St Giles' Cathedral
Church Medieval cathedral on Edinburgh's Royal Mile
Dominating Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, St Giles’ Cathedral houses the ornate Thistle Chapel and medieval features; visitors attend services, hear recitals and explore stained glass, tombs and the church’s role in Scotland’s Reformation history.
St Giles’ Cathedral is the historic parish church on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Scotland, with origins in the 12th century and a long role in the city’s religious and civic life.
The interior contains several distinct features including the ornate Thistle Chapel, medieval choir areas and stained glass. The cathedral is also notable for its late-medieval crown steeple which is one of the building’s most recognisable external features.
The church developed over several centuries; major phases of the fabric date from the 14th and 15th centuries and the building played a prominent role in the Scottish Reformation. The Thistle Chapel was inserted in the early 20th century and the building has been restored repeatedly.
St Giles stands on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s Old Town, immediately opposite the Mercat Cross and within easy walking distance of Edinburgh Castle and the Lawnmarket.
- Location tip: Located on the Royal Mile directly opposite the Mercat Cross and a short walk from Edinburgh Castle.
- Visitor note: Part of the Church of Scotland and active for worship and civic ceremonies, with regular opening hours for visitors that may be limited during services.
What to See #
- Thistle Chapel: A small, highly ornate chapel built inside the cathedral in the early 20th century to house the ceremonial stalls of the Order of the Thistle; notable for intricate woodcarving and heraldic decoration.
- Crown steeple: The late-medieval crown steeple that tops the building and is a distinctive feature of Edinburgh's skyline; the steeple dates to the late medieval period and has been restored several times.
How to Get to St Giles' Cathedral #
St Giles’ Cathedral stands on the Royal Mile (High Street) in Edinburgh’s Old Town. From Edinburgh Waverley railway station it is an easy roughly 5-10 minute walk east along the Royal Mile/High Street to the cathedral; Haymarket station is a longer walk or a short taxi ride.
The Royal Mile is served by Edinburgh’s Lothian Bus network (multiple routes stop along or near Princes Street and the Royal Mile), and vehicular access in the Old Town is limited with on‑street parking restricted; use city car parks or public transport when visiting.
Tips for Visiting St Giles' Cathedral #
- Go early on a weekday or late afternoon to avoid the busiest stretches of the Royal Mile; the cathedral is much quieter outside peak tourist hours and you'll get better access to interior details.
- Enter from the Royal Mile entrance and check the schedule on arrival: the Thistle Chapel (Order of the Thistle) is a highlight that's sometimes closed during services, so plan your visit around opening times.
- If you want views and a different experience, book the guided tower or roof access in advance - tours are limited in summer and sell out on festival days (Edinburgh Festival).
Best Time to Visit St Giles' Cathedral #
For the cathedral, visit in spring or autumn to avoid summer festival crowds while still enjoying mild weather in Edinburgh.
Weather & Climate near St Giles' Cathedral #
St Giles' Cathedral's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (660 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with 68 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
