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The tall ruined stone gable and walls of Cross Kirk in Peebles on a green lawn, trees behind.
Scottish Borders

Cross Kirk, Peebles

The tall ruins of a friary church in Peebles, founded where a cross and relics of St Nicholas were found in 1261.

Welcome

In a quiet street on the north-west side of Peebles stand the tall, roofless walls of Cross Kirk, one of the town's great surprises.

Its story begins with a remarkable find. According to tradition, in 1261 a cross and relics of St Nicholas of Myra were discovered hidden here, in the presence of King Alexander the Third. The Trinitarian friars, the Redfriars, had a house here, and in 1474 it became a monastery, with a new bell tower at its west end.

After the Reformation it served as the parish church of Peebles, its old choir becoming a schoolroom, until a new church was built in 1784. Today the ruins, with their bell tower, are cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, a peaceful corner of the town.

A short drive awayStobo KirkA 12th-century kirk up the Tweed.10 min by roadSee itPink-harled kirk with bellcote tower overlooking a gravestone-dotted churchyard
Before you go

Cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, in a quiet street of Peebles.

Where
North-west of central Peebles, NT 251 407.
Founded
The late 1100s.
The find
1261.
Where it is

In a quiet residential area north-west of the centre of Peebles, EH45 8DH.

Close byPeebles.
  1. Neidpath Tunnel and CastleNeidpath Tunnel and CastleNeidpath's castle and tunnel.1 mile4 min by road
  2. Kailzie GardensKailzie GardensGardens by the Tweed near Peebles, with a walled garden, restored glasshouses, woodland walks by the Kailzie Burn and a laburnum arch.3 miles10 min by road
  3. Great Polish Map of ScotlandGreat Polish Map of ScotlandFound within the grounds of the Barony Hotel, the Great Polish Map of Scotland is a concrete scale model of Scotland5 miles11 min by road
  4. Two aproned men chat outside Haus and Co, next to ABK AntiquesHaus and CoA Scandinavian-inspired homeware shop and coffee bar on the High Street in Innerleithen, with textiles, tableware, glass and good coffee.7 miles12 min by road
  5. White harled tower house with turrets overlooking a lawn and flowerbedTraquair HouseAn ancient house down the valley.8 miles17 min by road
Directions
Pink-harled kirk with bellcote tower overlooking a gravestone-dotted churchyardAttractionsStobo Kirk6.0 miles
Dawyck Botanic Garden, Scottish BordersAttractionsDawyck Botanic Garden8.3 miles
Scottish BordersWilderkin CabinSleeps 2 · 14 miles
Clermount Cottage, EdinburghPenicuikClermount CottageSleeps 2 · 14 miles
White cow parsley blooms in front of a stone cottage with skylightsPenicuikSteadingSleeps 4 · 17 miles
Stone cottage courtyard with slate roof, chimney and rolling green hills behindPenicuikThe ByreSleeps 4 · 17 miles
A black kitchen counter with flowers on the worktop stands before a curved timber slatted screen opening onto a bedroom.Scottish BordersCartshedSleeps 2 · 17 miles
Scottish BordersWoodshedSleeps 2 · 17 miles
Wash House, EdinburghScottish BordersWash HouseSleeps 2 · 17 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the kirk, and when each is next free.

Wilderkin Cabin
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Scottish Borders
  • 10 miles from Cross Kirk
Check datesA grey stone farmhouse with several chimneys stands against rolling hills, a wildflower meadow in the foreground.The Scullery
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Yarrow
  • 11 miles from Cross Kirk
Free 13–15 NovClermount Cottage, EdinburghClermount Cottage
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Penicuik
  • 12 miles from Cross Kirk
Check datesWhite cow parsley blooms in front of a stone cottage with skylightsSteading
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Penicuik
  • 13 miles from Cross Kirk
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in the Scottish BordersAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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