Edinburgh City Centre Historic Churches Walking Trail
Welcome to the online version of the printed Edinburgh City Centre Historic Churches Walking Trail leaflet, edited by Anne Martin for the Diocese of Edinburgh, Scottish Episcopal Church, on behalf of the City Centre Churches.
This online version contains the same content as the printed leaflet but its map is interactive.
We hope you enjoy exploring Edinburgh’s Historic Churches. All the details below are correct to our knowledge, but do check individual churches’ websites for the latest opening times.
1. St Giles’ Cathedral (Church of Scotland)
Founded in 1124. John Knox’s parish church; has played an important role in Scottish history. Arrival of Bonnie Prince Charlie announced here in 1745. Used today for civic services. Organ built in 1992 by the Austrian firm of Rieger Orgelbau.
Open Monday to Friday, 10.00–18.00, Saturday 09.00–17.00, Sunday 13.00–17.00
2. Greyfriars Kirk (Church of Scotland)
Completed in 1620; first church built in Scotland after The Reformation; second church was built in 1722, joined together in 1929. The National Covenant was signed here in 1638. Peter Collins organ built in 1990.
Open April to September, Monday to Friday, 10.30–16.30, Saturday 11.00–14.00
3. St Patrick’s RC Church
Originally an Episcopalian Chapel opened in 1774, known as the ‘English Chapel’, inspired by London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields. Apse paintings by Alexander Runciman. After a short ownership by the Presbyterian Relief Church, purchased for the growing Irish Catholic Community in 1856.
Open Monday to Saturday 08.00–19.00, Sunday 08.00–18.00
4. Canongate Kirk (Church of Scotland)
James VII/II ordered the construction of Canongate to replace Holyrood Abbey. It was completed in 1690 and James VII/II’s coat of arms were altered to be those of William of Orange. The 1989 organ is the 1000th instrument built by the Danish firm Frobenius & Sons.
Open most weekends; please check website
5. Old St Paul’s (Scottish Episcopal Church)
On the site of the oldest episcopal church in Scotland. Present church 1883, designed by pupil of George Gilbert Scott. Willis Organ 1888; renovated 1960.
Open Monday to Friday, 08.00–17.00, Saturday 09.00–17.00, Sunday 09.30–19.30
6. St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral
Opened as the RC Chapel of St Mary in 1814; pro-cathedral for the new RC Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh from 1878. Enlarged in 1896; roof raised in 1932. Matthew Copley organ built in 2007 using pipes from 1882 Wilkinson organ.
Café
Open Monday to Friday, 08.30–18.30, Saturday 08.30–19.30, Sunday 08.30–20.30
7. The New Town Church (Church of Scotland)
First church built in Edinburgh’s New Town in 1784. The tower was added in 1787 making it then the tallest building in the city. Wells Kennedy organ installed in 1984.
Café
www.edinburghnewtownchurch.org.uk
Open Monday to Friday, 10.30–14.00, Saturday 11.00–13.00
8. St John’s Episcopal Church
Neo-gothic church consecrated 1818; architect William Burn. Built by congregation founded in 1792. Plaster ceiling based on Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey. Willis organ built in 1900.
Café
Open Monday to Saturday (excluding Wednesday) 10.00–16.00, Wednesday 12.00–16.00
9. Parish Church of St Cuthbert (Church of Scotland)
Ancient site. A new church opened in 1775 with a steeple added 1789. A second new church completed in 1894 retaining previous tower and steeple. Interior includes Tiffany stained glass. Ring of 10 bells. Robert Hope-Jones organ built 1899.
Open Tuesday to Friday 10.30–15.00
10. St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral
Consecrated in 1879; spire added 1913–1917. Architect George Gilbert Scott. Willis organ built 1879. Song School built in 1885; murals by Phoebe Anna Traquair (open by appointment).
Open Monday to Friday, 08.00–18.00, Saturday to Sunday, 08.00–17.00