St. Margaret's Chapel
St. Margaret's Chapel
4
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This stately chapel is the only original building left in the Edinburgh Castle complex.
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Neighbourhood: Old Town
Few Edinburghers live in the Old Town, but its labyrinth of dank alleys and steep streets suggests this was not always the case. Today, it’s mostly visitors, tartan-flavoured souvenir shops, and pipers that you’ll find on its cobbled streets. This is the place to get a feel for Auld Reekie (Old Smelly), as the town was once nicknamed, and stroll the Royal Mile, the thoroughfare that links the castle with the royal palace – two of Edinburgh’s great set-piece attractions. But there’s lots more exploring to do here down dozens of little alleys, or wynds, while at night the city’s busiest clubs erupt along the Cowgate which is closed to traffic for this purpose.
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4.0
165 reviews
Excellent
69
Very good
62
Average
30
Poor
4
Terrible
0
bsandrs
Portsmouth, UK22,659 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We have visited the Castle on a number of occasions, but never explored St. Margaret’s Chapel. On our latest visit under covid restrictions, right at the top of the Castle we noticed a small queue and realised our past omissions. The chapel itself is small but beautifully proportioned and simply decorated. Because of number limitations we enjoyed several quiet moments on our own within, appreciating the peaceful atmosphere. Built in the 12th century, it is the oldest surviving chapel in Scotland. Make sure you see it when conditions allow.
Written 22 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam3314
Derby, UK2,087 contributions
Oct 2020
This is the chapel at the top of Edinburgh castle dedicated to the Scottish royal family's only saint. Margaret of Wessex was the queen after whom Queensferry is named. The chapel is the oldest building in Edinburgh having been spared by Robert the Bruce. Simple, beautiful little chapel.
Written 7 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SuzieGlobeTrekker
Boston, MA29 contributions
I always had dreams of going to Scotland and visting a castle. This past December, that dream came true. My boyfriend and I had the day to explore Edinburgh Castle. We rented the audio tour thing that the castle offered. When we got to the top of the castle, I noticed this very small and very old building next to me. I did not know anything about this place but I felt as if I was drawn to it. I kept looking at it but there was not a ton of information posted about it. I found the selection on my audio tour about "St Margret's Chapel" It's so peaceful inside...the stain glass windows are so tiny but so beautiful. The chapel is very small, it has a few benches and a very tiny alter as well. It's a very intimate place . I found myself sitting in this tiny chapel for so long that my boyfriend had to all but drag me out. I ended up buying books about St Margaret and everything. I only wish the weather was warmer and it was earlier in the day. I can't explain what came over me that day but I can tell you this, the effect has not left me. I think of that place often epecially during tough times. Another thing that added to this whole day was the door was open to one of the stores outside the castle, and the music from the store traveled quite far. All you could hear at one point were the bagpipes..
I would recommend visiting Ediburgh Castle to anyone. Be prepared to walk. though.. The audio tour I mentioned was great but it took so long that I'm sure we missed out on alot of the castle. It's a great idea, and it's very informative but only use it if you have the entire day.. A guided tour might be your best bet and then you could always ask questions then have the rest of the day to wander around and explore. The photo ops are unlimited...We also visited the area where the Crowned Jewels were kept, we also went to the war museum etc...there's definately plenty to see inside and out.. Overall, the whole castle is very intriguing, and full of history not to mention breathtaking scenery. The city of Edinburgh was absolutely fabulous...I can't wait to go back.
I would recommend visiting Ediburgh Castle to anyone. Be prepared to walk. though.. The audio tour I mentioned was great but it took so long that I'm sure we missed out on alot of the castle. It's a great idea, and it's very informative but only use it if you have the entire day.. A guided tour might be your best bet and then you could always ask questions then have the rest of the day to wander around and explore. The photo ops are unlimited...We also visited the area where the Crowned Jewels were kept, we also went to the war museum etc...there's definately plenty to see inside and out.. Overall, the whole castle is very intriguing, and full of history not to mention breathtaking scenery. The city of Edinburgh was absolutely fabulous...I can't wait to go back.
Written 13 August 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gaurav C
New Delhi, India2,959 contributions
Mar 2019
The oldest building in the Edinburgh castle depicts Roman architecture..A small place of worship..such astonishment seeing such an old building..Free for everyone who wants to enter
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Africa Tourist
Sydney, Australia9,302 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
Oldest surviving building in Edinburgh as most of the castle was destroyed by Robert Bruce after seizing control.
The chapel is small with a tapestry on the altar table which is fascinating and has lots of history written into it.
The chapel is small with a tapestry on the altar table which is fascinating and has lots of history written into it.
Written 26 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia50,924 contributions
Sept 2018
St. Margaret's Chapel is a very small structure, dating to the 12th century. It is considered as the oldest surviving building of Edinburgh Castle. It is tiny and fits a tiny number of visitors inside. It is quite simple, but its significance lies more in its age rather than anything else. It is inside the Castle walls, so to visit it you have to have a ticket for the Castle entry. It is not really an exceptional attraction in any way, as you would not spend more than a couple of minutes on (or in) it.
Written 28 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa P
Calgary, Canada1,462 contributions
Jul 2019
It is a small chapel. It has a line to get in, as it is very small. It is a medieval chapel and St. Margaret is an important catholic saint in a country that was forced to became protestant. So, the chapel marks an important Scottish past.
Written 20 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinaNtravel
San Jose, CA2,010 contributions
May 2019 • Family
Small, old chapel with a pretty stone archway around the entrance to the altar. The altar itself it somewhat plain, but still interesting. The chapel also contains some stained glass windows. The chapel is quite small, barely room for maybe 10 people.
Written 10 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jmason76
Manchester31 contributions
Jan 2018
What a location , very old Chapel, walking up to the chapel felt like a Celebrity! Lovely helpful staff at the Castle and sorted the wedding party out , we're we should be ect . Lovely romantic place ! The tots off Scottish whiskey warmed us up !
Written 24 January 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whytewitch59632
Elgin, UK19 contributions
Dec 2013 • Solo
this chapel is positively miniscule in scale , which makes it all the more worthwhile , when you look at the work that went into its construction .
always a queue to get inside , but lovely little place
All facilities are within the main body of the castle .
always a queue to get inside , but lovely little place
All facilities are within the main body of the castle .
Written 3 November 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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