Holyrood Park, Queen’s Drive, Edinburgh EH8 8JA
St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins
Chapel
Place photograph
6.0
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.0A fragment of a medieval chapel stands on a rocky rise above St Margaret’s Loch, where a short climb brings together the park’s landscape and an unusually evocative piece of Edinburgh’s religious past.
This is a small ruin with an outsized sense of place: surviving medieval masonry sits on a rocky outcrop above St Margaret’s Loch, reached by a hill path within Holyrood Park. Its appeal is the combination of a tangible historic remnant, open views and the feeling of finding a quiet pause within a walk.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling
Find your way
Open mapHolyrood Park, Queen’s Drive, Edinburgh EH8 8JA
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The experience
Visit the surviving chapel wall and stones on the rocky rise, look down towards St Margaret’s Loch, and, if you want a longer outing, continue on a Holyrood Park walk towards Arthur’s Seat. The ascent is hilly; check conditions before going.
Things to do
Examine the surviving chapel wall
Look closely at the remaining north wall and stones, the most tangible remnants of the former chapel.
10–20 minutes
Look for traces of the vaulting
A source describing the remains notes surviving original vaulting, which offers clues to the chapel’s former form.
A few minutes
Take in the view over St Margaret’s Loch
The chapel stands above the loch; pause to appreciate how the ruin occupies its rocky setting.
10–15 minutes
Extend your walk towards Arthur’s Seat
The chapel is described as a detour on Holyrood Park walks and on routes involving Arthur’s Seat. Expect a hilly approach and check conditions first.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: Chapel and loch views
- 01
Use a Holyrood Park path to approach the chapel; allow for a steep hill.
- 02
Pause at the ruin to see the surviving wall and stones.
- 03
Take in the outlook towards St Margaret’s Loch, then return by your chosen path.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: Holyrood Park and the chapel
- 01
Explore the chapel as a historic detour on a walk through Holyrood Park.
- 02
Spend time at the ruin and look across to St Margaret’s Loch.
- 03
If conditions and energy allow, extend the walk towards Arthur’s Seat; the supplied sources describe the chapel as a stop on walks involving the hill.
Verified history
The chapel’s exact construction date is uncertain. A supplied history account says it was mentioned in the early fifteenth century and records a papal grant for repairs in 1426. The surviving fabric is described as a section of north wall with traces of vaulting. The chapel may have been associated with Holyrood Abbey, but that connection and theories about its original role remain interpretations rather than established facts.
Folklore & legend
No specific folklore or legend is established by the supplied sources. Accounts of healing wells and pilgrimage traditions are historical claims in one supplied article, not verified here as local legend.
Hidden details
A possible trace of the chapel’s former structure — Look for the surviving vaulting described in the supplied account; it may help visitors picture the chapel’s original interior.
When to go
· No specific time is established. A clear, dry period is preferable for the hill approach and outlook.
The available sources do not establish a seasonal highlight. Weather and ground conditions are more relevant to the described steep approach.
The hill path may be steep and muddy. Check local conditions before setting out and take care on uneven ground.
Worth pairing with
Arthur’s Seat
A worthwhile longer-walk extension in Holyrood Park; the chapel is described as a detour on walks to or from the hill. Check route conditions and choose an outing appropriate to your ability.
Holyrood Abbey
A nearby historic pairing identified by the supplied Edinburgh sight guide. Check opening and visitor arrangements separately before planning a visit.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the surviving section of the chapel’s north wall and traces of original vaulting. The supplied history account also describes a shallow bowl associated with St Anthony’s Well on the path below the chapel
- 02
its exact condition and access are not independently confirmed here.
The story
Saints & pilgrimage, Archaeology
Best time to go
Not established by the supplied sources; choose a clear, dry day for the hill approach and views.
A clear, dry day offers the best chance of enjoying the views and a more comfortable approach. No particular season or time of day is verified.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The chapel is described as a short detour on Holyrood Park paths. The supplied sources do not confirm current access conditions; check before visiting. The approach includes a steep, potentially muddy hill and may not be suitable for all visitors. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
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Parking
Parking availability and arrangements are not confirmed; check before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The approach is described as a steep hill path, and the supplied source row reports no wheelchair-accessible entrance. Check current path conditions and access information before setting out.
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Cost
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Check before visiting
Water
Pond
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
