Park · Old Town, Edinburgh

Greyfriars Kirkyard

Greyfriars Kirkyard
Photo: Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Greyfriars Kirkyard is a 16th century cemetery beside Greyfriars Kirk. It holds many notable graves and the story of the dog Bobby who stayed by his owner's grave. Some names on the stones inspired characters in the Harry Potter books.

Updated September 27, 2026On day 2 of Edinburgh & the Old Town

Visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard: what to know

Tickets
Free entry.
Time needed
30 to 60 minutes.
Best time
Daylight hours.
Getting there
Short walk from the Royal Mile or Grassmarket.

Edinburgh itineraries with Greyfriars Kirkyard

Day 2 of Edinburgh & the Old Town

Museum and Parliament

How Greyfriars Kirkyard fits into a day.
  1. 9:30National Museum of ScotlandNational Museum of Scotland
  2. 11:45Greyfriars KirkyardGreyfriars Kirkyard
  3. 14:00Scottish Parliament BuildingScottish Parliament
See all 3 days
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Greyfriars Kirkyard FAQs

Is Greyfriars Kirkyard open to the public?

Yes, the kirkyard is open daily during daylight hours.

Where is the grave of Greyfriars Bobby?

The grave of John Gray is inside the kirkyard. The statue of Bobby stands just outside the gates.

Are guided tours available?

Several operators run paid walking tours that include the kirkyard.

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