Greyfriars Kirkyard is a historic cemetery located in Edinburgh, Scotland, famous for its association with the loyal Skye Terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. Established in the 16th century, it features notable gravestones and monuments reflecting Scotland's rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the atmospheric grounds, which include the Covenanter's Prison and the impressive mausoleum of Lord Advocate Sir George Mackenzie. The kirkyard is a serene place that attracts tourists and locals alike, offering insights into the city's past and serving as a peaceful escape from the bustling city life.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.7 1,879
- Tripadvisor 4.5 858
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
- Architectural Beauty and Views The Kirkyard showcases stunning gothic architecture and stonework, with some tombs being literal works of art. Visitors can also enjoy unique views of Edinburgh Castle and the surrounding cityscape.
- Free and Accessible Admission to Greyfriars Kirkyard is free, making it an accessible attraction for all visitors. Its central location near the Royal Mile and Grassmarket allows for an easy side quest during city exploration.
- Greyfriars Bobby's Heartwarming Story Visit the grave and statue of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who guarded his owner's grave for 14 years. The touching story and memorials provide a heartwarming experience.
- Harry Potter Inspiration Fans of the Harry Potter series can explore the tombstones that inspired J.K. Rowling's character names. Spotting familiar names like Tom Riddle and McGonagall adds a magical element to the visit.
- Rich History and Notable Figures Greyfriars Kirkyard offers a glimpse into Edinburgh's past, with over 100,000 people buried there since the 16th century. Notable Edinburgh residents and intricate memorials provide a unique historical experience.
Criticised
- Can Be Crowded Due to its popularity, Greyfriars Kirkyard can get busy with tourists, especially during peak season. This may detract from the peaceful atmosphere and make it difficult to fully appreciate the site.
- Limited Facilities The Kirkyard has limited facilities, with no public toilets available once the Kirk closes. This can be inconvenient for visitors who wish to spend a longer time exploring the grounds.
- Potential Paranormal Activity Known as one of the most haunted graveyards, some visitors may find the eerie atmosphere unsettling. Those sensitive to paranormal activity should be aware of the Kirkyard's reputation.
- Potential for Disrespectful Behavior Some visitors may be disrespectful of the graves, especially those seeking out Harry Potter-related sites. This can be disturbing for those who come to pay their respects to the deceased.
- Uneven and Muddy Ground The paths within the Kirkyard are often uneven, and the ground can get muddy after rain. Visitors should wear appropriate footwear and exercise caution while walking.
The longer read
Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh is a historic cemetery offering a blend of history, intriguing stories, and unique atmosphere. Established in the 16th century, it serves as the final resting place for over 100,000 people, though only about 700 headstones remain. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained grounds and the ease of navigation along its pathways. Many find the site peaceful and reflective, despite its location in a busy area of the city. The Kirkyard is free to enter. Paths may be uneven. Mobility challenges can be overcome with care.
One of the main attractions is the story of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier known for guarding his owner's grave for 14 years. A memorial and statue commemorate Bobby's loyalty, drawing dog lovers and those touched by his story. Sticks are often left on the grave as a sign of respect. The grave of John Gray, Bobby's owner, is also located within the Kirkyard.
For Harry Potter fans, Greyfriars Kirkyard is a must-see destination. J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, is believed to have drawn inspiration for character names from the tombstones in the Kirkyard. Visitors can seek out the graves of individuals with names like Tom Riddle, McGonagall and Potter. Locating specific graves, such as Tom Riddle's, may require some searching. Some visitors find the act of photographing the tombstones to be disrespectful.
Beyond the famous stories, the Kirkyard features impressive stonework and architecture on its tombs and memorials, some dating back centuries. The Flodden Wall runs through the graveyard. Views of Edinburgh Castle and George Heriot's School (said to be an inspiration for Hogwarts) add to the scenery. Some reviewers found the cemetery to have a somewhat Gothic feel. The Kirkyard is considered by some to be one of the most haunted graveyards in the world, adding an eerie dimension to the experience. Some visitors recommend taking a guided night tour to explore normally locked areas and hear stories about the graves and crypts.
While generally well-maintained, some areas may have uneven pavement or broken steps, requiring caution. Reviewers suggest allocating about 30-45 minutes for a visit, though those interested in delving deeper into the history or searching for specific graves could easily spend several hours. Some visitors have noted the presence of individuals who may be using the grounds for illicit activities. While they are not considered a threat, it is worth noting.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 131 225 1900
- Website
- tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186525-d12017890-Reviews-Greyfriars_Kirkyard-Edinburgh_Scotland.html
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Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.6 across the 173 venues we hold for Edinburgh, where the most-reviewed is Edinburgh Castle.
Still deciding?
- What is the historical significance of Greyfriars Kirkyard and what makes it famous?
- What are some of the most interesting legends or ghost stories associated with Greyfriars Kirkyard?
- When is the best time of year or day to visit Greyfriars Kirkyard for a memorable experience?
- Are there guided tours at Greyfriars Kirkyard, and do you recommend joining one for first-time visitors?
- Who are some of the most notable individuals buried at Greyfriars Kirkyard and why are they important?
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
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