Private Greyfriars Kirkyard history tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
The Greyfriars Kirkyard tour is perfect for everyone who wants to know more about Scottish history. The people buried within the Kirkyard made Edinburgh what it was. We'll share some of the most important, most interesting and most surprising stories about these rather fascinating people. And we'll do this in an entertaining, professional and respectful manner.
Greyfriars is a fascinating place that has links to some incredible stories from Scotland’s history (not 'just' Edinburgh's history). Their stories are the stories of Edinburgh. You’ll learn about these characters as you stand only inches away from where their bodies lie buried.
Hear the stories behind martyred Covenanters, an amusing artist, an infamous ghost, grave robbers, the Irish murderers Burke and Hare, a tortured spy and, of course, the devoted Skye Terrier, Greyfriars Bobby.
Are you ready to ‘meet’ the ‘Dead of Old Edinburgh’?
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Due to uneven surfaces. we will try to make alterations for wheelchair users.
What To Expect
Greyfriars Kirk
This entire tour takes place within the historic burial ground. We don't visit the Kirk itself, although we recommend guests visit this wonderful building during their visit to Edinburgh.
Options
Private Tour for 1 person
Private Tour for 2 people
Private Tour for 6-10 people
Private Tour for 3-5 people
What‘s Included
Local guide
Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
69 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fascinating tour of Greyfriars with a wonderful guide
101SG,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a fabulous tour with Robert at Greyfriars. I LOVE Scotland and its sad but fascinating history, and for some reason also love old graveyards! I was really looking forward to it, and Robert did not disappoint. He was on time at the meeting place, which was easy to find. I told him up front what I was interested in learning about -- the oldest and most historically interesting graves, and the people associated with them. We did the loop of the graveyard, and Robert provided a really interesting background on many of the graves, which are stunning to look at, by the way. Robert also brought background material, such as records of burials (in the 1700s!) and drawings/sketches of portraits of people of historic significance. At the end of the tour, he pointed out the National Museum of Scotland and actually walked me over. I was overwhelmed by its sheer size. I had not considered spending time there, but I definitely will in the future. Robert is hugely knowledgeable about history, easy to listen to, and very interesting. I highly recommend this tour (or others he may offer).
Grayfriers Kirk tour
Daniel Z,May 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Omg I can’t remember this wonderful guides name but he was great. He was a schoolteacher of 10 year olds born and raised right here in Edinburgh Scotland!! He was great and boy did he know his history!! But it wasn’t dry, he had a great humerus personality and shared his enjoyment of history in such a way that you enjoyed it too!! Great tour!
Learning with a smattering of amusement!
Excursion43688143746,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was one of my favorite parts of Edinburgh. Robert was fantastic and hilarious. Exactly the kind of tour we were looking for. I highly recommend.
Best tour guide in Edinburgh
Roving11781055434,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I can't recommend this tour enough. Robert was an amazing tour guide and tailored the tour to our interests. Definitely one of the best things we did while in Edinburgh.
A fantastic tour experience
E2760PKheatherr,Aug 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robert was outstanding. This was one of the most interesting history tours I’ve been on. Since it was a private tour, Robert asked our interests and geared his presentation to our likes and sense of humor. Bonus was we talked about Oasis before attending the concert.
Must-do Edinburgh tour
Heather R,Aug 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an excellent intro to the dark side of Scottish history. Robert is friendly, funny and unbelievably knowledgeable. Because this is a private tour, he asked what our interest areas were and gauged our senses of humor for his stories.
Outstanding tour!
Terridiz,Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful tour with Robert today. He brought the stories and history of the dead in the Kirkyard to life for us during our time with him. He was very engaging and had great sense of humor. Highly recommend!
Amazing tour and guide
John P9764,Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I cannot recommend this tour enough! Rob was an amazing tour guide - full of insights, information and good humour. The 90 minutes just flew by and we were enthralled. Thank you Rob for a wonderful tour!
We had a private family...
Alison S,Jun 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a private family tour with Robert and he was an excellent guide! We learned a lot and had fun.
Fantastic tour of greyfriars kirkyard
shanefS4708AZ,May 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Me and my family did a tour of greyfriars kirkyard Robert was our guide. We had amazing experience!! Robert was a fantastic tour guide who had a great depth of knowledge about the Kirkyard and its history, he also had a very good sense of humour that made the tour very enjoyable.
Related Experiences
Operated by Historic Edinburgh Tours