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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blooming nature, fewer crowds
Warriston Cemetery Edinburgh
Best Time
Blooming nature, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Victorian Gothic cemetery transformed into a wild, biodiverse nature reserve, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
"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."
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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gothic Architecture
Throughout the cemetery
Explore stunning Victorian Gothic monuments and intricate mausoleums, a photographer's dream.

Wild Nature Reserve
Various sections
Discover a haven for wildlife with ancient trees and lush, rewilded areas. Listen to the birdsong.

Notable Graves
Various sections
Seek out unique gravestones with fascinating backstories, from shipwrecks to oversized monuments.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Overgrowth
Respect the Resting Place
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Warriston Cemetery is free to enter and explore. It's a public space managed as a nature reserve and historical site.
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.
While generally open, some specific mausoleums or areas might be locked for preservation or safety reasons. Always respect signage and the natural environment.
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.
There is no entrance fee. Warriston Cemetery is a public park and nature reserve, making it accessible to everyone.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
As a nature reserve, you can spot various bird species, insects, and small mammals. The rewilded areas are particularly rich in biodiversity.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, taking photos of gravestones for personal research is generally permitted. However, always be respectful and avoid disturbing the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
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.
📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Design of Warriston Cemetery
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.
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.
Warriston Cemetery as a Nature Reserve
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.
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.
The 'Haunted' Aspect of Nearby Greyfriars Kirkyard
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit