Scott Monument: A Tribute to Scottish Literature
Discover the stunning Scott Monument in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens, a Gothic tribute to Sir Walter Scott with breathtaking city views.
The Scott Monument, a stunning Gothic structure located in Edinburgh’s Princes Street Gardens, is a must-visit for tourists. This iconic tribute to Sir Walter Scott offers breathtaking views of the city and a glimpse into Scotland’s rich literary heritage.
A brief summary to Scott Monument
- E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh, EH2 2EJ, GB
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-12:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-12:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-12:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-12:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-12:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-12:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-12:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful climb.
- Check the opening hours before your visit, as they may vary throughout the week.
- Bring a camera; the views from the top are spectacular and worth capturing.
- Explore the surrounding Princes Street Gardens for a lovely picnic spot.
- Consider reading one of Scott's novels before your visit to enrich your experience.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car, use your GPS to navigate to Scott Monument at E. Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh EH2 2EJ. If coming from the M8 motorway, take the exit toward Edinburgh and follow signs for the city center. Parking is limited, but you can find nearby car parks such as the Castle Terrace Car Park (approximately £2.50 per hour) or the Omni Centre Car Park. Once you park, it's a short 10-minute walk to the monument.
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Public Transportation
If you are using public transportation, take a train to Edinburgh Waverley Station, which is the main train station in the city. From the station, exit onto Waverley Bridge and head towards Princes Street (about a 5-minute walk). Alternatively, you can take Lothian Buses number 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 16, 22, or 30, all of which have stops near Scott Monument. The bus fare is approximately £1.80 for a single journey.
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Walking
For those already in the city center, Scott Monument is easily accessible by foot. From the Royal Mile, walk down towards Princes Street, then enter East Princes Street Gardens. The monument will be visible and is surrounded by beautiful gardens, making for a pleasant stroll. This walk should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on your starting point.
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Taxi/Ride-share
You can also opt for a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber. Simply set your destination to Scott Monument, and the driver will take you directly there. The cost will vary depending on your starting location, but expect to pay around £5-£15 within the city.
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