Old Calton Burial Ground, Edinburgh - Vacation 2010 in scotland glasgow.
1 / 10

Old Calton Burial Ground Edinburgh

4.6
·109 reviews·, United Kingdom

A tranquil historic cemetery in Edinburgh, featuring unique monuments like the American Civil War Memorial and the Political Martyrs' Monument.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoons

Enjoy peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Old Calton Burial Ground, Edinburgh - Vacation 2010 in scotland glasgow.

Old Calton Burial Ground Edinburgh

Best Time

Afternoons

Enjoy peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil historic cemetery in Edinburgh, featuring unique monuments like the American Civil War Memorial and the Political Martyrs' Monument.

4.6
(109 reviews)

"A lovely, peaceful cemetery full of beautiful tombstones and monuments, offering a relaxing and somber experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Mind the Uneven Paths

Wear sturdy shoes as pathways can be uneven and have steps. Not ideal for wheelchairs .

🤫 Respect the Quiet

This is a place for peaceful contemplation. Keep noise levels down and be respectful of the resting place .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scotland's American Civil War Memorial

Scotland's American Civil War Memorial

Old Calton Burial Ground

The only monument outside the US dedicated to the American Civil War, featuring Abraham Lincoln.

Political Martyrs' Monument

Political Martyrs' Monument

Old Calton Burial Ground

An obelisk honoring political reformers, a significant historical marker within the cemetery.

David Hume's Resting Place

David Hume's Resting Place

Old Calton Burial Ground

Visit the grave of the renowned Scottish Enlightenment philosopher, David Hume.

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Quiet Contemplation

Old Calton Burial Ground offers a peaceful escape in Edinburgh's heart. Visit for a moment of quiet reflection amidst historical monuments. Be aware that pathways can be uneven, making it less accessible for wheelchair users.Reddit

Uncover Hidden Histories

This cemetery is a treasure trove of stories, from political reformers to Scottish soldiers in the American Civil War.Reddit Explore the unique monuments and learn about Edinburgh's past. Note that while signs may indicate a 5 PM closure, it can sometimes remain open later.Reddit

Best Times

When
Afternoons
Why
Enjoy peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late Evenings
Why
Extended hours for quiet visits
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is the BEST hidden gem on Edinburgh's Royal Mile and I love telling its story to tourists. Fondly known as The Heave Away House, the stonework that arches the entrance to the close quotes the survivor of a terrible accident. In Old Town Edinburgh in the 1800's, the buildings collapsed, leaving people trapped below the rubble - the boy was one of those who escaped. This is a brilliant bit of ...
@myveggietravels
88.7K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Mind the Uneven Paths

Wear sturdy shoes as pathways can be uneven and have steps. Not ideal for wheelchairs.Reddit

🤫 Respect the Quiet

This is a place for peaceful contemplation. Keep noise levels down and be respectful of the resting place.Reddit

Old Calton Burial Ground is a wonderful place for a moment of quiet contemplation in the heart of Edinburgh. Find out more at our blog by following the link in our bio #myedinburgh #hiddenedinburgh #loveedinburgh #undiscoverededinburgh
billbaberknitwear
11 likes • 253 views
It may suprise you to discover that in a 18th century burial ground in Scotland, Presidents Day is observed. Old Calton was opened in 1718 as a parish burial ground yet one of it's most striking monuments is that of Scotland's American Civil War Memorial. It is the only monument outside of America dedicated to the American Civil War and the only permanent public statue depicting Abraham Lincoln in...
edinburghblackcabtours
167 likes • 2.7K views

📜 Discover Historical Markers

Look for the American Civil War Memorial and the Political Martyrs' Monument for key historical insights.Reddit

🕰️ Check Closing Times

Signs may indicate a 5 PM closure, but it's sometimes open later for evening visits.Reddit

@cemeteries_of_edinburgh is one year old today! These are the first two cemeteries we visited - Old Calton Burial Ground and New Calton Burial Ground. We’ve had so much fun this year researching and visiting cemeteries and sharing interesting stories. Thank you sincerely to everyone who likes, comments or shares our page. There are so many stories still to tell and graves near and far to cover, ...
cemeteries_of_edinburgh
269 likes • 6.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Mind the Uneven Paths

Wear sturdy shoes as pathways can be uneven and have steps. Not ideal for wheelchairs.Reddit

🤫 Respect the Quiet

This is a place for peaceful contemplation. Keep noise levels down and be respectful of the resting place.Reddit

📜 Discover Historical Markers

Look for the American Civil War Memorial and the Political Martyrs' Monument for key historical insights.Reddit

🕰️ Check Closing Times

Signs may indicate a 5 PM closure, but it's sometimes open later for evening visits.Reddit

🚽 No Facilities Onsite

There are no public toilets available within the burial ground.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(109 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors describe Old Calton Burial Ground as a lovely, peaceful, and somber place with many interesting historical graves and monuments. It's appreciated for its historical significance and quiet atmosphere, offering a relaxing outdoor experience. However, some note the presence of litter and the lack of accessibility for wheelchair users.

"Lovely peaceful cemetery full of beautiful tombstone and monuments. Very relaxing and somber experience.

Rest in peace to all those who are buried here 💜"

Ace Rimmer

"A nice cemetery with some interesting graves and pieces of history. It is well worth spending some time here exploring and enjoying the outdoors while learning about the past."

Matt H

"A small, but lovely cemetery with many interesting graves. It contains monuments such as the Political Martyrs Monument and Scotlands American Civil War Memorial.
It is free to enter. There is a sign on the gate that says it closes at 5pm. However, I was there from 6pm to 7 pm, and it was still open.
There are no toilets.
There is no access for people who use a wheelchair. There were a number of steps, and the pathways were uneven."

Shelley C

What People Like

Peaceful and somber atmosphere
Interesting historical monuments
Free entry and quiet exploration

What People Dislike

Uneven pathways and accessibility issues
Occasional litter

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Old Calton Burial Ground is centrally located in Edinburgh, making it easily accessible. You can walk from many central attractions along the Royal Mile. Public transport options are plentiful, with numerous bus routes stopping nearby. If driving, be aware that parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive.

Yes, it's very close to the heart of Edinburgh. It's a short walk from the Royal Mile, Holyrood Palace, and Calton Hill itself. Many visitors combine a visit here with exploring these other key sites.Instagram

Absolutely. Numerous Lothian Buses routes stop within a short walking distance of the burial ground, making it very convenient to reach via public transport.

On-street parking is limited and can be expensive in this central Edinburgh location. It's often more practical to use public transport or walk if you're staying nearby.

Many visitors approach from the Royal Mile, heading east. The burial ground is situated near the bottom of Calton Hill, making it a logical stop if you're exploring the area.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Old Calton Burial Ground is free. It's maintained by the city council, allowing for open access for visitors to explore and learn about its history.Reddit

While signs may indicate a 5 PM closing time, some visitors have reported it remaining open later into the evening, around 6-7 PM.Reddit It's best to check for any official updates if you plan a very late visit.

No booking is required as entry is free. You can visit at your leisure during its open hours.

Unfortunately, the burial ground has uneven pathways and steps, making it difficult for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.Reddit

While it's sometimes open later than indicated, it's not officially a 24/7 site like some other Edinburgh cemeteries.Instagram Evening visits are possible but be mindful of potential closing times.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Key highlights include Scotland's American Civil War Memorial, the Political Martyrs' Monument, and the grave of philosopher David Hume. The tombstones themselves often feature interesting carvings.Reddit

Yes, it offers a somber and atmospheric setting for photography, with unique monuments and historical gravestones. The views over Holyrood Palace and Arthur's Seat can also be appealing.Reddit

A visit typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in exploring the historical markers and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

No, there are no toilets or other facilities available within the burial ground itself.Reddit

It's considered a hidden gem by some, offering a quieter experience compared to more crowded Edinburgh attractions. It's appreciated for its historical significance and peaceful ambiance.Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The striking monuments like the American Civil War Memorial and the Political Martyrs' Monument are prime subjects. The intricate details on older gravestones also make for compelling shots.Reddit

Yes, it's generally acceptable to take photos in cemeteries for personal use, especially for historical or artistic purposes. However, always be respectful of the solemn nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography.

Late afternoons can offer beautiful, soft light for photography. Early mornings can also be peaceful and atmospheric, though access might be limited before official opening.

There are no specific restrictions mentioned, but as with any cemetery, discretion and respect are key. Avoid flash photography directly on monuments if it could cause damage.

Drone usage is generally not permitted in urban cemeteries due to privacy concerns and potential disturbance. It's best to assume drones are not allowed.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Old Calton Burial Ground can be an interesting stop for families interested in history, but it requires careful consideration. While free to enter, the uneven paths and steps make it challenging for strollers and less accessible for younger children or those with mobility issues.Reddit

Focus on the unique monuments like the American Civil War Memorial and the Political Martyrs' Monument. These can spark curiosity and provide talking points about history. However, ensure children understand the need for quiet and respectful behavior in a cemetery setting. There are no facilities like playgrounds or restrooms on-site.

🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs

For solo travelers and history enthusiasts, Old Calton Burial Ground is a must-visit. It offers a chance to delve into specific historical narratives, such as the Scottish involvement in the American Civil War InstagramReddit and the struggles of political reformers.Reddit The peaceful atmosphere allows for unhurried exploration and personal reflection.

Take your time to read the inscriptions on the gravestones, many of which tell individual stories. The cemetery's compact size means you can absorb its history without feeling overwhelmed. It's a perfect spot to connect with Edinburgh's past on a more intimate level.

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find Old Calton Burial Ground to be a visually rich location. The dramatic monuments, intricate carvings on older tombstones, and the overall somber, atmospheric setting provide ample opportunities for striking images.Reddit The views towards Holyrood Palace and Arthur's Seat add another layer of photographic potential.Reddit

Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' in the late afternoon for soft, evocative lighting. Be mindful of the respectful nature of the site and avoid intrusive photography. The cemetery's relative quietness compared to other Edinburgh landmarks can also be a plus for photographers seeking a less crowded experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The American Civil War Connection

Old Calton Burial Ground holds a unique place in history as the site of Scotland's American Civil War Memorial. This monument is significant because it's the only one outside of the United States dedicated to the Scottish soldiers who fought for the Union. It also features the only permanent public statue of Abraham Lincoln outside of America.InstagramReddit This memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the global impact of the Civil War and the contributions of Scottish individuals to the cause.

The presence of this memorial highlights a lesser-known aspect of Scottish-American history. It's a testament to the strong ties between Scotland and the United States and a place for reflection on shared historical moments. Visitors often express surprise and interest in discovering this unexpected piece of American history on Scottish soil.InstagramReddit

Echoes of Reform and Revolution

Beyond the American Civil War memorial, Old Calton Burial Ground is also the resting place of significant figures and monuments related to political reform. The Political Martyrs' Monument, an obelisk, stands as a tribute to a number of political reformers who were persecuted for their beliefs. These individuals were instrumental in advocating for change and democratic rights during their time.

This aspect of the cemetery underscores Edinburgh's rich history of activism and social change. Wandering through the grounds, you can feel the weight of history and the struggles for freedom and justice. It's a place that encourages contemplation on the sacrifices made by those who fought for a better future.Reddit

A Peaceful Haven with a View

Despite its historical weight, Old Calton Burial Ground is also appreciated for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic surroundings. Many visitors find it to be a lovely place for a moment of quiet contemplation.InstagramReddit The well-maintained grounds and the somber beauty of the tombstones create a serene environment.

Adding to its appeal, the burial ground offers lovely views over Holyrood Palace and Arthur's Seat.Reddit This combination of historical depth, peaceful ambiance, and picturesque scenery makes it a worthwhile stop for those seeking a more reflective experience in Edinburgh. It's a place where history, nature, and quietude converge.

You may also like

1 of 2