Lots of Dunfermline natives remember being taken here on a school trip – have you ever been to St Margaret’s Cave?
Who is St Margaret?
St Margaret was Queen of Scotland in 1070 following her marriage to King Malcolm Canmore. She had eight children, three of whom became Kings of Scotland themselves. She was made a saint by Pope Innocent IV in recognition of her deeply religious life, the charitable acts she did, and the miracles associated with her.
Getting to St Margaret’s Cave
St Margaret’s Cave used to be a popular pilgrimage site – people would come from all over the world to see where she prayed, and to see her artefacts, hoping to be blessed. Nowadays, the cave entrance looks a little different, but St Margaret’s shrine has been preserved.
Booking your Visit
If you want to visit the cave, you’ll need to book a free timeslot. You can call 01383 602365, email dclg@onfife.com, or drop into Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries nearby to make your booking. There is no cost to visit St Margaret’s Cave. For the summer of 2024, the cave will be open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 29th September for pre-booked tours only. Visits must be booked 48 hours in advance. Once you arrive at the unassuming entrance to one of Scotland’s most historical visitor attractions, make your way down the 87 steps to the shrine where St Margaret prayed.
@welcome.to.dunfermlineHave you visited St. Margaret’s Cave in Dunfermline? Over 900 years ago, Queen Margaret would come to this very cave to pray. Today, you can follow in her footsteps by descending 87 steps underground to discover this special place. As you explore, you’ll feel the deep history of Dunfermline all around you. Plan your visit to this remarkable site, nestled behind the Chalmers Street car park. @welcometofife #WelcomeToDunfermline #Dunfermline #Fife #ScottishHistory #StMargaretsCave #DunfermlineHistory #Scotland #DunfermlineCity #ScottishHistoryFacts #Scottish #VisitScotland #HistoryTok #Ancient #AmazingPlaces #HiddenGems #Kings #ScottishRoyalty #ScottishKings #HiddenScotland #ScotlandTok
More Places to Visit in Dunfermline
St Margaret’s influence over Dunfermline was huge. Dunfermline Abbey and its ruins are a former Benedictine Abbey founded by Margaret and King Malcolm, still in use as a place of worship today. Just outside the Church is St Margaret’s shrine, a medieval pilgrimage site in itself. Just down the hill in the nearby Pittencrieff Park (known to locals as the Glen) are the ruins of King Malcolm Canmore’s tower – the former seat of royal power in Scotland.
When you’ve explored Dunfermline’s ancient history, head to Prost, a lovely coffee shop in the 15th-century Abbot House. Grab a coffee and cake and enjoy feeling like part of Dunfermline’s rich history.