St Giles' Cathedral (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is St Giles' Cathedral?
What makes it 63% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 enjoy short stories of rebellions and a mini angel scavenger hunt, yet no public toilets or play corners mean breaks must be off-site, so aim for a visit under one hour.
Positives:
- Free entry: No ticket is needed, but donations help maintain the cathedral.
- Pram and wheelchair access: Ramps at the main entrance and manual wheelchairs on request make entry easy.
Challenges:
- Low lighting: Some areas use dim lighting; bring a small flashlight or use phone light to see details.
- Narrow aisles: The one-way route can feel tight with a group; keep kids close to avoid congestion.
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 kids?
- Join a free 45-minute family tour with tales of medieval knights
- Keep kids engaged with a hidden-angel scavenger hunt in the Thistle Chapel
- Marvel at colourful stained-glass windows and the impressive Rieger organ
- Support the cathedral with a small donation for access to special chapels
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This time lets you join a guided tour, do a scavenger hunt, and explore key areas without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in St Giles' Cathedral
Guided Walking Tour:
Join the cathedral’s free, 45-minute family tour.
Tip: Book spots on Eventbrite before arrival; arrive 10 minutes early to get good seats.
Hidden-Angel Scavenger Hunt:
Find tiny angels and a pelican in the Thistle Chapel carvings.
Tip: Give each child a simple checklist to keep them focused and excited.
Spot Stained-Glass Windows and the Rieger Organ:
Admire colourful scenes of Scottish saints and the huge organ pipes.
Tip: Use your phone camera to zoom in on details and let kids draw their favourite window.
Visit the Thistle Chapel:
See ornate chairs and wood carvings of the Order of the Thistle.
Tip: Guide kids to spot bagpiping angels hidden in the woodwork.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St Giles' Cathedral
- Arrive early: Start your visit at opening time to enjoy quieter spaces and better photo ops.
- Download audio guide: Preload the £5.50 guide on your phone for self-paced learning if adults need a break.
Reviews of St Giles' Cathedral
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...
When is the best time to visit St Giles' Cathedral (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?
In summer, book your guided tour early to avoid school holiday crowds. In winter, check daylight hours and join a candlelit service for a magical atmosphere.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Donation for Thistle Chapel | GBP 6 |
| Audio tour (optional, 4 people) | GBP 22 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 28 |
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
Map of St Giles' Cathedral
Address: High St, Edinburgh EH1 1RE, UK
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides St Giles' Cathedral (Edinburgh)?
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
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities