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Elgin
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Elgin Cathedral

Elgin Cathedral

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Elgin Cathedral

See all things to do
See all things to do
Elgin Cathedral
4.5
814
#3 of 23 things to do in Elgin
Churches & Cathedrals
10:00 - 16:00
Monday
10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 16:00
Thursday
10:00 - 16:00
Friday
10:00 - 16:00
Saturday
10:00 - 16:00
Sunday
10:00 - 16:00
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About
Elgin Cathedral, also known as the ‘Lantern of the North’ is a majestic, historic ruin situated in Elgin. Elgin Cathedral is one of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval buildings, dating back to the 13th century. Elgin Cathedral has a rich history - it was badly fire damaged in 1390 following an attack by Robert III's brother Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, who was also known as the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’. The two towers of the West Front and the Chapter House are intact and open to the public and the climb is rewarded with magnificent views of the town of Elgin. The top of the tower has an open viewing platform with information boards highlighting the visible landmarks.
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
80 within 5 kms
Weavers Restaurant
514
0.4 km€€ - €€€ • Cafe • British • Scottish
Ada Turkish Restauarant
326
0.6 km€€ - €€€ • Mediterranean • European • Turkish
The Drouthy Cobbler
510
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • Bar • British • Pub
Spice Tandoori
359
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • Indian • Asian • Balti
Pattaya Thai Restaurant
221
0.5 km€€ - €€€ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Batchen Street Coffee
60
0.7 km€€ - €€€ • Cafe • Contemporary • Scottish
The Ditsy Teacup
149
0.8 km€€ - €€€ • Bakeries • Cafe • Soups
Panache
314
0.6 km€€ - €€€ • Indian • Asian • Grill
Scribbles
443
0.8 km€€ - €€€ • Italian • Pizza • British
The Emperor Chinese & Thai Restaurant
68
0.3 km€€ - €€€ • Chinese • Asian
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Attractions
16 within 5 kms
Biblical Garden Elgin
102
96 mGardens
Elgin Museum
108
0.3 kmSpeciality Museums
Moray Motor Museum
134
0.7 kmSpeciality Museums
The Malt Whisky Trail
10
0.5 kmHiking Trails
Gordon & MacPhail
115
0.7 kmDistilleries
Pluscarden Abbey
116
1 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Elgin Town Hall For The Comunity
2
0.6 kmCivic Centres
Glen Moray Distillery
372
2.2 kmDistilleries
Lady Hill Castle
28
1 kmHistoric Sites • Castles
Borough Briggs
8
0.9 kmArenas & Stadiums
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Popular mentions
4.5
814 reviews
Excellent
472
Very good
270
Average
57
Poor
9
Terrible
6
Darren C
Fleet, UK371 contributions
Inspiring
Sep 2021 • Solo
Such a shame what has happened to it over the centuries but even just in ruins it looks wonderful. I love the displays that are up and the explanations for each display. It also try’s to show you what it would have looked like centuries ago.
Written 19 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Baggins S
3 contributions
A very peaceful place.
Sep 2021 • Friends
What a really peaceful and picturesque place to visit.
Such history, and surprised so much still exists considering the reformation.
Grounds are maintained very meticulously, and even though there was some scaffolding up, it did nothing to reduce the magnificent facades and charm of the place.
Staff were wonderfully friendly and very informative, good covid measures in place, and the toilet was clean.
Not too pricey either and you can easily wander for 2 hours. I'm really pleased we visited.
The chapter house was really very atmospheric, and if you go up the towers there is an exhibition of stone works and stories about the bosses and people who worked on the site.
Very easy to get round, I'd say a wheelchair could do almost all of it barring the tower rooms.
Definitely recommend a visit.
Written 18 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Christine S
2 contributions
Very interesting
Sep 2021
We arrived to a very friendly welcome from Richard and Jim who fully explained where the relevant places were to visit. They also were very knowledgable in the historical events - thoroughly enjoyable
Written 16 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bibcay
Gateshead, UK3,519 contributions
Still looks good
Sep 2021 • Family
It would’ve look absolutely mind blowing of it wasn’t ruined. It still looks good. Why would somebody destroy this beauty.
Written 11 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Swedishtomcat
Diss, UK2,866 contributions
Ruins
Sep 2021 • Couples
We rather cheekily avoided paying £9 each for entry by instead looking over the fence at the cathedral ruins. If it was cheaper then we might have paid to go in.
Written 8 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vidya J
1 contribution
Horrible
Aug 2021 • Family
AWFUL, quite a yawn, daylight robbery as £26 were paid for something I could have seen in 30 seconds from the outside. There is absolutely nothing intruiging or enticing about it, even the original inhabitants must have been bored of seeing it every day. 0/10 recommend
Written 29 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
GranpaMike63
2 contributions
Perfect experience
Aug 2021 • Solo
Thanks to Donald and Amy for giving me so much of their time and experience to make my visit an inspiring experience. They were able to steer me to some mason marks which made my day.
I found the grounds immaculate, the site safely managed, the shop well stocked, the toilets clean and, best of all, open! There was also a visiting storyteller which all added to the charm of my visit. Great visit. Well done Historic Environment Scotland!
Written 13 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Colin W
Strathblane, UK10 contributions
Poor customer service
Jul 2021
Disappointed we had to book in advance which we'd not done. Guy at the entrance couldn't book us in and we did not want to pay by phone so didn't enter and merely walked around the perimeter of the site. It was raining and very quiet so we could easily have gone onto the site. Facility needs to be more flexible.
Written 31 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MarriottFamily
Oxfordshire, UK127 contributions
Ruins of Elgin Cathedral
Jul 2021
Elgin Cathedral has an interesting history. There was a story teller there and he knew the whole history and shared many stories with us. The graveyard is worth looking round too.
Elgin cathedral must have been an impressive building many centuries ago and I would recommend it, especially on a fine day.
Written 21 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Iestynroberts
Paris, France18 contributions
ruin
May 2021
interesting ruin with a great deal of istory. the adjoining biblical garden is not very good, a project that has been started and then not followed up
Written 7 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Elgin Cathedral
Elgin Cathedral is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 - 16:00
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