This famous green space offers a welcome respite from the bustle of central Edinburgh, and there's plenty to see here too.
Reclaimed in the 1820s from the “lost loch” known as Nor Loch, Princes Street Gardens has become one of the most popular places to relax in the city. It runs alongside Edinburgh's main shopping thoroughfare, Princes Street, and neatly separates the Old Town from the New Town.In turn, the gardens themselves are divided in two by a man-made hill known as the Mound – the smaller East Princes Street Gardens on one side, West Princes Street Gardens on the other.The western part is home to a wonderful clock made entirely of flowers which is said to be the oldest floral clock in the world. Marvel at the bright and beautiful display, where even the hands and numbers are made of flowers.Check out Ross Fountain. This ornately designed piece boasts a number of golden mermaids, as well as four female figures representing different aspects of society: the arts, poetry, industry and science. The fountain is topped off with a beautiful female figure holding the highest cornucopia. This part of the park also has an extensive playground that will keep the little ones occupied for hours on end.Strolling into East Princes Street Gardens, you will be struck by the many objects of remembrance and celebration dating from throughout history. Climb the 287 steps to the Scott Monument, built in homage to Sir Walter Scott. The famous explorer David Livingstone is also memorialised in this part of the park.The gardens are open throughout the year. December sees the arrival of the Winter Wonderland, brightening up the long, dark winter months. It includes a huge Ferris wheel, sleigh rides, and a rink for ice-skating amongst its many amusements.Princes Street Gardens' location at the heart of Edinburgh makes for easy access, and there are plenty of buses and other types of transport running here. The gardens are open during daylight hours, and have on-site public toilet facilities.
