Ross Fountain
Ross Fountain
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Fountains
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The area
Neighborhood: Old Town
Few Edinburghers live in the Old Town, but its labyrinth of dank alleys and steep streets suggests this was not always the case. Today, it’s mostly visitors, tartan-flavored souvenir shops, and pipers that you’ll find on its cobbled streets. This is the place to get a feel for Auld Reekie (Old Smelly), as the town was once nicknamed, and stroll the Royal Mile, the thoroughfare that links the castle with the royal palace – two of Edinburgh’s great set-piece attractions. But there’s lots more exploring to do here down dozens of little alleys, or wynds, while at night the city’s busiest clubs erupt along the Cowgate which is closed to traffic for this purpose.
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See what other travelers are saying
- itchyfeet2014Glasgow, United Kingdom2,285 contributionsWonderful fountainThis fountain has one from being the ugly duckling of Princes Gardens o being the most splendid Swan. After years of neglect this fountain has been restored to its former glory and is now quite stunning and in full working order. I will walk past it far more often now. One to picnic next to for sure!Visited September 2019Written January 20, 2020
- bsandrsPortsmouth, United Kingdom23,076 contributionsDelightfully Over The TopOK. We know that any fountain in Princes Street Gardens needs to be large scale, but this is a water sculpture on steroids. Made of cast iron in 1872 and restored in 2018, you either love it or hate it. We loved it. See the images in the garden with the Castle in the background and then from the Castle ramparts looking down.Visited August 2020Written August 12, 2020
- johnhouston2Knaresborough, United Kingdom4,892 contributionsOne of the most photographed fountains in the world?The 19th Century Ross Fountain is located in the beautiful setting of Princes Street Gardens, at the West end. Sculpted by artist Jean-Baptiste Jules Klagmann, the fountain is made of cast-iron and the ornate sculpture includes mermaids, walrus and lion heads, and cherubs. At the top are featured four female figures representing science, arts, poetry and industry. The fountain was purchased on a whim by a local gun maker Mr Daniel Ross who saw it at the Great Exhibition of 1862 in London, and although he gifted it to the city, the people of Edinburgh didn't really want it. The overall feeling was that it was a tad gaudy and risque (bathing nymphs with bared breasts for goodness sake!) and the Church was particularly vocal in complaint. Eventually however, the fountain was reconstructed and placed in its present position although, sadly, Mr Ross died before seeing it in situ. Personally, I think it is a rather attractive piece and, with the Castle behind it, this previously unwanted fountain probably features in most photo sets you'll ever see of Edinburgh.Visited October 2020Written November 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
44 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
10
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
1
dundeetravellermrshc
Dundee, UK2,969 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
A beautiful fountain, located in the beautiful Princes Street Gardens. Beside the Pavillion Cafe Bar and Beer Garden and a bungee jump dome. Very popular with tourists taking photos. Worth a visit
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cat L
28 contributions
Feb 2023
This is such a beautiful fountain to visit all year round. In the summer you can enjoy the flowers and busy buzz of the surrounding area and in the winter you can have a wintery walk around the fountain and in the gardens. It's one of my all time favourite places to visit in Edinburgh.
Written February 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Divebabydive
Austin, TX869 contributions
Jul 2023 • Business
What at great area. This place has huge place to walk around and of course the beautiful fountain right there. Couple of food vendors in area. Old time cemetery 🪦 is right there as well
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Legate
United Kingdom20,367 contributions
Mar 2019
Ross Fountain is an intricate structure overlooked by Edinburgh Castle in West Princes Street Gardens. The turquoise, brown and gold coloured fountain is made of cast iron and was produced at the Antoine Durenne Iron Foundry in Sommevoire, France. The purchase of the Fountain was by Daniel Ross, it was installed in West Princes Street Gardens in 1872.
In 2008 the water was turned off and in July 2017 major restoration was carried out and was back in full working order by July 2018. I visited on an overcast day but the fountain still looked resplendent despite the gloomy weather conditions and is worth seeking out whilst in Princes Street Gardens.
In 2008 the water was turned off and in July 2017 major restoration was carried out and was back in full working order by July 2018. I visited on an overcast day but the fountain still looked resplendent despite the gloomy weather conditions and is worth seeking out whilst in Princes Street Gardens.
Written August 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bibcay
Gateshead, UK4,384 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
The fountain is very neat and pretty. Gulls bath in and drink this water. We saw yellow legged gulls which are very rare especially in scotland and was a treat.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan D
Perth, UK812 contributions
Aug 2019
This part of Princes street gardens i don't often get into its more round the mound i go.
But this time in the gardens i walk to this part in western end and visited the Rose Fountain it is so lovely.
Very worth while for visit if local or visiter to Edinburgh.
But this time in the gardens i walk to this part in western end and visited the Rose Fountain it is so lovely.
Very worth while for visit if local or visiter to Edinburgh.
Written October 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
williamskdn
Pontypridd, UK969 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
This is a great fountain and an amazing photo point for Edinburgh, with the castle in background also. The park in which is situated is also great for a picnic.
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IAN D
Wigan, UK19,387 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I have no idea the history of this fountain but can say it looks beautiful and in a great location. The artwork is very impressive.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rjaco70
Cumberland, RI8 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
Here, is where I proposed to my Love, Amanda. I don't think any more description is needed!!! The Princes Street Gardens are Beautiful!!
Written November 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Las
Melbourne, Australia246 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
Loved going there simply because of the children’s park. Was able to catch a few stunning pictures of the Edinburgh Castle as well
Written June 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingRoss Fountain (Edinburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ross Fountain
- We recommend booking Ross Fountain tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Ross Fountain tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Ross Fountain:
- (0.03 mi) Royal Overseas League
- (0.12 mi) CoDE Pod Hostels - THE LoFT
- (0.10 mi) Premier Inn Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street) hotel
- (0.06 mi) Rose St Lane 3, Very central, 2 mins to Princes St
- (0.11 mi) Castle View Guest House
- Restaurants near Ross Fountain:
- (0.02 mi) Patisserie Valerie
- (0.02 mi) Cuckoo's Bakery Princes Street
- (0.02 mi) Debenhams Cafe
- (0.03 mi) Ben's Cookies
- (0.04 mi) Cuckoo's Bakery
Ross Fountain Information
| Excellent Reviews | 28 |
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| Very Good Reviews | 10 |
| Ross Fountain Photos | 97 |


































































