New Calton Burial Ground Edinburgh
1 / 10

New Calton Burial Ground Edinburgh

4.4
·84 reviews·, United Kingdom

A historic Edinburgh burial ground offering intricate gravestone art and stunning views of Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn afternoons

Golden light for photos

CrowdLow
Loading map...
New Calton Burial Ground Edinburgh

New Calton Burial Ground Edinburgh

Best Time

Spring & Autumn afternoons

Golden light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Edinburgh burial ground offering intricate gravestone art and stunning views of Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace.

4.4
(84 reviews)

"Discover history carved in stone with breathtaking views of Edinburgh's iconic landmarks."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Reflect

Take your time to explore the winding paths and read the inscriptions. It's a place for quiet contemplation.

📸 Capture the Views

Don't miss the stunning photo opportunities of Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 84 reviews

Type

Cemetery

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Intricate Stone Carvings

Intricate Stone Carvings

Discover the artistry and emotion etched into centuries-old gravestones, telling tales of lives lived.

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace from this elevated, historic site.

Historic Mausoleums

Historic Mausoleums

Marvel at the impressive architecture of grand mausoleums, testaments to Edinburgh's prominent families.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Quiet History

Step away from Edinburgh's bustle into a serene historical landscape. This burial ground offers a unique glimpse into the city's past with intricate stone carvings and a peaceful atmosphere. Allow ample time to wander and absorb the stories etched in stone.

Views and Vistas

Beyond its historical significance, New Calton Burial Ground boasts stunning panoramic views. Capture breathtaking vistas of Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace, making it a photographer's delight. Remember to wear comfortable shoes for exploring the hilly terrain.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

i personally prefer my graveyards without sticky outy bones #history #darkhistory #ghost #haunted #edinburgh #spooky #spookyhistory
@shiverdarkhistory
271.2K likes • 1.9M views

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Reflect

Take your time to explore the winding paths and read the inscriptions. It's a place for quiet contemplation. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Don't miss the stunning photo opportunities of Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace. Instagram

The Most Famous Haunted Graveyard In Edinburgh (A Thousand Tortured Souls)
@mrballen
81.9K likes • 946.1K views
Taphophilia (n.): a love of graveyards. Not out of morbidity, but out of curiosity, reverence, and the quiet pull of history carved in stone. Edinburgh’s graveyards are rich with stories—if you know where to look. #edinburgh #reels #scotland #scottish #visitscotland #travel #reelsinstagram #visitedinburgh #history #explore #graveyard #cemeteriesofinstagram #haunted #spooky #cemeteries
auldedinburgh
283 likes • 6.5K views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain is hilly and paths can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is a must. Reddit

🕰️ Discover Hidden History

Look for unique features like Edinburgh's first gas street light! TikTok

Historic graveyard with impressive views of Arthur’s seat #edinburghcity #burialground #historiccity #newcaltonburialground #edinburgh #edinburghscotland #scotlandlover #scotlandshots
scotlandlesstravelled
175 likes • 6.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Reflect

Take your time to explore the winding paths and read the inscriptions. It's a place for quiet contemplation. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Don't miss the stunning photo opportunities of Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace. Instagram

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The terrain is hilly and paths can be uneven, so sturdy footwear is a must. Reddit

🕰️ Discover Hidden History

Look for unique features like Edinburgh's first gas street light! TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(84 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise New Calton Burial Ground for its historical depth, intricate gravestone artistry, and breathtaking panoramic views of Edinburgh landmarks like Arthur's Seat. While some note its unkempt state adds to its antique charm, others appreciate the peaceful escape it offers from the city bustle.

"Beautiful cemetery with old graves. Step inside to escape the hustle and bustle of the surrounding area and take your time viewing the old graves. View of Carlton Hill."

Bram Slijpen

"A really interesting piece of history. This graveyard has some stunning views and is an interesting place to explore and see the little pieces of history that can be found here."

Matt H

"A find as we left Calton Hill towards our destination, this old cemetery boasts some impressive mausoleums and many historic headstones, amidst some brambles (sadly). The unkempt condition leant to its antiquity. Good views of Arthurs Seat and Salisbury Crags"

Graham Tranter

What People Like

Beautiful city views
Intricate gravestone carvings
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be unkempt

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

New Calton Burial Ground is easily accessible on foot from the city center, located on the southern slope of Calton Hill. It's a pleasant walk up from Holyrood Palace or along the Royal Mile. Reddit

Street parking can be limited in the immediate vicinity due to its central location. It's recommended to use public transport or walk if possible. TikTok

Yes, several bus routes stop near Calton Hill, making it convenient to reach via public transport. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

It's conveniently located near other popular Edinburgh sites like Calton Hill, Holyrood Palace, and the Royal Mile, making it easy to incorporate into a walking tour. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, New Calton Burial Ground is generally free to enter and explore. It's an open public space for historical appreciation. Reddit

As an outdoor historical site, it's typically accessible during daylight hours. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific seasonal or event-related closures. TikTok

There is no admission fee to visit New Calton Burial Ground. It's a historical site open for public exploration. Reddit

While generally accessible during daylight, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety and potential access restrictions. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll find a variety of historical gravestones, intricate carvings, impressive mausoleums, and beautiful views of Edinburgh landmarks like Arthur's Seat. InstagramReddit

While it retains its historical charm, some areas may appear a bit unkempt, contributing to its antique feel. Reddit

While official guided tours might be infrequent, local history enthusiasts or walking tours often include this site. Check with local tour operators. TikTok

Absolutely! The unique gravestones, architecture, and panoramic views make it a fantastic spot for photography. Instagram

Established in 1817, it served as an overflow for the Old Calton Burial Ground and contains the graves of many notable Edinburgh residents, reflecting the city's rich history. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for vantage points offering views of Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace, and focus on the detailed inscriptions and unique designs of the gravestones. Instagram

Yes, as long as you are discreet and respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography and focus on the historical and artistic elements. TikTok

Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden light for capturing the gravestones and the cityscape. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and historical sites. It's best to assume they are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2
New Calton Burial Ground Edinburgh (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide