The Scottish Storytelling Centre is a unique cultural attraction located in the heart of Edinburgh. It serves as a hub for preserving and promoting the rich tradition of storytelling in Scotland. The centre hosts a variety of events, including storytelling performances, workshops, and exhibitions, making it a vibrant space for both locals and visitors. Its charming café offers a cozy place to relax, while the gift shop features an array of books and crafts celebrating Scottish culture. The centre aims to engage audiences of all ages, providing a platform for stories to come alive.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.7 671
- Tripadvisor 4.5 107
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Central location on the Royal Mile Located on the Royal Mile, the Scottish Storytelling Centre is easily accessible and offers a convenient escape from the bustling streets, with a bookshop and access to the John Knox House.
- Excellent storytelling events The Scottish Storytelling Centre offers a wide range of storytelling performances, including traditional tales and events for children, providing an engaging and immersive experience of Scottish culture.
- Friendly and helpful staff Visitors consistently praise the welcoming and accommodating staff, who provide excellent service and helpful information, enhancing the overall experience.
- High-quality cafe with local produce The Haggis Box cafe offers delicious, reasonably priced food made with locally sourced ingredients, including vegan and gluten-free options, making it a great spot for a snack or meal.
- Unique and historic building The centre's architecture blends historic elements with contemporary design, creating a distinctive and reverent atmosphere that enhances the appreciation of storytelling and Scottish heritage.
Criticised
- Cafe ambiance is basic The interior of the cafe is described as fairly basic, which may not appeal to those seeking a more elaborate or upscale dining experience.
- Dated aspects of John Knox House Some visitors find the John Knox House exhibition to be dated and in need of modernization to enhance engagement.
- Drink selection can be limited The cafe's drink options may be limited, particularly for those seeking specific beverages like diet soda.
- Inconsistent service A few reviewers reported instances of unfriendly or unhelpful service, particularly at the till or reception.
- Theatre can be uncomfortably hot The theatre venue within the centre can become stiflingly hot, potentially impacting the comfort and enjoyment of performances.
The longer read
The Scottish Storytelling Centre, located on the Royal Mile, is praised as a welcoming and multifaceted venue that offers a diverse range of experiences beyond just storytelling. Many reviewers highlight the friendly and helpful staff, noting their excellent customer service and welcoming demeanor. The Centre is frequently described as a cultural hub with a contemporary cathedral feeling that values stories.
Several reviewers rave about the Centre's cafe, the Haggis Box, noting the quality of the food, especially the haggis dishes (including vegetarian options). The cafe is considered a gem for those in the know, offering a simple but quality menu at cost-effective prices for its central location. The carrot cake and millionaires shortbread are repeatedly mentioned as standouts. The cafe is also appreciated for its atmosphere, making it a great spot for a relaxing break or a meet-up. It is noted that the cafe caters to various dietary needs, including gluten-free and vegan options.
The storytelling events themselves receive positive feedback, with reviewers highlighting the wide variety of talented artists and the engaging nature of the performances. The venue is considered excellent for shows, with reasonable prices and a good theatre space. The building's architecture, a blend of historic and contemporary design, is admired by many. It is considered a beautiful and unusual space worth visiting in its own right. The Centre is also praised for being family-friendly, with features like a storytelling wall and toys for children.
In addition to storytelling and the cafe, the Centre houses a bookshop with a lovely selection, particularly of Scottish tales and folklore. The John Knox House, linked to the Storytelling Centre, is also mentioned as an interesting historical site to explore, though some find the exhibition dated and in need of modernization.
Several reviewers discovered the Centre during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and made multiple visits, emphasizing its friendly atmosphere and tasty snacks. Its accessibility from Edinburgh Waverley train station is also a plus. The venue's commitment to supporting local charities through its cafe proceeds is also noted positively. Regular attendees appreciate the welcoming environment, where solo visitors can easily meet new people and feel comfortable. It is recommended as a must-visit for both locals and tourists seeking a unique cultural experience in Edinburgh.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 131 556 9579
- Website
- scottishstorytellingcentre.com
| Mon | 10:00 - 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Sun | 10:00 - 18:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.7 against a median of 4.6 across the 173 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Edinburgh Castle.
Still deciding?
- What kinds of storytelling events and activities can visitors experience at the Scottish Storytelling Centre?
- When is the best time of year or week to visit the Scottish Storytelling Centre for live performances or special events?
- What family-friendly features or activities does the Scottish Storytelling Centre offer for children and young people?
- What is the history and cultural significance of the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh?
- What other attractions or places of interest are located close to the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.