traveltowith

Find the Best Activities & Hotels for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

About UsContactTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026 Traveltowith. All rights reserved.
t
Search...
United Kingdom/Things to Do in Edinburgh, with kids

St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral (with kids)

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

How Kids-Friendly is St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral?

74%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 74% Kids-Friendly: Young Church club, bell-ringing demos, play corner and safe lawns keep children up to 12 engaged, though parents must still supervise and respect service quiet.

Google
Reviews4.7/ 5
(from 2,291 reviews)

Positives:

  • Free entry and activities: Entry to the cathedral, play area, labyrinth and Sunday Club are all free.
  • Child-friendly facilities: Baby-changing, seating and a quiet BabySpace room support families with young children.

Challenges:

  • Limited seating near play area: Seats close to the children’s corner fill up before services and events.
  • Restricted access on event days: Areas like the Song School or bell chamber tours are only open on specific days.
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral image 1
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral image 2
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral image 3
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral image 4
St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral image 5
🏖️ Explore St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral?

  • Gothic Revival Episcopal cathedral dating from 1874–1879 and designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott
  • Serves as the principal church of the Diocese of Edinburgh and features a 90-metre spire dominating the New Town skyline
  • Features intricate Victorian stonework, expansive stained-glass installations and Phoebe Anna Traquair’s acclaimed Song School murals

What is so special about St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral for with kids?

  1. Hands-on play areas and Sunday Club for kids
  2. Free entry to Gothic architecture and stained glass
  3. Quiet gardens and a prayer labyrinth for family walks
  4. Baby-changing and a dedicated BabySpace for toddlers
  5. Annual events like Open Day and bell tours for extra fun

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This fits kids' attention spans and covers main highlights plus play spaces.

(View St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral

View the Paolozzi Millennium Window:

Visit the Resurrection Chapel interior to see Eduardo Paolozzi’s stained-glass rose and lancets.

Tip: Go on a bright day and stand near the east windows to catch vibrant colors.

Walk the prayer labyrinth:

Follow the wildflower-edged labyrinth in the south grounds for a gentle family stroll.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and let kids trace the path in the grass.

Join Sunday Club in Walpole Hall:

Children join Bible lessons, crafts and games alongside the 10:30am Eucharist.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early to find Walpole Hall and meet volunteer leaders.

Use the play area and children’s corner:

Let kids read, draw and play at the back of the cathedral or in the library corner.

Tip: Bring a favorite coloring book or small toys to extend playtime.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral

  1. Arrive early: Get there 15 minutes before the 10:30am service to secure space in Sunday Club and play area.
  2. Combine with New Town walk: After your visit, stroll five minutes into New Town for family-friendly cafes.
🏖️ Tour St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral

Powered by Google
Sanjay Gupta

Sanjay Gupta

Dec 2025

We started our day to explore Edinburgh city, and this was our first stop. We stayed at the 'Britannia Hotel Edinburgh,' and it was on the way to the tram station. St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral sits at the west end of Palmerston Place, a wide, attractive Edinburgh New Town thoroughfare named after Viscount Palmerston, a former prime minister and University of Edinburgh graduate who died in 1865. ...

Meizhu Chuang

Meizhu Chuang

Dec 2025

Simply magnificent. One of the most beautiful cathedral I have ever visited in the country. The cathedral was an architectural masterpiece with rich history and a perfect little touch of the modern world. The atmosphere is very quiet and peaceful and the presence of the Lord is graced in this hall.

Vanessa Morais

Vanessa Morais

Dec 2025

One of the prettiest cathedrals I’ve ever seen. All the details are breathtaking! We went in a rainy day and it looked even better, matched the vibe.

Augusto Álvarez

Augusto Álvarez

Oct 2025

A very beautiful and magnificent cathedral. There are many interesting exhibits inside, and there's also gothic organ music playing in the background. It's worth a visit, and the photos are incredible.

Kaileton Huang

Kaileton Huang

Aug 2025

Walking into St Mary’s Cathedral, I was immediately struck by the play of light and color pouring through the magnificent stained-glass windows. The large rose window above, with its intricate design, radiates a sense of eternity, like a burst of divine light frozen in glass. Each panel tells its own biblical story, creating a tapestry of faith that glows warmly even in the quiet dimness of the na...

When is the best time to visit St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)?

In summer, book the annual Open Day tours and Song School mural visits early; spaces fill quickly.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Edinburgh on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Optional donationGBP 0
Optional donationGBP 0
Total EstimatedGBP 0

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 Mary's Episcopal Cathedral

Address: Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5AW, UK

Map will load when you scroll here

Scroll down to view the interactive map

Looking for other Things to Do besides St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral (Edinburgh)?

← See other Things to Do in Edinburgh (with kids)

About St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral

Opening Hours

Monday:8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday:8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday:8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday:8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday:8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday:8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+44 131 225 6293

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide

Explore Popular Things to Do

🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids

Things to Do in London, with kids
London
Things to Do in Edinburgh, with kids
Edinburgh
Things to Do in Manchester, with kids
Manchester

🇺🇸 United States, with kids

Things to Do in Hawaii, with kids
Hawaii
Things to Do in New York, with kids
New York
Los AngelesSan FranciscoLas VegasSeattleAustinNiagara Falls

🇨🇦 Canada, with kids

Things to Do in Vancouver, with kids
Vancouver
Things to Do in Toronto, with kids
Toronto
Things to Do in Montreal, with kids
Montreal
VictoriaCalgaryQuebec CityOttawaNiagara Falls

🇮🇪 Ireland, with kids

Things to Do in Dublin, with kids
Dublin
Things to Do in Cork, with kids
Cork
Things to Do in Galway, with kids
Galway

🇮🇹 Italy, with kids

Things to Do in Rome, with kids
Rome
Things to Do in Florence, with kids
Florence
Things to Do in Milan, with kids
Milan

🇫🇷 France, with kids

Things to Do in Paris, with kids
Paris
Things to Do in Nice, with kids
Nice
Things to Do in Lyon, with kids
Lyon

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

Book on GetYourGuide
traveltowith
HomeDestinationsAbout
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

searching for