In short
- The grounds are open daily, roughly dawn to dusk.
- Entry is completely free at all times.
- Evening access to locked sections requires a ghost tour.
In this article
Because the cemetery is a public space in Edinburgh's Old Town, there are no closing times for the main grounds. You can visit early in the morning to beat the crowds or late at night for a ghost tour. However, certain areas are restricted to specific guided tours after dark.
What are the Greyfriars Kirkyard opening times?
The main cemetery grounds are open daily, generally from dawn to dusk.
You can walk into Greyfriars Kirkyard for free at any hour. The site attracts over 1 million visitors annually, so it gets busy during the day. Early mornings offer quiet reflection, while evening visits provide a darker atmosphere. Remember that the Kirk is a functioning place of worship, so keep noise to a minimum.
Is Greyfriars Kirkyard open at night?
Yes, the main paths of the graveyard remain open throughout the night.
Many visitors choose to explore the cemetery after dusk. If you visit in the evening, bring a small flashlight and wear warm layers. Temperatures drop rapidly in Edinburgh at night. The uneven, unpaved ground of the 2.5-acre site can be difficult to navigate in low light.
When is the best time of year to visit?
The kirkyard is accessible year-round, but autumn is popular for evening ghost tours.
Spring and summer give you longer daylight hours. This makes it easier to read the 16th-century gravestones and find specific names. Autumn creates a spooky environment. Winter brings short days, so afternoon visits often happen in twilight.
Are any areas closed at night?
The inner Covenanters' Prison is locked to the general public.
While the main grounds are always open, the Covenanters' Prison is restricted. Around 1,200 prisoners were held here in 1679 in brutal conditions. To see this area, you must book a specific guided tour. Some companies hold the key to this locked section.
How long does a visit usually take?
Most visitors spend 30 to 60 minutes exploring the main grounds.
If you just want to see the Greyfriars Bobby headstone and Thomas Riddell's grave, 30 minutes is enough. Guided walking tours typically last 1.5 to 2 hours. These tours provide deeper historical context about the mortsafes and the Mackenzie Poltergeist.
What should I know before a night visit?
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip and prepare for uneven paths.
The site has sloping, uneven ground. Bring a smartphone or camera with good low-light capabilities. Stay on designated paths to protect the historic ground and avoid tripping. Do not climb or lean on any monuments.
Questions travellers ask
Is Greyfriars Kirkyard free?
Yes, entry to the kirkyard is completely free at all times. Paid tickets are only required if you join a guided history or ghost tour.
Where is the Greyfriars Bobby statue?
The bronze statue is located just outside the kirkyard entrance on Candlemaker Row. Please do not rub the nose, as it damages the historic bronze.
Are there ghost tours of Greyfriars Kirkyard?
Yes, several commercial tour guides operate evening ghost tours. These tours usually last 1.5 to 2 hours and cost between £15 and £25.
