Location:
St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins are located high above Holyrood Park on the slopes of Arthur’s Seat, offering sweeping views over Edinburgh, the Old Town, and the Firth of Forth. These atmospheric medieval ruins are one of the city’s most striking hidden landmarks, reached via a short but steep walk through the park. The chapel dates back to the 15th century and is closely linked to the nearby St Anthony’s Well.
Top 3 things to do at St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins:
• Hike up for the views – Follow the paths through Holyrood Park to reach the ruins and enjoy panoramic views over Edinburgh and Arthur’s Seat.
• Explore the ruins – Walk around what remains of the chapel walls and imagine its medieval past perched dramatically above the city.
• Combine with Arthur’s Seat or Holyrood Park walk – Extend your visit with a hike to Arthur’s Seat or a loop around St Margaret’s Loch for a full outdoor experience.
Dogs allowed:
Yes — Holyrood Park is dog-friendly, including the walk up to St Anthony’s Chapel, but dogs should be kept under control due to steep drops and wildlife.
Entry Fees:
Free — The chapel ruins and Holyrood Park are open to the public with no entry fee.
More information:
St Anthony’s Chapel Ruins are believed to date back to the 15th century and were once part of a small religious site associated with nearby St Anthony’s Well, which was thought to have healing properties. The chapel likely fell into ruin after the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century. Today, only a fragment of the structure remains, but its dramatic clifftop position makes it one of Edinburgh’s most atmospheric historic viewpoints.