Guided tour

Edinburgh: Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour

Guided tour

Edinburgh: Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour

From US$ 18.40 per person

Take a guided afternoon stroll through Edinburgh's most famous cemetery and hear many surprising historical tales related to the individuals interred within its grounds.

About this activity

Free cancellation
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 1.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Small group
Limited to 8 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • Take a guided walking tour of Greyfriars Kirkyard
  • Hear of the interesting stories of famous and lesser-known individuals interred at the cemetery
  • Learn about the history of the cemetery, which has been used as a burial ground for centuries
Full description
Meet your expert local guide and visit the graves of some of the lesser-known individuals buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard. Learn about the lecturer who taught Charles Darwin, an actor buried in full theatrical costume, and a First World War ace pilot. Uncover fascinating stories from centuries past as you wander through Edinburgh's most historic cemetery. Hear more about the mysterious Miss Cathcart. Visit the gravesite of a bestselling novelist from the 1770s. Discover burial sites that have links to contemporary popular culture, namely the Harry Potter book and film series. In addition to learning about the hidden history behind the graveyard, spot the burial places of famous individuals related to the history of Edinburgh.
Includes
  • Local guide
  • Entry to Greyfriars Kirkyard
    Not suitable for
    • Children under 12 years
    • Wheelchair users

    Select participants and date

    Participants

    Date

    Meeting point

    Please arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Enter the shop to let the local partner that you have arrived.

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    Important information

    What to bring

    • Comfortable shoes

    Not allowed

    • Food and drinks
    • Unaccompanied minors
    • Video recording

    Know before you go

    • This tour will take place rain or shine
    • Guests should arrive 5 minutes before scheduled departure time
    Customer reviews

    Overall rating

    5 /5

    based on 20 reviews

    Review summary

    • Guide
      5/5
    • Value for money
      4.7/5

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    Our guide offered a interesting and entertaining tour of the Greyfriar’s Kirkyard. He had many stories to tell about both famous and lesser-known individuals interred in the kirkyard. He was so knowledgeable about the inscriptions and carvings throughout the kirkyard. Throughout our tour, he showed us several old photographs and drawings so we could see what things used to look like. This tour has been our favorite tour taken so far in Edinburgh. Will definitely recommend to others.

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    March 23, 2023

    Robin was our guide of the Kirkyard. We had a wonderful time. Not being Harry Potter people we were not aware of that connection. The Kirkyard is full of Edinburgh history- robin has loads of anecdotes and background info. We highly recommend this tour.

    March 23, 2023

    It was informative, interesting and fun. Robin our guide was friendly, hilarious and very knowledgeable. It was fabulous to be in a small group and able to ask lots of questions. All of which Robin was able to answer. We are visiting Edinburgh again in October and we will definitely book another tour with Cadies and Witchery ghost tours.

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    March 23, 2023

    Product ID: 398761