Greyfriars Kirkyard

Known as the most haunted graveyard in the world, Greyfriars Kirkyard is full of dark and spooky stories to discover. With over 700 gravestones and over 100,000 people buried here – you’ll get to discover the gruesome people that lived and the characters that are part of Edinburgh’s history. Take your time wandering the ornate memorials and inscriptions.

Inside Greyfriars, you’ll get to see mortsafes, iron cages built over the graves so dead bodies weren’t stolen, and perhaps the most grizzly part of the graveyard – the George Mackenze mausoleum. Don’t get too close, his spirit is said to still haunt Greyfriars to this day. Other things to look out for are the Dancing Skeleton gravestone and the beloved Greyfriar’s Bobby. It’s not all spooky – this adorable dog sat next to his owner’s grave for fourteen years until he himself died.

Greyfriars is a treat for Harry Potter fans too. Located near the Elephant House Cafe, where J.K. Rowling came to write, the graveyard is teeming with magical names – it’s situated on Candlemakers Row for a start – including Potter, McGonagall, Moodie, Charles Black and even Tom Riddle. Before you leave, visit the church, shop and small exhibition. This top tourist spot boasts stunning views of Edinburgh Cathedral and offers a chilling peace outside the city centre.