Dornoch Cathedral
Dornoch Cathedral
4.5
About
13th century historic church - the most northerly cathedral on the mainland of Great Britain
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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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
438 reviews
Excellent
283
Very good
131
Average
20
Poor
1
Terrible
3
auldreekie87
Clackmannanshire, UK600 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We were a little unsure if the cathedral was open for visitors, as all the doors were shut and no notices about opening hours. But, I heard the organ playing from within and gingerly tried the door - and hey presto, we were drawn in to this lovely place of history and an opportunity for contemplation and reflection.
Stained glass windows of brilliant hues, and interesting facts about the building’s benefactors and such like. Our visit was further enhanced by a lovely selection of music played by the organist throughout the time we were there, it made our day, thank you sir.
The outside of the building has an interesting array of gargoyles, and a ‘plaid ell’ stone - an historic measure, a way of ensuring the local plaid traders didn’t shortchange their customers on market days.
Stained glass windows of brilliant hues, and interesting facts about the building’s benefactors and such like. Our visit was further enhanced by a lovely selection of music played by the organist throughout the time we were there, it made our day, thank you sir.
The outside of the building has an interesting array of gargoyles, and a ‘plaid ell’ stone - an historic measure, a way of ensuring the local plaid traders didn’t shortchange their customers on market days.
Written March 25, 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.
CCsreviews
Kirkcaldy, UK29 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Amazing, completely worth a visit. We weren’t originally sure if it was open but the doors were only shut due to the weather, inside was beautiful and had vast Beuty and history. It was a warm and cozy place, we found it extremely peaceful and a great place for reflection. The history inside was so interesting to learn about and told a lot about the history of the area, for the fact it was free this is a absolute must do of visiting
Written April 10, 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.
DJM1945
Montrose, UK1,850 contributions
Dec 2022
The cathedral at Dornoch is a most impressive building both inside and out. The stained glass windows are absolutely superb and the lay out of the building means that wherever you sit the pulpit can be seen. This cathedral is certainly worth a visit.
Written December 4, 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.
797dennisp
Montrose, UK30,813 contributions
Sep 2019
This cathedral has beautiful stained glass windows depicting the flora and fauna of the Highlands.
Originally built around 1230 or thereabouts it stood for 340 years until it was set on fire in 1570. Almost totally destroyed, except for the chancel and transept walls, the Cathedral was partially restored in 1616 by Sir Robert Gordon. Between 1835 and 1837, through the generosity of Elizabeth, Duchess-Countess of Sutherland, the restoration was completed and the Sutherland burial vault, which is now sealed.
Well worth a visit !
Originally built around 1230 or thereabouts it stood for 340 years until it was set on fire in 1570. Almost totally destroyed, except for the chancel and transept walls, the Cathedral was partially restored in 1616 by Sir Robert Gordon. Between 1835 and 1837, through the generosity of Elizabeth, Duchess-Countess of Sutherland, the restoration was completed and the Sutherland burial vault, which is now sealed.
Well worth a visit !
Written March 27, 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.
j0hnmac1314
Inverness, UK174 contributions
Nov 2021
Stunning Cathedral in the small town of Dornoch, go see it for the nicely vaulted ceilings alone. Medieval graveyard in the grounds has few interesting tales. Nearby you can see the last place a witch was burned in Scotland!
Written April 22, 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.
Anne
Stonehaven, UK29 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We came looking for the dragon and found so much more! Lovely welcome by the ladies who were there. Worksheet for the children to find not only the dragon but also a mouse and an Angel playing bagpipes. Such a beautiful building to spend time in with an ice cream shop less that two min walk from the back door.
Written July 20, 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.
Leslie W
166 contributions
Jun 2023
I'm really glad I took the time to take time inside. I was just about to the "oh yay, another church" stage, but there were helpful signs and readings to explain just how interesting the history and architecture of this particular church are.
Although it's in the center of a busy town, I easily round on-street parking close by.
Although it's in the center of a busy town, I easily round on-street parking close by.
Written August 13, 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.
itchyfeet2014
Glasgow, UK2,290 contributions
Sep 2021
I have given this a good rating as although the fine Cathedral was closed the surrounds of the building and churchyard were really interesting. I include the measure for cloth stone right outside the cathedral, the Mercat cross and the general immediate area. Dornoch is a very attractive town. Shame the Cathedral was closed, but well worth a visit.
Written September 13, 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.
Dickd1946
Charleston, SC1,220 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
We were traversing the countryside when we came through Dornoch. We immediately were drawn to the cathederal and it's delights. I am glad we wandered inside to enjoy this cathederal.
Written September 9, 2012
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.
GerryReynoldsMSc
Inverness, UK57 contributions
As you stand inside Dornoch Castle you get a sense of its history. While it is only really famous for Madonna's wedding, it is well worth a visit, because it has a lovely atmosphere
Written January 31, 2012
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.
I am visiting Dornoch next Saturday 05/05/18 and wondered will it be possible to see inside the Cathedral on the Saturday afternoon?
Kind regards
Ian
Written April 27, 2018
Cathedral always open unless there is a wedding taking place in which case it would be closed for about an hour.. fantastic place and warm welcome plus free entry.. hope you have a wonderful time
Written April 28, 2018
Are there Sunday services??
Written September 17, 2015
Hi there - yes, there are services at 11:00am on Sunday mornings. The cathedral is a fully operational church, part of the Church of Scotland. I attended a wedding there (fabulous location), and the female minister is a hoot!
Written September 18, 2015
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