Self-Guided Options
Interactive Screen
All ages can explore the timeline of our ancient church, see our shields up close, solve stained-glass window puzzles or colour in shields on our large interactive touch screen.
Family Activities and
Digital Resources
Interactive Historical Exploration
We can immerse you in our rich history with a variety of activities free to use on site. Go back in time and dress up with our selection of period costumes, design a shield or discover stonemason’s marks with our Young Explorer’s Trail. Engage with our touch screen or hunt for miniature shields. Pick up our leaflets in the cathedral – there is something for everyone.
Explore independently. Pick up one of our free themed leaflets
Young Explorer Trail
Let St Machar himself help you discover legends, disasters, royalty, animals, shields, mysterious marks and much more.
Age range: 7–14 years
Graveyard Biodiversity Trail
Explore the wildlife in the graveyard with this self-directed trail. Clipboards, magnifying glasses and laminated trails are available to borrow free of charge from the cathedral porch.
Age range: all ages
(Stay safe – stick to paths, do not climb stones and take an adult with you)
Activity Sheets
Shield Spotting Hunt: Take the challenge to find miniature shields hidden around the Cathedral and discover the range of symbols depicted five hundred years ago.
Age range: all ages
I spy with Leo the Lion: An activity sheet for younger children to engage with the animals on the shields.
Age range: 2-5 years
Guided Tours
If you would like to be shown the wonders of the Cathedral by an experienced guide then keep an eye on our What’s on page for special Guided Tours and events.
Digital Resources
Discover our range of specially created digital resources that you can explore at your own pace, wherever you are. Watch our Stories from the Cathedral film or download mindfulness colouring activities, and puzzles created around the wonderful stories of St Machar’s Cathedral.
Junior Tour Guides Film
Let the children from nearby Kittybrewster Primary show you around the Cathedral and discover stories from its past. From the legend of St Machar to Robert the Bruce. From medieval bishops and stonemasons to artists and Pre-Raphaelite ladies.
Film length: 20 minutes
Mindfulness sheets
Take a mindful moment with a colouring sheet based on some of the wonderful art in the Cathedral. Click on the images below to download the colouring sheet
Sanctuary Cross
This ancient cross dates to the twelfth century and was originally outside the building. It was found broken nearby in a Chanonry garden about a hundred years ago. In 2000 a new shaft was crafted by Alastair Urquhart and it is now standing tall at the entrance to the Mitchell Chapel in the South Aisle.
Baptismal banner
This large colourful banner hangs above the granite font in the north aisle. It was commissioned by the Friends of St Machar’s Cathedral in 1991 and created by artist Thetis Blacker. It shows the Holy Spirit as a dove above a large golden fish the Ichthus which is a symbol of Christ, the many smaller fish being his followers.
Support Our Mission
Donate
In this country most churches and the church buildings are kept going by the giving of their members. Historic churches such as St Machar’s also benefit much from the generosity of visitors. When you visit St Machar’s please give something, out of gratitude for what you have seen. In the Cathedral there is a large donation chest and there are three card readers. You can also donate on this site.