St Giles Cathedral

Royal Mile
Edinburgh
Lothian
EH1 1RE

Tel: +44 (0)131 225 9442
Fax: +44 (0)131 225 9576.
Email: info@stgilescathedral.org.uk
Web: http://www.stgilescathedral.org.uk


When you walk through the door of St Giles' Cathedral, you are entering one of the most historic and romantic buildings in Scotland. Founded in the 1100s, this church has witnessed executions, riots and celebrations. Its famous crown spire has dominated Edinburgh's skyline for over 500 years.

A treasury of art and heritage

Explore the many tiny aisles and chapels, each with its own memorable story. Enjoy the beauty of the church's spectacular collection of stained glass windows in a wide range of traditional and modern styles.

John Knox & the Reformation

Discover how St Giles' was the church of John Knox during the Reformation and how it played an important part in the exciting events of that time. Learn of the violent and tragic stories of Montrose and Argyll, both executed in bloody fashion outside St Giles'. Hear also about many of the famous and fascinating Scots commemorated in the church, including Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson.

The Thistle Chapel

The Thistle Chapel is home to Order of the Thistle and honours some of the greatest Scots of the last 300 years. This exquisite little chapel will take your breath away. Its magnificent carvings and stonework evoke the origins of the Order and will amaze you with a wealth of details associated with Scotland.

The Organ

The magnificent organ is one of the newest and finest in Europe. It forms part of a tradition of fine music in St Giles' that dates back to the middle ages. Look out for details of concerts and organ recitals (many with free admission) that are held in the church throughout the year.

Additional Information

  • St Giles' Cathedral welcomes group visits and school tours. Groups are recommended to book in advance, please telephone for details
  • Gift Shop offering a large selection of souvenirs and gifts made in Scotland. All proceeds from the shop support the Cathedral
  • Restaurant situated below the church.
  • Volunteer guides are on duty to welcome visitors, answer questions and give tours on request

     

    Opening Times
    (2007 times)
    Open Monday to Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm.
    Extended opening hours in the summer.

    Admission Charges
    (2007 prices)
    Recommended donation: £3.00 per person, covers entrance to all parts of the cathedral.

    Photo permit: £2.00.

    Directions
    St Giles' is located on the historic Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Local bus numbers 35, 23, 27, 41, 42 and 45 (among others) all pass close-by. Waverley railway station is a 5-10 minute walk away.
    Show map of St Giles Cathedral...

    St Giles Cathedral Postcode for SatNav: EH1 1RE

    Nearby Attractions
    Gladstone's Land (< 1 Mile)*
    Gladstone's Land was the home of a prosperous Edinburgh merchant, Thomas Gledstanes, in the 17th century. But Gledstanes also let out parts of the building to different tenants.
    Edinburgh Dungeon (< 1 Mile)*
    The Edinburgh Dungeon invites you to a feast of fun with history's horrible bits. Live actors, an errie ride, shows and special effects transport you back to those black, bleak times. Are you brave enough?
    The Writers' Museum (< 1 Mile)*
    The Writers' Museum is dedicated to the lives and work of scotland's great literary figures.
    more nearby attractions...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    Bank Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
    A combination of locals and city visitors creates a warm and welcoming ambience to this busy city inn located majestically on the corner of the Royal Mile.
    Jurys Inn Edinburgh (< 1 Mile)*
    Centrally located, right beside the Royal Mile, Jurys Inn is ideally located right in the heart of Edinburgh.
    Tailors Hall Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
    This lively hotel and bar complex is located only a few minutes walk from Princes Street. The 42 bedrooms are modern in decor and are equipped with facilities of a three star standard.
    more nearby hotels...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    Drummond House Apartment (< 1 Mile)*
    Drummond Street self catering Apartment is situated in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, on the third floor of a recently refurbished red sandstone schoolhouse.
    Apartment By Castle, Edinburgh (< 1 Mile)*
    Unique city centre, self catering accommodation, located immediately beside Edinburgh Castle in very heart of the 'Old Town'.
    Edinburgh New Town Apartment (1 Mile)*
    This stunning, and well equipped self catering apartment is ideally located for a break in central Edinburgh. It is situated in the prestigeous New Town of Edinburgh, the largest uninteruped area of Georgian architecture in Europe
    Your property could be here
    Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
    more nearby self catering...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Popular Pages

    Tourist Information Centres | Estate Agents

    Holiday Cottages in England | Holiday Cottages in Scotland

    Alton Towers Hotels | Blackpool Hotels | Travel Lodge | Cardiff Hotels

    Brighton Hotels | Marriot Hotels | Newcastle Hotels | Bournemouth Hotels

     Copyright © 1999-2008 Excelsior Information Systems Limited. All rights reserved.
    Press Room  Terms of Use  Privacy  Link to Us  Self-Catering Advertising  Index  Site Map