Edinburgh Sights

Scott Monument

#4 of 424 things to do in Edinburgh

#202 of 49020 things to do in Europe

2 reviews | Write a review

Good for: architecture, views, thrills, histo

Not good for: handicapped people, people who don't like heights, claustrophobes, large people

  • Address
    • East Princes Street Gardens
  • Transport
    • all Princes St buses
  • Phone
    • 529 4068
  • Price
    • admission £3
  • Hours
    • 10am-7pm Apr-Sep, 9am-4pm Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm Sun Oct-Mar

Correct these details

Lonely Planet review for Scott Monument

The eastern half of Princes Street Gardens is dominated by the massive Gothic spire of the Scott Monument, built by public subscription in memory of the novelist Sir Walter Scott after his death in 1832. The exterior is decorated with carvings of characters from his novels; inside you can see an exhibition on Scott’s life, and climb the 287 steps to the top for a superb view of the city.

 

Traveller reviews for Scott Monument (2)

  • Avatar
    To write a review sign in, register or   Connect_light_large_long
    Recommend
     
    Add your experience “ ”
    Say more…
  • Avatar

    Breathtaking views

    lmwalsh10 recommends this,

    Not good for: handicapped people

    report
  • Avatar

    Worth the climb - not for the claustrophobic

    andy_murdock recommends this,

    Combine fear of heights with fear of tight spaces and you get the Scott Monument. A beautiful gothic, almost Thai-temple-like spire, you would never imagine from a distance that it has a stairway all the way up to the top. It looks impossible. The spiral staircase gets preposterously narrow at the top - there's no way to pass anyone, and if you're large-ish like myself, getting out the door to the final platform is a difficult bit of contortion. It's worth the effort for the views, and for marveling that the staircase even exists. Go early to avoid awkward moments on the stairs with people trying to pass, and definitely don't attempt if you're even mildly claustrophobic.

    Good for: architecture, views, thrills, histo

    Not good for: people who don't like heights, claustrophobes, large people

    report