St Giles' Cathedral (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is St Giles' Cathedral?
What makes it 45% Baby-Friendly: Prams enter by ramps and seating allows discreet feeding, but no changing unit, cloakroom, or freely open toilet makes care awkward; nearest full baby room is the National Library 200 m away.
Positives:
- Pram Access: Ramps at the main entrance and inside allow easy stroller access to the nave.
- Seating Available: Benches in the main hall let you sit and feed your baby anywhere.
Challenges:
- No Dedicated Baby Facilities: No changing tables or nursing rooms; emergency toilet only on request.
- Limited Storage: No cloakroom; keep pram and baby bags with you at all times.
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 with baby?
- Free guided tours with pram-friendly routes
- Interactive scavenger hunt in the Thistle Chapel
- Emergency baby toilet available on request
- Stained-glass views with seating for feeding
- Nearby library offers proper baby-changing facilities
Note: St Giles' Cathedral is 45% Baby-Friendly. You may want to consider other Baby-Friendly Things to Do in Edinburgh for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Enough time for a guided tour and breaks with your baby without rushing.
Baby-Friendly Activities in St Giles' Cathedral
Join a Family-Friendly Guided Tour:
45-minute free tour with stories of John Knox, medieval guilds, and the Thistle Chapel carvings.
Tip: Book at least a day in advance via Eventbrite to secure a stroller spot.
Explore the Thistle Chapel Scavenger Hunt:
Find tiny angels playing bagpipes and symbolic carvings.
Tip: Print a simple clue list beforehand to keep your baby intrigued during breaks.
Spot Stained-Glass Windows and the Rieger Organ:
Admire colourful windows depicting Scottish saints and the grand organ pipes.
Tip: Sit in the main nave to feed or soothe your baby while enjoying the view.
When is the best time to visit St Giles' Cathedral (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
In winter, dress your baby in warm layers and use a stroller cover. In summer, visit early mornings for quieter tours and softer light for photos.
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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 Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Guided Walking Tour | GBP 0 |
| Audio Tour for 2 Adults | GBP 11 |
| Recommended Donation | GBP 5 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 16 |
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
- Bring a Portable Changing Mat: Use the emergency toilet or your stroller area for quick changes.
- Combine with National Library: Visit nearby baby-changing rooms at the library 200 m away for a break.
- Arrive Early: Early mornings have fewer visitors and quieter tours for baby-friendly photos.
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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