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, solo trip

St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral (solo trip)

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

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

83%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 83% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler can freely explore stained glass, attend short prayer or music sessions, and enjoy calm grounds, needing little planning or special facilities.

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

Positives:

  • Free events: Most services and concerts are free or donation-based, easing your budget.
  • Central location: Situated in New Town, it’s a short walk from Princes Street and tram stops.

Challenges:

  • Limited signage: Signage is sparse inside; pick up a map or ask a steward for directions.
  • Popular services: Choral Evensong and concerts can fill quickly; arrive early for a seat.
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 solo trip?

  1. Attend free choral services and concerts solo
  2. Explore Gothic architecture and notable artworks
  3. Use the quiet grounds and labyrinth for reflection
  4. Pick up a guide sheet to find interior highlights
  5. Easy walking distance from Edinburgh city centre

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to attend a service, explore the interior highlights, and enjoy a lunchtime concert.

(View St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral

Morning Prayer & Holy Communion:

Attend a 30-minute service Monday–Saturday at 08:00 for a mindful start.

Tip: Arrive by 07:50 to find a seat and pick up the service leaflet.

Self-guided Interior Highlights:

View Borthwick’s “The Presence,” Lorimer’s Rood Cross, the rose window, and Walter Scott’s pew.

Tip: Pick up a free guide sheet at the welcome desk to locate each artwork.

Lunchtime Concert:

Enjoy free one-hour recitals of classical and Celtic music most Saturdays at 12:30.

Tip: Arrive early to find a seat in the nave and support musicians with a small donation.

Choral Evensong:

Experience the choir at Friday 17:30 or Sunday 15:30 sung prayer.

Tip: Check the cathedral website for holiday changes and arrive 10 minutes before start.

Quarter Peal Ringing:

Watch one hour of change-ringing on 12 bells, usually Sundays at 14:30.

Tip: Stand near the south doors for the best sound; no booking needed.

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

  1. Plan by schedule: Check the cathedral website before you go to align your visit with specific services or tours.
  2. Compact itinerary: Combine Morning Prayer with the interior tour then stay for the lunchtime concert.
🏖️ 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 August, book the Song School mural tour (£5) to see Traquair’s murals. On sunny days, view Paolozzi’s rose window from inside. In winter, check candlelight concert dates online.

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

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Cathedral entryGBP 0
Lunch-time concert donationGBP 5
Song School mural tourGBP 5
Coffee near the cathedralGBP 3
Total EstimatedGBP 13

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 (solo trip)

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, solo trip

Things to Do in London, solo trip
London
Things to Do in Edinburgh, solo trip
Edinburgh
Things to Do in Manchester, solo trip
Manchester

🇺🇸 United States, solo trip

Things to Do in Hawaii, solo trip
Hawaii
Things to Do in New York, solo trip
New York
Los AngelesSan FranciscoLas VegasSeattleAustinNiagara Falls

🇨🇦 Canada, solo trip

Things to Do in Vancouver, solo trip
Vancouver
Things to Do in Toronto, solo trip
Toronto
Things to Do in Montreal, solo trip
Montreal
VictoriaCalgaryQuebec CityOttawaNiagara Falls

🇮🇪 Ireland, solo trip

Things to Do in Dublin, solo trip
Dublin
Things to Do in Cork, solo trip
Cork
Things to Do in Galway, solo trip
Galway

🇮🇹 Italy, solo trip

Things to Do in Rome, solo trip
Rome
Things to Do in Florence, solo trip
Florence
Things to Do in Milan, solo trip
Milan

🇫🇷 France, solo trip

Things to Do in Paris, solo trip
Paris
Things to Do in Nice, solo trip
Nice
Things to Do in Lyon, solo trip
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