st giles edinburgh tours

St. Giles Cathedral Visitor Guide

St. Giles Cathedral has been a focal point for religious activity in Edinburgh for over 900 years, although the structure we see today can trace its roots back to the 14th century. Due to its central location on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s historic Old Town , St. Giles has become a popular tourist attraction, as it’s an ideal stop-off point between excursions to Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle.

If you’ve ever researched Edinburgh on the internet, you’ll likely have seen a photo of Saint Giles Cathedral dominating The Royal Mile . The cathedral’s distinctive 15th-century crown steeple is one of the most-viewed features of any building in Edinburgh, and it sits alongside Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace as the top attractions in the city.

The cathedral (like most in Scotland) is covered from floor to ceiling with detailed carvings and ornate stonework, and while not quite up to the standard of British icons like York Minster, it can comfortably hold its head up high when placed against its sister cathedral in Glasgow .

St. Giles is still an active place of worship so entrance might not be possible during times of prayer but during the week tourists are free to enter and explore the interior and wee chapels that line the north and south sides of the building.

There are five services every Sunday and another fourteen acts of worship during the week, often with the choir singing in full voice. The choir is acclaimed throughout Europe and America, and they’ve released several albums that can be purchased from the on-site gift shop.

As you walk around the enormous nave, you’ll notice four substantial 12th-century central pillars that are the oldest parts of the entire structure. Records show that a fire gutted the majority of the cathedral in the 14th century, and those gargantuan pillars are all that remains of the original stonework.

Interestingly, although St. Giles has been officially designated as an A-listed building, it’s not, in the truest sense of the word, an actual cathedral. As the Church of Scotland does not officially have either bishops or cathedrals, St. Giles is usually referred to in its much older title as the ‘High Kirk’, which means a place where a congregation of the Church of Scotland worships.

If you’ve explored some of the other historic buildings that lie along the length of The Royal Mile you’ll likely have visited John Knox’s house which lies just a short distance from the cathedral in the direction of the palace.

The link between the two sites is due to the fact that John Knox was a minister at St. Giles, and it was where he preached his famous sermons against Mary Queen of Scots. Today, the legacy of the Scottish reformer is told through a magnificent 19th-century stained-glass window at the south end of the cathedral, where he forever stands preaching to the masses at the High Kirk.

The Highlights

1: This is one of the most distinctive buildings in Edinburgh. Visitors can marvel at the beautiful stained-glass windows, the impressive stone pillars, and the famous crown spire that has become an iconic part of Edinburgh’s Old Town silhouette.

2: The cathedral is free to enter, although donations are welcome, and there are free guided tours if you get there between 10.30 and 14.30 midweek.

3: Within St Giles’ Cathedral, the Thistle Chapel is a highlight not to be missed. It’s the home of the Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s chivalric company of knights chosen by the monarch. The chapel is relatively small but exquisitely detailed, with elaborate wood carvings and beautiful stained glass windows.

Visiting Tips

1: Due to its central location, St. Giles’ Cathedral is easily accessible from other historic attractions on the Royal Mile, such as John Knox House and the Real Mary King’s Close, making it a convenient addition to any sightseeing tour of Edinburgh.

2: If you can, I recommend joining one of the cathedral’s free guided tours, which will give you a fascinating glimpse into its history. The guides occasionally do rooftop tours as well, so ask at the information desk when you arrive to see if there are any running that day.

3: Due to its central location on The Royal Mile, St. Giles Cathedral gets very busy at the weekend, especially in summer. Take a tip from a local – visit mid-week and get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

Tourist Information

This is a historic attraction that absolutely has to be visited if you’re in Edinburgh for a city break. You’ll find it around half a mile south of the castle, between (but on the opposite side of) the Edinburgh City Chambers and the High Court of Justiciary.

Before you make your way through the main doors, I suggest taking a quick walk around the outside of the building to marvel at its architecture. It’s an impressive sight, so you might like to take a camera with a zoom lens to capture the spire and other decorative stonework. Towards the back of St. Giles is a car park that looks nothing out of the ordinary, but in it, you’ll find a brass marker on the ground that denotes the final resting place of John Knox.

On entering the building, you’ll find a guide and an information desk in front of you. There are also disabled ramps leading into the nave, which is the main part of the cathedral. This part of St. Giles is famous for its statues, memorials, tapestries, organ, and, of course, the iconic blue vaulted ceiling.

If you get the chance, you might consider joining one of the free guided tours that are organised throughout the day, as they’re by far the best way to learn about Edinburgh and the role the cathedral played in its history.

If a tour isn’t running when you arrive, you’ll still have an enjoyable visit, although without knowing about the points of interest, you’ll be in and out in around half an hour. So to make the most of your visit, I recommend first heading to the gift shop on the left side of the cathedral and picking up a guidebook, which will explain the many historic features inside the building.

Unlike many historic attractions in Scotland, this one allows you to take as many photos as you like, but you might be asked to turn off the flash in confined areas like the Thistle Chapel. You’ll find more information about the Thistle Chapel, as well as upcoming events, on the official website .

Things to Do

Explore the Thistle Chapel : A visit to St. Giles Cathedral isn’t complete without stepping into the elaborate Thistle Chapel. This small, ornate chapel is dedicated to the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, Scotland’s foremost order of chivalry. The intricate woodwork featuring heraldic symbols and effigies is a sight to behold.

Attend a Service : Whether religious or not, attending a service at St. Giles Cathedral is a unique cultural experience. The beautiful music from the choir and the grandeur of the building create an atmosphere that’s unmatched anywhere else in the city.

Climb the Rooftop : If you’re looking for a unique take on Edinburgh, consider climbing to the rooftop of St. Giles Cathedral. The views from the top are breathtaking, with a panoramic vista of Edinburgh, the Pentland Hills, and the Firth of Forth. Joining a rooftop tour is one of the best ways to capture memorable photos and truly appreciate the city’s stunning architecture.

Marvel at Stained Glass Windows : St. Giles Cathedral boasts some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in Scotland. The windows depict various biblical scenes and are renowned for their vibrant colours and intricate designs. Try to visit on a sunny day when the light cascades through each window in a multicoloured display.

Participate in a Guided Tour : Guided tours are a great way to learn about the cathedral, its architecture, and its role in Edinburgh’s history. The guided tours offer insights into the cathedral that you might not find if you were to explore it on your own.

Things to Do Nearby

Real Mary King’s Close . Warriston’s Close, 2, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PG. 1-minute walk. An underground historic attraction that takes visitors on a subterranean guided walk through a 17th-century preserved street. It features educational displays, a shop and a café.

The Royal Mile . 1-minute walk. Historic street in Edinburgh that connects Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle. The Royal Mile is famed for its medieval architecture and narrow closes and wynds. Contains a wide selection of tourist attractions, shops, restaurants and cafés.

John Knox House . Scottish Storytelling Centre, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR. 5-minute walk. A 15th-century preserved townhouse that is believed to have been the home of the Protestant preacher John Knox. Includes historic displays and exhibitions that can be viewed on a self-guided tour. Joins onto The Scottish Storytelling Centre which features a café and gift shop.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions . Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND. 4-minute walk. A Victorian tourist attraction that displays a collection of optical illusions across multiple floors. Directly opposite The Scotch Whisky Experience .

The Museum of Childhood . 42 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1TG. 4-minute walk. A free-to-visit museum which celebrates childhood through displays of toys from recent memory to the 1800s. Set in an 18th-century building on The Royal Mile with five galleries inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What denomination is st giles cathedral.

St. Giles Cathedral’s current denomination is the Church of Scotland. It was previously Roman Catholic.

When was St Giles Cathedral built?

St Giles Cathedral was built in 1124 AD. It is 196 feet long, 125 feet wide, and 52 feet high.

Where is the grave of John Knox?

The Scottish reformer John Knox is buried in the car park behind St Giles Cathedral. A commemorative brass cobblestone marks the burial site.

What is St Giles the patron saint of?

St Giles is the patron saint of people with disabilities. He was originally the patron saint of lepers.

Who is buried in St. Giles Cathedral?

St. Giles’ Cathedral, also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, is a historic church located in Edinburgh. It is not typically a place where people are buried as it is an active place of worship and a tourist destination, although there were a few notable St Giles’ Cathedral burials in the past.

These included James Stewart 1st Earl of Moray, John Knox, Archibald Campbell 1st Marquess of Argyll, John Napier, and James Graham 1st Marquess of Montrose.

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Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

St Giles' Cathedral

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St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh

St Giles' Cathedral

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St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh

St Giles’ Cathedral

St Giles’ Cathedral: Edinburgh’s most important church

Historical significance.

You can admire the stunning architecture, both in and outside the building, and learn about the Scottish Reformation and its significance.

Useful Information

Opening hours:

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm

Sun 1pm-5pm

Free, donations welcome

£2 for photo permit

Scotland’s religious history is quite complicated at times, and St Giles’ was at the heart of the turmoil . The country was largely Catholic, up until the 16th century, when John Knox led the Reformation , converting people to Protestantism.

You might also be surprised to learn that despite its name, St Giles’ is not a cathedral , as services are presided over by a minister, not a bishop! It was only a cathedral for two brief periods during the 17th century, when Episcopalism was imposed on the country.

Beautiful architecture

You will notice that St Giles’ is far more ornate than most Presbyterian, Protestant churches in Edinburgh - Canongate Kirk is a better example of the austere, simple design favoured after the Reformation. However, this does mean St Giles’ has some of the most beautiful architecture of any church in the city.

Inside, you can see the four central pillars, which are the only features remaining from the original chapel , constructed in the 12th century. Much of it was burned down during a fire in 1385, and has been remodelled many times since.

There are also many stained glass windows lining the walls inside, and from the outside, you should take note of the steeple, with its characteristic crown design on top, which was added in the 16th century.

You can see a statue of Knox inside St Giles’ , where he served as the minister for many years. Imagine him giving his sermons from the pulpit, which he used to promote Presbyterianism, a style of worship that was far humbler than Catholicism, without the wealth and hierarchy.

If you take a look in Parliament Square, behind the Cathedral , you can also see his grave, simply designed in accordance with his beliefs, and the only one remaining from the cemetery that used to be here.

The Thistle Chapel

You definitely shouldn’t miss the Thistle Chapel when visiting St Giles’ , which was added to the south east corner of the building in 1911. It is the official Chapel of the Knights of the Order of the Thistle, the highest order of chivalry in Scotland.

The Chapel has some of the most impressive details inside, for example, in amongst its many carvings, look out for the angel playing the bagpipes!

Take note of the seventeen, hand crafted, Gothic style chairs as well, with the helmet and coat of arms of each of the sixteen Knights of the Order carved into them. You can also imagine meetings of the Order taking place, with Queen Elizabeth II presiding over them from the seventeenth chair .

Services & events

St Giles’ is a working church , with services held every Sunday morning. If you plan to attend one, remember that despite the name, this is a Protestant church, not a Catholic cathedral.

You can also choose to visit St Giles’ on a Sunday evening, to attend one of its many free concerts , which include solo performers, choirs, and orchestras. Check their website for further details of upcoming events.

You can find St Giles’ Cathedral in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, on the High Street section of the Royal Mile, just a ten-minute walk down from the Castle.

Get directions to St Giles’ Cathedral.

Related Activities

Photography is not permitted inside the building, unless you purchase a permit as you enter, costing £2.

Don’t miss...

The Great West Window, with its stunning stained glass window designed in celebration of Scotland’s most famous poet, Robert Burns.

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St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh: History, Architecture, and Events.

Explore the fascinating history and architecture of st. giles cathedral, also known as the high kirk or great church of edinburgh, and learn about the events and activities it offers within its premises..

Discover the history from its beginnings in 1124, its journey through the Protestant Reformation, and its cultural and religious significance in the life of Edinburgh. Also, delve into its impressive Gothic architecture and the special events held inside.

St. Giles’ Cathedral, also known as Edinburgh’s High Kirk or Church , is one of the most remarkable landmarks in the Royal Mile , a jaw-dropping Gothic temple of great historical importance and, of course, a must-visit if you’re in town .

This article tells about its history and architecture, which events you can enjoy within its premises and how to visit it!

St. Giles’ Cathedral history

The foundation of St. Giles’ Cathedral dates back to 1124 when, by command of David I, it was erected in its location as a church devoted to this Medieval saint, patron of lepers , and thereupon bestowed upon the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem for its care. Later on, at some point during the 1300s, the original Romanesque building was replaced by the Gothic church that we know today, and its use was returned to the Crown of Scotland.

The temple experienced truly distressful times during the Middle Ages , being damaged by a fire caused by Richard II of England in 1385 . In some parts of the current cathedral, a witness to Scotland’s history, the scars of the fire can still be seen .

Finally, St. Giles’ church was engulfed by the Protestant Reformation . In summer 1559 , following violent religious bickering, John Knox , leader of the Reformation in Scotland, was appointed as St. Giles’ minister and stripped the temple of all its Catholic imagery . The church was deprived of its furniture and whitewashed walls, painted in green and engraved with the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer. Similarly, some of its areas were secularized, serving as Tolbooth and a prison , even keeping the Scottish Maiden (a guillotine of sorts) within the temple.

It would be as late as 1633 , during the reign of Charles I, when St. Giles’ church was turned into a cathedral to serve as the seat of the new Edinburgh bishopric , in accordance with the traditions of England’s Anglican Church. Just four years later, an uprising triggered by parishioner Jenny Geddes would lead to the return of St. Giles’ to the presbyterian faith in 1638.

The cathedral would continue to undergo overhauls and changes until, in 1822, with the visit of king George IV to Edinburgh, its restoration and refurbishment was agreed on, which would save the monument from disrepair and impending collapse , alongside the subsequent reformation of 1872.

Monumental Gothic Architecture

St. Giles’ cathedral is renowned for boasting elegant , Gothic architecture which originally comprised a five-nave temple with vaulted ceilings, a great tower and many external chapels which gave it a cluttered look, with a much more convoluted layout than was usual in Scottish Gothic. The building was refurbished and simplified several times throughout the 1800s to make it more stable .

As for the rest of it, the stunning stained glass in St. Giles’ cathedral dates back to the 1800s and 1900s , since the original works were most likely destroyed during the advent of the Reformation in the 1500s .

Inside Edinburgh cathedral

The inside of present-day St. Giles’ cathedral is divided into three naves with ribbed vaulting, plus the adjoining naves of Preston and Moray, and the famous Thistle Chapel . Besides the contemporary stained glass, some other noteworthy features include the pulpit from the 1800s and almost one hundred memorials dotting its walls, such as the one for regent Moray, or those devoted to Jenny Geddes, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sophia Jex-Blake and the fallen in both World Wars.

John Knox’s statue

In one of the naves in St. Giles’ cathedral, a bronze statue devoted to John Knox , father of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland, and a character deeply intertwined with the temple, can be found. It dates back to 1906 and stands as a reminder of the importance of this controversial preacher, both for the presbyterian faith and also for the country’s history.

Thistle Chapel

The Thistle Chapel is a 1909 addition to the cathedral . It was designed in Neo Gothic style by architect Robert Lorimer alongside a team of Art Nouveau artists including the brilliant Phoebe Anna Traquair. The chapel serves as an annual meeting point for the members of the Order of the Thistle , a chivalric order founded in 1687 by king James VII of Scotland, and II of England.

Religious and cultural importance of the cathedral

St. Giles’ cathedral was always a hub for urban life, both as a place of worship in Edinburgh and as a cultural symbol for Scotland.

As a matter of fact, following the tragic defeat at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, all women in the city gathered in the temple to pray for the fallen, among whom was James IV, king of Scotland. It also became a meeting place for citizens when they decided to surrender Edinburgh to the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745.

It was, likewise, a place of ceremony, mourning and people’s gathering after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. Her mortuary chapel remained in the cathedral for 24 hours, and she was mourned by her offspring during the Vigil of the Princes.

Visiting Edinburgh Cathedral

In order to visit St. Giles’ cathedral on your own, you just need to head towards the Royal Mile and enter the building, as there is no need to book your entrance . The visit is free of charge , although a £6 donation is suggested .

The temple is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00, except on Sunday, when the opening time spans from 13:00 to 17:00 . You may join a guided cathedral tour, which you should indeed book beforehand if you are interested in taking it.

You can find further information on this and other topics at the official website. .

Should you also be looking for a top-notch Edinburgh tourist guide, you can join our free tours and guided visits . In that way, you will be able to discover other landmarks in Edinburgh and unravel the city’s secrets!

Events and activities at St. Giles’ cathedral

A series of events are regularly carried out at St. Giles’ cathedral, such as spellbinding Candlelight concerts or live classical music in the evenings , taking place all year round after closing hours. Do not miss out on them!

Should you also seek church services in Edinburgh, the cathedral offers two Protestant services every Sunday, plus an additional service on weekdays.

To bring matters to a close, if you visit Edinburgh, you can’t miss out on a visit to St. Giles’ cathedral , since it is one of the finest examples of Scotland’s stunning heritage, and it is centrally located in the Royal Mile!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section serves the purpose of answering the most common questions about the cathedral.

• Any special or remarkable events at the Cathedral? The best events include classical music concerts in the evenings and Candlelight Concerts.
• Which is the best month or season to visit Edinburgh Cathedral? Any time is good to visit St. Giles’ cathedral, since it is open all year round.
• Are there any restrictions or specific suggestions to visit St. Giles’ cathedral (e.g. dress codes, taking pictures, etc.)? There is no dress code in place to visit the cathedral. If you wish to take any pictures inside, you will have to pay a £2 permit first.
• Admission fee Admission to St. Giles’ cathedral in Edinburgh is free of charge, but a £6 donation is suggested.

Wee Walking Tours

• Apr 21, 2020

St Giles’ Cathedral: Icon of Edinburgh

St Giles Cathedral (sometimes also referred to as the High Kirk of Edinburgh or the ‘Mother Church of Presbyterianism’) has played a central role in the history of Edinburgh for centuries. Certainly, for us, it is an important location for a variety of reasons- most importantly it is a major ‘character’ on our walking tours . However, it is also one of my favourite places to go when I simply want to relax and reflect.

I’ve written many blog posts while sitting quietly, admiring the incredible architecture and beauty that can be found within its sacred walls. There have been numerous architectural changes both inside and outside St Giles since it was first erected. Related to that, I think it’s time I provide a little historical context to better situate this iconic building.

Historical Timeline

According to their website, St Giles’ was founded in 1124 and is attributed to King David I (he also founded the Abbey of Holyrood- more on that in our Palace of Holyroodhouse article). This means that St Giles’ pre-dates most of the Old Town and helps us understand its crucial historical significance. St Giles’ has seen much drama unfold over the centuries, and little is known of the original church. Most of it was rebuilt in 1322 due to a fire caused by the invading English army. The English were retaliating due to a significant event that had taken place two years earlier. 700 years ago, on the 6 April 1320, the Scots signed a letter affirming their independence from England and sent it to the Pope. That letter is now known as the Declaration of Arbroath, and it is one of the most important documents in Scotland’s history. St Giles’ Cathedral continued to be a Catholic church for 400 years.

However, in 1560, the Scottish Parliament abolished papal authority and declared Scotland a Protestant country. Ironically, the Protestant Lords of the Congregation had joined forces with the English to help them establish power. The converted priest, John Knox, also played a large part in the Scottish Reformation and establishing Protestantism. Mind you, Scotland’s royal family at this point was still Catholic with Marie de Guise (mother of Mary, Queen of Scots) acting as regent since 1554. When she died in 1560, the Auld Alliance with France also ‘died’. Poor Mary didn’t stand a chance when she formally came to power in 1561 (more on the Stuart family can be found in our article on Stirling Castle ). This history helps us to see how St Giles’ Cathedral became known as the Mother Church of Presbyterianism.

In the late 1800s the Cathedral underwent a significant refurbishment. Lord Provost William Chambers wanted to return the Cathedral to “its original medieval sacred space”. He brought on Scottish architect, William Hay, to do the work. The restoration plans were announced in 1867 but were not finished until 1883 due to the need for fundraising, planning, and the actual work. Much of the interior partitions that had been installed over the centuries were removed and the spaces were indeed opened. Sadly, William Chambers died three days before the re-opening service. Although, there is some comfort in knowing that he had been carried in to see the restoration privately before he died. Architecturally, much of what we see today at St Giles’, is due to the Chambers Restoration.

Virtual Tour

I don’t know about you, but lately I find myself making the concerted effort to take more virtual explorations. One of the best ways to do this is through photos. Considering the grand scope of St Giles’, I think this will be the best way to share the exquisite beauty found throughout this architectural gem. Of course, I would love to point out every aspect, but that would require me to write a book. Instead, I’ll do what we often do in our articles, and I’ll focus on some highlights. So, let’s head out on our virtual tour and explore a bit more of the High Kirk of Edinburgh.

