Historic ✓ Detailed listing

St Giles' Cathedral

Edinburgh, Scotland

Explore a centuries-old cathedral with striking architecture in the heart of Edinburgh.

Opening Monday: 10am - 6pm; Tuesday: 10am - 6pm; Wednesday: 10am - 6pm; Thursday: 10am - 6pm; Friday: 10am - 6pm; Saturday: 9am - 5pm (Quiet Hour: 9am - 10am); Sunday: 1pm - 5pm. Sunday services held at 9:30am and 11:00am.

Price Entry is by donation; suggested donation is £10. Audio tour available for £5.50 at the front desk.

Typical visit Not provided yet

Age fit Not specified

Setting indoor

The experience

About this day out

St Giles' Cathedral, founded in 1124, has served as a site of worship for more than 900 years and stands at the heart of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. It is the High Kirk of Edinburgh, Scotland's National Church, and the mother church of Presbyterianism, and has hosted major national events including the laying-in-rest of Queen Elizabeth and the presentation of the Honours of Scotland to King Charles III. Visitors are welcome for worship, quiet reflection, or to experience the music, art, and history within the building, including the Thistle Chapel.

When to go

Opening calendar

Monday: 10am - 6pm; Tuesday: 10am - 6pm; Wednesday: 10am - 6pm; Thursday: 10am - 6pm; Friday: 10am - 6pm; Saturday: 9am - 5pm (Quiet Hour: 9am - 10am); Sunday: 1pm - 5pm. Sunday services held at 9:30am and 11:00am.

Check the venue calendar ↗

What it costs

Prices at a glance

Admission: Entry is by donation; suggested donation is £10. Audio tour available for £5.50 at the front desk.

Prices can change. Confirm ticket terms with the venue before booking.

Practical details

Facilities & accessibility

At a glance

Audio tour (25 minutes, accessed via QR code on your phone, available in English, German and Ukrainian)Digital visitor guide with interactive map (available in multiple languages at the Welcome Desk)Guided tours (temporarily paused for tour guide training, resuming mid-October)Quiet Hour (Saturdays 9am - 10am with reduced sensory stimulation)Welcome DeskGroup visits with optional volunteer guide (groups of over 5 must book in advance)

Accessibility: The cathedral states it wants to make sure everyone is able to visit and enjoy the building's atmosphere and history, with an Access page providing more information. It also runs a weekly Quiet Hour (Saturday 9am - 10am) with reduced sensory stimulation to welcome those with neurodivergence, sensory sensitivities, and anxiety.
Parking: Not provided yet
Dogs: Not provided yet

Getting there

Where you'll find it

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