Church of the Holy Rude
Church of the Holy Rude
Church of the Holy Rude
4.5
About
At the top of Stirling's historic old town, the magnificent Church of the Holy Rude has stood proudly for hundreds of years. Nowhere else combines the majesty, history, religious and cultural importance to an entire nation in the way the Church of the Holy Rude does for Scotland. Come visit and let us share Scotland's stories with you.
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- Iain M11 contributionsSteeped in historyIf you are in the Stirling area and are interested in the history of Scotland, the Church of the Holy Rude is well worth a visit. ÂŁ5.00 entry fee is well worth it to help keep this beautiful church going. Add it to your list of places to visit.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 2, 2023
- James K116 contributionsWorth a peek; reflect on Scottish royalty and religion.This church is an amazing historical site just a few minutes' walk from Stirling Castle. Tours are free, but it's best to book one in advance on the church's website. The docent who greets you is knowledgeable and provides informational material for a self-guided tour. You can breeze through in less than a half hour or spend more time if you'd like. In chilly, rainy weather, the church provides a nice respite on your way to or from the castleVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 17, 2023
- Debra S44 contributionsQuite a findBeautiful church walking distance from Stirling Castle. Definitely worth a visit. If planning our trip with hindsight, we would have stayed longer in Stirling to explore some of the hidden gems like this church,Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 23, 2023
- Alison HBirmingham, United Kingdom5 contributionsMust visitGreat piece of history. Fantastic architecture and a very interesting graveyard which I heard has been used in TV recently. Well worth a visit. Only negative is that the temporary ramps seem quite steep.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten October 31, 2023
- Rachel H300 contributionsSTUNNING CHURCH WITH ROYAL HISTORYI visited this church as it was within walking distance of my hotel and because of its royal history. Warm welcome from the volunteers. Lovely wander around this historical church which has royal history - the future King James VI/1 was crowned as a baby.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten May 27, 2024
- Gemma S2 contributionsPeaceful and historicA really beautiful, peaceful and interesting place. There's a lot of important history there and the guide, Andy, that spoke to us was really friendly and informative. There were interactives that my kids enjoyed and a fascinating video as well. It's a working church, so is closed on Sundays. I lit a candle for my dearly departed and I took some lovely photos. There are great views from the well tended graveyard.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 24, 2024
- CarmendaDenver, Colorado730 contributionsIncredible medieval historyReally enjoyed my visit here. This church was visited by royalty and some of the most prominent figures of medieval Scotland, and withstood some of the fighting of the Jacobite rebellion. The pamphlet you receive at check in is particularly well done and informative, and an excellent aide to find relevant spots within the church. This is a self guided venue, with an entry fee. The church is small, so it’ll take less than an hour to get through it. Well worth a visit.Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten August 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
480 reviews
Excellent
254
Very good
189
Average
32
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Connie E
187 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
The church has started charging admission in the past year or so. We stepped in the door to see the ceiling. It's not a big church; so, it was quite easy to see the famed stained glass at the other end of the room. When we had organized our trip, the church was free; so, the ÂŁ5 each price threw us a bit. We didn't end up staying.
Written July 8, 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.
Carla R
Orlando, FL36 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
If any of you have seen the series on Netflix: “Mary Queen of Scots” it will be very useful for your visit to this area. Holy Rude church, and its adjoining graveyard, can be found a short distance from Stirling castle… which has its own important history in Scotland. When we visited the church, it was closed due to the time of year. Visiting the adjoining graveyard to the church is definitely a worthwhile endeavor. I specifically wanted to take pictures of one of its entrances, as I had previously before my trip found a similar picture on the Internet. I was inspired to repeat my own view of it. I highly recommend this visit, if you can, plan to see it when the church is available for viewing, which is probably during the summer months or on the weekends.
This is the church, where on July 29th of 1567 King James the sixth (son of Mary Queen of Scots) was coronated king of Scotland as an infant child of only 13 months! In the year 1603 he later became king of England: James the first, when Elizabeth the queen died.
This is the church, where on July 29th of 1567 King James the sixth (son of Mary Queen of Scots) was coronated king of Scotland as an infant child of only 13 months! In the year 1603 he later became king of England: James the first, when Elizabeth the queen died.
