Our View
The three looming spires of this huge Victorian Gothic Episcopal cathedral make it a notable landmark to the west of the city. It was designed by George Gilbert Scott and consecrated in 1879. Highlights of the interior include the suspended rood cross by Robert Lorimer, and a modern stained glass window by artist Eduardo Paolozzi. The cathedral has its own very successful training workshop, where apprentices learn the skills needed to keep the fabric of the building in good repair. It is also the only church in Scotland to follow the Anglican tradition of daily sung services, maintaining its own choir. The Song School building, to the north of the cathedral, designed for the choir to rehearse in, has stunning murals by Arts and Crafts artist Phoebe Anna Traquair, painted around 1890. Photo: Peter Backhouse.
Facilities – at a glance
Suitable for all child ages
Assist dogs allowed
Features
- Suitable for children of all ages
- Parking nearby
- Facilities: Induction loop, wheelchair, ramps
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year, Mon–Fri 7.30am–6pm, Sat 7.30am–5, Sun 8am–5pm; Song School open for tours in August or by appointment
Also in the area
About the area
Discover Edinburgh
Edinburgh is one of Britain’s most spectacular cities and both Old and New Towns have UNESCO World Heritage status. At its heart, the Old Town is a treasury of architecture stretching back to medieval times with its labyrinth of narrow lanes (‘wynds’ or ‘closes’). While the New Town's splendid district of squares, crescents and gardens are surrounded by impressive Georgian town houses.
It isn’t just a magnificent, bustling city, it’s surrounded by countryside – offering visitors the best of both worlds. Dominated by hills and the sea, with the rolling Pentland Hills to the south and the broad expanse of the Firth of Forth estuary to the north, it benefits from a rugged and varied landscape. So much so, the city has its own miniature mountain, Arthur’s Seat, which looms over the Old Town and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, dwarfing even Castle Rock and its crowning fortress, Edinburgh Castle.
A couple of miles east, Portobello is Edinburgh’s seaside area, with a long stretch of golden sand that attracts droves of city dwellers on sunny summer days.
Nearby stays
Places to Stay
Dining nearby
Restaurants and Pubs
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