Princes Street facts for kids
Princes Street is a very famous street in the heart of Edinburgh. Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland. This street is known for its many shops and hotels. It is one of the most popular places for visitors in Edinburgh.
Contents
What Makes Princes Street Special?
Princes Street is unique because of its layout. On one side, you will find many modern shops. These include big department stores and smaller boutiques. On the other side, there are no buildings. Instead, you see the beautiful Princes Street Gardens. Beyond the gardens, you can see Edinburgh Castle sitting high on a volcanic rock. This view is one of the most famous in Scotland.
Princes Street Gardens
The Princes Street Gardens are a large park. They are split into two parts: East Princes Street Gardens and West Princes Street Gardens. These gardens were created in the 1820s. They sit in what used to be a loch, or lake, called the Nor Loch. The loch was drained to make way for the gardens.
The gardens are a great place to relax. You can enjoy picnics or just walk around. They often host events, especially during the Christmas season.
Famous Monuments in the Gardens
The gardens are home to some important monuments. One of the most famous is the Scott Monument. This tall, gothic monument honors the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. You can even climb to the top for amazing views of the city. Another popular spot is the Floral Clock. This clock is made entirely of flowers. Its design changes every year.
History of Princes Street
Princes Street was built as part of Edinburgh's New Town. The New Town was planned in the late 1700s. It was designed to expand the city beyond the crowded Old Town. The street was first called St. Giles Street. But King George III did not like that name. So, it was renamed Princes Street in 1767. It was named after his sons, the future King George IV and Frederick, Duke of York.
Shopping and Tourism Hub
From its early days, Princes Street became a major shopping area. Many famous stores opened here over the years. Today, it remains a top destination for shoppers. It also attracts tourists from all over the world. They come to enjoy the views, visit the shops, and explore the gardens.
Transport on Princes Street
Princes Street is a busy transport route. It has special lanes for buses and Edinburgh Trams. The trams connect different parts of the city. This makes it easy for people to get to and from Princes Street.
Images for kids
-
Panorama showing Princes Street from the Scott Monument.
-
Princes Street 1825 by Alexander Nasmyth
-
Princes Street, looking East, c. 1910–1915.
-
The Old Town from West Princes Street Gardens
-
Back of the High Street from the east end of Princes Street
-
The Floral Clock, 2011
-
Apple Store- Motel One, Princes Street, Edinburgh
.jpg)
