Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh

16 November 2022|Read time 3 mins

Princes Street Gardens is a spectacular green space in the city centre of Edinburgh, with uninterrupted views of the city's Old Town.

Running along the south side of Princes Street, the city's main shopping street, the 37 acres have a special place in the hearts of many visitors and locals.

Experiences of Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh

More years ago than I care to remember, Princes Street Gardens was the venue for my first-ever date.

We were too broke to afford a cafe and too young to be allowed in a pub.

Sadly, the date was not a great success. We did not repeat the experience.

Fondness for Princes Street Gardens

I do however retain a fondness for Princes Street Gardens.

Like many others in the city, I have spent hours strolling along its paths, pushing a buggy and chatting to friends, while drinking scalding coffee from a take-away cup.

It is a good place to listen to the gun that fires one o'clock from nearby Edinburgh Castle.

Edinburgh fireworks concert is also hosted in the gardens each August.

Last summer, I lay on the grass in Princes Street Gardens, sipping wine and watching the Fireworks Concert, which marks the end of the International Festival.

The park’s Ross Bandstand plays host to regular concerts and is a big feature of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations.

The Ross Fountain, located at the west end of the gardens, caused controversy when it arrived in the gardens in 1872.

The sight of its mermaids and naked female figures upset the Dean of nearby St John’s Episcopal Church so much he described the fountain as “grossly indecent and disgusting”.

Say hello to the train drivers

Less controversially, kids enjoy standing on the park’s viewing bridges over the neighbouring railway line to watch trains go past.

Drivers will often make a child’s day by tooting their horns and waving.

A state-of-the-art playpark at the west end of the park will keep older kids (five plus) occupied for long stretches.

Be warned, though. Its busyness can be daunting to younger children.

Statues and floral clock

The park is dissected by the stretch of a hill known as the Mound.

On the west side is the Ross Bandstand and Fountain, as well as statues of poet Allan Ramsay, reformer Thomas Guthrie and obstetric pioneer James Young Simpson.

There is also a tribute to Wotjek, the 'soldier bear', who was adopted by Polish soldiers during WWII and lived out his post-war life in Berwickshire.

A floral clock, which changes design every year, also draws visitors.

On the east side, are statues of explorer David Livingstone (smaller than anyone expects), publisher Adam Black and essayist Professor John Wilson.

And, of course, the Scott Monument, the world's largest monument to a writer.

The east side might sound impoverished compared to the attractions boasted by its westerly neighbour.

But it comes into its own at Christmas time when it transforms into a Winter Wonderland.

From the end of November until Hogmanay Princes Street Gardens plays host to the Edinburgh Christmas Markets.

Visitors can enjoy the magic of the festive season as they browse the market stalls, sip hot chocolate or brave the many fairground rides.

Visit Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens is a must for your self-catering trip to Edinburgh.

Relax with friends or family or take a walk in this beautiful green space in the heart of our city.

More relaxing walks can be had along the Water of Leith Walkway or, for those who are more adventurous, by climbing Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park.