Edinburgh's Historic Floral Clock in Princes Street Gardens
Discover Edinburgh’s iconic Floral Clock, the world’s oldest living timepiece, blooming with vibrant seasonal designs in historic Princes Street Gardens.
The Floral Clock in Edinburgh’s West Princes Street Gardens is the world’s oldest floral clock, first created in 1903. This vibrant and meticulously crafted timepiece combines horticultural artistry with clockmaking ingenuity, featuring thousands of colorful plants arranged in intricate designs that change annually. Located halfway down the stairs into the gardens, it operates with real clockwork and blooms from July to October, offering a unique blend of botanical beauty and functional timekeeping in the heart of the city.
A brief summary to Floral Clock
- Princes St, Edinburgh, EH2 4BA, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit between July and October for the best floral displays when the clock is in full bloom.
- Lean over the stone wall halfway down the stairs into West Princes Street Gardens for the best viewing angle.
- Check for the annual theme or commemorative design to appreciate the clock’s cultural significance.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Princes Street Gardens to enjoy other historic landmarks nearby.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Bus
Take Lothian Buses routes 3, 23, or 27 to Princes Street. From the bus stop, it is a 5 to 10-minute walk to West Princes Street Gardens where the Floral Clock is located. Bus tickets cost approximately £1.80 to £2.00.
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Walking
From Edinburgh city centre, a 15-minute walk through Princes Street Gardens leads directly to the Floral Clock. The path includes stairs descending into the gardens, so it may not be suitable for wheelchair users.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from Edinburgh Waverley Station to the Floral Clock takes about 5 minutes, with fares typically ranging from £5 to £8 depending on traffic.
Floral Clock location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Floral Clock
A Botanical Marvel Rooted in History
The Floral Clock in West Princes Street Gardens is a pioneering horticultural landmark, established in 1903 as the first floral clock in the world. Conceived by Parks Superintendent John McHattie and crafted with the mechanical expertise of clockmakers Ritchie & Son, it originally featured only an hour hand, with a minute hand added in 1904. This innovative creation merges the precision of clockmaking with the living artistry of garden design, set on a challenging forty-degree incline that underscores its engineering feat.Design and Seasonal Transformation
Each year, the clock’s face is replanted with tens of thousands of small, vibrant plants, including varieties such as Lobelia, Pyrethrum, Golden Moss, and succulents like Echeveria and Sedum. The planting process takes two gardeners approximately five weeks, followed by continuous maintenance throughout the blooming season from July to October. The clock’s design changes annually, often reflecting topical themes or commemorations, such as royal jubilees or historic anniversaries, making each visit a fresh experience.Mechanical and Artistic Details
The clock measures 3.6 meters in diameter with a circumference of 11 meters. Its minute hand is about 2.4 meters long and weighs around 36 kilograms, while the hour hand measures 1.5 meters and weighs approximately 23 kilograms. Originally powered by a mechanical mechanism that required daily winding, it was converted to electric operation in 1973, ensuring precise timekeeping. A charming feature added in 1953 is the cuckoo house, where a life-size cuckoo replica emerges every quarter hour.Setting Within Princes Street Gardens
Situated halfway down the stairs into West Princes Street Gardens, opposite the National Galleries and at the foot of the Mound, the Floral Clock is nestled in one of Edinburgh’s most beloved green spaces. Visitors lean over a stone wall to admire the clock, which is surrounded by the historic and cultural ambiance of the gardens. The location offers a tranquil urban oasis with views of the city’s iconic skyline nearby.Commemorations and Cultural Significance
Beyond its horticultural charm, the Floral Clock serves as a living memorial and cultural symbol. It has celebrated significant events such as wartime victories during WWII and royal milestones like the Queen’s Golden and Platinum Jubilees. In 2023, it marked the centenary of the Flying Scotsman, and in 2022, it honored 200 years of Braille, highlighting its role in community engagement and historical remembrance.Visitor Experience and Seasonal Highlights
The Floral Clock is best viewed during the growing season, from late spring through early autumn, when the floral displays are at their peak vibrancy. While the clock is visible year-round, the floral artistry is most impressive from July to October. The site is free to visit and open all day, offering a unique opportunity to witness a harmonious blend of nature, art, and engineering in an accessible city setting.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
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For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
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For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
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For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
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- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
