Visit Greyfriars kirkyard, the world’s most haunted cemetery

It all began in the 16th century, as Greyfriars kirkyard was founded in 1562 to replace the kirkyard at St Giles Cathedral, which could no longer accommodate burials. Since then, the site has seen a great deal of history, and today boasts the best collection of 17th-century monuments in Scotland.

If you have a soft spot for dogs, this cemetery story will melt your heart. Indeed, a dog resides in the cemetery, and that's not the saddest fact: this Skye terrier, named Bobby, guarded the tomb of his deceased master, John Grey, for 14 years before joining him for eternity. It's a true story of a dog's loyalty that inspired a Disney film called Greyfriars Bobby.

Do the names Riddle and McGonagall bring back memories? Probably, because these names are part of one of the world's greatest sagas, Harry Potter. But what's the connection between a cemetery and the famous film? Well, the author, JK. Rolling was inspired by two graves: Thomas Riddell which inspired the scary character of Tom Riddle, aka the man who must not be named, and William McGonagall which inspired the much-loved Professor McGonagall. Today, it has become a place of pilgrimage for Harry Potter fans, as the tombstones have inspired the names of beloved and hated characters.

Above all, a big part of its reputation also comes from being haunted, or so people say. Some say it's because of the rather hostile and frightening setting, with statues that have only a body to hold and no head, but also because of the skeletons and skulls situated outside the tombs. For others, it may be because they believe in ghosts.

You may be wondering what you can do in a kirkyard, apart from visiting tombstones. Well, this cemetery has a lot to offer, as there are not only 112 tombs but also 238 monuments, over 300 wall plaques and many other carvings. And if you're a literary enthusiast, you'll want to look for the stones that inspired the Harry Potter saga.

You can also pay a tribute to the Greyfriars Bobby story by visiting the statue displayed in the kirkyard but also by going to the museum. This museum presents a variety of exhibitions, the latest of which is dedicated to Bobby, and more specifically to the actor who played him in the Disney film "Greyfriars Bobby". What's more, the Greyfriars Museum opened its doors in 2012 and has had the pleasure of blending years of history within its walls, so you can learn more about the place.

What's a kirkyard without its kirk! Be sure to visit Greyfriars Church, a Protestant church built between 1602 and 1620, as it is considered one of the city's most famous churches.

📍 Address:

26A Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ, UK

🕒Opening times:

• The kirkyard is open at all times, 24 hours a day, daily
• The church and the museum are open to the public every day from 11am to 4pm, although times are subject to change.

🎟️ Admission :

• The kirk and the graveyard are free of charge, however donations are encouraged.
• Tours of the kirk and kirkyard are available, with prices depending on group size.