A trip to Edinburgh wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of its most beautiful spots: Princes Street Gardens. Located right in the heart of the city, the park effectively divides it in two, serving as the boundary between Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns. The gardens run alongside the city’s main thoroughfare of the same name, Princes Street. According to locals, there’s a friendly rivalry where Glaswegians tease them that Princes Street is only half a street, as buildings line just one side. But Edinburgh residents know this isn’t a drawback; it’s a huge advantage. This unique layout provides uninterrupted views of the beautiful gardens and the basalt crag upon which Edinburgh Castle majestically stands. Let’s discover more about what makes Princes Street Gardens so special. Learn more at edinburgh-future.
The Story of Its Creation
The story begins back in the 18th century, when the site of the present-day park was occupied by the Nor’ Loch. To create a direct route between the Old and New Towns, the city authorities decided to drain the loch and build a large earthen mound, known as The Mound. This transformation began in 1759 and was largely complete by 1810. The Mound created two distinct areas which were then planted with gardens, giving residents a convenient way to travel between the Old and New Towns on foot.
The Mound divided the gardens into two unequal parts: East and West. The larger West Princes Street Gardens covers 12 hectares (around 30 acres) and stretches from The Mound to Lothian Road. The East Gardens are much smaller, at just 3.4 hectares (8.5 acres), lying between The Mound and Waverley Bridge. In the 1840s, a railway line was built through the valley, making the journey between the Old and New Towns even faster and more comfortable. Waverley Station opened in 1854 and, by the end of the 19th century, had expanded into the major railway hub it is today, Edinburgh Waverley, located in the eastern part of the gardens.
A Place for Relaxation and Gentle Pursuits
The park officially opened to the public around 1876 and, for nearly 150 years, has been one of the most beloved spots for locals and visitors alike. Princes Street Gardens are often called the green lungs of Edinburgh. It’s a well-deserved title, as the entire area is lush with countless trees and shrubs. Looking at the surrounding beauty, it’s clear that replacing the damp loch with urban green space was a brilliant move by the city’s leaders.
After a busy shopping spree on Princes Street, anyone can easily wander down into the park to relax and soak in the stunning views of the lawns and flowerbeds. You won’t find rollercoasters or other noisy attractions here; instead, it offers a range of more tranquil amusements. These include the Ferris wheel, offering bird’s-eye views of the Old Town and Castle; the magnificent Ross Fountain, which is stunningly illuminated at night; an ice rink during the Christmas season; an avenue of monuments to famous figures from Scottish and British history; and the enormous Floral Clock, which shows the correct time.
On a fine day, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee and a bun while sitting on the grass. Rose enthusiasts will be impressed by the variety of cultivars found throughout the gardens. During holidays and festivals, the park comes alive with a different kind of buzz, hosting various fairs and concerts at the Ross Bandstand.
The park is beautiful in every season, offering countless photo opportunities and dozens of memorable walking paths. If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and rejuvenate your mind and body, this is the place to be!