Greyfriars Kirk
Greyfriars Kirk
4.5
Historic SitesPoints of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsCemeteriesReligious Sites
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
Closed
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
About
Founded in 1620, Greyfriars Kirk it is the first church built in post-Reformation Edinburgh. We’re open to visitors for most of the year. The interior boasts impressive stained glass windows and a magnificent pipe organ. In our museum, see an original old painting of Greyfriars Bobby and a copy of The National Covenant. The Kirkyard is famous for being the resting place of Greyfriars Bobby. Some of Scotland’s most celebrated figures, including James Hutton and Mary Erskine are also buried here. Recently, Harry Potter fans enjoy discovering the headstones of names that allegedly inspired some of JK Rowling’s famous characters. Maps of the Kirkyard are on sale in our souvenir shop during visitor opening. Experience our history, stories, traditions! We look forward to welcoming you.
Duration: < 1 hour
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- SunriseSki1,070 contributionsThis and the kirkyard….…have to be visited, preferably during a cold foggy night with full moon. We went on a wonderful day and it was still impressive. Almost all the graves seem to be neglected of left behind, as if there are no family member left. Gives one an eerie feeling on how everything is finite.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 19, 2024
- Charlotte B71 contributionsGorgeous site, adorable dogThis was lovely and a great stop in Edinburgh! I went with some family and my little brother, whose name is actually Bobby, and loved the fact that the was dog had the same name as him! The gravesite is genuinely beautiful and we had a look to find some of the oldest graves and actually found one as old as 1616! It is lovely to see how well preserved some of these graves are and how beautiful and big the site was. We didn’t actually have time to go in the church but from what I have heard and seen it looks and sounds lovely. The memorial to Greyfriars Bobby at the entrance is adorable and it was altogether a beautiful place.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 26, 2024
- AndreaTuscany, Italy514 contributionsNice.Beautiful church located inside the cemetery of the Grey Friars (Greyfriars). The National Covenant was signed here in 1638, plunging Scotland into civil war. Exhibits in the Kirk Museum document the history of the church. Recommendation a visit.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 9, 2024
- Michelle SSt. Petersburg, Florida219 contributionsCharming visitGreyfriars Kirkyard is a beautiful and atmospheric spot that’s well worth a visit. The heartwarming story of Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal dog who spent years guarding his owner's grave, adds a touching element to the experience. It’s a lovely reminder of the bond between pets and their humans. For Harry Potter fans, this cemetery is a must-see. The surrounding area inspired some of the names in the series, making it a fascinating stop for anyone interested in the magical world. As you walk through the cemetery, you'll find it to be a serene place, with beautiful gravestones and lush greenery. It’s a peaceful retreat in the midst of the city, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. Overall, Greyfriars Kirkyard offers both history and charm, making it a memorable stop in Edinburgh.Visited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten October 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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top-trippers
Bolton, UK620 contributions
Sep 2021
Whilst he had hoped to see the permanent exhibition about the church’s history including the signing of National Covenant here, we did not go in as it looked as if an art event was being set up. We did spend an interesting half hour meandering around the small atmospheric graveyard. You can see a section of the city’s original defensive wall and there is a memorial to the 1200 or so Covenanters who were corralled here, many left to die without shelter, food or water. The kirkyard also houses the mausoleum of “Bloody Mackenzie”, one of the chief prosecutors of the Covenanters, which is said to be haunted by the thousands of plague victims buried beneath in a mass grave. There are a couple of mortsafes which were installed to prevent graverobbing and, bodysnatching by the likes of the infamous Burke and Hare. By the main east door, a memorial stone honours Greyfriars Bobby, the loyal Skye Terrier who sat on the nearby grave of his owner, John Gray, for 14 years. (There is commemorative fountain to the dog opposite the neighbouring Greyfriar’s Bobby tavern, and his dish and collar can be seen at the Museum of Edinburgh). These days, most people visit the church for the Harry Potter connection. J.K. Rowling penned some of her stories at the nearby Elephant House café and the names of some of her characters (including Hermione’s cat Cruikshanks or Crookshanks), may have come from the gravestones. There also is a good view of the neighbouring George Heriot's School (whose dramatic Gothic architecture and house tournaments might be the inspiration for Hogwart’s) and beyond to the city’s Castle. You can get a map of the grave yard from the church. Worth a stop if you have the time.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian T
London, UK8,092 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
The Greyfriars Kirk is a parish church of the Church of Scotland, located a short walk from Grassmarket in Edinburgh’s Old Town. It’s surrounded by the fascinating Greyfriars Kirkyard.
The church was built between 1602 and 1620, on the former site of a Franciscan monastery which belonged to the Observantine Franciscans who had arrived in Edinburgh from the Netherlands in the mid-15th century. The Franciscans were known as the Greyfriars for the colour of their robes, so the kirk gained the name Greyfriars. The church is one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, and certainly worth a visit.
The church structure appears simple and uncomplicated, and far less grand than you would expect. You will notice the absence of a tower or steeple. There was one, but it was destroyed in 1718 when some gunpowder which was stored in the church exploded.
The church has some nice features, including some lovely stained glass windows, and a fine organ. One curiosity I noticed was an American flag hanging above the sanctuary. A volunteer at the church explained that Greyfriars Kirk opened on Christmas Day in 1620 at the same time that the Pilgrims had landed in the United States. The flag, which has flown at the White House in Washington D.C., was presented by the American Consul in Edinburgh on the church’s 350th anniversary in 1970.
Greyfriars Kirk is open to visitors daylight hours, and is well worth exploring. It is easily reached on foot from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Combine it with a visit to the Greyfriars Kirkyard, the memorial headstone to the Greyfrioars Bobby (a dog) and the nearby statue of the Greyfriars Bobby, and you’ll be able to while away a few hours quite delightfully.
The church was built between 1602 and 1620, on the former site of a Franciscan monastery which belonged to the Observantine Franciscans who had arrived in Edinburgh from the Netherlands in the mid-15th century. The Franciscans were known as the Greyfriars for the colour of their robes, so the kirk gained the name Greyfriars. The church is one of the oldest buildings in Edinburgh, and certainly worth a visit.
The church structure appears simple and uncomplicated, and far less grand than you would expect. You will notice the absence of a tower or steeple. There was one, but it was destroyed in 1718 when some gunpowder which was stored in the church exploded.
The church has some nice features, including some lovely stained glass windows, and a fine organ. One curiosity I noticed was an American flag hanging above the sanctuary. A volunteer at the church explained that Greyfriars Kirk opened on Christmas Day in 1620 at the same time that the Pilgrims had landed in the United States. The flag, which has flown at the White House in Washington D.C., was presented by the American Consul in Edinburgh on the church’s 350th anniversary in 1970.
Greyfriars Kirk is open to visitors daylight hours, and is well worth exploring. It is easily reached on foot from the Royal Mile and Edinburgh Castle. Combine it with a visit to the Greyfriars Kirkyard, the memorial headstone to the Greyfrioars Bobby (a dog) and the nearby statue of the Greyfriars Bobby, and you’ll be able to while away a few hours quite delightfully.
Written November 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IlyaNJ
Marlboro, NJ987 contributions
Mar 2023
The church is not too lavishly decorated, but the organ is super-impressive, and there are several vivid stained-glass windows. Plenty of local history context and very pleasant gardens (plus an eye-catching cemetery) around. Free to enter, with donation suggestions.
Written March 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
claudio d
Viterbo, Italy44,579 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Located in Oldtown, just south-east of Grassmarket, the church was built in the early 17th century, in the place where until the middle of the 16th century there were the Franciscans (the greyfriars, in fact) and which, in the meantime, removed the friars, had been transformed into a new cemetery, after demolishing the buildings of the pre-existing Franciscan monastery. It can be considered the first church to be built in post-Reformation Edinburgh. The style is clearly late Gothic, with some Baroque influences. The current appearance, however, differs considerably from the original one for the changes made during the eighteenth and mid-nineteenth centuries (internally also in the twentieth century). The bell tower has in fact disappeared, as have the entrances to the façade (which stands to the west) and the rear wall (east); the addition of the semi-octagonal portico on the façade and the Palladian portico above the entrances to the right flank (north wall) dates back to the eighteenth century; the stained glass windows of the four eastern bays of the church, the oldest stained glass windows in a Church of Scotland building, date from 1857. Outside the church is characterized by large ogival windows, especially those of the facade (west wall) and rear wall (east), although I must point out that here the central window, the largest, is enclosed in a round arch; the interior with three naves is less interesting, practically devoid of decorations, except for the aforementioned windows, which are the most remarkable part of the environment; however, the large organ of 1989 does not escape attention, on the opposite side of the altar. Inside the church you can see, always free of charge, a small museum on the history of the church, with an exhibition of significant objects of its events and sacred objects of some historical value. By the way, in addition to a King James VI Bible you can see an original copy of the National Covenant of 1638, which was written right here; there is also a section dedicated to the little dog Bobby, buried right in front of the church, including a painting of him from 1867.
Automatically translated
Written August 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vessi80
North Lanarkshire, UK1,213 contributions
Sep 2022
The original building dates back to 1620 and several rebuilds and restorations later, there remains an impressive gabled exterior.
Inside is a spacious light filled sanctuary with first class stained glass by the likes of Ballantine and a stylish contemporary organ.
The historic National Covenant was read out and signed right here in 1638 and the small museum reflects its importance with artefacts like Covenanters' swords.
The kirk continues important community work and the video on the Grassmarket Community Project is a must see.
If you go down to the bottom of the kirkyard onto Candlemaker Row, you'll find their workshop, education and cultural space plus the wonderful social enterprise cafe,Coffee Saints .
Memorable visit and made to feel very welcome.
Check website for opening hours and the programme of concerts.
Inside is a spacious light filled sanctuary with first class stained glass by the likes of Ballantine and a stylish contemporary organ.
The historic National Covenant was read out and signed right here in 1638 and the small museum reflects its importance with artefacts like Covenanters' swords.
The kirk continues important community work and the video on the Grassmarket Community Project is a must see.
If you go down to the bottom of the kirkyard onto Candlemaker Row, you'll find their workshop, education and cultural space plus the wonderful social enterprise cafe,Coffee Saints .
Memorable visit and made to feel very welcome.
Check website for opening hours and the programme of concerts.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TWal1
Canberra, Australia2,921 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Our free walking tour ended in Greyfriars Kirk and we heard some interesting stories about the area. Fascinating history.
It is worth exploring a little further to see some of the graves and epitaphs. Certainly different times and the headstones remind us of past practices and beliefs.
It is worth exploring a little further to see some of the graves and epitaphs. Certainly different times and the headstones remind us of past practices and beliefs.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KAW687
London, UK2,589 contributions
Aug 2019
We came to visit the kirkyard but also visited the kirk. We were welcomed into the lofty building and were free to wander round and admire the windows and read ab out the history. It had a nice shop where we got some Christmas tree decorations.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnhouston2
Knaresborough, UK5,425 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Constructed in 1620, Greyfriars Kirk was the first new church to be built in post-Reformation Scotland, so has important historical and ecclesiastical significance.
It’s a rather attractive wee church and has a fascinating graveyard with connections to J.K Rowling characters as well as a host of interesting and significant “real” people.
It is also of course connected, most famously, with the lovely story of Greyfriars Bobby.
It’s a rather attractive wee church and has a fascinating graveyard with connections to J.K Rowling characters as well as a host of interesting and significant “real” people.
It is also of course connected, most famously, with the lovely story of Greyfriars Bobby.
Written November 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sunshinevt
Atlanta, GA89 contributions
May 2019
A beautiful cemetery in the heart of Edinburgh. Many of the headstone are old with beautiful sayings or beautiful carvings. Part of Flodden Wall is within the cemetery and views of Heriot's School as well. If you are interested in Harry Potter you can find Thomas Riddell's headstone as well.
Written December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica C
Cambridge, UK96 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We went to the graveyard on our PotterTrail tour and it was amazing! My partner and I were shocked by how ornate and huge the gravestones were. Obviously it was great as it’s where JK got her inspiration for characters and had some quiet time. Highly recommend visiting
Written July 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
May I visit the graveyard on my own or I have to book a tour?
Written January 25, 2020
Greyfriars Kirk
Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hi there,
the kirkyard is open 24/7 and you are welcome to visit alone. There are plenty of tours available if you wish to learn more about the site.
Andy
Written January 27, 2020
Bonjour, j'ai vu dans plusieurs commentaires que l'on pouvait visiter de nuit. Or, j'ai vu que ça fermait à 16h30. Quelqu'un pourrait il me renseigner ? Y'a t'il des visites en français ? Merci
Written March 29, 2018
You can do a free tour in French, for sure, it is worth visiting.
I am not sure about opening times, I was there around 15:30 in December, it was already dark but open.
Written March 30, 2018
its open all days and free
Written November 4, 2017
Can you access the kirkyard (graveyard) before/after opening hours of the church itself?
Written May 9, 2017
yes you can access graveyard before and after opening hours of church.
Written May 16, 2017
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