Activity Policies
- Visitors are welcome during the cathedral’s published visiting hours, subject to worship and special events.
- As a working place of worship, visitors should maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere.
- Appropriate and respectful clothing is expected.
- Photography may be permitted for personal use, but restrictions can apply during services or special events.
- Visitors should not touch historic monuments, artworks or architectural features.
- Access to certain areas may be restricted during worship, ceremonies, concerts, restoration or private events.
- Visitors should follow instructions provided by cathedral staff and volunteers.
- Children should remain under adult supervision.
- The cathedral may occasionally close or alter access arrangements for operational or religious reasons.
Terms & Conditions
- Admission is currently donation-based, with a suggested donation of £10.
- From September 2026, a visitor charging model will be introduced. Tickets will be £12, while residents of Scotland and visitors under 16 will continue to have free access.
- St Giles’ is an active place of worship, so visitor access may be restricted or affected by religious services, ceremonies, concerts and other cathedral activities.
- Visitors are expected to maintain appropriate quiet and respect the religious nature of the building, particularly during services.
- Photography, filming and sound recording are not permitted during services, and visitors should keep mobile phones silent.
- During the weekday 12:00–12:15 midday service, visitors may remain in the Cathedral but should remain quiet and must not photograph the act of worship.
- Groups of more than 5 people must book in advance. Unbooked groups may be turned away. A group booking request is not confirmed until the Cathedral sends confirmation.
- The Cathedral may have to close or restrict access for services and other planned activities, so visitors should check the official visitor information before travelling.
- Accessibility assistance is available, including an entrance ramp and manual wheelchairs. However, the Thistle Chapel has four steps and some side aisles/shop areas have steps.
- There is no cloakroom or luggage storage facility, so visitors must keep their luggage with them.
- Dogs are permitted inside the Cathedral, with visitors advised to ask staff or volunteers if their dog requires water.
Cancellation Policy
Standard admission to St Giles’ Cathedral is currently donation-based and does not require a paid admission ticket; therefore, no cancellation or refund policy applies to a standard visit. From September 2026, paid visitor admission will apply, and any cancellation or refund will be subject to the cathedral’s applicable ticket terms and conditions. Separately booked tours or events are subject to the cancellation conditions of the respective organizer.
