St Serf's Church Dunning
Discover the ancient Dupplin Cross, a 9th-century Pictish marvel, housed within the historic St. Serf's Church, featuring stunning stained glass.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Sunlight enhances stained glass
St Serf's Church Dunning
Best Time
Sunlight enhances stained glass
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the ancient Dupplin Cross, a 9th-century Pictish marvel, housed within the historic St. Serf's Church, featuring stunning stained glass.
"The Dupplin Cross is a sight to behold, and the church has wonderful stained glass."
🚗 Easy Parking
Street parking is available and usually free with no restrictions right outside the church .
📜 Learn the History
Don't miss the Historic Scotland guide's presentation on the Dupplin Cross; it's highly recommended .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dupplin Cross
Inside St. Serf's Church
A 9th-century Pictish stone with intricate carvings, including a harpist and Celtic knots. A historical treasure.
Stained Glass Windows
Inside St. Serf's Church
Beautiful stained glass by Ballantine and Gardiner, offering vibrant colors when sunlight streams through.
1100s Bell Tower
St. Serf's Church
An ancient and gorgeous part of the church, showcasing its long and storied history.
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Planning Your Visit
Focus on the Dupplin Cross
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A New theory suggests Pictish symbols were a form of writing and existed as early as the 3rd century AD
🚗 Easy Parking
Street parking is available and usually free with no restrictions right outside the church.
📜 Learn the History
Don't miss the Historic Scotland guide's presentation on the Dupplin Cross; it's highly recommended.
☀️ Sun for Stained Glass
Visit on a sunny day to see the stained glass windows in their full, vibrant glory.
🚶♂️ Peaceful Graveyard
Explore the adjacent graveyard for a peaceful and reflective experience amidst history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Parking
Street parking is available and usually free with no restrictions right outside the church.
📜 Learn the History
Don't miss the Historic Scotland guide's presentation on the Dupplin Cross; it's highly recommended.
☀️ Sun for Stained Glass
Visit on a sunny day to see the stained glass windows in their full, vibrant glory.
🚶♂️ Peaceful Graveyard
Explore the adjacent graveyard for a peaceful and reflective experience amidst history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find St. Serf's Church a beautiful and peaceful historic site, with the Dupplin Cross being the undeniable highlight. The intricate carvings and historical significance of the cross are frequently praised, as are the vibrant stained glass windows and the ancient bell tower. It's considered a worthwhile stop for its historical value and serene atmosphere.
"Finally got to visit the Dupplin Cross which is housed inside St Serf’s, a magnificent Class III Pictish Stone from around 800CE. Has barely legible writing “CUSTANTIN FILIUS FIRCUS”, the Latin version of Pictish king's Gaelic name “Caustantín, son of Fergus” (Constantine son of Fergus/Causantín mac Fergusa). A rather important Pictish Stone as it gives a fixed chronologically date in time and indicates Gaelic as the spoken language at the time. Lots of beautiful carvings such as a harpist, rider with enlarged head riding a horse, hunting dogs, lovely Celtic Cross and lots of Celtic Knots.
The St Serf’s church itself is beautiful, has wonderful stained glass windows by Ballantine and Gardiner and incorporates the 1100s tower!"
Sarah Takahashi
"Beautiful Church, and the Dupplin Cross is a sight to behold. The history of the church and the Cross is so interesting. Be sure to see all the stained glass, when the sun shines through the colours are amazing. Owned and looked after by Historic Scotland, free entry for members. The bell tower is gorgeous and ancient, one of the original parts of the church. We were told that the original pulpit, which was disposed of when the church was extended is in an antiques shop in Crieff, although not for sale, phew. The stories it could tell. There's also a beautiful stone fountain outside (not in use) of the church."
Anne Mcleod
"The Dupplin Cross is a carved, monumental Pictish stone, which dates from around 800 AD. It was first recorded by Thomas Pennant in 1769, on a hillside in Strathearn, a little to the north of (and on the opposite bank of the River Earn from) Forteviot and Dunning. In 2002 it was placed in the care of Historic Scotland, and was placed for preservation under the 11th/12th-century tower of St Serf's Church, Dunning."
