Dean Cemetery Edinburgh
A serene Victorian garden cemetery in Edinburgh, featuring stunning mausoleums and the resting places of notable figures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Dean Cemetery Edinburgh
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Victorian garden cemetery in Edinburgh, featuring stunning mausoleums and the resting places of notable figures.
"A peaceful garden of memory where history and humanity quietly meet."
🚶♀️ Scenic Walk to Dean Village
Combine your visit with Dean Village via the Water of Leith Walkway for a beautiful, scenic route.
📸 Capture the Details
Bring your camera to photograph the stunning Victorian architecture and intricate gravestone details.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Victorian Mausoleums
Throughout the cemetery
Marvel at the ornate, gothic-inspired mausoleums, showcasing intricate Victorian funerary architecture.
Notable Burials
Various plots
Discover the final resting places of prominent figures, including artists, architects, and philosophers.
Peaceful Garden Setting
Throughout the cemetery
Wander through the beautifully maintained grounds, a serene garden cemetery offering a tranquil atmosphere.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Scenic Walk to Dean Village
Combine your visit with Dean Village via the Water of Leith Walkway for a beautiful, scenic route.
📸 Capture the Details
Bring your camera to photograph the stunning Victorian architecture and intricate gravestone details.
🤫 Respectful Silence
This is a place of remembrance. Maintain a quiet demeanor and be mindful of others seeking peace.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The cemetery has winding paths and is spread over several levels; wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Scenic Walk to Dean Village
Combine your visit with Dean Village via the Water of Leith Walkway for a beautiful, scenic route.
📸 Capture the Details
Bring your camera to photograph the stunning Victorian architecture and intricate gravestone details.
🤫 Respectful Silence
This is a place of remembrance. Maintain a quiet demeanor and be mindful of others seeking peace.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The cemetery has winding paths and is spread over several levels; wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
🥪 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a peaceful lunch amidst the serene surroundings. There are limited facilities on-site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dean Cemetery for its profound peace and beauty, describing it as a serene garden of memory. The well-maintained grounds and the historical significance of its monuments, including those of notable figures, are frequently highlighted. It's seen as a tranquil escape offering lovely views and a chance to connect with Edinburgh's past.
"Walking through Dean Cemetery in Edinburgh, I found myself surrounded by sunlight and silence. The ivy-covered stones and weathered monuments stood like silent storytellers, each name and inscription carrying fragments of a life once lived. As I wandered along the winding paths, I felt as if I were accompanying these figures on their journeys—artists, doctors, thinkers, soldiers—each leaving behind not just a grave, but a story woven into the fabric of the city. The stillness of the cemetery, broken only by birdsong and the rustle of leaves, gave me a sense of calm. It was less a place of sorrow and more a garden of memory, where history and humanity quietly meet.
2025.08.17"
Kaileton Huang
"Very peaceful cemetery with some nice graves where loved ones resting in peace. Great for a long walk around the boundary. Also provides a wonderful point for view over West End and other parts of Edinburgh."
UK Photo Journey
"I went to Edinburgh’s Modern 2 Gallery earlier this month to visit the ‘Resistance’ exhibition: a collection of mainly documentary photographs recording various acts of public resistance over the last 100 years, including the Women’s Suffrage movement, the Miners' Strike, Anti-Racism campaigns, Anti-Fascist clashes, etc.
At this time of writing, the exhibition is still open and is well worth a visit.
As I was in the area, I took the opportunity to visit the adjacent Dean Cemetery again; I haven’t been there for a while. It’s a fantastic place, and, also, well worth a visit. Although it’s still run by a private company, it is open to the public. Taphophile’s are welcome.
The Dean Cemetery – originally christened the Edinburgh Western Cemetery - was opened in 1846, offering the great and good of Scotland’s Capital a dignified space in which to enjoy their eternal rest, among them some of Scotland’s best-known architects, artists and philosophers – including David Octavius Hill, an artist who became a pioneer of early photography. He’d have been intrigued to see the ‘machine’ I was using to capture images of himself and his neighbours that day.
As I said, it was a fine day, and I hope I captured a few images which speak to the pleasant, peaceful and gardenesque locale found close to the heart of the City.
#deancemetery #cemetery #edinburgh #headstones #davidoctaviushill #modern2 #gallery #photography"
Duncan Bennett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dean Cemetery is easily accessible from Edinburgh's city center. A pleasant walk of about 10-15 minutes from the east end of Princes Street is recommended, especially on a nice day. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Google Maps can provide precise directions based on your starting point.
Yes, Dean Cemetery is located right next to Dean Village. Many visitors combine a trip to both, enjoying the scenic Water of Leith Walkway that connects them.
Absolutely! A highly recommended route is to walk from Stockbridge to Dean Village via the Water of Leith Walkway, which is a beautiful 15-minute stroll. From Dean Village, the cemetery is very close by.
While walking is often preferred, you can also take a bus. Check local bus routes from your specific location in the city center. The cemetery is also a short walk from the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art.
Limited street parking may be available nearby, but it's not guaranteed. Public transport or walking are generally more convenient options for reaching the cemetery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Dean Cemetery is open to the public and does not require an admission fee. It's a free-to-enter space for exploration and reflection.
Dean Cemetery is generally open during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there is ample natural light to appreciate the surroundings and gravestones.
While not as famously haunted as Greyfriars Kirkyard, Dean Cemetery is mentioned as a 'well worth the visit' spooky site with interesting mausoleums. Some visitors find the atmosphere quite atmospheric.
Yes, photography is permitted. Many visitors enjoy capturing the unique Victorian architecture and the serene, atmospheric setting.
Yes, you can do a quick walk-through in about 30 minutes to see the main highlights. However, to truly appreciate its peaceful atmosphere and details, allow at least an hour or more.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for the ornate Victorian mausoleums, the intricate details on gravestones, and the lush greenery that often frames the monuments. The winding paths also offer picturesque compositions.
Absolutely. The cemetery's Victorian architecture, weathered stones, and often overcast Edinburgh skies create a perfect backdrop for moody and gothic-inspired photography.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is ideal for capturing both wide shots of the grounds and close-ups of inscriptions. Even a good smartphone camera can produce excellent results.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always wise to be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography, especially if there are ongoing services or visitors engaged in quiet reflection.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft shadows and highlights, enhancing the atmosphere. Overcast days can also be excellent for capturing a more dramatic, moody feel.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a walk along the Water of Leith Walkway to Dean Village, which offers more open space and visual interest for younger visitors. Remember to emphasize the importance of respectful behavior in a cemetery setting.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
Consider researching some of the prominent individuals buried here before your visit to enhance your experience. The cemetery's connection to the Victorian garden cemetery movement also provides a rich context for understanding funerary practices and landscape design of the era.
📸 Photographers
Experiment with different angles and compositions to capture the grandeur of the mausoleums and the poignant details of the gravestones. Early morning or late afternoon light often yields the most compelling results.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Victorian Garden Cemetery Movement
The design of Dean Cemetery reflects this ethos, with its lush greenery, mature trees, and ornate monuments creating a serene atmosphere. The layout encourages leisurely strolls, allowing visitors to appreciate the artistry of the gravestones and mausoleums while enjoying the natural beauty. This approach was a significant shift in how death and mourning were publicly expressed during the Victorian era, blending solemnity with a celebration of life and art.
Many of the prominent figures buried here contributed significantly to Scotland's cultural and intellectual landscape, including artists like David Octavius Hill, who was also a pioneer of early photography. Visiting Dean Cemetery offers a unique opportunity to connect with Edinburgh's history and the lives of its notable past residents in a tranquil and picturesque setting.
Architectural Marvels and Notable Residents
Among the notable figures laid to rest here are artists, architects, philosophers, and doctors who played significant roles in Edinburgh's development. The cemetery serves as an open-air museum of funerary art and a historical record of the city's influential citizens. Each monument tells a story, offering a glimpse into the lives and legacies of those who shaped Scotland's capital.
For those interested in taphophilia (the appreciation of old cemeteries and gravestones), Dean Cemetery is a treasure trove. The variety and quality of the monuments, combined with the peaceful, garden-like setting, make it a compelling destination for anyone interested in history, art, or simply a quiet, contemplative walk.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit