Church of St John the Evangelist
Church of St John the Evangelist
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:45 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 7:30 PM
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The area
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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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4.5
81 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
37
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Malgorzata
12,085 contributions
Oct 2019
The Church of St John the Evangelist is a Scottish Episcopal church in the centre of Edinburgh, Scotland. It is sited at the west end of Princes Street at its junction with Lothian Road. It is situated at one of Edinburgh's busiest junctions. When you go inside, you are first surprised by the silence. It is a beautiful church with a beautiful ceiling decoration and beautiful stained glass windows. Its construction having begun in 1816. It was designed by the architect William Burn the previous year, at the age of only 25. Definitely worth a visit.
Written 4 September 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.
Sue M
3 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Unable to worship at my usual church on Christmas Day, I was delighted to find this beautiful building open mid-morning, offering a gorgeous High Church Episcopal liturgy. I loved the stained glass, the giant eagle lecturn, the large, skilful choir, the candles. I was glad to join in traditional carols as well as newer hymns. As I had to rush away after the service I cannot comment on the welcome extended to visitors. The atmosphere seemed warm.
Written 26 January 2024
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.
Bibcay
Gateshead, UK4,306 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
This church lights up the area as its very pretty. It's unusual but that's the whole reason why it love it.
Written 11 September 2022
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.
🥳 🎉 🥳 Keep Life Simple 🥳🎉🥳
Pittsburgh, PA126,602 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
It is a nice church on Princes Street. Worth a quick stop if not in a hurry to see the other Edinburgh sites
Written 8 October 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.
Fiver75
Melbourne, Australia12,070 contributions
Aug 2011 • Solo
St Johns is a lovely church located at the western end of Princes Street. In the shadows of Edinburgh Castle, the location is amazing. The church is an impressive building and is very bright and friendly inside. There were some lovely displays along the sides and the church seemed to be very community minded. The windows are the real feature at this church - very bright and some staggering colours. A great church and an excellent attraction for tourists.
Written 9 October 2011
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.
jeanniedDover_Kent
Barfrestone, UK128 contributions
Sept 2019
This beautiful old church is situated on the corner of Princes Street and Lothian Road. The stained glass windows are breathtaking in their beauty. They are as awe inspiring as they are beautiful - they are the best ones I have ever seen. As you enter the main building and look up the ceiling is something not to be missed. Although the main body of the church covers a large area there is a small chapel available for private prayer. In fact there is a lovely feeling of peace throughout the building - it is just over 100 years old and yet seems timeless. Downstairs there is a little cafeteria - I was there at lunchtime and was very surprised that it wasn't busier especially as it opens on to a peaceful little garden just by the road and is open to the public. The menu was quite adequate for the snack I needed and the coffee was good - it was reasonably priced too! If you like visiting churches and have a few hours to kill in the west end of Edinburgh this would be a good place to while away the time.
Written 20 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
The Church of St John the Evangelist is located on the corner of Lothian and Princes street. We were walking down the main road when we came across this lovely church. It looks great from the street and it's absolutely beautiful inside as well. The architecture is impressive. Lovely stained glass windows and the ceiling is one of the most attractive features. Worth visiting if you are nearby.
Written 30 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.
arpc29
Tampa, FL1,349 contributions
Nov 2015 • Couples
I went to visit this church (and St Cuthbert's next door) on a very rainy day in Edinburgh. It felt good to get out of the rain but I was disappointed that it wasn't a dry enough day to spend time in the interesting graveyard (without getting soaked through). That said, the inside of the church is lovely, warm and inviting. Volunteers from the church were selling charity Christmas cards, wrapping paper and more - all for a good cause - so we bought our cards there. There is a stunning vaulted ceiling in the church which is worth visiting the church for but their stained glass and altar are also beautiful. Although we did not go, there is a restaurant and shop underneath the church. Well worth a visit.
Written 5 December 2015
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.
JellyB
Singapore, Singapore895 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
St John's offers the weary a place to sit and contemplate. And while you are doing so, take time to admire the lovely ceiling and beautiful windows. Though it is not big and easily dismissed, I think it is worth the visit. A big plus. Under the church is a fantastic cafe called Henderson's and a little surprisingly well stocked book store.
Written 5 March 2015
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.
bsandrs
Portsmouth, UK22,659 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
When attending events at the Festival you are introduced to many different venues and in this way we arrived at The Church of St. John. A very impressive welcoming Episcopal Church, full of colour and friendly people. Whilst our event was situated in the rear Hall, we took the chance to explore the main Church which has many excellent features including the ceiling and unusual fluted pillars. The stained glass is also very striking. Positioned at the far end of Princes Street, at the extremity of the gardens, a visit is strongly recommended. You will not be disappointed.
Written 2 August 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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