See & do · Landmarks & architecture
Scott Monument
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:45 – 3:30 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:45 – 3:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:45 – 3:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:45 – 3:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:45 – 3:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:45 – 3:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:45 – 3:30 PM
Images provided by Google Places
Spirelike Victorian memorial in honour of the writer Sir Walter Scott, with 287 steps to the top.via Google
The largest monument to a writer in the world, a towering Victorian Gothic spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott.
- Good to know
- Paid entry to climb the narrow, winding spiral staircase of 287 steps for panoramic views.
Reviews from Google
The monument itself was absolutely breathtaking. The architecture in the sheer size of the time it was built is monumental. The only part I disliked was that the city of Edinburgh set up a carnival around the most breathtaking iconic piece of the city. I had to be very creative and imaginative to get the carnival rides out of my photo. Also, it was very hard to get up close to the monument which you could normally do when there is not a carnival set up around it. I understand that Christmas markets are a great place to set up in the park, but they should’ve put the rides that vault into the sky elsewhere.
Beautiful monument. Visited last week while exploring Edinburgh. Just by the large park and Gallery. Absolutely stunning view of old town from there. Perfect for picnic with family or just nice walk in the park.
Beautiful monument. We booked a 30 min tour to go up and catch the views from 3 different levels. Lots of stairs, so definitely not for people with mobility issues. Tour guide was knowledgeable!
The Scott Monument is one of Edinburgh’s most striking Gothic landmarks, built in 1844 to honor the legendary Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. Its intricate dark stone architecture rises dramatically above Princes Street Gardens, creating a powerful contrast with the surrounding greenery. Climbing the narrow spiral staircases rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline and historic Old Town. Even from the outside, the monument feels atmospheric and deeply connected to Scotland’s literary heritage. A must-see stop for architecture lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone wanting a memorable Edinburgh viewpoint.
Dominating Edinburgh's skyline, the spectacular 200-foot (61-meter) Scott Monument is a Gothic masterpiece and the largest tribute to a writer on Earth. Located in Princes Street Gardens, this towering Victorian spire contrasts beautifully with the gleaming white marble statue at its base. Carved from a single block by Sir John Steell, it features Sir Walter Scott relaxing with a book alongside his devoted hound, Maida.