Airport Prayer & Quiet Room

The airport prayer room is in the international arrivals area on the ground floor, next to the airport and tourist information desk.

It provides a quiet, restful place for passengers of all faiths and denominations.

The prayer room is open at all times for the use of anyone who wishes to carry out religious observances or to simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh, EH12 9DN

http://edinburghairport.com/

Sandeman House Garden

Sandeman House is home to the Scottish Book Trust and, unless the garden is in use for a private function, it is free to use.

Here you will find a monument celebrating the work of Patrick Geddes (see PatrickGeddes Centre), a circular seating area.

A perfect quiet spot for reading or bookcrossing (see miscellaneous).

Trunks Close, 55 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR

0131 524 0160

St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles Cathedral is the High Kirk (principal place of worship) of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh and as one of the most notable landmarks in the city can hardly be described as a hidden gem. However, few people know that during August, St Giles offer rooftop tours for small groups – booking details are on the website.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the volunteer guides are on duty each day to welcome visitors, answer questions and conduct guided tours on request.

Throughout the summer, there are regular free lunchtime concerts from visiting artists.

Despite its central location, the Cathedral Cafe is rarely busy. Handy for a quiet coffee and cake but anything more substantial is quite expensive (tip: venture down the Royal Mile to Carrubbers which is half the price).

High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE

0131 225 9442

info@stgilescathedral.org.uk

stgilescathedral.org.uk

@StGilesHighKirk

St Cuthbert's Kirk & Kirkyard

St Cuthbert's Kirk is thought to be the oldest site of worship in Edinburgh. Although the present building only dates from 1894, the current church is the seventh building on this spot since St Cuthbert first came to Edinburgh around 1300 years ago.

The oldest gravestone is that of Rev Robert Pont, who died in 1606. By 1738, grave robbing was a frequent occurrence (and continued for another 100 years until the law changed to allow the donation of bodies to medical science) so walls were made higher, nightly patrols were made and burials began to be recorded.

The kirk is open to the public April to September 10-4 (Mon-Saturday) where, amongst many other treasures, you can see a Tiffany stained glass window, the ornate apse and frieze of the Last Supper. Agatha Christie married her second husband Max Mallowan in the side chapel here in 1930. Visitors are actively encouraged and the friendly volunteers are happy to answer questions.

(While you're here, you might want to visit neighbouring St John' the Evangelist Church – although next to each other, they are in different postcode areas).

A path in the kirkyard leads to Princes Street Gardens West.

5 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EP

0131 229 1142

friends@st-cuthberts.net

st-cuthberts.net

Findlay Court

1 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JD

A small gated courtyard adjacent to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. It looks private but the public are free to enter.

It is named after John Ritchie Findlay, the philanthropic newspaper owner, who funded the building of the red standstone gallery.

Within the hexagonal courtyard, there is a large mosaic featuring an owl, a squirrel, a bird and a lizard, all intertwined with thistles. The mosaic, which like the Rose Street Roses, was created by Maggie Howarth, is surrounded by seats. A path leads out of the courtyard onto North St Andrew Lane.

Edinburgh Labyrinth

George Square Gardens, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ

0131 650 2595

labyrinth@ed.ac.uk

http://ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/labyrinth

Based on the 13^th century Chartres Labyrinth, the Edinburgh Labyrinth is situated at the heart of the University in the peaceful George Square Gardens. Unlike a maze, a labyrinth has only one path and walking this one slowly, will take around 30 minutes (by which time, you will hopefully be feeling very relaxed!).

Chapel of St Albert the Great

24 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD

(Enter from George Square Lane)

0131 650 0900

http://scotland.op.org/edinburgh/

@KTDOEdinburgh

Built in 2012 for the University Chaplaincy and friary for The Order of Preachers this award-winning chapel is scarcely visible from George Square Lane or the nearby Meadows.

The living roof is held up by steel 'trees' and the glass walls blur the boundaries between chapel and garden. It is a lovely, calming place which the public are welcome to enjoy.