St Conan's Kirk
St Conan's Kirk
4.5
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsReligious SitesChurches & Cathedrals
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
St Conan's Kirk is a beautiful and facinating Kirk in Argyle. It was designed and built by Walter Campbell to save his mother travelling six miles to the nearest church! A self-taught designer, Walter designed it to contain most architectural styles and visitors find something new to see every visit. It is open most days from 9 to 5pm and entry is by donation. Highlights include the Cloisters, the stunning Ambulatory and the Bruce Chapel which contains a fragment of Robert the Bruce's bone. Your donation is used for the program of repairs. More information about special events is on the website.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Debbie P
    Chesterfield, United Kingdom55 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hidden Gem
    Resting on the bank of Loch Awe this is truly a hidden gem and well worth a visit. Amazing, mixed style of architecture and stunningly beautiful interior. Linger and soak Up the calming atmosphere, you might even be lucky enough to be visited by the black cat 🧡 our visit exceeded expectations!
    Review is much appreciated. The black cat is definitely a special highlight for many visitors.
    Written May 15, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written April 4, 2024
  • Beverley P
    Blackpool, United Kingdom154 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning
    Oh My what a gem. One to go and visit absolutely stunning. The inside is beautiful with lots to look at, then the views from the outside are breath taking. Entrance is by donation, I would suggest if you are every around here then go and see you will not be disappointed.
    We definitely feel St Conan's deserves to be considered a gem. Reviews like yours help is from being a "hidden gem". Thank you for taking the time to share.
    Written July 18, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written June 4, 2024
  • Sandra H
    Thompsonville, Michigan349 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning Chapel is a Must See in Argyll and Bute!
    St Conan's Kirk in 2016 the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland public poll voted it one of the top ten buildings of the last 100 years, and it easy to see why. This chapel is stunning. Our group spent an hour there walking around. You don't need a ticket, it's done with a donation box, and the only downside is there is very little parking. I would suggest getting there when it first opens. Walter Campbell himself, along with his sister are buried in a family vault beneath the chapel. Do check their website to make sure they will be open for your visit. Weddings are very popular here. Highly recommend a stop.
    Thank you for helping others... definitely worth checking website for any events. Many Saturdays (and some other days) through the year we will have a wedding although we normally only close for 2 or 3 hours - where possible we publish the service time so people can plan their visit.
    Written July 18, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written June 4, 2024
  • Karen BF
    Edmonton, Canada685 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Check updates on the restoration
    You can visit this church at no charge, but you will feel compelled to make a donation. Yo7 should, in support of the amazing work the local historical society has undertaken. There is even a tea house on the site now (check operating hours before you go). Give yourself an hour or so, to take in the history, get some photos, explore the nooks and crannies. Keep an eye out for the gothic features, gargoyles and stonework. From the back lawn more amazing views of Lake Awe and, down the way, Kilchum Castle. You’ll need a car to get to these spots off the beaten path, east of Pitlochry on the A85.
    The restoration and conservation is making slow but steady progress and we are currently working on the funds (from donations and grants) to address some of the issues with roof leaks, wall pointing, adding visitor toilets and other issues. Your donation to the charities that own and support the Kirk and its community activities are crucial - thank you
    Written July 18, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written June 16, 2024
  • Paul R
    Wellingborough, United Kingdom802 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Straight from a fantasy novel
    If Christianity had existed in the fictional lands of Middle Earth or Westeros, St Conan's Kirk would have fitted right in with the grand and elaborate architectural designs imagined by their creators. This is not simply another lovely old medieval church (in fact it is not truly medieval at all). No, this is a unique feat of imagination, highly decorated, inside and out, with fanciful architectural flourishes, statues, tombs and towers. The level of detail is astonishing, keeping the visitor well occupied finding all the little quirks and whimsies. The setting, high on on the banks of a beautiful loch is the icing on the cake. Talking of cake, although we didn't try it, there is a small tea room attached to the kirk.
    We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and impression of St Conan's Kirk. It is a challenge to find all the quirks - we find that each visit reveals a new aspect!
    Written July 18, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written July 1, 2024
  • 287Loges
    Sydney, Australia570 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Got to have a look
    Beautiful historical chapel beside Loch Awe. Only street parking on the main road with limited space. But you do need to stop and take a look inside. Donation to get inside is requested. Nice architectural work inside.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written July 3, 2024
  • Ali M
    73 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful building
    This is an absolutely stunning building and not to be missed. There is parking for 3 cars beside the kirk and two large laybys up on the road for parking. There is also a cute little tea shop. Stunning views across the Loch too. Visiting is by donation.
    We appreciate you taking the time to leave your review - we agree it is not to be missed!
    Written July 18, 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written July 14, 2024
  • BigSpo
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom340 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth stopping
    I’d driven past this church many times before eventually finding an opportunity to enter. During the day there always seems to be a lot of cars parked in the immediate area, I now know why. It’s a very interesting take on ecclesiastical architecture and has a background worth reading about. There’s also the Robert the Bruce connection which adds to the attraction. Definitely worth stopping and taking the time to wander round.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled on business
    Written September 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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
4.5 of 5 bubbles534 reviews
Excellent
398
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Angie Z
Thetford, UK50 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
I was travelling with a friend to Oban and passed this beautiful gothic church en route so we decided to call in on the way home and I am so pleased we did. I am not a religious person by any means but the unusual architecture of the building and the location are outstanding. It is such an unusual p!are and quite unlike any church I have ever seen. I would recommend a visit to see this church and can guarantee you will not be disappointed by the beauty of the location or the quirkiness of the church.
Written August 23, 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.
Thank you for taking the time to share the pleasure you got visiting the St Conan's and capturing some of the things that make it such a special place.
Written September 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

madaboutravelsp
Edinburgh, UK904 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Finished in 1930 this beautiful church was the love project of Walter Douglas-Campbell, who built it for his mother. The building is a surprising mix of different architectural styles (from Norman to Celtic) and it is stunning in every single way. Make sure you leave some time to explore the gardens, to enjoy the views and to check out the Bruce Chapel which they claim hosts the relic of some bones of his leg taken from Dunfermline cathedral.
If you are hungry there is a tiny and super cosy tearoom right next to eat where they will feed you lots of comfort food. The lovely people running it were the best.
BTW, the place needs funds to repair its roof and make sure it is well preserved so please donate when you visit.
Written March 2, 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.
We do appreciate you taking time to write a considered review, it helps Trip Advisor to understand if people have enjoyed their visit enough to write about it. During conservation of the Bruce statue in 2019 we were able to check and confirm there were bones stored in the Bruce chapel as claimed during the building of the Kirk.
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

James S
Brough, UK281 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021
This is the second time in a year that we have visited St Conans Kirk but this time we had our daughter with us who missed last years trip and we had gone on about how beautiful it was to her and promised that we would go back. She was in awe when we pulled up alongside the Kirk on the banks of Loch Awe and realised why we had gone on about it so much. The architecture is stunning, several different types and all built by one mans ideas. You can spend hours here if kirks and architecture are your thing but beware of coach parties as it could spoil the quiet and peaceful surroundings. There are plenty of information boards around the Kirk that give a lot of useful information regarding the building and also a lot of other interesting information including Robert the Bruce. You can get some stunning photos of the Loch and Kilchurn castle in the distance from the grounds. A little tea room situated just beside the Kirk is very pleasant too with a nice range of cakes and drinks. The Kirk is free to the public but they do ask for donations to keep it in good repair, so go on, spend £2 to see this exceptional well restored Kirk on the banks of Lock Awe.
Written October 11, 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.
Thank you for lovely review!
Written November 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Peter R
Dartford, UK1,337 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
On our route from Loch Lomond to Oban we came across this Kirk. Just beyond the Kirk there is a small layby so we decided to break our journey. For a small donation you can wander the Kirk and its grounds at your leisure. It is an unusual place with an interesting history and outside some lovely views of Loch Awe. There are some great photo opportunities both inside and out and I would recommend a short stop here if you have time.
Written October 28, 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.
Thank you for taking the time to share how much you enjoyed your visit.
Written November 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Marilyn W
South Queensferry, UK182 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
We have passed this Kirk many times on the road up to Oban, but it wasn't until this year that a friend told us that we should stop and visit it.

It is well worth stopping to see since it is a wonderful mix of Gothic and ecclectic with some really weird and wonderful gargoyles on the roof.

The inside is just as gorgeous and interesting and is well worth visiting and the gardens overlooking the loch are lovely and peaceful.

They have a small tearoom which we didn't visit. They have a small parking area in the kirkyard and a larger laybye across the road, but if they are full, just up the road on the same side as the kirk is another laybye with a path leading to the kirk.
Written July 20, 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.
Thank you for taking the time to review. So many people have driven past dozens or even hundreds of times before being encouraged to visit by others.
Written November 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

D G
Dunfermline, UK80 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Family
The interior was surprisingly spectacular. We stopped here during a road trip and we’re blown away with the interior architecture and setting. It’s an incredible little church for its location, steeped in Scottish history, well worth 20mknutes of your time if you’re passing through.
Written August 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.
Thank you for your review and sharing with others your enjoyment.
Written August 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

M Gilmore
Invergordon, Scottish Highlands, Scotland192 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
We were recommended this by a member of staff at the Cruachan power station and were absolutely delighted to visit such a hidden gem.

The little church itself is beautiful, and you'd never guess it isn't truly medieval but was built in the style in 1930. The decorative carvings are amazing, and the location next to the loch is as lovely as the building itself.

There's also a sweet little cafe next door, which is very quirky inside, where we had delicious scones with clotted cream and jam, and a warm welcome.

We were lucky enough to squeeze into the last parking space outside - there are only a few - but there is also a layby opposite with a couple more. You could easily drive past and not realise it is worth a visit; we would definitely recommend.
Written April 20, 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.
Thank you for your strong recommendation. It is very easy to drive past but we have found from many visitors the joy of discovery is part of the experience!
Written June 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022 • Friends
This church is so breathtakingly beautiful and the story behind it makes it so much more special.
A son built this church for his mother as she couldn't reach the other church across the loch but unfortunately he died before it was finished.
It's architecture is stunning and the views across Loch awe are amazing.
It has to be one of the most beautiful churches I have ever visited.
Written April 1, 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.
Thank you for your review and describing St Conan's as breathtakingly beautiful. It is a lovely descrioption!
Written June 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

sikth07
Glasgow, UK544 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
A really lovely place to visit - stunning scenery on the loch, free to roam around the building and enjoy the amazing artwork and history. We also enjoyed some home baking from the tea room beside the church. Definitely worth making the trip.
Written July 31, 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.
Thank you for your review. The lochside views are stunning. We have recently (November 2021) removed 2 large non-native trees and opened the view from the south and east of the Kirk, including the originals view to Kilchurn castle.
Written November 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Debra M
Edinburgh, UK152 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021
This interesting and photogenic church is tucked away from the road, but is well worth the visit. The history is fascinating and there are many quirky little features everywhere you look. We visited before, but our companions had not, so we made a point to stop and show them this gem. They are constantly renovating, so bring some coins/cash to contribute to this good work. I would suggest that they institute some kind of tap-and-pay donation system that allows visitors to use a card - I didn't have enough coins/cash to reflect how much I enjoyed my visit!
Written September 9, 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.
Thank you for your review. There is now a tap-and-donate system in the kirk however donations can also be made via our website. We are working hard to keep the renovations and repairs and get to a watertight building. Thanks to generosity of visitors we have tackled many of the long standing roof issues.
Written November 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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