Who are we?

St Giles Cathedral is The High Kirk of Edinburgh and has been a site of worship for over 900 years. St Giles’ is a Church of Scotland congregation and worships according to the Presbyterian tradition. We welcome people of all faiths and none to enjoy the peace of the building and participate in our services. Alongside regular services of worship, St Giles’ Cathedral hosts a wide range of concerts, community events, and national civic ceremonies. St Giles’ Cathedral (High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE) is a registered Scottish charity, No. SC003565.

When is St Giles’ open for visiting?

-      Monday: 10am – 6pm

-      Tuesday: 10am – 6pm

-      Wednesday: 10am – 6pm

-      Thursday: 10am – 4:30pm

-      Friday: 10am – 6pm

-      Saturday:

• Quiet Hour: 9am – 10am

• Visiting: 10am – 5pm

-      Sunday: 1pm – 5pm

When is the last admission each day?

Each day, admissions for visiting will cease 1h prior to the closing time detailed above.

What is Quiet Hour Visiting?

This is a dedicated time in which we will intentionally reduce sensory stimulation around the Cathedral to offer a more comfortable and predictable visit to those who need it. Our welcomers ensure that all visitors know that it is Quiet Hour. They ask that mobiles are set to silent, noise is kept to a minimum, and that there is no flash photography during this hour.

What are the types of tickets and how do they differ?

St Giles’ Cathedral offers a range of ticketing options to ensure that we can welcome and facilitate a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone in the cathedral. Please see our Visitor Terms and Conditions for more information on the following ticket types:

-      Visitor Ticket – £12 per person: the regular ticket for visitors from outside Scotland, aged 16 or above.

-      Access Ticket - £10 per person: for visitors with accessibility requirements. Includes a free Companion Pass.

-      Resident Pass – free: first register online, then bring a proof of address to activate your pass at the beginning of your visit. This pass will be valid for 365 days from the date of its validation.

-      Accompanied Under 16s Ticket – free: for visitors under the age of 16, a free Accompanied Under 16s Ticket can be added to the purchase of any of the above tickets.

-      Group Ticket

• £7.50 per person: for groups of 7 or more.

• We ask that there are no more than 20 under 16s to 1 adult at any time during your visit. For example, a group of 21 under 16s would need to be accompanied by a minimum of 2 adults.

• We ask that local community groups and schools please email us at groups@stgilescathedral.org.uk so that we can facilitate your visit.

-      Event Ticket – tickets for our programme of concerts, recitals, and events can be purchased via our website, and are valid only for the pricing varies depending on the event

How and when will I receive my tickets?

After completing your purchase, you will receive a booking confirmation email containing your tickets. This email should arrive on the same day, however in the case of delays or issues receiving your tickets, please reach out to visit@stgilescathedral.org.uk

How can I change or cancel the time of my visit once I have booked a ticket?

When purchasing this ticket you will be asked to specify a date and a time for your visit. The ticket will not be valid before this time, and your admission may be delayed if you are late for your chosen timeslot. This admission time can be adjusted online via your online account.

Tickets cannot be cancelled. There is no need to contact us if you cannot make your reservation. Refunds are only considered in the event of an unexpected closure of the monument, in which case the amount will be automatically refunded via the same payment method used for the purchase.

What is the Digital Visitor Guide and what languages is it offered in?

Our digital visitor guide brings the heritage of St Giles' directly to your screen with an interactive map and detailed insights. The guide can be easily accessed at our Welcome Desk - simply scan the labelled QR code with your phone's camera. We are pleased to offer the digital guide in the following languages:

• English

• French

• Gàidhlig

• Portuguese

• Spanish

• Ukrainian

• German

• Chinese (Mandarin) 

• Italian

• Japanese

What is the Audio Tour and how do I use it?

All ticket types include access to our Audio Tour. This tour will lead you through the building, revealing secrets and stories about St Giles’ as well as explaining our rich history and architectural features. This 25-minute tour is accessed on your phone via a QR code, which means you can lead your own tour, stopping and starting as it suits you. You will need a smartphone, and we recommend using headphones for best experience (not provided). The audio tour is currently in English, German and Ukrainian.

Should I bring my tickets in digital or printed format?

Both digital tickets or printed tickets will be accepted at the entrance as long as the QR is scannable. If you use the digital format, please increase your screen brightness at the entrance to facilitate scanning.

How often can I return to St Giles’ once I have purchased a ticket?

This ticket will give you access to St Giles’ at any point during regular visiting hours, for 356 days  after the date you specify for your visit. Return as many times as you like!

Does St Giles’ offer concession or student pricing?

We do not offer concession or student discount on tickets.

Is St Giles’ accessible via wheelchair?

St Giles' Cathedral is mostly accessible by wheelchair. There is a ramp with a handrail at the entrance to the cathedral, and another one immediately upon entrance which gets you on to the main cathedral floor. When you are inside, there are many chairs to rest on throughout the cathedral and our Visitor Engagement Assistants will be present to assist with anything. The cathedral shop can be accessed via the internal ramp or a set of steps. 

We are currently planning construction works to make the full cathedral wheelchair accessible, but until they are completed in Early 2027, the Thistle Chapel remains inaccessible via wheelchair, as do a couple of the side aisles which have a step or two at their entrance.

Does St Giles’ have public toilets?

No, currently we do not have public toilets, as they are currently under renovation. The nearest public toilet can be found in the National Library on George IV Bridge. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

How can under 16s visit St Giles’?

St Giles’ welcomes visitors of all ages. Under 16s can visit for free and must be accompanied by an adult with a Visitor Ticket, Accessible Ticket, Resident Pass, or visiting in a group with a Group Ticket.      

How do I register for and activate my Resident Pass?         

Resident Passes are available for all residents in Scotland aged 16 or over, and can be applied for via our website. To activate your Resident Pass, bring a digital or physical proof of address to St Giles’ Cathedral so that the pass can be activated by our front-of-house staff.

What constitutes as a proof of address?

• Driver’s Licence, or other ID featuring your name and postcode.

• Piece of mail featuring your name and postcode, from the Government, your council, HMRC, your bank, or other institution.

• Official Letter confirming proof of residence or confirmation of asylum status.

• Matriculation Letter from a Scottish University or College.

Can I attend a church service in St Giles’ if I am not a member of the congregation?

Yes, everyone is welcome to worship in St Giles’ Cathedral. We welcome worshippers of all faiths and none. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the service starts to find a seat. There will also be an opportunity to speak with the preaching minister after the service. Please note that filming and photography is not permitted during our services.

Is it permitted to eat and drink inside St Giles’?

Aside from bottled water, no food or drink is to be consumed inside St Giles’.

How long can I stay inside St Giles’?

Once inside, there is no time limit for your visit beyond the Abbey’s opening and closing hours.

Is there a dress code to enter St Giles’?

St Giles’ Cathedral has no strict dress code, but we ask visitors to be respectful, as it is an active place of worship.

Are photography and videography allowed inside St Giles’?

Photography and videography of the building and its contents is permitted for personal use. Photography, videography and audio-recording of any members of the public, staff, or volunteers, is forbidden for safeguarding reasons. Please see our Safer Spaces Policy and Visitor Terms and Conditions for more information. Requests for photography and videography for commercial uses should be sent to comms@stgilescathedral.org.uk