
Greyfriars Kirk
Edinburgh, Scotland
Greyfriars Kirk is a Church of Scotland congregation located in Edinburgh, Scotland. The church welcomes people of all faiths and none and describes itself as an inclusive, gathered congregation. Entry to the Kirk is free, though donations are encouraged. The church offers multiple weekly services including Sunday worship in English, Gaelic services, and Thursday midweek prayers. Gaelic worship has been held in Edinburgh since 1704, originally established for Gaelic-speaking soldiers stationed at Edinburgh Castle. The Kirk is in ecumenical partnership with St Columba's-by-the-Castle and Augustine United Church. Visitors can explore the Kirk with a self-guided tour using information boards or purchase an audio tour for five pounds. The church offers weddings, funerals, and special services by arrangement.
Denomination
PresbyterianPhone
+44 131 225 1900Services
Worship
Eucharist
Other
Ministries
Prayer Meeting
Languages
English, Scottish GaelicFounded
1620Style
Scottish RenaissanceLast updated August 2026

Plan Your Visit
Greyfriars Kirk is one of Edinburgh's most storied churches, where the National Covenant was signed in 1638 and where the faithful dog Greyfriars Bobby kept vigil for 14 years. Its churchyard, reputedly one of the most haunted in Scotland, holds tombs of Edinburgh's most prominent historic figures.
Visitor Hours
Admission
Free admission. Kirkyard always open. Museum free to enter.
What to See
- ›Greyfriars Bobby grave
- ›National Covenant signing site
- ›Covenanters Prison
- ›Mackenzie Poltergeist vault
- ›Historic kirkyard
- ›Kirk Museum
- ›National Covenant signed here in 1638
- ›Famous for loyal Skye Terrier Greyfriars Bobby
- ›J.K. Rowling found inspiration here for Harry Potter
Tours & Experiences
Nearby churches in Edinburgh
Greyfriars Kirkyard Cemetery Edinburgh
32 ftGreyfriars Place, Edinburgh EH1 2QQ, United Kingdom
Greyfriars Bobby Statue
222 ftNon-Denominational
Candlemaker Row, Abbeyhill, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 2QB, United Kingdom
Greyfriars Covenanters' Prison
245 ftNon-Denominational
5 Forrest Hill
Augustine United Church
432 ftAnglican
Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL, United Kingdom
The Magdalen Chapel
492 ftNon-Denominational
41 Cowgate
Chaplaincy, The University of Edinburgh
811 ftNon-Denominational
Chaplaincy Centre, 1 Bristo Sq
Explore more
Continue on BibleTimes
Free scholarly tools for reading and studying Scripture.