The gardens near Edinburgh Castle are a must-visit destination for any enthusiast of castles and gardens. Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, these lush green spaces offer a serene respite from the bustling streets, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of the region.
Princes Street Gardens
Situated in the shadow of the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the Princes Street Gardens are a true gem of the city. Spanning a total of 37 acres (150,000 m²), these gardens were created in the 1820s following the draining of the Nor Loch and the construction of the New Town.
Key Features
- Ross Fountain: A stunning cast iron structure installed in 1872, originally exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1862 in London.
- Ross Bandstand: Named after William Henry Ross, who gifted the first bandstand on the site in 1877.
- Winter Wonderland: An annual Christmas market that transforms part of the gardens into a festive wonderland, complete with an ice rink, Ferris wheel, and other attractions.
- Mortonhall Baby Ashes Memorial: A permanent reminder of the Mortonhall scandal, added in 2019.
Castle Hill Garden
Running along the southern edge of the West Princes Street Gardens, the Castle Hill Garden is separated from the main gardens by a railway line. This garden has been closed for several years due to rockfall and subsidence, but it remains an intriguing part of the overall gardens near Edinburgh Castle.
Castle Terrace Gardens
Once located on the western side of the West Princes Street Gardens, the Castle Terrace Gardens were dug up in 1964 to construct a 750-bay car park, making way for the modern infrastructure of the city.
Best Times to Visit
The gardens near Edinburgh Castle are beautiful year-round, with locals and visitors alike enjoying the serene scenery and various attractions. However, the Winter Wonderland event during the Christmas season is a particularly enchanting time to visit, as the gardens are transformed into a festive market with an ice rink and other festive activities.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to the gardens themselves, visitors to the area can also explore a wealth of other attractions, including:
- Scottish National Gallery: Located on The Mound, just 216 meters from Princes Street Gardens.
- Edinburgh Castle: The iconic castle itself, situated just 267 meters from Princes Street Gardens.
- National War Museum: 291 meters from Princes Street Gardens.
- Camera Obscura: 310 meters from Princes Street Gardens.
- Scotch Whisky Experience: 315 meters from Princes Street Gardens.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful respite from the bustling city, the gardens near Edinburgh Castle offer a truly captivating experience. With their rich history, stunning natural beauty, and array of attractions, these gardens are a must-visit destination for any castle and garden enthusiast exploring the heart of Scotland.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princes_Street_Gardens
- https://edinburghguide.com/parks/edinburgh-castle-gardens
- https://www.introducingedinburgh.com/princes-street-gardens
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186525-d187695-Reviews-Princes_Street_Gardens-Edinburgh_Scotland.html
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g186525-Activities-c57-t58-Edinburgh_Scotland.html