In short
- Thomas Riddell's grave inspired Lord Voldemort.
- William McGonagall's plaque inspired Professor McGonagall.
- George Heriot's School is visible over the nearby wall.
In this article
The 2.5-acre historic cemetery contains several names familiar to Harry Potter fans. Finding them requires navigating uneven ground, so bringing a digital map or taking a guided tour saves time.
Where is Voldemort's grave in Edinburgh?
The Thomas Riddell grave sits in the western section of Greyfriars Kirkyard.
This 19th-century headstone inspired the true name of Lord Voldemort. It can be tricky to locate among the older monuments. Look for the patch of ground where the grass is worn away from high foot traffic.
Where is the McGonagall grave?
William McGonagall's memorial is marked by a simple black plaque on the perimeter wall.
Known historically as the worst poet in history, his surname inspired the character Professor McGonagall. The plaque is located in the same western section as the Riddell grave.
Can you see Hogwarts from the graveyard?
You can see George Heriot's School from the western edge of the kirkyard.
While not a filming location, this grand 17th-century school is often likened to Hogwarts. The best views are near the Thomas Riddell grave, looking over the Flodden Wall.
Do you need a map to find the names?
Downloading a grave map before your visit makes finding the specific headstones much easier.
The site covers 2.5 acres of sloping ground. If you are hunting for specific Harry Potter names, a map prevents aimless wandering. Alternatively, you can join a guided walking tour.
What is the best time to visit the graves?
Spring and summer offer longer daylight hours for reading the faded headstones.
The cemetery is open daily, generally from dawn to dusk. However, navigating the uneven ground and locating specific 19th-century stones is difficult in the dark. Bring a smartphone with good low-light capabilities if visiting at dusk.
What are the rules for visiting the graves?
Visitors must stay on designated paths where possible and avoid touching the headstones.
Greyfriars Kirkyard holds Category A listed status. Do not climb, lean on, or deface any of the centuries-old gravestones or monuments to protect the historic ground.
Questions travellers ask
Is Greyfriars Kirkyard free?
Yes, entry to the kirkyard is completely free, including access to the Harry Potter graves.
Which Harry Potter names are in Greyfriars Kirkyard?
The most famous names are Thomas Riddell (inspiring Lord Voldemort) and William McGonagall (inspiring Professor McGonagall).
How long does it take to see the graves?
Viewing the Thomas Riddell and William McGonagall graves takes about 15 minutes, depending on how quickly you locate them.
