Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Don't Miss
Scott Monument
The eastern half of Princes Street Gardens is dominated by the massive Gothic spire of the
Scott Monument ( www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk ; admission £3; 10am-7pm Mon-Sat Apr-
Sep, 9am-4pm Mon-Sat Oct-Mar, 10am-6pm Sun year-round) , built by public subscription in
memory of the novelist Sir Walter Scott after his death in 1832. The exterior is decorated
with carvings of characters from his novels; inside you can see an exhibition on Scott's
life, and climb the 287 steps to the top for a superb view of the city.
West End Churches
The western end of the gardens is dominated by the tower of St John's Church , worth
visiting for its fine Gothic Revival interior. It overlooks St Cuthbert's Parish Church ,
built in the 1890s on a site of great antiquity - there has been a church here since at least
the 12th century, and perhaps since the 7th century. There is a circular Watch Tower in
the graveyard, a reminder of the days when graves had to be guarded against bodysnatch-
ers.
Floral Clock & Ross Bandstand
At the entrance to the western gardens on the corner of Princes St and the Mound is the
Floral Clock , a working clock laid out in flowers; it was first created in 1903 and the
design changes every year. In the middle of the western part of the gardens is the Ross
Bandstand , a venue for open-air concerts in summer and at Hogmanay, and the stage for
the famous Fireworks Concert during the Edinburgh Festival.
Top Tips
The gardens are home to events throughout the year, from the Edinburgh Festival Fireworks
Concert to the Christmas Market and ice-skating rink in December. See
www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk/venues/princes-street-gardens .
Spring is the time to see the gardens' flower displays at their best - in April the slopes below
the castle esplanade are thick with yellow daffodils.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search