Warren Baird
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Serf's Church is located in the heart of Dunning village. It's easily accessible by car, with free street parking available nearby. For those using public transport, local bus services connect Dunning to surrounding towns and cities.
Yes, there is convenient street parking directly opposite the pub and next to the bridge, with no parking restrictions mentioned by visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St. Serf's Church and the Dupplin Cross is free for Historic Scotland members. For non-members, entry is generally free, but it's always a good idea to check the Historic Scotland website for any specific access information or potential charges.
St. Serf's Church is managed by Historic Scotland. While the church itself might be accessible during daylight hours, it's best to check the official Historic Scotland website for the most up-to-date opening times and any seasonal variations.
Yes, the church is described as small and peaceful, making it ideal for a brief stop. The main attraction, the Dupplin Cross, can be viewed relatively quickly, though the historical context provided by guides is highly recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary attraction is the Dupplin Cross, a significant 9th-century Pictish stone with remarkable carvings. The church itself also features beautiful stained glass windows and an ancient bell tower.
The Dupplin Cross features a variety of detailed carvings, including a harpist, a rider on a horse, hunting dogs, a Celtic cross, and intricate Celtic knots. It also bears the inscription 'CUSTANTIN FILIUS FIRCUS'.
Adjacent to the church is a peaceful graveyard, offering a serene environment to explore. There's also a beautiful, though not in use, stone fountain located outside the church.
Photography is generally permitted inside historical sites for personal use. However, it's always respectful to avoid flash photography, especially near delicate artifacts like the Dupplin Cross and stained glass, and to be mindful of other visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The church is located in Dunning village, which typically has local pubs and cafes. Visitors have noted its proximity to a pub, suggesting dining options are conveniently located nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
The Dupplin Cross itself offers fascinating details for close-up shots. On a sunny day, the stained glass windows are stunning, and the ancient bell tower provides a picturesque architectural element. The surrounding graveyard also offers atmospheric shots.
The stained glass windows are most vibrant when the sun shines through them. Therefore, visiting on a bright, sunny afternoon will yield the most dramatic and colorful photographic results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a sunny day to make the stained glass windows more visually appealing for younger eyes. The free entry for Historic Scotland members is a bonus for families. Parking is straightforward, making it an easy stop on a day out. The short visit duration also suits families with shorter attention spans.
🏛️ History Buffs
Delving into the architectural history of St. Serf's Church, particularly its 1100s tower, adds another layer of interest. The stained glass by Ballantine and Gardiner showcases artistic heritage. Engaging with a Historic Scotland guide can unlock deeper knowledge about Pictish symbols and their potential as a written language.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Dupplin Cross
The cross is adorned with a rich tapestry of carvings. Visitors can marvel at depictions of a harpist, a rider on a horse with an enlarged head, hunting dogs, a prominent Celtic cross, and intricate Celtic knots. These detailed carvings offer a glimpse into the artistry and symbolism of the Picts. The cross was originally discovered on a hillside near Forteviot and Dunning before being moved to its current protected location within St. Serf's Church for preservation.
For those interested in the deeper historical context, attending a presentation by a Historic Scotland guide is highly recommended. These guides often provide extensive insights into the theories surrounding Pictish symbols as a form of writing and their early origins.
Exploring St. Serf's Church and its Architecture
A notable feature within the church is its wonderful stained glass windows, crafted by Ballantine and Gardiner. When the sun shines through them, the colors are described as amazing, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere. These windows are a testament to the craftsmanship of the era and add significant aesthetic value to the church's interior.
Outside the church, visitors can find a beautiful stone fountain, though it is no longer in use. The church is situated in a peaceful setting, adjacent to a graveyard, offering a tranquil environment for reflection and exploration. The overall atmosphere is one of peace and historical significance.
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