In short
- Guided ghost tours last about 90 minutes.
- Tour prices generally start from £31.
- Specific companies hold the keys to locked sections.
In this article
Greyfriars Kirkyard is notorious for the Mackenzie Poltergeist legend. Booking a guided ghost tour lets you hear the dark history and access restricted sections of the graveyard.
Which ghost tours visit Greyfriars Kirkyard?
You can choose between graveyard-only tours or combo tours that also visit underground vaults.
Two popular options cover the kirkyard. The City of the Dead Haunted Graveyard Tour focuses entirely on the cemetery and its history. The Haunted Vaults and Graveyard Walking Tour splits its time between the graveyard and the Niddry Street Vaults.
| Tour Name | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| City of the Dead | 1 h 30 min | Graveyard & Covenanters' Prison |
| Haunted Vaults | 1 h 30 min | Graveyard & Niddry Street Vaults |
How do I access the Covenanters' Prison?
You must book a specific tour to enter the Covenanters' Prison.
This walled-off area held around 1,200 prisoners in brutal conditions in 1679. Access to the inner prison area is usually restricted. The City of the Dead Haunted Graveyard Tour has the key to this locked section.
Will a tour show me the Mackenzie Poltergeist?
Tours visit Sir George Mackenzie's Mausoleum, the source of the poltergeist myth.
Mackenzie was an infamous persecutor of the Covenanters. Many ghost tours end near his imposing tomb. Guides share stories of the poltergeist, which is considered an active paranormal entity.
How much do Greyfriars ghost tours cost?
Tickets typically cost between £15 and £35, depending on the platform and inclusions.
Standard guided tours usually cost £15 to £25. Online booking platforms list prices starting from £31.26 for the graveyard tour and £35.33 for the combo vaults tour. Note that prices change over time.
Are the tour groups large?
Group sizes vary, and some travelers report large crowds on standard tours.
Some ghost tours can have up to 36 people in a single group. This can make navigating the uneven paths difficult. If you prefer a smaller group, look for tours explicitly advertising small-group experiences or private options.
What should I pack for an evening tour?
Bring warm clothes, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes.
- Warm sweater: Temperatures drop rapidly in the evening.
- Waterproofs: Scottish weather is unpredictable, and it can get windy.
- Sensible shoes: The ground is uneven and unpaved across the 2.5-acre site.
- Small flashlight: Helpful for navigating in the dark during an evening tour.
Questions travellers ask
Is Greyfriars Kirkyard free without a tour?
Yes, the kirkyard is completely free to enter and is open daily, generally from dawn to dusk. You only pay if you join a guided tour.
Do ghost tours run year-round?
Yes, the kirkyard is accessible year-round. Autumn is considered the best time for a spooky atmosphere.
Are commercial guides regulated?
Yes, commercial tour guides must be registered under the City of Edinburgh Council scheme.
