Princes Street Gardens is a popular park located in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. It's like the go-to spot for both locals and tourists who want to relax and enjoy some greenery amidst the bustling city. The park is divided into two sections - East Princes Street Gardens and West Princes Street Gardens - and they offer different attractions and activities. You can find statues, monuments, and even a Ferris wheel in the East Gardens, while the West Gardens boast a beautiful bandstand and a stunning fountain. It's the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Edinburgh.

Did you know that adjacent Princes Street Gardens were created in two phases in the 1770s and 1820s following the long draining of the Nor Loch. The Loch was initially a marsh at the foot of the Castle Rock, and part of the natural defence of the Edinburgh Old Town. In 1460 King James III ordered the hollow to be flooded in order to strengthen the castle's defences. The loch was formed by creating an earthen dam to block the progress of a stream that ran along the north side of the castle. The water level was controlled by sluice in the dam. It is thought never to have been particularly deep.