📌 Old Town, City of Edinburgh
★★
The yellow-harled end of this 17th century church in Edinburgh‘s Old Town looms over a monument to a little dog – yet it’s the tiny animal that draws the crowds. Skye terrier Greyfriars Bobby is said to have guarded his dead master’s grave here for 14 years until he too passed away in 1872 – a touching story of pet loyalty. There is a further statue / fountain nearby on the main road in front of the Greyfriars Bobby pub; contrary to popular belief, rubbing the dog’s nose does not bring good luck (but does damage the statue). As for the church: it was the first to be built in Edinburgh after the Reformation, and remains one of the capital’s prettiest in an understated sort of way – though extensive repairs and remodelling have taken place since its original construction date. Some services are still conducted in Gaelic, and there is a gleaming newish organ. Wander through the kirkyard to see the resting places of several notable Edinburgh residents, as well as several names used as inspiration for the Harry Potter novels!
🌍 Location
📌 Greyfriars Place, 10-min walk south of Edinburgh Waverley station
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 256733
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.946664,-3.192266
🚌 Numerous local buses | 🚆 Edinburgh Waverley (0.5 mi) | 🚋 Princes Street (0.5 mi)
🚗 Street parking nearby (charge)
📝 Key info
⌚ Often open, but exact dates somewhat irregular – see official website
🎫 Free
