How long does it take to walk through Princes Street Gardens?

A leisurely stroll from the Royal Scottish Academy to St Cuthbert's Church typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This allows plenty of time for photos at the Ross Fountain and the Floral Clock.

Is Princes Street Gardens free to enter?

Yes, Princes Street Gardens is a public park and is free to enter for everyone. It is open daily from dawn until dusk, though specific areas may close for events like the Christmas Market.

Where can I get the best view of Edinburgh Castle?

The Ross Fountain in West Princes Street Gardens offers one of the most iconic views. From the base of the fountain, you can see the castle towering directly above on the volcanic Castle Rock.

Can I see the Floral Clock all year round?

The Floral Clock is planted annually and is best viewed from July to September. In the winter months, the flowers are removed, though the mechanical structure remains.

Is this walking route suitable for seniors?

Yes, this is an easy-rated walk with mostly flat, paved paths. There are many benches throughout Princes Street Gardens for resting and enjoying the scenery.

Are there public toilets near The Mound?

Yes, there are public toilets located within West Princes Street Gardens and inside the National Gallery building.

What was the Nor' Loch?

The Nor' Loch was a man-made lake that sat where Princes Street Gardens is today. It was used for the city's defense and waste disposal before being drained in the 18th century to create the park.

What is the best time of day for this self-guided walk?

Morning is the best time to visit to catch the sunlight on the front of Edinburgh Castle and to enjoy the gardens before the afternoon crowds arrive.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Edinburgh is a city of dramatic contrasts, where the medieval sprawl of the Old Town meets the orderly elegance of the New Town. This self-guided walk explores the literal bridge between these two worlds: The Mound. Built from over a million cartloads of earth excavated during the construction of the New Town, this artificial hill is now the cultural heart of the city, home to world-class art institutions and the lush expanse of Princes Street Gardens. As you follow this walking route, you will discover why Edinburgh is often called the 'Athens of the North,' marveling at Neoclassical architecture that mirrors the grandeur of ancient Greece. Your journey begins at the foot of The Mound, where the Royal Scottish Academy stands as a testament to Scotland's enduring artistic legacy. From here, you will stroll into the West Princes Street Gardens, a public park that was once the site of the Nor' Loch, a stagnant and defensive lake that protected the northern flank of the Royal Mile. Today, the water is gone, replaced by manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and some of the most spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle perched atop its volcanic rock. This neighborhood stroll offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. You will encounter the world’s first Floral Clock, a masterpiece of horticultural engineering that has delighted visitors since 1903. Further along, the National Galleries of Scotland invite you to admire masterpieces within a building designed by the legendary William Playfair. The route concludes at the western edge of the gardens, where the ornate Ross Fountain provides a striking foreground for the castle, and the ancient grounds of St Cuthbert’s Church offer a peaceful moment of reflection. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for the best photography spots in the city, this self-guided adventure provides a comprehensive look at Edinburgh’s most iconic central landscape.

Highlights

Marvel at the Neoclassical architecture of the Royal Scottish Academy

See the world’s first Floral Clock, a masterpiece of gardening

Enjoy the best panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle from the gardens

Discover world-class art at the National Galleries of Scotland

Photograph the intricate gold and ironwork of the Ross Fountain

Visit the historic graveyard and 'body-snatcher' watchtower at St Cuthbert’s

Tour Stops (6)

The Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture

Welcome to the starting point of your self-guided walk. Standing before you is the Royal Scottish Academy, or the RSA. Designed by William Henry Playfair in the 1820s, this building is a prime example of the Greek Revival style that earned Edinburgh its 'Athens of the North' nickname. Look up at the roof to see the statue of Queen Victoria, which was added later to commemorate her reign. The RSA is a leading institution for contemporary art in Scotland, hosting annual exhibitions that showcase the country's best painters, sculptors, and architects. It serves as a majestic gateway to The Mound, bridging the gap between historical tradition and modern creativity.

Floral Clock

As you enter West Princes Street Gardens, you'll encounter a true Edinburgh icon: the Floral Clock. Commissioned in 1903, this was the first of its kind in the world. Every year, the design changes, often commemorating a significant local anniversary or event. It takes two gardeners several weeks to plant the thousands of tiny succulents and bedding plants required to create the intricate face. If you listen closely, you might hear the 'cuckoo' sound every quarter-hour, a feature added in the 1950s. This clock isn't just for show; it is a fully functioning timepiece, driven by a mechanism buried beneath the soil.

Princes Street Gardens

Take a moment to look around these beautiful gardens. It’s hard to imagine now, but this valley was once the Nor' Loch, a foul-smelling, man-made lake used for defense and, unfortunately, as a dumping ground for the city’s waste. When the New Town was built in the 18th century, the loch was drained to create this public park. Today, the gardens are split into East and West sections by The Mound. This green lung of the city center provides a dramatic vantage point for Edinburgh Castle. Notice the 'Black Watch' memorial nearby, honoring the legendary Scottish regiment, one of many statues scattered throughout this landscape.

National Galleries of Scotland: National

Directly behind the RSA sits its architectural sibling, the National Gallery. Also designed by Playfair, this building houses Scotland’s national collection of fine art. Inside, the rooms are filled with masterpieces by Titian, Rembrandt, and Velázquez, as well as iconic Scottish works like 'The Skating Minister' by Henry Raeburn. The gallery underwent a massive renovation recently to open up more space for Scottish art, ensuring the collection is accessible to all. Even if you don't go inside today, admire the way the building's columns frame the view of the Old Town skyline above, perfectly blending art with the city's natural topography.

Ross Fountain

Continuing west through the gardens, you arrive at the Ross Fountain. This ornate cast-iron structure was produced at the Durenne foundry in France and was a highlight of the 1862 Great Exhibition in London. It was purchased by local gunmaker Daniel Ross and gifted to the city. After a major restoration in 2018, its bright turquoise and gold leaf details shine once again. The fountain features figures representing science, arts, poetry, and industry. It is arguably the most photographed spot in Edinburgh, offering a stunning foreground to the sheer cliffs of the Castle Rock rising directly behind it.

The Parish Church of St Cuthbert

Your walking route concludes at St Cuthbert’s, located at the very foot of the Castle Rock. While the current building dates to the late 19th century, a church has stood on this site since the 7th century, making it one of the oldest religious sites in Edinburgh. Explore the atmospheric graveyard, where you can find the watchtower built in 1827. During the era of the 'Resurrectionists,' or body snatchers, families had to guard the fresh graves of their loved ones from those looking to sell cadavers to the medical school. It’s a somber but fascinating piece of Edinburgh’s dark history to end your walk.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk around The Mound is ideal for art lovers. It features the Royal Scottish Academy and the National Galleries of Scotland, which house the country's most significant art collections.