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Princes Street Gardens is a popular park in Edinburgh.
This Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site is sandwiched between Edinburgh’s Old Town and New Town, and the garden is split into two.
This is where the infamous Nor Loch was located, the dumping ground that possibly gave the city the nickname Auld Reekie.
East Princes Street Gardens is the busiest of the two, close to Edinburgh Waverley Train Station.
West Princes Street Gardens is between The Mound, which leads to The Royal Mile, and buzzing Lothian Road.
Edinburgh Castle overlooks the gardens, and during spring, photographers use the beautiful cherry blossom trees to frame the Castle.
You can read more about the cherry blossoms in Edinburgh here.
In autumn, there are a few lovely frames to capture, too! Walk along Princes Street for these shots.
Entering Princes Street Gardens
There are various entry points to the gardens:
- Waverley Bridge by Princes Street
- Market Street close Edinburgh Dungeons
- The Mound
- Princes Street
- King Stables Road
The park closes overnight for public safety.
West Princes Street Gardens
West Princes Street Gardens has lots to see, including St Margaret’s Well, The Ross Fountain (below), and a series of monuments.
One of the most unique things about West Princes Street Gardens is that it houses the world’s oldest floral clock, which dates back to 1903.
Since 1903, the Flower Clock has been planted; today, it uses around 30,000 plants.
Each year, the design of the floral clock celebrates an individual or group, such as the NHS workers, who have contributed to the city.
You can find the clock at the northeast corner of West Princes Street Gardens just before you cross the road into East Princes Street Gardens.
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It is worth walking around the gardens to find the photogenic Gardener’s Cottage, aka Great Aunt Lizzie’s House, from the BBC show Teacup Tales.
Throughout this garden are several monuments, such as a memorial to Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish novelist who wrote a significant book about Edinburgh, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
Learn more about Jekyll and Hyde in our spooky Edinburgh legends guide.
There is also a bronze elephant titled ‘Never Forget’ dedicated to the children of the Mortonhall baby ashes scandal.
East Princes Street Gardens
East Princes Street Gardens is the busiest garden.
Tourists can mostly be found around the Scott Monument area, looking to climb the 287 steps for views of the city, or at the Waverley Bridge entrance, waiting on a bus tour to start.
On sunny days, workers and groups of friends enjoy lunch and people-watching.
From the garden, you can access the Royal Scottish Academy and are close to the Scottish National Gallery.
Princes Street Gardens in December
In winter, Princes Street Gardens comes alive in the late afternoon and evening when the Edinburgh Christmas Market festivities take place.
Princes Street Gardens also plays its part during Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations at the end of December.
On the 31st, bands take to the Ross Bandstand to play to local and international crowds who are raring to ring in the new year.
Did you know that Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the biggest street party in the world?
Museums at Edinburgh Princes Street Gardens
The Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) and the Scottish National Gallery are located in separate buildings between the East and West Gardens.
Both are free to enter unless there is an exhibition at the RSA.
In February, the RSA showcases award-winning graduates handpicked from Scottish art schools.
My cousin and Everything Edinburgh writer Katherine Fay Allan’s exhibition ‘The Rest of Us, We Just Go Gardening’ was presented at the RSA in 2020.
It was a very proud moment for my family.
The Gallery Cafe (Contini) offers lovely views of the gardens.
These views are best enjoyed with a cup of tea and a scone with jam.
Read next | Free things to do in Edinburgh
Princes Street Gardens Facilities
There are toilets dotted around both parks. Disabled access toilets require a radar key.
You can purchase snacks, lunch, and drinks at Sir Walter’s Cafe in the Gardens, a cute kiosk with outdoor seating in East Princes Street Gardens.
There is also a cafe with outdoor seating in the West Garden close to the Ross Fountain.
Princes Street Garden Rules
- Dogs must be on leashes at all times.
- Ball games are prohibited.
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Its a long time (mid 1960’s) since I last visited the city – so this guide has been useful!! I am aware that benches in the gardens are normally dedicated to deceased family or friends. My grand parents had a bench dedicated to them which I saw during that last visit. Is there any way of finding out if that bench still remains? And if so, where is it located?
That’s a lovely thing to read. I think Edinburgh Council would be the best people to start with. I hope you have success.