Dunkeld Cathedral

The verdant grounds of this cathedral feels like a haven from the busy world. The gently flowing river, the amber leaves, stately pines balance the heavy cathedral pile. Benches dot the riverbanks, where I think it’s necessary to take time to drink in the whole experience in front of you. It’s so calm, so peaceful. Recommend stopping off here for a long lunch break, take time with the grounds, and the cathedral. You won’t be disappointed.

Limited street parking, impressive building, the close for lunch 12.30-13.30 prompt, you could spend hours in the Cathedral, no dogs so we wandered around the building looking at the graves

Dunkeld Cathedral offers a serene experience by the River Tay. The partially ruined medieval architecture is set within peaceful grounds, providing a picturesque spot for reflection. The tranquil riverside location enhances the historical atmosphere, making it a beautiful place to visit.

Visited while staying in a nearby hotel. Scaffolding around as repair work still ongoing. But you can enter inside to see where Sunday services still go on. Beautiful grounds to walk around. Worth a visit. :)

The best part is the river surrounding it but the cathedral's interior it's also great. All the town worth a visit!

I was hoping for so much more than was delivered here, admittedly the ruins at one end are shut for health and safety . The main parish Church part is quite uninspiring as a building though there are features and tombs of interest it won't keep you there for long. For me the highlight was walking down to the river and sitting and watching the world go by. Entry is free , and I have no doubt it will be better once the rest of the cathedral is open.

It’s a small church with some rich history that’s still running which is really Cool. There is some ‘remodeling’ happening but it’s still cool to see. There is a stone in that church from ~ 9 or 10 AD, which is wild.

Quiet and atmospheric. Dunkeld Cathedral is steeped in history - you can even see the tomb of the Wolf of Badenoch and some early/mid-medieval carved stones. Pity that half of it is crumbling, but 700 years will do that!

Dunkeld Cathedral was up a narrow road but had limited parking so we parked in the main city lot. It was less than 10 minutes to walk back. The cathedral was set back from the river with lots of trees and an expansive lawn that was quite beautiful. A nice place to lounge on one of the benches or on the grass. The main part of the cathedral (formerly the choir section) was the only part accessible. We were fortunate and got to listen to the organist practicing during our visit. Off to the side was a separate room with information about the church, the relics of St Columbra (since removed) and some other notables. Renovations were taking place on the main section so we could only walk around the exterior except the portion facing the river. Good stop if in or passing through Dunkeld.

Dunkeld is a very small village with a lot of charm and its cathedral is and especially in its past was the center point of village life. Today, one part of the cathedral is merely a ruin and maintained by Historic Scotland. The other part still functions as a church. You can walk around the building and observe its architectural beauty. Just imagine what it could have looked like during its high time and you will see why I gave 4 stars. There is a bit of park area to walk around, through the many massive trees and down to the river where you can sit down and relax. From there you can also enjoy a nice view towards Thomas Talfords Dunkeld bridge, which took ages to be build and played its part in history. All that remains of a large graveyard are graves towards the side cathedral entrance. The bell tower I believe is part of the ruin and not accessible. Inside the cathedral you can find a small room on the left near the altar. In there you can read through the cathedral history. The cathedral is also the resting place for the Wolf of Badenoch. Well, you will find its sarcophagus-effigy there. Born in the 14th century as the third surviving son of Robert II, the Earl of Buchan was known for his outbursts and short tempered nature and burning down Elgin cathedral. And as Im an old romantic I would think it had something to do with his mistress he could not marry :-). The cathedral is definitely worth a trip when around the area, and even if it's not Notre Dame, it still has kept part of its beauty in tact.