Warriston Cemetery, Edinburgh - Vacation 2010 in scotland glasgow.
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Warriston Cemetery Edinburgh

4.1
·37 reviews·, United Kingdom

A Victorian Gothic cemetery transformed into a wild, biodiverse nature reserve, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blooming nature, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Warriston Cemetery, Edinburgh - Vacation 2010 in scotland glasgow.

Warriston Cemetery Edinburgh

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blooming nature, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A Victorian Gothic cemetery transformed into a wild, biodiverse nature reserve, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty.

4.1
(37 reviews)

"It's a very peaceful and comforting place, perfect for a stroll with friends or to walk your dog or even in solitude for a walking meditation."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Sturdy Shoes

Paths can be uneven and overgrown. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Join a Volunteer Day

Help with gravestone cleaning and restoration. Check 'Friends of Warriston Cemetery' for dates. :handshake:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gothic Architecture

Gothic Architecture

Throughout the cemetery

Explore stunning Victorian Gothic monuments and intricate mausoleums, a photographer's dream.

Wild Nature Reserve

Wild Nature Reserve

Various sections

Discover a haven for wildlife with ancient trees and lush, rewilded areas. Listen to the birdsong.

Notable Graves

Notable Graves

Various sections

Seek out unique gravestones with fascinating backstories, from shipwrecks to oversized monuments.

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Overgrowth

Warriston Cemetery is intentionally left wild for biodiversity. Expect overgrown paths and a natural feel. It's a peaceful escape, but not manicured. Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking quiet contemplation.

Respect the Resting Place

This is a historic cemetery and a nature reserve. While dog-walking is common, keep pets on leads and clean up after them. Avoid disturbing graves or wildlife. Some areas are locked for preservation.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Blooming nature, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden light, colorful foliage
Crowd
Medium
When
Tuesday & Saturday mornings
Why
Volunteer work parties
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Sitting at the edge of Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Kirkyard, you’ll see a unique and initially unassuming tomb. This tomb is now permanently locked… but that lock is not to protect the tomb from visitors - it’s to protect visitors from what’s in the tomb… #Scotland #scottish #Edinburgh #lovescotland
@myscottishjournal
69K likes • 746.9K views

Wear Sturdy Shoes

Paths can be uneven and overgrown. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Join a Volunteer Day

Help with gravestone cleaning and restoration. Check 'Friends of Warriston Cemetery' for dates. :handshake:

He was buried in 1814, but something still walks the vaults beneath Edinburgh. They call it the most haunted tomb in the world. And people still come out… marked.#M#McKenziePoltergeist#edinburghvaults#WhereThePathNarrows #truehorror#TrueHorrories #edinburgh
@wherethepathnarrows
44.9K likes • 300.3K views
Warriston Steps, Edinburgh. Have you ever climbed that? I don’t know if it’s harder than to climb Fleshmarket Close from Market Street to Cockburn Street, but long way and hard enough!🙂 Have a great Sunday night everyone!
scotland.in.my.heart
1.8K likes • 30.5K views

Listen for Birds

It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching and enjoying natural sounds. :bird:

Respect the Peace

This is a place of rest. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of others. :pray:

Back for a wander in #warristoncemetery - a gothic atmospheric graveyard in Edinburgh. Designed in 1842 by Edinburgh architect David Cousin, the cemetery opened in 1843: the directors included Cousin and James Peddie (father of John Dick Peddie). The first interment was towards the east, Margaret Parker, who was buried on 3 June 1843. It was the first garden cemetery in Edinburgh, allowing the si...
stabbysquirrel
4 likes • 262 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Sturdy Shoes

Paths can be uneven and overgrown. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Join a Volunteer Day

Help with gravestone cleaning and restoration. Check 'Friends of Warriston Cemetery' for dates. :handshake:

Listen for Birds

It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching and enjoying natural sounds. :bird:

Respect the Peace

This is a place of rest. Keep noise levels down and be mindful of others. :pray:

Photography Opportunities

Capture the atmospheric Gothic architecture and wild beauty. :camerawithflash:

What Travellers Say

4.1
(37 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Warriston Cemetery is lauded for its stunning natural beauty and role as a vital nature reserve, with visitors praising the peaceful atmosphere and abundant wildlife. However, some find the intentional overgrowth detracts from its historical cemetery aspect, while a few reviews mention isolated incidents of anti-social behavior.

