Churches and Cathedrals in Edinburgh: The Witchery’s Guide

When planning a trip to the capital, most visitors will add Edinburgh Castle to the top of their bucket list, but outside of this popular landmark lies a series of beautiful churches and cathedrals waiting to be explored that make up Edinburgh’s dramatic landscape. 

The capital’s religious buildings are a testament to its history and the role faith has played in shaping the city. Of course, Scotland itself has a long history of Christianity dating back centuries, with the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century leading to the construction of new places of worship to accommodate the new faith. Many of Edinburgh's churches and cathedrals are significant architectural landmarks, contributing to the city's unique character and cultural heritage.

With many of these sites open to the public, many for free, it’s worth taking a detour to see them for yourself. Stay in Old Town with The Witchery for a convenient location nearby St Giles’ Cathedral and continue your tour through to the West End for a complete tour of Edinburgh’s most beautiful churches and cathedrals. 

St. Giles’ Cathedral

A 4-minute walk from The Witchery By The Castle, St. Giles’ Cathedral offers visitors a chance to explore its historical significance, admire its architecture, and experience a sense of Scotland's spiritual heritage.

Founded in 1124 by King David I, St Giles’ has been a working church for almost 900 years and is still an important centre for civic services today, such as hosting the Kirking of the Parliament and services for the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle. Guided walking tours are available and you can plan your visit on the cathedral’s official website.

Canongate Kirk

Designed by renowned architect James Smith, Canongate Kirk boasts a unique Dutch-style gable and a Romanesque basilica interior, unusual for a Scottish Presbyterian church.

Located on the Royal Mile, the Kirk was originally not part of Edinburgh, given that Canongate lay outside the city walls and was a separate town until 1856, but it is a culturally significant and beautifully designed church with a pew at the front of the building bearing the crown emblem, indicating its use by the royal family.

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cathedral

St Mary's is the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh and has stood in the centre of the capital for more than 200 years. Home to the national shrine of St Andrews, the cathedral also features impressive architecture with spires and stained glass windows that create a serene atmosphere.

To this day, the cathedral still hosts various events and choirs, including being part of the Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts and hosting music evenings.  You can find opening times on their website.

St Cuthbert’s Parish Church

A lively, vibrant church in the centre of the city of Edinburgh, The Parish Church of St Cuthbert has roots going back an astonishing thirteen hundred years. 

Believed to be the oldest Christian site in Edinburgh, the site includes a surrounding graveyard that is one of the largest in Edinburgh from the Burke and Hare era. Here you can find varied residents including Thomas De Quincey, writer of Confessions of an English Opium Eater; William Macao, the first naturalised Chinese citizen of Scotland; and John Napier, father of logarithms.

You can also find stunning examples of stained glass, including the church’s exquisitely detailed Tiffany window with the image of David heading off to face Goliath.

St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral

If you’re planning a visit to Dean Village from Haymarket, you might want to stop in St. Mary's Episcopal Cathedral on Palmerston Place in the west end of the city. 

This neo-gothic cathedral was built in 1874 and truly captures the gothic spirit of Edinburgh. The cathedral includes information about its history and you can see the magnificent stained glass Millenium Window by celebrated Scottish sculptor Paolozzi inside. The Cathedral building and grounds are open almost every day with free entry. For further information see the Cathedral’s website. 

Mansfield Traquair

Affectionately known as “Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel”, Mansfield Traquair’s grand neo-Romanesque architecture and exquisite murals make Mansfield Traquair one of Edinburgh’s most spectacular churches.

It’s best known as a wedding venue but is also open the second Sunday afternoon of each month throughout the year or with allocated visit days if you’re looking to see it for yourself. Entrance is free, while paid private tours are available. 

St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church

At the west end of Princes Street in the heart of Edinburgh is St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church. This church dates from 1818 and features stained glass windows and a magnificent ceiling, as well as unique Gothic style features including a striking pendant and fan vaulting that is modelled on King Henry VII’s Chapel in Westminster Abbey, London. You can find further information about touring the church, including opening times, over on their website. 

Visit The Witchery on Your Day Out in Edinburgh 

Located on Castle Hill, across from Camera Obscura and neighbours to Edinburgh Castle, join us for a light lunch or an evening meal in the Old Town, and top off your day of exploration with a dining experience in one of Edinburgh’s most historic restaurants. 

Scottish seafood, Highland meats, and our commitment to seasonal and local produce work together to create dishes that you can indulge in and memories you can cherish forever. 

Discover our á la carte menu and book your table now. 

Explore more of Edinburgh

Discover more wonderful things to do in Edinburgh, and continue reading:

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• Explore Edinburgh City to find the best viewpoints and photo opportunities
• Bring your significant other with our list of the most romantic things to do for couples in Edinburgh
• Find out about Edinburgh’s eerie history and haunted hotels