Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh
Edinburgh's historic Greyfriars Kirkyard: a place of loyal dogs, restless spirits, and magical inspirations.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Greyfriars Kirk Edinburgh
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Edinburgh's historic Greyfriars Kirkyard: a place of loyal dogs, restless spirits, and magical inspirations.
"A must-visit for history buffs, Harry Potter fans, and anyone seeking a touch of the supernatural."
🚫 Don't Touch Bobby's Nose
Locals strongly advise against rubbing Greyfriars Bobby's nose for luck. Preserve the statue! :pray:
👻 Embrace the Ghost Stories
Many visitors report eerie experiences. Keep an open mind and enjoy the haunted history! :ghost:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Greyfriars Bobby Statue
Outside Greyfriars Kirk
The beloved statue of a loyal Skye Terrier who guarded his owner's grave for 14 years. A true symbol of devotion.

The Black Mausoleum
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Home to the alleged restless spirit of Sir George Mackenzie, 'Bloody Mackenzie.' Visitors report strange occurrences.

Harry Potter Connections
Various gravestones in Greyfriars Kirkyard
Find gravestones that may have inspired J.K. Rowling's iconic characters, like Tom Riddle.
Covenanters' Prison
Greyfriars Kirkyard
Explore the atmospheric prison area where Scottish Covenanters were held captive in the 17th century.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the History (and the Nose!)
Embrace the Spooky & Magical
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 Don't Touch Bobby's Nose
Locals strongly advise against rubbing Greyfriars Bobby's nose for luck. Preserve the statue!
:pray:👻 Embrace the Ghost Stories
Many visitors report eerie experiences. Keep an open mind and enjoy the haunted history!
:ghost:⚡ Harry Potter Trail
Join a free walking tour to discover the graveyard's magical connections.
:sparkles:🗝️ Covenanters' Prison
Explore the historic prison area and learn about its dark past.
:lock:Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 Don't Touch Bobby's Nose
Locals strongly advise against rubbing Greyfriars Bobby's nose for luck. Preserve the statue!
:pray:👻 Embrace the Ghost Stories
Many visitors report eerie experiences. Keep an open mind and enjoy the haunted history!
:ghost:⚡ Harry Potter Trail
Join a free walking tour to discover the graveyard's magical connections.
:sparkles:🗝️ Covenanters' Prison
Explore the historic prison area and learn about its dark past.
:lock:🗺️ Graveyard Maps Available
Ask knowledgeable staff or look for maps to find specific graves.
:map:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Greyfriars Kirk and its kirkyard for its rich history, atmospheric charm, and intriguing legends, from the loyal Greyfriars Bobby to the spooky tales of Bloody Mackenzie and Harry Potter inspirations. While the historical significance and unique stories are highly appreciated, some find the site can become crowded, and the upkeep of certain areas could be improved.
"Built on top of the old Franciscan Friary in Post-Reformation Scotland, Greyfriars Kirk is now celebrating its 400th year anniversary. Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, Greyfriars Kirk was founded in 1620 and is the first church to be built in post-Reformation Edinburgh
It’s still an active parish church here in the city and it welcomes tourists who wish to take a look around.
The interior architecture is gorgeous plus they also have a small exhibition about the history of the graveyard. The staff are more than happy to help answer any questions you have!"
Sanjay Gupta
"A nice church with a stunning greenery surrounding it. This is a nice piece of architecture and a pleasant spot to visit on a nice day."
Matt H
"Most famous of course for being the burial place of the famous Bobby and his police officer owner. But the Kirk is also beautiful in its own right and well worth a look. Entrance is free but donations are requested. The Kirk has a small museum."
Angus Hamilton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Greyfriars Kirk is centrally located in Edinburgh's Old Town. You can easily walk from most city center hotels. Several bus routes stop nearby, and it's a short taxi or rideshare away.
Parking in Edinburgh's Old Town is limited and often expensive. It's best to use public transport or walk. The nearest car parks are a short walk away.
While the graveyard is generally accessible, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the historical context. Some ghost tours operate in the evening.
Walking is the best way to explore. Consider joining a guided tour, especially one focused on history or Harry Potter, to get the most out of your visit.
The main church is generally accessible. However, the kirkyard itself has uneven terrain and gravestones, which can make wheelchair access challenging in some areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Greyfriars Kirk and the Kirkyard is generally free. Donations are appreciated to help with the upkeep of the church and its history.
The church typically has set opening hours, and the kirkyard is usually accessible during daylight hours. It's best to check the official Greyfriars Kirk website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, numerous guided tours are available, focusing on history, ghosts, and Harry Potter connections. Some are free (tip-based), while others are paid.
Photography is usually permitted inside the church for personal use, but it's always polite to check for any specific restrictions or ask a member of staff.
No, the Greyfriars Bobby statue is a public monument and can be viewed and photographed freely.
🎫 👻 Onsite Experience
Founded in the 16th century, Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of Edinburgh's most historic cemeteries. It's known for its Covenanters' Prison, the grave of Greyfriars Bobby, and alleged hauntings.
The bars were installed to prevent body snatching, a common practice in Edinburgh's past. These are known as 'mort safes.'
The kirkyard is considered one of the most haunted places in Scotland, with tales of poltergeists, particularly around the Black Mausoleum of 'Bloody Mackenzie.'
Several gravestones bear names that inspired J.K. Rowling's characters, including Thomas Riddell (Tom Riddle) and others.
As a place of remembrance, it's important to be respectful. Avoid loud noises, littering, and touching gravestones unnecessarily.
📸 📸 Photography
The Greyfriars Bobby statue, the Covenanters' Prison, and gravestones with interesting inscriptions are popular. The atmospheric lighting in the late afternoon is also great.
Drone usage is generally restricted in historic city centers and around cemeteries. It's best to check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions.
Late afternoon offers beautiful, atmospheric light. Early mornings can also be peaceful and less crowded for photography.
While general photography is allowed, be mindful of other visitors and the solemn nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography of individuals.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the kirkyard, while a prime lens can be good for detail shots of gravestones. A tripod can help with low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful that it is a cemetery, so encourage respectful behavior. The Covenanters' Prison and the tales of 'Bloody Mackenzie' can add a thrilling, albeit slightly spooky, element to the visit. Ensure children are supervised, especially around uneven ground and older gravestones.
👻 Ghost Hunters & Paranormal Enthusiasts
Be prepared for an atmospheric and potentially chilling experience. While direct encounters are not guaranteed, the sheer history and the persistent legends create an undeniable sense of unease and excitement for paranormal enthusiasts.
📚 History Buffs
Beyond the Covenanters, the graveyard holds the resting places of notable figures and offers a glimpse into centuries of Edinburgh life and death. The church itself, founded in 1620, is a beautiful example of post-Reformation architecture. Consider visiting the small exhibition within the Kirk for more historical context.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Greyfriars Bobby
While the story is heartwarming, visitors are urged to show respect. The constant touching of Bobby's nose by tourists has caused significant wear and tear on the bronze statue. Locals and preservationists emphasize that the true tribute is to remember Bobby's devotion, not to contribute to the statue's erosion.
This enduring legend continues to draw visitors from around the world, making the Greyfriars Bobby statue a poignant and iconic landmark in Edinburgh. It's a reminder of the deep bonds that can form between humans and animals.
Haunted History: Bloody Mackenzie and the Poltergeist
Since the 1990s, numerous visitors and even tour guides have reported unsettling experiences near the Black Mausoleum, including scratches, bites, bruises, fainting, and even alleged possessions. These accounts have led to the mausoleum being locked by Edinburgh Council to protect the public from what is believed to be Mackenzie's malevolent spirit.
The 'Mackenzie Poltergeist' is considered one of the most documented cases of paranormal activity in the world. While some dismiss the stories, the sheer volume of reported incidents and the official locking of the tomb lend an undeniable air of mystery and dread to this part of the kirkyard.
Whispers of Magic: Harry Potter's Edinburgh Roots
The most famous connection is to Thomas Riddell, whose grave in the kirkyard is thought to have inspired the name Tom Riddle, Lord Voldemort's original identity. Other gravestones, like those of William McGonagall and Elizabeth Moodie, are also cited as potential inspirations for characters like Professor McGonagall and the Moodie family.
Exploring these graves adds a layer of enchantment to the historical site, drawing fans of the wizarding world to walk in the footsteps of Rowling's imagination. The 'Potter Trail' tours are particularly popular for highlighting these connections.
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