Written March 26, 2023
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.
John S
Saint Clair, MI606 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
The entry fee was very reasonable; I can't remember exactly, but something like 10 pounds...they had plenty of staff/volunteers to answer any questions or chat with. We learned something about the history there and walked the cemetery. The floor inscription about the coronation in the 1500s was very interesting, especially coming from the States, because it showed that the physical church building was already playing an important historical role over 200 years before our country was even founded.
Written June 22, 2023
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.
vessi80
North Lanarkshire, UK1,177 contributions
May 2022
Superbly situated on the hill, this cannot be 'crossed' off your 'to do' list quickly.
The open timber roofs and first class stained glass add to the atmosphere. The coronation of James V1 and a sermon by John Knox add to the history.
Welcoming volunteers. Info sheets in countless languages. Modest ÂŁ2 donation suggested.
The open timber roofs and first class stained glass add to the atmosphere. The coronation of James V1 and a sermon by John Knox add to the history.
Welcoming volunteers. Info sheets in countless languages. Modest ÂŁ2 donation suggested.
Written May 16, 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.
Gemma S
2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
A really beautiful, peaceful and interesting place. There's a lot of important history there and the guide, Andy, that spoke to us was really friendly and informative. There were interactives that my kids enjoyed and a fascinating video as well. It's a working church, so is closed on Sundays. I lit a candle for my dearly departed and I took some lovely photos. There are great views from the well tended graveyard.
Written July 24, 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.
Euan C
54 contributions
Jul 2021
Lovely old church in the heart of Stirling's Old town and free to enter (bonus!). the church is the second oldest building in Stirling and has borne witness to many events in our History, including a Royal coronation. Due to current Covid restrictions, some parts are currently closed off, and if you're planning on visiting, make sure you check the opening times before hand as it only seems to open in the afternoon, although there's plenty of things to see in Stirling while you wait :)
Written July 18, 2021
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.
Maddy
Vineyard, UT211 contributions
May 2019
My mom and I visited the UK in May 2019, and made a half-day trip out to Stirling from Edinburgh.
We stopped at this church on the way up to Stirling Castle. It is an active church, but they had plenty of historical exhibits up! We read all about the history of Stirling and the significance of the church itself. We also perused the graveyard, which is just as spooky as you would hope. Well worth a visit! Make sure to leave a donation if you are able.
We stopped at this church on the way up to Stirling Castle. It is an active church, but they had plenty of historical exhibits up! We read all about the history of Stirling and the significance of the church itself. We also perused the graveyard, which is just as spooky as you would hope. Well worth a visit! Make sure to leave a donation if you are able.
Written April 30, 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.
Iain M
11 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
If you are in the Stirling area and are interested in the history of Scotland, the Church of the Holy Rude is well worth a visit. ÂŁ5.00 entry fee is well worth it to help keep this beautiful church going. Add it to your list of places to visit.
Written October 3, 2023
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.
Debbie R
525 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
An impressive and historic church with an extensive cemetery and superb views across Stirling and the surrounding area. The church is open for inside viewing mid afternoon, but check for opening times. The stained glass windows are spectacular. Well worth visiting.
Written July 17, 2021
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.
Carmenda
Denver, CO730 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
Really enjoyed my visit here. This church was visited by royalty and some of the most prominent figures of medieval Scotland, and withstood some of the fighting of the Jacobite rebellion. The pamphlet you receive at check in is particularly well done and informative, and an excellent aide to find relevant spots within the church. This is a self guided venue, with an entry fee. The church is small, so it’ll take less than an hour to get through it. Well worth a visit.
Written August 15, 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.
Does anyone know the opening hours please? Days and times. Thanks in advance
Written April 3, 2019
Hmm check the website....
Written September 26, 2019
Is there some way to correct the spelling of this entry so people can find it? It's Holy Rood or more commonly, Holyrood. The "rood" is the crucifix.
Written June 3, 2018
This is the correct spelling - Holy Rude. They have a church website on which it is spelt Rude. So they should know. Holyrood is in Edinburgh.
Written September 1, 2018
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