer, Agatha Christie, married her second husband in 1930.
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Practical Information for Visiting Princes Street Gardens
The City of Edinburgh Council manages both East and West Gardens, and the gates open at 7 am sharp. Closing times, however, shift with the seasons.
In summer, the park stays open until around 10 pm to make the most of long Scottish evenings. However, in winter, the gates close as early as 6 pm.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome but have to be on leads at all times
- Entry fee: Free entry for both East and West Gardens
- Opening hours: Open daily from 7 am; closing time varies seasonally (6 pm in winter, up to 10 pm in summer)
- Scott Monument admission: Around £10 for adults, with discounts for children and concessions
- Accessibility: Most main paths would easily suit wheelchairs and pushchairs, although some parts and access points involve steps and very steep inclines
- Toilets: Public facilities are located in both East and West Gardens
- Cafés: Sir Walter’s Café in East Gardens and a kiosk near the Ross Fountain in West Gardens
- Wi-Fi: Free public Wi-Fi available across central Edinburgh
- Closing Times: The park closes overnight for public safety
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Best Photo Spots in the Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens has one of the best views of Edinburgh Castle, and if you’re looking for photography ideas, these are some of my favourite spots:
- Ross Fountain: The classic frame, with the fountain in the foreground and the castle directly above
- Footbridge over the railway: Slightly elevated, unobstructed angle
- East Gardens Steps — lovely layered Edinburgh Castle views
- Cherry blossom trees (March–April): Natural pink frame around the ramparts
- The Mound path: Castle perspective shifts as you climb
- Scottish National Gallery terraces: Useful when the gardens are crowded
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Final Word
And there you have it, some of the best things to see and do in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens.
As you can see, there’s lots to do, from historic monuments to dramatic castle views, and seasonal highlights.
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Now, over to you!
Have you ever been to Princes Street Gardens? Let us know in the comments below!
Let us know if you are planning a visit to Princes Street Gardens and have travel-related questions
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Phenomenal article. The pics are great, especially of the castle and the spire. A wonderfully written guide to a most beautiful city. I’ll take this with me when I visit, Aiva, for sure!
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Thanks so much for your wonderful comment, dear Francisco. On my most recent visit in July, I had wonderful weather for capturing plenty of decent photos, thanks to endless sunshine and beautiful light. Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh are always well worth visiting because they offer free admission, stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, and a peaceful green space right in the city centre. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It’s always a pleasure dear Aiva. Thank you for such phenomenal insights and information! All the best!
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What a fab, inspirational guide to Princes Street Gardens! I had no idea that the draining of Nor’ Loch lead to the current layout of the gardens, and that workers discovered numerous human bones and skeletons — That’s so intriguing! It’s been years since I last saw the stunning Ross Fountain, although I remember it well, and how amazing it is to see it in person. I remember climbing the Scott Monument as a child; your guide has inspired me to go back now I’m an adult. My husband would enjoy seeing The Gardiners Cottage, as he’s into traditionally constructed buildings. We’d also really enjoy visiting St. Cuthbert’s Church and Graveyard; it sounds really atmospheric. Thanks for sharing! 🦋🌸🍂
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The last time I climbed Scott Monument was probably a decade or more ago. That’s why, on my last visit, given how beautiful and sunny the weather was, I gave it a go once more and was absolutely delighted to see the city from such a stunning vantage point, as well as learn a few new things about Walter Scott. I learned that Waverley Train Station is named after Waverley, the historical novel by Sir Walter Scott. I never knew that. St. Cuthbert’s Church and Graveyard is a peaceful and beautiful place to recharge for a bit. I sat down there to have my sandwich and was unexpectedly accompanied by a lovely little squirrel. I still have a video of the squirrel munching on some leaves right next to me – it was one of my favourite moments from the trip to Edinburgh. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Such a beautiful park! Our hotel was across the street from the park so we walked through almost every day when we were in Edinburgh. I had no idea it used to be Nor’Loch. Glad it was drained and beautified.
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It’s quite hard to believe that the beautifully blooming gardens were once a dumping ground for human and animal faeces, as well as a spot for murderers to dispose of their victims – after all, it’s not as though anyone was then going to go diving in to find them. Today, these gardens are a lovely place to walk, or just to sit and relax. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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A wonderful post about this beautiful garden Aiva. I never knew the Nor’ Loch’s disgusting history, so thanks for sharing. So glad that all changed and that this garden was created. We spent time there with our boys in 2008 and it seemed all Edinburgh was there too. Have a wonderful Monday. Allan
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Princes Street Gardens has a unique and dramatic history, dear Allan, and I doubt anyone actually complained when the literal cesspit was drained to make way for North Bridge and then the pleasure gardens. They are, after all, a far nicer way to welcome tourists off the train at Waverley. I am glad you had a chance to visit the gardens, too. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Wow! Such beautiful photos and descriptions, thanks for sharing the beauty! I’d love to visit!
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Thank you kindly. It’s nice that the city transformed the medieval defensive moat and polluted waste dump into one of Edinburgh’s most famous urban parks. It’s such a beautiful place to visit throughout the year. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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That had to be an enormous amount of work and money to transform such a mess. Thank you, you too!
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Princes Street Gardens is truly one of the most magical places in Edinburgh.
I love how you brought its dark history to life alongside those postcard views.
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These days, it’s easy to forget the fetid past of one of the most beautiful green spaces in Edinburgh when you’re enjoying an ice cream or just relaxing. It’s a place I always check out whenever I am in the city because it is one of the most picturesque urban parks in the UK. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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You are so right, dear Aiva! It’s hard to imagine its ‘fetid past’ while enjoying such a picturesque park today. Thank you for sharing this brilliant guide 💗
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I’m.always very happy Aiva when I climb up the steps of Waverley Station onto Princes Street. I try and visit each year and whatever the season, always enjoy a visit.
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Same here, dear Marion, same here. I never pass up an opportunity to visit the gardens whenever I am in Edinburgh, as there’s so much to see throughout the year – cherry blossoms in the spring, vibrant flower beds in the summer, and colourful foliage in the autumn. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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The gardens look like a lovely place to linger. I especially would like to visit the kirkyard. Great post, Aiva.
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Thank you, dear Tricia. People walk through Princes Street Gardens every day, often unaware they are standing where Edinburgh’s defensive loch once lay. From a medieval barrier and a stinking reservoir to one of the city’s great public spaces—few places show Edinburgh’s transformation more clearly. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I was not aware of the background of the garden area. Thanks for that info! If you go back to the churchyard, look for the statue of Bum the dog. You can see him in my post about our visit to the gardens back in 2024. https://mariezwrites.com/2024/10/16/scotland-day-10-the-last-day/
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I read about the statue of Bum the dog a while ago, but forgot to look out for it when I was in the churchyard. I shall seek it out next time. Thanks for the link – I’ll check that out. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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If I am walking to the station, I will often walk through Princes Street Gardens instead of along Princes Street – it’s funny how it feels worlds away from the pavements bustling with shoppers, despite being sandwiched right between the Old and New Towns. A great write-up, Aiva!
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That’s exactly what I thought when I was walking from the west part of the Gardens to the St Cuthbert’s churchyard- it’s funny how it feels worlds away from the busy Princes Street. At one point, for a split second, I had the place all to myself and couldn’t believe how surreal it felt. I love exploring the gardens – some of my best memories from living in Edinburgh are from here. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Fantastic guide, Aiva. It’s such a beautiful, historic city xx
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Thank you kindly, dear Jo. I always walk through the park whenever I am in Edinburgh, and it always seems to offer an escape from the crowds and chaos of most of the streets in the Old Town. You could easily spend an hour or two in the park or just a few minutes, depending on what you had going on. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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The history of so many places is incredibly interesting, may we all learn from the past and do better in the future. Tthe floral clock looks absolutely beautiful!
Thank you for another fascinating blog Aiva.
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Edinburgh’s Floral Clock is a beautiful and unique work of living art. A brand-new theme is planted every year using tens of thousands of vibrant flowers like lobelia, golden moss, and succulents, and I am always eager to see the new design. And yes, accepting responsibility for mistakes rather than ignoring them or repeating them is the only way forward. Thanks for stopping by, dear Glenys; it’s always so nice to hear from you 🙂 Aiva xx
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A little piece of heaven on earth – lovely gardens!
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Thank you kindly. It’s always nice to have green spaces in the city with vibrant lawns and tree-lined paths where one can relax and recharge. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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What a huge transformation; thanks to hard work and love, the place has come to life and is thriving. It looks like a wonderful spot for a stroll, especially during the summer months – everything looks so wonderful and full of life.
Have a lovely day, xx
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You are right, dear Christie; the gardens are very lovely during the summer. The park fills with lush green grass, blooming seasonal flowers, and lively crowds enjoying long daylight hours beneath the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. As the gardens are located right next to an airport shuttle bus stop, I always sneak in for a few minutes before my departure to reflect on my time in the city. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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What a convenient location, one more reason to visit this park! 🥰
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I always love a visit to these gardens, surely there are few gardens in the world with a better view!
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I’ve seen those sweeping upward views of Edinburgh Castle and the historic Old Town skyline from the gardens and never really tyre of them. It is a truly wonderful green space where you can just sit on the grass or on park benches with an ice cream while watching the city pass by. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Fun to learn about this new area.
