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Private Greyfriars Kirkyard history tour

5.074 reviewsCity tours

  • 1h 30m
  • Free cancellation up to 24h before
  • Guided in English
  • Instant confirmation

Highlights

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’?

Inclusions

What's included

  • Local guide

What's not

  • Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. 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.

    Passes by

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

  • 573
  • 40
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Ratings come from 73 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Meeting point
Just inside the main entrance, next to the grave of Greyfriars Bobby (the pink headstone which you see as soon as you enter the Kirkyard).
Pickup
Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operated by
Historic Edinburgh Tours
  • 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.

How it compares in Edinburgh

  • Its from-price is 54% below the median of the 144 city tours we list in Edinburgh.
  • It is shorter than most of them.
  • By number of reviews it ranks 22 of 144.
  • The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, rises on volcanic hills, with a castle on a crag, a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New Town.

Edinburgh Castle crowns Castle Rock and keeps the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels. From there, the Royal Mile runs downhill through the Old Town, past St Giles' Cathedral and a warren of narrow closes, to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament. Arthur's Seat, an ancient volcano, rises above the palace with sweeping views.

Top-ranked sights in Edinburgh: Royal Mile, Edinburgh Old Town, Edinburgh Castle.

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Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.

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