Ross Fountain, located in the West Princes Street Gardens, is an impressive cast-iron fountain dating back to the Victorian era. Erected in 1872 and designed by the renowned Scottish artist John Steell, this ornate fountain features intricate carvings and vibrant colors, serving as a striking decorative centerpiece in the park. Surrounded by lush gardens and offering splendid views of Edinburgh Castle, the fountain provides a picturesque spot for visitors. It has undergone several restorations over the years to preserve its historical charm, making it a must-see attraction for those exploring the city.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.8 1,575
- Tripadvisor 4.5 44
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Beautiful and intricate Victorian design The fountain itself is a work of art, featuring detailed sculptures representing art, science, poetry, and industry, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Victorian era.
- Part of a larger park experience The fountain is conveniently located near amenities such as cafes, playgrounds, and walking paths, enhancing the overall visitor experience in Princes Street Gardens.
- Picture-perfect Edinburgh Castle backdrop The Ross Fountain provides an iconic foreground to stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, making it a prime location for memorable photographs.
- Recently restored vibrant colors The fountain's recent restoration has revitalized its vibrant turquoise, brown, and gold colors, making it a visually striking landmark in the gardens.
- Tranquil escape in the city center Located in Princes Street Gardens, the fountain offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can relax, enjoy the scenery, and escape the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh.
Criticised
- Can be very crowded The fountain's popularity, especially during peak hours, means it can get quite crowded, making it difficult to get unobstructed views or photos.
- Limited seating available There is a lack of benches directly around the fountain, which can be an issue for those wanting to sit and enjoy the view for an extended period.
- Potential for blocked access The area around the fountain may be blocked off for events or other reasons, limiting access and photo opportunities.
- Seagull presence As with many outdoor locations in Edinburgh, seagulls can be a nuisance, especially for those eating nearby.
- Water feature may be inactive Occasionally the fountain might be undergoing cleaning or maintenance, which means the water feature may be turned off, diminishing its visual appeal.
The longer read
The Ross Fountain is a 19th-century cast-iron fountain in West Princes Street Gardens, offering a picturesque view with Edinburgh Castle as its backdrop, making it a prime spot for photographers. Many reviewers recommend it as a must-see attraction in Edinburgh. The fountain, produced in France and installed in 1872, features sculptures representing art, science, poetry, and industry, along with mermaids and other figures. Recent restoration work, completed by July 2018, has returned the fountain to full working order, enhancing its visual appeal with vibrant colors like turquoise, brown, and gold. Reviewers consistently praise the fountain's beauty and its contribution to the charm of Princes Street Gardens, describing it as elegant and dramatic. Its location in the gardens provides a tranquil escape from the city, offering a place to relax, enjoy the scenery, and capture memorable photos. The fountain is near a playground and cafe, adding to the convenience for families and those seeking refreshments. While some find it crowded, especially during peak hours, arriving early or later in the day can provide a better experience. Reviewers note that even if you cannot get right next to the fountain, the views are still spectacular. The surrounding gardens are well-maintained with ample space for picnics and walks. The combination of the fountain's intricate design, vibrant colors, and the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle make it a worthwhile destination. Several reviewers specifically mention the fountain's historical significance, noting its origins in France and its installation in the late 19th century. Many suggest taking time to sit and enjoy the views of the castle and the fountain. Despite some minor issues, such as the absence of benches directly around the fountain, most visitors find the experience enriching and memorable. It is also mentioned the location of the fountain provides for some amazing views of Edinburgh Castle. Some reviewers even described it as the best view in Princes Street Gardens. Overall, the Ross Fountain is a highly recommended attraction for its beauty, historical value, and picturesque setting.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 131 200 2300
- Website
- edinburghmuseums.org.uk/our-monuments
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Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.8 against a median of 4.6 across the 173 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Edinburgh Castle.
Still deciding?
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Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.