In short
Greyfriars Kirkyard is a historic graveyard in the Old Town, entered beside the Greyfriars Bobby statue at the top of Candlemaker Row. Its weathered stone monuments and the view of Edinburgh Castle over the wall make it one of the city's most atmospheric spots, especially on misty mornings. It's free to visit.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of the most atmospheric places in Edinburgh. Weathered monuments lean in the long grass, the walls are lined with elaborate tombs, and above it all the Castle rises over the northern wall. On a misty morning, it feels centuries old, because it is.
What is Greyfriars Kirkyard?
Greyfriars has been a burial ground since the 1560s, and Greyfriars Kirk, the church in the middle, opened in 1620. Many of Edinburgh’s most important figures are buried here, and its monuments are some of the finest in Scotland.
It’s also full of stories:
- Greyfriars Bobby, the Skye terrier said to have guarded his master’s grave for 14 years, is buried just inside the gates. His statue stands outside, at the top of Candlemaker Row.
- The Covenanters’ Prison, in the south-west corner, is where hundreds of Covenanters were held in the open after the Battle of Bothwell Bridge in 1679.
- Mortsafes, iron cages over some graves, were built to stop body snatchers, who supplied corpses to Edinburgh’s medical schools in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Harry Potter fans come looking for graves with names that seem familiar, and the kirkyard is often linked to the books.
How to get there
The main entrance is beside the Greyfriars Bobby statue, where Candlemaker Row meets George IV Bridge, a few minutes from the Royal Mile and the National Museum of Scotland.
When to go
A grey or misty morning suits it best. Early in the day it’s quiet and peaceful. Autumn, with fallen leaves among the stones, is especially beautiful.
Local tip
Look for the Castle rising above the kirkyard’s northern wall. A misty morning gives the most atmospheric shots, with the old stones in the foreground.
Please be respectful
Greyfriars is still a place of remembrance and a working church. Stay on the paths, don’t climb on the monuments, and be mindful of services and funerals.
Nearby
- Victoria Street and the Grassmarket, a few minutes downhill.
- The National Museum of Scotland, just across the road on Chambers Street.
- Sandy Bell’s, the folk music pub on Forrest Road, around the corner.
Good to know
Questions people ask
Is Greyfriars Kirkyard free to visit?
Yes, the kirkyard is free to walk around during opening hours.
Where is Greyfriars Bobby?
The statue of Greyfriars Bobby stands at the top of Candlemaker Row, beside the kirkyard gates.
Can you see Edinburgh Castle from Greyfriars?
Yes, the Castle rises above the kirkyard's northern wall.
