Princes Street Gardens

Princes Street Gardens lies at centre of Edinburgh's World Heritage Site, within New Town and Old Town Outstanding Conservation Areas.

About Princes Street Gardens

	Princes Street Gardens Princes Street, Edinburgh New Town EH2 2HG
	01315297921
	Princes Street Gardens Website

Listed Under Attractions - Gardens and Parks / Attractions - History and Culture / Activities - Walking

It is listed in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscape in Scotland and has geological and botanical scientific interest. The Gardens are set in the valley between the old and new towns with Edinburgh Castle on its rock towering above the western end. The park has been awarded a Green Flag since 2011 and its central location make it a popular choice with residents and visitors.

The world renowned Floral clock was first planted in 1903 and each year the planting scheme commemorates a special anniversary. The planting schemes are designed by the Technical team in the Parks and Greenspace Service. The colourful displays take 30,000 plants, and a variety of flower and foliage plants are used in the designs. All are of a dwarf nature, suitable for carpet bedding, including annuals such as Lobelia, Pyrethrum and Golden Moss and succulents such as Echeveria and Sedum.

There is a diverse and fascinating collection of public monuments and memorials in Princes Street Gardens dating mainly from the 1840s to 1990s. There are three types. The first commemorate influential Scottish men of the 18th and 19th centuries, including the Scott monument and the David Livingstone statue. The second group remember those who have died fighting in wars, including the Royal Scots Regimental Memorial and the Scots American War Memorial, and the third group include miscellaneous sculptures and monuments such as the Ross Fountain.

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Upcoming Events at Princes Street Gardens

Tour

Monumental Treasure Hunt: West Princes Street Gardens

18th January 2025 - 27th November 2025

Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh New Town

Welcome to the Monument-al Treasure Hunt in West Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh, a cultural & historical exploration for children & adults of all ages to enjoy.

Christmas

Edinburgh’s Christmas: Around the World Starflyer

15th November 2025 - 4th January 2026

Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh New Town

Try it if you dare! The Starflyer is back at Edinburgh's Christmas giving the finest, and most thrilling, views of the stunning city centre skyline!

Christmas

Edinburgh’s Christmas: Christmas Market

15th November 2025 - 4th January 2026

Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Old Town

One of the most iconic Christmas Markets in Europe, Edinburgh's Christmas Market returns to East Princes Street Gardens showcasing the best in artisan festive products and goods from local makers!

Christmas

Edinburgh’s Christmas: LNER Big Wheel

15th November 2025 - 4th January 2026

Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh New Town

The LNER Big Wheel returns to East Princes Street Gardens to give passengers a unique perspective of our spectacular city!

Charity and Fundraiser

Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk 2025

7th December 2025

Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh West

Edinburgh Santa Fun Run & Walk is celebrating 21 incredible years and we are ready to welcome our Santa’s back to West Princes Street Gardens for our much loved family fundraising event!

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