"In the name of ‘biodiversity and rewilding’ graves recent graves are being overgrown by grass and weeds. No longer a garden cemetery as first described when built and a heartbreaking place to visit your loved ones. Visited July 2025 and now worse than pictures included ."

Mabel Mowatt

"I'm so lucky to have the cemetery on my doorstep and walk my dog there often. It is all beautiful but the wild overgrown part is stunning. There's always a lovely aura of peace (unless the crows and magpies are having a karaoke 🤣) and calmness."

Claire Smith

"Warriston Cemetery is the perfect blend of nature and final resting place. The overgrown areas of the cemetery are stunningly beautiful and full of wildlife. Just standing still in the midst of the cemetery and listening to the birdsong is magical. It’s a very peaceful and comforting place, perfect for a stroll with friends or to walk your dog or even in solitude for a walking meditation. I’m something of a cemetery aficionado, and this is one of my favorites."

Joy Bisesi

What People Like

Beautiful wild nature
Peaceful atmosphere
Abundant birdlife

What People Dislike

Overgrown graves
Limited accessibility

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Warriston Cemetery is located on the north side of the Water of Leith. You can reach it by bus, with several routes stopping nearby. It's also a pleasant walk from areas like Easter Road or Leith. For those driving, parking can be limited, so public transport is often recommended. Instagram

Yes, several bus routes serve the area around Warriston Cemetery. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient options from your starting point in Edinburgh. Instagram

It's a bit of a walk from the absolute city center, but definitely doable. You can enjoy a scenic route along the Water of Leith. It's a great option if you enjoy a longer stroll. Reddit

Parking directly at the cemetery can be very limited. It's advisable to check for street parking in the surrounding residential areas or opt for public transport to avoid any hassle. Instagram

Many visitors find it easiest to approach from the Water of Leith walkway, which offers beautiful views and leads directly into the cemetery. Alternatively, you can enter from Warriston Road. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Warriston Cemetery is free to enter and explore. It's a public space managed as a nature reserve and historical site. Instagram

The cemetery is generally open from dawn till dusk. As it's an outdoor space, there are no strict opening or closing times, but it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility. Instagram

While generally open, some specific mausoleums or areas might be locked for preservation or safety reasons. Always respect signage and the natural environment. TikTok

Visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the cemetery and its surroundings. Instagram

There is no entrance fee. Warriston Cemetery is a public park and nature reserve, making it accessible to everyone. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore unique Victorian Gothic architecture, discover notable graves with interesting backstories, and enjoy the natural beauty of its rewilded areas. It's also a great spot for birdwatching and peaceful walks. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The atmospheric Gothic tombstones, overgrown nature, and unique monuments make it a highly photogenic location, especially for those interested in dark tourism or nature photography. Instagram+1

Yes, dog walking is permitted, but it's essential to keep dogs on a lead and clean up after them. It's a shared space for visitors, wildlife, and pets. Reddit

While official guided tours might be infrequent, local groups like 'Friends of Warriston Cemetery' sometimes organize events. You can also explore independently or join spooky night walks offered by other local tour operators. Instagram

As a nature reserve, you can spot various bird species, insects, and small mammals. The rewilded areas are particularly rich in biodiversity. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The grand mausoleums, the intricate details on older gravestones, and the overgrown, wild sections offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Look for dramatic light filtering through the trees. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in public spaces and nature reserves to protect wildlife and ensure public safety. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Instagram

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful, soft light that enhances the atmospheric Gothic feel. Overcast days can also create a moody, dramatic effect. Instagram

Focus on the unique architectural details of the tombs, the textures of weathered stone, the interplay of light and shadow, and the lush, wild vegetation reclaiming the space. Instagram

Yes, taking photos of gravestones for personal research is generally permitted. However, always be respectful and avoid disturbing the site. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Warriston Cemetery can be a fascinating place for older children who appreciate history and nature. The winding paths and unique gravestones can spark imagination, and the 'wild' aspect offers a sense of adventure. It's a great spot for a picnic away from the usual tourist crowds. Instagram

However, it's not a playground. Parents should ensure children understand the need for respect in a cemetery setting. The overgrown nature means keeping a close eye on younger ones to prevent them from wandering off or disturbing wildlife. Consider it more of an educational nature walk with historical elements. Reddit

🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers

Warriston Cemetery is a gem for anyone who loves nature. Its designation as a local nature reserve means you'll find a rich variety of plant life and a surprising amount of wildlife. The 'rewilding' approach has created a thriving ecosystem. Reddit

Bring your binoculars! It's an excellent spot for birdwatching, with many species calling the cemetery home. The peaceful atmosphere, away from city noise, allows you to truly immerse yourself in the natural sounds. It's a perfect place for a quiet stroll, photography, or simply to relax and enjoy the greenery. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers

For photographers, Warriston Cemetery is a dream. The Victorian Gothic architecture, weathered tombstones, and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow create incredibly atmospheric shots. The overgrown nature adds a unique, almost post-apocalyptic beauty. Instagram+1

Urban explorers will appreciate the historical layers and the sense of discovery. Look for intricate carvings, unique mausoleums, and the way nature is reclaiming the man-made structures. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for capturing the cemetery's mood. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Design of Warriston Cemetery

Warriston Cemetery, designed by David Cousin and opened in 1843, was Edinburgh's first garden cemetery. This innovative design aimed to create a more serene and aesthetically pleasing final resting place, moving away from the crowded churchyards of the time. It was conceived as a place of beauty and contemplation, with winding paths, carefully placed monuments, and a focus on natural landscaping. The cemetery was intended to be a 'city of the dead' that reflected the Victorian era's fascination with mortality and remembrance. Instagram

Over time, Warriston Cemetery fell into a state of neglect, leading to the overgrowth that is now a defining characteristic. However, this 'rewilding' has transformed it into a vital local nature reserve, teeming with biodiversity. The 'Friends of Warriston Cemetery' group actively works on its restoration and preservation, organizing volunteer days for tasks like gravestone cleaning and path maintenance. This dual nature – a historic burial ground and a thriving natural habitat – makes Warriston a unique and compelling destination. InstagramReddit

Notable figures interred here include physician Sir James Young Simpson, who pioneered the use of chloroform in childbirth, and victims of various tragedies. The cemetery also features unique memorials, such as a child killed by a collapsing bridge and a merchant's unusually large gravestone, adding layers of human stories to its historical tapestry. Reddit

Warriston Cemetery as a Nature Reserve

In recent years, Warriston Cemetery has been embraced as a significant local nature reserve, with a focus on 'biodiversity and rewilding.' This approach means that many areas are intentionally left wild, allowing nature to reclaim the space. This creates a unique, almost enchanted atmosphere, where ancient trees, like the Guernsey Elms, stand tall and diverse flora flourishes. The overgrown sections are not seen as neglect but as a deliberate effort to support wildlife. Reddit+1

The cemetery is a haven for various bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and those seeking a peaceful escape with natural sounds. The 'Friends of Warriston Cemetery' actively engage in conservation efforts, ensuring the site remains a valuable habitat. Visitors often comment on the magical quality of the birdsong and the sense of peace that pervades the grounds, even with the presence of wildlife. Reddit

While the rewilding is celebrated by many for its ecological benefits, some visitors have expressed concern about the overgrowth impacting the visibility of graves. However, the prevailing sentiment among nature enthusiasts and cemetery aficionados is that this wild beauty is precisely what makes Warriston Cemetery so special and a cherished green lung in the city. Reddit

The 'Haunted' Aspect of Nearby Greyfriars Kirkyard

While Warriston Cemetery itself is known for its atmospheric beauty and natural charm, it's important to distinguish it from the more famously 'haunted' Greyfriars Kirkyard, which is a separate location in Edinburgh. TikTok videos often discuss the legend of the 'Bloody Mackenzie' poltergeist at Greyfriars, detailing reports of scratches, bites, and possessions linked to the Black Mausoleum. TikTok+1

These accounts, while intriguing, pertain to Greyfriars Kirkyard and its infamous resident, Sir George Mackenzie. Warriston Cemetery, though gothic and atmospheric, does not share these specific paranormal legends. Its reputation is built more on its historical significance, architectural beauty, and its status as a tranquil nature reserve. Instagram+1

Visitors seeking a 'spooky' experience might be drawn to Edinburgh's ghost tours, which often cover Greyfriars Kirkyard. However, if your interest lies in historical cemeteries with a unique blend of Victorian Gothic and natural wildness, Warriston Cemetery offers a distinct and equally captivating experience, albeit without the same level of reported paranormal activity. TikTok

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