St Mary's Monastery Kinnoull
A serene monastery on Kinnoull Hill offering peaceful grounds, spiritual reflection, and a warm community welcome.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter for reflection
St Mary's Monastery Kinnoull
Best Time
Quieter for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene monastery on Kinnoull Hill offering peaceful grounds, spiritual reflection, and a warm community welcome.
"Spectacular grounds, tranquil and restful with excellent facilities and a warm welcome."
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander the spectacular grounds for peaceful walks and stunning views. Keep an eye out for red squirrels!
🙏 Attend Mass
Visitors find Sunday Mass lovely and a great way to experience the spiritual heart of the monastery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Monastery Grounds
Kinnoull Hill
Expansive, tranquil gardens and fields offering breathtaking views and opportunities for reflection.
Spiritual Charm
Monastery Church
Experience a sense of peace and history within the beautiful monastery church, with regular masses available.
Welcoming Community
Monastery Entrance/Reception
Visitors consistently praise the warm welcome and exceptional care provided by the resident community.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander the spectacular grounds for peaceful walks and stunning views. Keep an eye out for red squirrels!
🙏 Attend Mass
Visitors find Sunday Mass lovely and a great way to experience the spiritual heart of the monastery.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
Purchase cards and enjoy refreshments in a tranquil setting. The facilities are modern yet retain historical charm.
🛏️ Book a Retreat
Consider a personal retreat for deep relaxation and renewal. Vegan diets are catered for exceptionally well.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander the spectacular grounds for peaceful walks and stunning views. Keep an eye out for red squirrels!
🙏 Attend Mass
Visitors find Sunday Mass lovely and a great way to experience the spiritual heart of the monastery.
☕ Enjoy the Cafe
Purchase cards and enjoy refreshments in a tranquil setting. The facilities are modern yet retain historical charm.
🛏️ Book a Retreat
Consider a personal retreat for deep relaxation and renewal. Vegan diets are catered for exceptionally well.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Mary's Monastery Kinnoull for its spectacular, tranquil grounds and the exceptionally warm welcome from the resident community. The peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the opportunity to attend Mass and enjoy the natural beauty of Kinnoull Hill, makes it a highly recommended destination for reflection and renewal. Some minor points of feedback relate to the need to check specific opening times for public access.
"First time visiting today with my god mother
We both attended for confession followed with mass.
WOW …the grounds are spectacular felt very blessed to be here.
Will definitely be attending mass at the monastery more often.
Very friendly welcome 🙏🏻 was so beautiful purchased a couple of cards and had a little walk around.
Highly recommend visiting this gorgeous monastery.
Thankyou for making us welcome."
H. “HJN” JNE
"A beautiful place , stunning grounds tranquil and restful with excellent facilities modern yet still retaining its wonderful unique history and spiritual charm. Warm welcome with such wonderful care shown to visitors. Thankyou."
Sharon Johnston
"Lovely peaceful monastery on Kinnoull Hill, overlooking the city of Perth. Sunday Mass in the church was lovely."
Donna Fisher
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Mary's Monastery Kinnoull is located on Kinnoull Hill, overlooking Perth. It's about a mile from the city center, making it accessible by car or a pleasant walk. Public transport options to Perth are available, followed by a short taxi or walk to the monastery.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors. It's convenient for those arriving by car, allowing easy access to the monastery and its grounds.
Absolutely! The monastery is situated on Kinnoull Hill, and it's a manageable walk from the center of Perth. The paths around the grounds are also excellent for walking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, no tickets are required for visiting the grounds and the church during public hours. However, it's always best to check their official website or contact them for any specific event ticketing or access information.
Opening hours can vary, especially for the church and specific facilities. Visitors are advised to check the monastery's official schedule for the most up-to-date information on public access and mass times.
Yes, visitors are welcome to attend Mass. The reviews highlight the lovely experience of Sunday Mass. Check the monastery's schedule for specific times.
There is typically no entrance fee for the grounds. The monastery relies on donations and the goodwill of visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the spectacular grounds, enjoy peaceful walks, attend Mass, or simply find a quiet spot for contemplation. The community also offers personal retreats.
The grounds are extensive and offer ample space for walking and reflection. While generally accessible, some areas might be uneven due to the natural terrain.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in the grounds and public areas. However, always be respectful of the spiritual nature of the place and any restrictions within the church.
Absolutely. Visitors consistently describe the atmosphere as tranquil, restful, and spiritual, making it ideal for quiet reflection and personal retreats.
If you're lucky, you might spot red squirrels while exploring the grounds!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a full restaurant, visitors can purchase cards and enjoy refreshments. For those on retreat, the catering is noted to be excellent, with special diets like vegan meals being a highlight.
Yes, the catering for personal retreats specifically mentions that vegan diets are exceeded expectations, being delicious and carefully thought out.
The monastery is only about a mile from the center of Perth, which offers a variety of dining options, from cafes to restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The monastery grounds offer beautiful scenery, especially the gardens and views overlooking Perth. The architecture of the monastery itself also provides great photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is generally restricted at religious sites and nature reserves due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Expect serene landscape shots of the grounds, architectural details of the monastery, and potentially wildlife if you're lucky. The atmosphere lends itself to peaceful and reflective imagery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less busy times to ensure a more tranquil experience. The monastery's cafe offers refreshments, and the overall atmosphere is one of calm and respect, which can be a good lesson for children. It's an ideal destination for families seeking a serene break from more bustling attractions.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Retreat Seekers
The retreat experience is highly praised, with comfortable rooms, excellent food (including accommodating dietary needs like veganism), and a deeply peaceful atmosphere. It's an ideal place to disconnect, recharge, and engage in spiritual reflection, with the option to join daily prayers and Mass adding to the immersive experience.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Lovers
The natural beauty of the area is a significant draw, with opportunities to spot local wildlife, including the charming red squirrels. The proximity to the River Tay also opens up possibilities for longer runs or bike rides along scenic paths. It's a perfect destination for those who appreciate a blend of spiritual tranquility and natural landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Retreat Experience
Dietary needs are thoughtfully catered for, with vegan meals receiving exceptional reviews for being delicious and well-prepared. The monastery's location on Kinnoull Hill provides ample space for walking and reflection, with the added bonus of potential wildlife sightings like red squirrels. For those seeking a deeper spiritual connection, the opportunity to join the resident community for Morning and Evening Prayer and daily Mass is a significant privilege. The overall value is considered excellent, with many guests eager to return.
Key Retreat Features:
* Comfortable Accommodation: Modern, clean rooms with garden views.
* Peaceful Environment: Ample space for solitude and reflection.
* Community Interaction: Opportunities to connect with residents and other guests.
* Excellent Catering: High-quality meals, accommodating special diets.
* Spiritual Engagement: Option to participate in daily prayers and Mass.
Exploring the Kinnoull Hill Landscape
Beyond the immediate monastery grounds, Kinnoull Hill itself is a popular area for walkers and nature enthusiasts. The paths are varied, catering to different fitness levels, and offer a chance to immerse yourself in the local flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for wildlife; red squirrels have been spotted by visitors, adding an extra layer of delight to the experience. The proximity to the River Tay also means that longer rides or runs along its paths are easily accessible for those who enjoy cycling or jogging.
Outdoor Activities:
* Walking & Hiking: Numerous trails on Kinnoull Hill and around the monastery grounds.
* Nature Observation: Opportunities to spot local wildlife, including red squirrels.
* Scenic Views: Panoramic vistas of Perth and the surrounding landscape.
* Cycling & Running: Accessible paths along the River Tay for active pursuits.
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