St Giles' Cathedral (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is St Giles' Cathedral?
What makes it 86% Couple-Friendly: Couples can share the Sunday 6 pm choral concert or evening candlelit recitals, admire stained glass and the Thistle Chapel, but they must step outside for most toilets or refreshments.
Positives:
- Central location: Located on the Royal Mile, it’s easy to combine with other medieval attractions.
- Complimentary access: No mandatory admission fee; donations are optional.
- Accessible routes: Ramps and free wheelchairs are available to reach the main nave.
Challenges:
- Service times: Services may close parts of the cathedral to visitors—check the schedule before you go.
- One-way route: The visitor path is narrow and one-way, which can feel cramped at peak times.
- No cloakroom: You must keep bags and coats with you, as there’s no storage onsite.
What is St Giles' Cathedral?
- A medieval Gothic cathedral serving as Edinburgh’s High Kirk and national church of Scotland
- Originally founded in the 12th century and largely rebuilt in the late 14th century with an iconic crown steeple modeled on the Scottish royal crown
- Contains the Thistle Chapel, an intricately carved shrine for the Order of the Thistle adorned with heraldic angels and symbolic motifs
What is so special about St Giles' Cathedral for couple trip?
- Join a free guided walking tour that covers 900 years of history
- Spot hidden carvings in the Thistle Chapel and woodwork angels
- Explore at your own pace with a £5.50 audio guide
- Attend the free candlelit choral service on Sundays
Recommended visit duration: 1-3 hours
Why 1-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can join a guided tour, explore the Thistle Chapel, and take an audio tour without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in St Giles' Cathedral
Guided walking tour:
Join a 45-minute guided tour at 10:30am or 2:30pm to hear stories of John Knox and the Scottish Reformation.
Tip: Book a spot online at least one day ahead to secure seats.
Thistle Chapel:
Explore the neo-Gothic chapel with hand-carved stalls for the Order of the Thistle.
Tip: Look for tiny angels playing bagpipes hidden in the woodwork.
Audio tour:
Use a QR-code audio guide (£5.50) to explore at your own pace.
Tip: Download the guide on your phone before arrival to skip the queue.
St Giles at Six:
Attend the free Sunday choral service at 6pm by candlelight.
Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to find seating in the nave.
When is the best time to visit St Giles' Cathedral (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
Summer mornings are quieter—arrive by 10am to avoid peak crowds. In winter, check shorter opening hours and attend the Sunday 6pm choral service for a candlelit atmosphere.
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Reviews of St Giles' Cathedral (Edinburgh)
Coral Courtney
Lovely - they request donations at the door and have the ability for cash or card. If you have the option sunlight will make the glass stunning. It's mostly flat and while you have to walk the length past origin there are lots of chairs
Theresa Tee
Gorgeous, serene place of worship to sit and take in God's peace and the beauty made by His people. Huge vases of fresh, fragrant flowers adorn several spots inside. Very much enjoyed our time here.
Parinita Agrawal
A beautiful cathedral. The entry is free but there may be a queue that may make a 10-15 minute wait for entry. There may be a demand for donations. Photography is allowed (though my partner said it was mentioned outside to not to take pictures) but we saw everybody inside clicking pictures nonstop and nobody stopped anybody. There was a big touch screen that provided nice information about the cat...
Martin Baumeister
A must-see in Edinburgh—St Giles’ Cathedral is breathtaking St Giles’ Cathedral is truly a stunning landmark, right in the heart of the Royal Mile. The impressive architecture and soaring vaulted ceilings immediately draw you in, but it’s the gorgeous stained glass windows that really steal the show—each one a masterpiece in its own right. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or ju...
Joanna Blazejewska
A Must-See Gem in the Heart of Edinburgh St. Giles' Cathedral is an absolute treasure and truly one of the highlights of any visit to Edinburgh. From the moment you step inside, you're surrounded by breathtaking beauty and a sense of deep history and reverence. The architecture is simply stunning — the vaulted ceiling is a masterpiece in itself, soaring high above with intricate stonework that d...
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Audio tour for two | GBP 11 |
| Suggested donation | GBP 12 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 23 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St Giles' Cathedral
- Reserve tours early: Guided tours fill quickly—book via Eventbrite at least 24 hours in advance.
- Visit off-peak: Weekday mornings have smaller crowds and a quieter atmosphere.
- Prep digital guide: Scan the audio tour QR code and download files before arrival to save time.
Map of St Giles' Cathedral
Address: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, UK
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About St Giles' Cathedral
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 131 226 067410 BEST nearby Activities
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