Greyfriars Kirk's origins trace back to 1602, marking it as one of the initial churches constructed in Edinburgh following the Reformation. Established in 1620, this historic site in Edinburgh's Old Town is built upon the grounds of a former Franciscan Friary. Visitors can explore its architecture, a small museum showcasing the graveyard's history, and the statue of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye terrier known for his loyalty. Still an active parish church, it provides a serene escape from the city's hustle, inviting contemplation amidst its ancient tombstones and crypts.
What each source says
- Viator 4.5 3,367
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,409
- Google Places 4.6 87
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
- Beautiful architecture and surroundings Admire the architecture of the Kirk itself, including stained glass windows and a peaceful interior. The surrounding greenery and views of Edinburgh Castle enhance the experience.
- Free admission and accessible location Entrance to Greyfriars Kirk and kirkyard is free, though donations are welcome. Its central location near the Royal Mile makes it easily accessible.
- Greyfriars Bobby connection Visit the final resting place of the loyal Skye Terrier, Greyfriars Bobby, and learn his heartwarming story. The statue nearby is a popular photo opportunity.
- Harry Potter inspiration Explore the graveyard that inspired character names in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Fans can seek out the gravestones of individuals like Thomas Riddell and McGonagall.
- Rich history and atmosphere Greyfriars Kirk offers a deep dive into Scottish history with connections to the Reformation and the National Covenant. The historic kirkyard provides a peaceful escape in the city center.
Criticised
- Church opening times are limited The Kirk itself is not always open to visitors, restricting access to the interior and its small museum. Check opening times in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Crowds and disrespectful behavior The graveyard can get crowded, especially with Harry Potter tours, leading to noise and potential disrespect towards the site. Overcrowding leads to the ground being churned and gravestones being damaged.
- Maintenance issues Some walkways and gravestones are in disrepair, detracting from the overall experience. Some areas may be muddy or flooded after rain.
- Respect as a place of rest is sometimes lost Due to its popularity, some visitors treat the grounds like a theme park instead of a place of rest. This can detract from the atmosphere for others.
- Spookiness factor may be exaggerated Despite its reputation, some visitors find the graveyard less spooky than expected. It may not satisfy those seeking a truly eerie experience.
The longer read
Greyfriars Kirk and its kirkyard (churchyard/cemetery) are popular Edinburgh attractions, steeped in history and atmosphere. The Kirk itself, founded in 1620, was the first church built in Edinburgh after the Reformation and is still an active parish church. Visitors are welcome to explore the interior, admire the architecture, and view exhibits, including a small museum. Many reviewers found the staff and volunteers welcoming and knowledgeable.
However, the kirkyard is often the main draw, offering a fascinating glimpse into Edinburgh's past. It's known as the burial place of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal Skye Terrier who reportedly guarded his master's grave for 14 years. A grave marker commemorates Bobby, and the story resonates with many visitors. Some reviewers mentioned the statue of Greyfriars Bobby just outside the gates.
Beyond Bobby, the kirkyard holds many old tombstones and family crypts, some dating back centuries. Reviewers noted the intricate carvings and the sheer age of the stones, creating a gothic and peaceful atmosphere. Some described the kirkyard as a haven of peace close to the city center and offering beautiful views of Edinburgh Castle. Part of the Flodden Wall is also within the cemetery.
Greyfriars Kirkyard has a strong connection to the Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling is said to have found inspiration for character names within the graveyard. Many visitors seek out the gravestones of Thomas Riddell and William McGonagall. While some found the Harry Potter connection a major draw, others cautioned that the popularity can lead to crowding and disrespect for the site's history and solemnity. Some tours, especially the free ones, were criticized for their size, noise, and lack of contribution to the kirkyard's upkeep. Some reviewers suggested that the large tour groups churn up the ground, causing damage to the historic site.
The kirkyard's history includes its use as a burial site for plague victims and a prison for Covenanters. Some reviewers found a sense of sadness or eeriness in certain areas, particularly around the Covenanters' Prison. There are also stories of grave robbing, and some graves feature iron grates (mort safes) to deter body snatchers.
For the best experience, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds and soak in the atmosphere. Some reviewers recommended taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and stories behind the graves. Others found the location map helpful for self-guided exploration. Be aware that some areas may be less accessible in wet weather. Entrance to the Kirk is typically free, but donations are welcomed.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 131 225 1900
- Website
- greyfriarskirk.com
| Mon | 11:00 - 16:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 - 16:00 |
| Wed | 11:00 - 16:00 |
| Thu | 11:00 - 16:00 |
| Fri | 11:00 - 16:00 |
| Sat | 11:00 - 16:00 |
| Sun | 10:30 - 13:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 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 Kirk in Edinburgh?
- What are the must-see features or highlights inside Greyfriars Kirk?
- Are there any famous legends or stories associated with Greyfriars Kirk?
- What types of tours or guided experiences are available at Greyfriars Kirk?
- What other attractions are located near Greyfriars Kirk that are worth visiting?
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.
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