Once submerged under water and known as the Nor Loch, the Princes Street Gardens that are on the site today were created in the 1820s after a long process to drain the area. Today, the gardens are a picturesque retreat where visitors go to enjoy the relaxed ambience, right in the heart of Edinburgh.
The gardens run all the way down Princes Street, Edinburgh's primary thoroughfare and a retail haven. The space is split into two by a man-made hill known as the Mound. East Princes Street Gardens are on the one side, whilst on the other, you’ll find West Princes Street Gardens.
On the west side, there’s a stunning floral clock, a display created from thousands of different plants. This spectacular sight makes a great backdrop for a photo. The clock is a fully functioning timepiece and the flowers were first planted back in 1903, leading many to claim this is the world's most historic floral clock. Look carefully and you'll see that even the hands and numbers on the clock are made from flowers.
There’s also the Ross Fountain. A golden cast-iron structure decorated with sculptures depicting mermaids and four female figures, which represent the arts, science, poetry and industry. Nearby, there’s a large play area, with slides, tunnels and climbing ropes perfect if you have children with you.
Throughout this beautiful, you’ll discover a wide array of monuments and memorials. Take a walk up the 287 steps of the Scott Monument in East Princes Street Garden, a tribute to the legendary Scottish author Sir Walter Scott -- though you'll have to pay for the privilege. The David Livingstone monument can also be found in this part of the gardens, a tribute honouring of the country's greatest explorers.
The gardens are open all year round. In December, this space truly comes alive when the gardens play host to the annual 'Winter Wonderland', which has plenty of attractions, including an ice rink, Ferris wheel and sleigh rides. Located in the heart of town, the Princes Street Gardens are easy to reach and open daily from dawn to dusk.
