Edinburgh: Greyfriars Kirkyard Tour

Discover the captivating history and tales of Greyfriars Kirkyard on this guided walking tour in the heart of Edinburgh. A local expert will guide you through this centuries-old cemetery, revealing the fascinating stories behind its famous interments like Greyfriars Bobby and lesser-known individuals. Witness the unique architecture, diverse tombstones, and learn about the kirkyard’s role in significant historical events. Enjoy this small group experience and uncover the serene, atmospheric ambiance that has made Greyfriars Kirkyard a beloved landmark for both locals and visitors alike. What mysteries will you uncover within its hallowed grounds?

Key Points

A 1.5-hour guided walking tour of Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic cemetery in Edinburgh, highlighting its history, architecture, and famous interments.
Small group tour limited to 8 participants, providing a more intimate and engaging experience with a local expert guide.
Opportunity to learn about notable figures buried in the Kirkyard, such as Greyfriars Bobby, William McGonagall, and Sir George Mackenzie.
Explore the diverse range of tombstones and memorials in the Kirkyard, which dates back to the 16th century and witnessed significant historical events.
Recommended to book in advance, as the tour is likely to sell out, with a cost of €19.04 per person.

Tour Details

The guided walking tour of Greyfriars Kirkyard lasts 1.5 hours, allowing visitors to explore the cemetery’s rich history and uncover the stories of its famous and lesser-known inhabitants.

Led by an expert local guide, the small group tour (limited to 8 participants) takes you on a captivating journey through the centuries-old burial ground.

You’ll learn about the cemetery’s evolution as a sacred space, where countless individuals have been laid to rest over the years.

The tour is conducted in English, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for all.

With entry to the Kirkyard included, this unique tour offers a window into Edinburgh’s past, making it a must-do activity for history enthusiasts.

Inclusions

Included in the tour price is a local guide who’ll lead you through the captivating grounds of Greyfriars Kirkyard, providing expert insights and commentary throughout the 1.5-hour experience.

Plus, entry to the cemetery itself is covered, granting you access to explore this historic burial site at your leisure.

The guided walking tour promises an immersive experience, where you’ll:

Hear fascinating stories about famous and lesser-known individuals laid to rest within the cemetery’s walls
Learn about the cemetery’s rich history as a burial ground for centuries
Enjoy a small group setting, limited to just 8 participants for a more intimate and engaging tour
Experience the tour in English, with a live guide to enhance your understanding
Gain a deeper appreciation for the cemetery’s architectural and cultural significance

Exclusions

Not included in the tour price are food and drinks, as well as any video recording during the experience. Plus, unaccompanied minors are not permitted on the tour. This tour is designed to provide an immersive and informative experience, so the focus is on the live guidance from the local expert.

Exclusions
Food and drinks
Unaccompanied minors
Video recording
N/A
N/A

While these exclusions may seem obvious, it’s important to note them so that visitors can plan accordingly and make the most of their time exploring Greyfriars Kirkyard. With the expert guidance and a small group setting, this tour promises to be an unforgettable and enriching experience.

Booking Info

Booking this captivating Greyfriars Kirkyard tour is likely to sell out, so visitors are encouraged to reserve their spots in advance. At just €19.04 per person, this small-group experience offers exceptional value, allowing guests to discover the cemetery’s rich history and fascinating stories at their own pace. To secure a place, travelers can conveniently check availability and reserve their tour, paying later if preferred.

The booking process for this Greyfriars Kirkyard tour includes:

Checking availability to ensure your preferred date and time are open
Reserving your spot with the option to pay later

Arriving 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Checking in at the shop to let the local partner know you have arrived.
Enjoying a captivating 1.5-hour guided walking tour of the historic cemetery.

Meeting Point

Visitors meet the local guide at the shop’s entrance to let them know they’ve arrived for the Greyfriars Kirkyard tour, ensuring a punctual start to the captivating 1.5-hour experience.

Arriving just 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time, participants are greeted warmly and briefed on the day’s itinerary.

The guide then leads the small group through the historic cemetery gates, ready to share fascinating stories about the famous and lesser-known individuals laid to rest within these hallowed grounds.

With an enthusiastic and knowledgeable local expert as their guide, tour-goers are in for a truly immersive and memorable journey through Edinburgh’s rich past, exploring the unique architecture and captivating history of Greyfriars Kirkyard.

Famous Interments

Greyfriars Kirkyard is the final resting place of a number of famous historical figures, whose remarkable lives and legacies continue to captivate visitors from around the world. Among the most notable interments are:

Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal Skye Terrier who captured the hearts of Victorians by guarding his master’s grave for 14 years after his death.
George Mackenzie, the ‘Blue Blanket’ Covenanter, whose tomb is rumoured to be haunted by a vicious poltergeist.
William McGonagall, considered one of the worst poets in the English language, whose quirky verses about Dundee and the Tay Bridge disaster are fondly remembered.
Sir George Mackenzie, a 17th-century Lord Advocate known as the ‘Bluidy Mackenzie’ for his ruthless persecution of the Covenanters.
Thomas Aikenhead, the last person in Britain to be executed for blasphemy, whose tragic story is a sobering reminder of religious intolerance.

Kirkyard History

Established centuries ago as a burial ground, Greyfriars Kirkyard‘s history is as rich and complex as the lives of those laid to rest within its hallowed gates.

This ancient cemetery dates back to the 16th century, when it was consecrated as the gravesite for the Greyfriars Monastery.

Over the decades, the kirkyard has witnessed many significant events, from the signing of the National Covenant to the infamous Massacre of Glencoe.

Visitors can wander through its winding paths, marveling at the intricate tombstones and memorials that tell the stories of Edinburgh’s past.

From the famous to the forgotten, Greyfriars Kirkyard is a unique and captivating window into Scotland’s enduring history.

Small Group Experience

A small group size ensures an intimate, personalized tour of Greyfriars Kirkyard, allowing guests to engage directly with the knowledgeable guide and immerse themselves fully in the cemetery’s captivating history.

With a maximum of 8 participants, the tour offers a unique opportunity to:

Explore the iconic cemetery at a leisurely pace, without the crowds and distractions of larger groups
Ask questions and have in-depth discussions with the guide, who can tailor the experience to the group’s interests
Discover lesser-known stories and hidden gems that might be missed in a larger setting
Appreciate the serene, atmospheric ambiance of the historic site
Forge a deeper connection with the cemetery’s rich heritage and the fascinating individuals interred there

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can take photos during the tour. The guide encourages capturing the cemetery’s historic atmosphere and architectural details. However, they ask that participants be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The tour may accommodate people with disabilities, though it involves walking through an historic cemetery. Visitors should contact the tour operator in advance to discuss their specific needs and ensure the tour can meet their accessibility requirements.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the Greyfriars Kirkyard tour. The tour is intended for small groups of visitors, and the cemetery itself may not be suitable or safe for animals. Participants are encouraged to leave their furry friends at home.

Can I Leave the Tour Group at Any Time?

Participants are expected to stay with the group during the 1.5-hour Greyfriars Kirkyard tour. Leaving the tour group early isn’t recommended, as you may miss out on key stories and historical insights from the knowledgeable local guide.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for this tour. However, participants are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour takes place outdoors in the historic Greyfriars Kirkyard. Casual, practical attire is recommended for an enjoyable experience.