Situated alongside the Royal Mile, we walk by and stop outside St Giles’ Cathedral every day when we are doing our walking tours. It is an extremely photogenic building and the fantastic Gothic architectures invites people- whether visitor or local- to stop and admire it. Here are just a few exterior shots:

Now that we’ve explored a bit of the exterior, lets continue our virtual journey inside and head over to the entrance on the western façade. This elegant, Victorian door welcomes residents as well as visitors from around the world year-round. Carefully make your way up the steps and head inside to see what wonders are ready to welcome us on our journey.

Entry to St Giles’ Cathedral is free. However, donations are welcome as they help with the expensive upkeep of such a grand building. You can make a donation at the reception desk when you enter as well as at multiple points throughout the Cathedral. They even have places where you can tap your contactless-enabled card and make a donation.

As you step away from the reception desk and make your way up the ramp, you are now standing in the Moray Aisle. For me, the highlight here is the fantastic bronze relief of our old friend, Robert Louis Stevenson. The relief was done by the famous sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. It’s the perfect memorial as I greatly admire both men’s work.

As we work our way down the aisles on the southern side of St Giles’, we come to the Chepman Aisle. Here, we find an elaborate memorial built out of marble for James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. Ironically, his arch-rival- Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll- has a monument located straight across to the northern side of St Giles’ in the St Eloi Aisle. However, for now, we’ll stay on the southern side and continue our exploration.

We have now made our way to the Preston Aisle because there is another special memorial that I would like to acknowledge. A plaque honours the architect, Sir Robert Lorimer, and his work- the Thistle Chapel which is a ‘hidden’ surprise just around the corner. I have previously written about Lorimer and the Thistle Chapel so please check out that article to get more information on both. In the meantime, we’re going to walk around and head into the Chapel (it's located in the southeastern part of St Giles'). Here are some photos to help you on our virtual tour:

There are so many architectural features- small and large- to be admired inside St Giles’ Cathedral. Every time I visit, I always find something I hadn’t noticed before. That is why it is best to make sure to carefully explore all around- you never know what surprises you’ll come across. Here are some photos taken throughout St Giles’:

Special Events at St Giles’

One of the wonderful aspects of St Giles’ Cathedral is that it offers a range of community events throughout the year. For example, the past couple of years, St Giles’ has hosted two unique events as part of the Burns and Beyond Festival (which celebrates the life and work of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns). Two years ago, they had the ‘Museum of the Moon’ event where they had a temporary installation of a moon measuring 7 metres in diameter! It was truly awe inspiring to see such a unique exhibition within St Giles’.

This year, Chinese New Year coincided with Burns Night (25 January), and they installed a canopy of over 400 Chinese lanterns alongside giant displays of various selections from Robert Burns’ poems. The incredible interior architecture really lends itself to such temporary exhibitions. We look forward to what they have in store for us next year!

St Giles also has other events on offer such as musical concerts and guest speakers. You can check out their events page for the most up-to-date information.

Worshipping at and Visiting St Giles’ Cathedral

On their website, St Giles’ states that, “in keeping with successive editions of the Church of Scotland Book of Common Order , its worship is both catholic and reformed, with resonance for Christian people of many different denominations”. However, they affirm that they “welcome people of all faiths and none to enjoy the peace of the building and listen to our services”.

When you visit Edinburgh, we highly recommend that you pay a visit to this iconic Cathedral. Please check out their website for more information.

I hope you have enjoyed our virtual exploration of St Giles’ Cathedral. If you haven’t done so already, please subscribe to our blog to get the latest articles on Edinburgh and Scotland sent straight to your inbox. You can also support us by following us on our various social media platforms ( Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , Pinterest ).

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St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE

If stunning views are your thing, this is most definitely for you. You will be blown away by what you can see on the roof of St Giles’ Cathedral, and the bird’s eye view of the Royal Mile takes in Edinburgh Castle all the way down to Holyroodhouse.

The tour of the rooftop also offers an insight into how the cathedral has changed throughout the decades, with the opportunity to get close up to the crown spire, before taking in some fascinating stories about the tower’s history.