The Most Beautiful Churches In Edinburgh

Whether grand old cathedrals are your cup of tea, you’ve got a soft spot for leafy churchyards, or you’re a stained glass aficionado, Edinburgh has something up its sleeve! History, art and architecture, and religion all collide in the Scottish capital’s houses of worship, and it’s a real sight to behold!

St Giles Cathedral

The historic city church or High Kirk of Edinburgh, sits on the famed Royal Mile, midway between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Boasting a famous crown spire, the cathedral dates back to the 14th century and is named for the patron saint of the city. Don’t miss the beautiful Thistle Chapel, designed in 1911 by Robert Lorimer, and its ornate carvings. Also of note are the memorials to author Robert Louis Stevenson and Protestant Reformer John Knox.

High St, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, +44 131 225 9442

This charming Victorian church is merely a stone’s throw from the Castle, hence the name. Built in the 19th century in Early English Gothic style by John Henderson, the interior is airy, light-filled and plays host to many a wedding. Take a step outside for a stroll through the greenery of the back garden before leaving.

14 Johnston Terrace, Edinbugh, United Kingdom, +44 131 622 2277

1. Old St Paul’s Scottish Episcopal Church

Church

Also dating back to the 1800s, Old St Paul’s has since been renovated multiple times – the nave extended and the chancel floor raised with marble. Nearly all of the many panes of stained glass, ornaments and vestments were made possible by fundraising or donations. Unusually, the gargoyles at Old St Paul’s are located inside, not on the exterior of the church as is common on buildings of this period.

2. St Cuthbert’s Parish Church

Church

Situated at the foot of the Castle and nestled amidst its churchyard and an abundance of greenery is St Cuthbert’s. It is widely believed that a church has been standing in this spot since 850 AD, making it technically Edinburgh’s oldest building. The architecture and decoration of the church is particularly ornate, which made it a source of some controversy when it was first designed. Make sure to spy out the stained glass depiction of David meeting Goliath, one of only a few Tiffany Glass Company windows in the UK.

3. Greyfriars Kirk

Church

Despite being one of the oldest surviving buildings outside of Old Town, originally built in the early 1600s, Greyfriars was nearly demolished in a fire in 1845. Its restoration introduced the first post-Reformation stained glass windows to be seen in a Scottish Presbyterian church. The impressive old stone building lies south of the Grassmarket, next to renowned independent school George Heriot’s – also a sight to be seen!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.