St Anthony's Chapel with St Margaret's Loch and the city of Edinburgh visible below
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St Anthony's Chapel Ruins Edinburgh

4.7
·706 reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore the atmospheric 15th-century ruins of St. Anthony's Chapel, perched high in Holyrood Park, offering spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise or Sunset

Magical light for photos

CrowdLow
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St Anthony's Chapel with St Margaret's Loch and the city of Edinburgh visible below

St Anthony's Chapel Ruins Edinburgh

Best Time

Sunrise or Sunset

Magical light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the atmospheric 15th-century ruins of St. Anthony's Chapel, perched high in Holyrood Park, offering spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh.

4.7
(706 reviews)

"The ruins are minimal, but the surrounding views are phenomenal and make it worth the climb."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Rocky, uneven paths require good walking shoes. Avoid sandals or heels!

🧥 Dress for Wind & Rain

Edinburgh weather is changeable. Pack layers and waterproofs.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 706 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Summit of the hill

Breathtaking 360-degree views of Edinburgh, including the Palace of Holyroodhouse and St. Margaret's Loch.

Instagram
Historic Medieval Ruins

Historic Medieval Ruins

Holyrood Park

Explore the remnants of a 15th-century chapel, offering a glimpse into Edinburgh's past.

Instagram
Sunrise and Sunset Spectacle

Sunrise and Sunset Spectacle

Summit of the hill

The ruins are particularly magical at dawn and dusk, offering stunning light for photos.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Wear Sensible Shoes

The terrain around St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins is rocky, uneven, and can be slippery, especially in wet weather. Opt for sturdy walking shoes with good tread to navigate the paths safely. Reddit

Check the Weather & Dress Accordingly

Edinburgh's weather is famously unpredictable. Expect wind and rain, even in summer. Layering is key, and waterproof outerwear is a must for a comfortable visit to these exposed ruins. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunrise or Sunset
Why
Magical light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Save this for your next trip! And give us a follow for more Scotland adventures 🙌. Here’s how to visit these stunning historic sites using public transport! 📍Rosslyn Chapel: Take Bus 37 from Edinburgh city center. It’s a direct route and takes about 40 minutes. 📍Craigmillar Castle: Hop on Bus 33 or 49 to Craigmillar and enjoy a short walk to the castle. Approx. 25 minutes. 📍Dunfermline Abbey: Cat...
@scotlandhiddenadventures
26.4K likes • 254.1K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Rocky, uneven paths require good walking shoes. Avoid sandals or heels! Reddit

🧥 Dress for Wind & Rain

Edinburgh weather is changeable. Pack layers and waterproofs. Reddit

Views from ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel, dating from the 1400s. #edinburgh #holyroodpark #holyroodparkedinburgh #stanthonyschapel #ruins #medieval #medievalruins Soundscape: ‘Everything Starts’ by Texas alt rock/prog/shoegazers SECRET MACHINES, from 5th album Awake in the Brain Chamber (TSM 2020).
markfleming_embra
9 likes • 109 views
📍Whispers of the Past: Exploring the Mystical Ruins of St. Anthony’s Chapel . . . . . . #edinburgh #holyroodpark #outdoors #history #summer #trendingsongs #reels #reelsinstagram #scotland #arthursseat #ruins #explorepage #explorer #trending #trendingreels #tiktok #hiking #adventure #trekking #nature #naturephotography #naturelovers #trendingnow #outdoorphotography #hills #instatravel #instagood #i...
wild.backpacker13
0 likes • 349 views

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most stunning views and photos. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Climb, Big Reward

A short, manageable hike offers incredible city vistas. Reddit

The most beautiful autumn elopement day in Edinburgh - Brooke and Zach exchanged vows at sunset at St Anthony’s Chapel ruins in Holyrood Park and it was unforgettable to capture ✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #holyroodpark #arthursseat #circuslane #edinburghelopement #edinburgholdtown #scotlandwedding
nataliaswiaderphotography
59 likes • 1.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

Rocky, uneven paths require good walking shoes. Avoid sandals or heels! Reddit

🧥 Dress for Wind & Rain

Edinburgh weather is changeable. Pack layers and waterproofs. Reddit

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Visit at sunrise or sunset for the most stunning views and photos. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Climb, Big Reward

A short, manageable hike offers incredible city vistas. Reddit

💧 Bring Water

Especially if combining with Arthur's Seat or Salisbury Crags. Reddit

🚫 Not for Mobility Issues

Steep, uneven paths make it inaccessible for wheelchairs/mobility aids. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(706 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh from St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins, especially during sunrise and sunset. While the ruins themselves are minimal, the historical atmosphere and the rewarding, relatively easy climb make it a highly recommended stop within Holyrood Park. Be prepared for windy conditions and uneven terrain.

"Located in Holyrood Park only minutes away from the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The ruins are about a five-minute climb which is not difficult for most near the paths for Salisbury Crags and Arthur’s Seat.

We stopped here on our way up to Arthur’s Seat and were welcomed by ancient ruins of a 15th century church atop a hill and beautiful panoramic views of the city and St. Margaret’s Loch. It is especially pretty at sunrise and sunset.
Although some may climb or scale the hill to get to the ruins, there is a clear path. Make sure you look at a map of the park as there are clear differences in access and the level of climb difficulty for the various sites within it. The weather is usually windy and wet and the terrain is rocky, uneven and slippery at times. Make sure to wear sensible walking shoes with a tread, if possible, and appropriate wind/rainwear and bring some water if you intend on including Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat to your visit. Absolutely worth the visit if you can and you're up to it. The views are phenomenal from all hill tops.

Access is free and there is car park available at the foot of the park near the Palace. Not wheelchair accessible nor recommended for those with mobility issues."

Luisa Kuarsingh

"This place is gorgeous— come at sunrise or sunset. It’s such a quick hike up and you get the benefits of the park without a huge time commitment. Whole park is a must— hike everything if you can."

E Creighton

"These ruins are in a remarkable location. It is well worth the short climb to come and see and take in the views when you are at it. The history of the Chapel is obscure but is thought to date as far back as the 15th century. If walls could talk. There is not much left but the surrounding views make it worthwhile."

Allan MacIver

What People Like

Stunning panoramic views
Magical sunrise/sunset light
Historic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Minimal ruins remaining
Uneven, rocky terrain
Can be very windy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins are located within Holyrood Park. You can reach the park entrance near the Palace of Holyroodhouse by public transport, such as bus routes 33 or 49. From there, it's a walk into the park to find the ruins. TikTok

Yes, there is a car park available at the foot of Holyrood Park, near the Palace of Holyroodhouse. From there, you'll need to walk into the park to reach the ruins. Reddit

No, you cannot drive directly to the ruins. Access to St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins is on foot only, as it's situated within Holyrood Park. Reddit

St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins are located on the slopes of Arthur's Seat, making it a popular stop for those hiking the famous hill. You can easily combine a visit to the ruins with a hike up Arthur's Seat. Reddit

The climb to the ruins from the base of Holyrood Park is generally considered a short and easy hike, often taking around 15-30 minutes depending on your pace and starting point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, access to St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins and Holyrood Park is completely free. You do not need to purchase any tickets. Reddit

Holyrood Park, and therefore St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins, is open to the public year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times. Reddit

Unfortunately, St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins are not wheelchair accessible due to the steep, uneven, and rocky terrain of Holyrood Park. Reddit

The paths are steep and uneven, making it challenging for those with significant mobility issues. It's recommended to assess your fitness level before attempting the climb. Reddit

No, there is no entrance fee for Holyrood Park. The park and all its attractions, including St. Anthony's Chapel Ruins, are free to explore. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, creating a magical atmosphere. The 'golden hour' before sunset provides beautiful warm light. InstagramReddit

You'll get stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh city, including the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St. Margaret's Loch, and the surrounding landscape of Holyrood Park. Instagram

Absolutely! The romantic ruins and breathtaking views make it a popular spot for elopements and couple's photoshoots, especially at sunset. Instagram

Drone usage in Holyrood Park may be restricted. It's best to check current regulations with Historic Environment Scotland or the City of Edinburgh Council before flying a drone. Instagram

Experiment with different angles, including wide shots to capture the panoramic views and closer shots to highlight the stonework of the ruins. The contrast between the ancient stones and the modern city is striking. Instagram

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Hiking & Activities

The climb is generally considered easy to moderate, taking about 15-30 minutes. It's a good option for those who want a rewarding view without the full commitment of climbing Arthur's Seat. Reddit

Yes, it's very common to visit the ruins as part of a hike up Arthur's Seat. They are located on the slopes of the hill. Reddit

You can explore other parts of Holyrood Park, including Salisbury Crags, St. Margaret's Loch, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Reddit

Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes with good grip. Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly, and bring a waterproof jacket. Reddit

It's generally not recommended to hike back down in the dark due to uneven footing and poor light. Consider visiting earlier in the day or ensuring you have adequate lighting if staying for sunset. Reddit

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