Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, it’s said to be the most haunted one in Scotland.
Burials have taken place there since the late 16th century. The entire history of the place is very interesting, and if you do visit one day, stop and read all the plaques. From the Martyrs’ Monument, to the King of Terrors, you will learn something new for sure.
From literature to pop culture
Besides the incredibly sad Bobby story, the cemetery also has captured the millenials’ hearts.
Tom Riddell passed away in 1806, and unknowingly gave his name to one of the most famous villains in children books : Lord Voldemort.
Still not convinced it was the inspiration behind Harry Potter ?
One of the worst poets in history (what a legacy!) is also buried there, and his name is William McGonagall…
How many points do you think he’d take from JK Rowling’s house today ?
All of them, right ?
And while we’re on the pop culture wagon, have you ever visited Phantom Manor, in Disneyland Paris ?
Greyfriar‘s cemetery has a plaque adorned with a snake that says “Non Omnis Moriar” (“Not All of Me Will Die”), just like the entrance of the Parisian Haunted Mansion.
Personal experience : believe what you will
I’ve been lucky enough to visit it 3 times.
The first one was the spookiest I’d felt in Scotland (so far, Hi Glamis Castle !). It was at night, and with my mother, we felt like we were being followed. The whole atmosphere felt off, and it wouldn’t leave us until we exited the gates.
A strange gut feeling we still talk about from time to time.
The second time was with friends.
They were drunk, and were being dumb, so we left quickly, which remains a bummer to this day.
The third time was with a guided ghost tour.
It was interesting to finally discover the history of the place, the grave diggers backstories, the George Mackenzie lore and to visit some of the crypts.
While it was fully on the campy side, with a jumpscare involving a gorilla mask, I did get an unexplained scratch from the cemetery. A little memory to hold onto after the exit.
More than just ghost stories
While it’s a very overdone theme, the beauty of the site holds with or without its ghosts.
Take some time to stray away from the path, read some headstones and discover the lives that have long passed.
It’s not a jumpscare factory, it’s the resting place of so many people… with carved headstones that are beautiful to see.
Ready to pay Mackenzie a visit ?
Pictures taken of Greyfriars Kirkyard in 2008 , so excuse the thick grain, flash and blurry effect.