The Traveling Taylors

On our way to Calton Hill, we nearly walked right past Old Calton Burial Ground—just another weathered gate and stone wall on a busy street. But inside? A surprisingly powerful place where history, rebellion, and quiet beauty collide. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves uncovering overlooked spots, this little cemetery packs a big punch. Here’s why Old Calton Burial Ground deserves a spot on your Edinburgh itinerary.

Where to Find It

📍 Location: Just off Regent Road, at the base of Calton Hill, near the east end of Princes Street. 🚶‍♀️ Getting there: A short walk from Waverley Station or the Balmoral Hotel. 💰 Cost: Free and open during daylight hours.

Comfortable shoes are essential when exploring cities on foot, and many travelers recommend supportive walking sneakers like these for full days of sightseeing.

It’s easy to miss—the entrance is a simple gate near the hill’s slope—but what’s inside is well worth a short detour.

Why It’s Worth Visiting

🧠 History Buffs, This Is Your Spot

This cemetery is loaded with historical significance. From Enlightenment thinkers to political radicals, Old Calton Burial Ground offers a walk through Scotland’s more rebellious side.

• David Hume’s mausoleum is here—a striking stone structure built to honor one of the country’s greatest philosophers.
• The towering Political Martyrs’ Monument honors men who were exiled for demanding voting reform in the 1790s.

🇺🇸 The Abraham Lincoln Connection

Yes, really. There’s a statue of Abraham Lincoln inside—believed to be the only one outside the U.S. that honors him. It commemorates Scottish-American soldiers who fought and died in the American Civil War.

It’s an unexpected but moving tribute that connects Edinburgh to global history.

Many travelers also like carrying a lightweight backpack like this one so they can comfortably store essentials like chargers, water bottles, and jackets while exploring.

What You’ll See Inside

• Tangled ivy and leaning tombstones that ooze moody, old-world charm
• Epic skyline views—especially with the Nelson Monument and Calton Hill looming above
• Quiet benches where you can sit, reflect, or just take a break from Edinburgh’s busier tourist spots

Pro Tip: Go during the late afternoon for soft lighting and fewer people. The obelisk throws dramatic shadows, and you’ll often have the place to yourself.

Who Will Love Old Calton Burial Ground?

• 🧳 Short on time? It’s a quick 15–30 minute visit.
• 📸 Photographers? Yes! So many moody backdrops.
• 🧠 History lovers? You’ll geek out over the revolutionary backstory.
• 🌿 Peace seekers? It’s oddly serene, even in the city center.

Commonly Missed Highlights

1. Look up—some tombstones are built into the hillside itself.
2. Read the inscriptions—they tell rich, sometimes tragic stories.
3. Explore the far corners—you’ll find older, lesser-visited graves with worn engravings and wild charm.

Pair Your Visit With…

• 🥾 A walk up Calton Hill for views and monuments
• 🕯️ A stop at New Calton Cemetery, just across Regent Road
• 📷 A photo session on Waterloo Place with city and hill views

You can easily fit Old Calton Burial Ground into a half-day of exploring Edinburgh’s east end.

Many travelers love bringing an instant camera like this one to capture fun memories at famous landmarks and print photos on the spot.

Don’t Walk Past This One

Old Calton Burial Ground may not have the fame of Greyfriars or the flair of a ghost tour stop—but it tells one of the city’s most important stories. It’s a place of quiet rebellion, philosophical depth, and surprising international ties. So next time you’re headed to Calton Hill, pause at the gate—and step into one of Edinburgh’s most underrated historic gems.