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The gardens are a popular Edinburgh tourist destination, especially beautiful in the spring and summer when the flowers are blooming. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Beautiful! This looks like a nice peaceful place to walk around. Thanks for sharing!
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The Gardens are beautiful all year round. It is where many locals meet up, especially at the Ross Fountain, one of the park’s most important monuments. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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A wonderful guide, Aiva. I’m thankful that these green spaces still exist in cities around the world. 🙂
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I am also glad that these green spaces still exist because cities desperately need them; parks, trees, gardens, and green roofs clean the air and boost mental and physical health. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Green spaces like forrests are the lungs of the earth, they say.
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Princes Streets Gardens is iconic to Edinburgh– even when I visited in the winter with barren trees, it was still a beautiful site to see! Love the views of the Edinburgh Castle from below with the Ross Fountain, and I’d love to return to Edinburgh to see it again. Thanks for sharing, Aiva, and have a great day 🙂
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Edinburgh’s Princes St Gardens is a leafy and beautiful place for a wander – but only a few hundred years ago, it was something VERY different. I am glad you enjoyed them, too, dear Rebecca. In winter the gardens might be skeletal, yet they are also dramatic, with the low sun angle casting long shadows across the frost-hardened grass. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It looks like a wonderful place to spend some time exploring.
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Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh are well worth exploring. They offer a free, central green space with dramatic views of Edinburgh Castle, historic monuments, and a calm escape right between the Old and New Towns. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Brilliant guide! I didnt know about Loch Nor and its murky past.
Good to know the best places to take 📸 photos .
Thank you 😊
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Thanks so much. Yes, it’s amazing how not that long ago the blooming gardens used to be a place everyone avoided. Cleaning up and draining the stinking medieval marsh was a positive transformation, and today the gardens offer several standout photography spots often used by professional photographers for their photoshoots. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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This was a really interesting read Aiva. I’ve spent some time in Princes Street Garden, but apparently I missed a lot of what makes it special. I’ll just have to go back and revisit it sometime 🙂
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Thanks so much. I love the blooming flowers and autumn foliage as much as the park’s dramatic history. It’s hard to imagine that once it was a site for drowning accused witches. The area now occupied by Princes Street Gardens has certainly seen many changes over the years. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Well it didn’t have the nicest beginnings, but they made great use of it now. Maggie
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Converting a neglected, foul-smelling medieval defensive marsh and dumping ground into a clean, green public park was definately a very good idea. Thanks for stopping by, and have a goodd ay 🙂 Aiva xx
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The Princes Street Gardens look lovely and that floral clock is absolutely gorgeous. Hard to believe it was once a marsh filled with waste.
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It’s a beautiful green space that features the city’s major cultural and historical attractions, including the world-famous Floral Clock. The clock itself is a historic masterpiece of horticultural engineering and carpet-bedding design, and is definitely worth seeing. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Interesting post! Next time I visit Edinburgh I need to enjoy the views from the top of the monument 🙂
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You would very much enjoy it because the views from the Scott Monument offer unique 360-degree panoramas of central Edinburgh, including Princes Street, Edinburgh Castle, and the North Bridge. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I’m definitely overdue another trip to Edinburgh!
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Visiting Edinburgh is always a great idea. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I love visiting city parks – it’s always amazing how it feels like you’re in nature, while at the same time being right in the middle of a city. Edinburgh has such a wide variety of attractions – there’s really something for everyone. Love the Floral Clock.
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I also love visiting city parks, dear Corna, because parks and gardens reduce travel fatigue, offer a break from urban noise, and reveal how locals live. On my last trip to Edinburgh, I returned to Princes Street Gardens many times to give myself a break from the sensory overload that comes from traffic, crowds, and navigation. The Floral Clock is a pretty neat addition to the park and well worth seeing because it is unique historical landmark. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I have visited Edinburgh and remember being impressed by its magnificent architecture, fascinating history and spectacular castle. However, I never specifically explored Princes Street Gardens, so your article reveals another side of the city that I largely missed. I particularly enjoyed learning about the transformation of the polluted Nor’ Loch into such a beautiful green space. The Ross Fountain looks magnificent, especially with the castle rising dramatically behind it. I also find the Scott Monument particularly impressive. Edinburgh is a city that deserves several visits, and your photographs have given me another good reason to return someday and explore further!
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Thanks so much for your wonderful comment 🙂 When I lived in Edinburgh, I used Princes Street Gardens as a shortcut on my daily route to and from work, so, as you can imagine, it holds many special memories. And I agree with you – Edinburgh is a city that is well worth multiple visits because its deep layer-cake of history, shifting seasonal events, and status as a hub for the Scottish Highlands offer far more than a single trip can cover. I hope you get to return and go for a stroll around the Princes Street Gardens. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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