Private Greyfriars Kirkyard history tour

5.0 (74 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

74 reviews

5.0

Private Greyfriars Kirkyard history tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Historic Edinburgh Tours — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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’?

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours City Tours Excellent Quality Weather Dependent - Moderate

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Historic Edinburgh Tours

What is included

Included

Included: Local guide

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Greyfriars Kirk

Passing by

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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).

End 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).

Using your ticket

This tour starts just inside the main entrance to Greyfriars Kirkyard. The grave of Greyfriars Bobby sits here, just in front of the Kirk itself. The main entrance sits just next to Greyfriars Bobby's Bar at the top of Candlemaker Row. Please do not wait at the smaller entrance at the bottom of Candlemaker Row. Your tour guide will either be wearing a Royal Blue shirt/jacket or, possibly, a kilt. Please say 'hi' and let him see your voucher.

We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes as the ground underfoot can at times be uneven around the Old Town of Edinburgh.

It can get cold in the evenings and sometimes it may have rain, bring a warm waterproof jacket and/or umbrella with you.

Our tours run whether it is raining or the sun is shining. However in the event that a severe weather warning has been issued, due to safety of our guide and you, we will contact you to reschedule your booking to another date.

Late arrivals:

If you are running 5 minutes late, it will still be possible to join the tour as most likely the guide has not moved on to the next stop. However if you are later and miss the group at the meeting point it will not be possible to join the tour.

Thanks for booking with Historic Edinburgh Tours.